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North Branch received names of five people interested in being considered for a vacant city council seat. Travis Miles stepped down when he was hired to be the city human resources generalist, a new position created this year.  Council accepted applications until March 28 and there will be a review process,  to select an appointee for a little over a year left in Miles’ term.

Applications submitted by the March 28 deadline include: Phil Carlson, Brandon Tourelle, Paul Schneidewind, Patrick Meacham and Jim Ibinger.

The four members remaining on the North Branch City Council acted on a few items March 25   in regular session.  

The hire of a city planner was completed bringing Ryan Saltis on board. He was chosen from five applicants.  

Bryce Lind was approved as the newest police officer hire and will start in June.  He comes from Benton County and also worked part time in the City of Foley. 

The city awarded gravel and chloride contracts.  Chloride is up by 12 cents per gallon from last year. It was quoted by Envirotech at $1.60 per gallon.  The road gravel is at $13.29 per ton from Rydberg and Son.

Council also agreed to support the veterans memorial committee in applying for a MN Capital Grant from the Office of Management and Budget, and will draft a letter to be added to the official funding request form.

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