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The vacancy on the North Branch City Council created with Peter Schaps’ sudden resignation April 8 has been filled.  Jim Ibinger, who was on the ballot but not a top vote-getter last November, was appointed 4-0.  Three of the five leaders on the council now have been “elected.”

Ibinger is serving until the end of December 2026.

Mayor Kevin Schieber asked council to also officially accept Schaps’ written resignation, which had only been submitted earlier informally. 

Schieber also asked the member who had just been appointed to a different empty seat, Patrick Meacham, if he felt prepared to act on Ibinger, and he said yes. 

 Ibinger had also submitted an application to be considered when Meacham was appointed to fill a seat— that was vacated when the member accepted a city employee position.  Council member Meacham responded that he’d served on city commissions and boards with at least two of the three men under appointment consideration in last week’s meeting and he could proceed.  Council found no justification to call for additional appointee candidates because three names remained as finalists — Ibinger, Phil Carlson and Paul Schneidewind.

In other matters:

Council approved a fireworks permit for the display this year during Midsummer Days, June 20.

The event is approved for near the middle school again, after officials investigated complaints alleged about fireworks damages and hazards and determined the location is safe and well- located.  

The fire relief association charitable gaming revenues are covering costs of the fireworks show.

Four new firefighters were accepted to the roster pending successful physicals and background checks:  Kyle Joos, Daniel Schmidt, Lucas Modine and Michael Singer.

Finance Director Sharon Wright presented a recap of city investments and general data and said the stormwater fee billing is to be expected this year in June.  She said the previous billing schedule was confusing to property owners and is revised.

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