Carson supervisors set date to fill open board seat

Carson City supervisors worked out some details Thursday as they struggled to design the process of selecting a new board member, an unfamiliar task for them.

Supervisors will meet with interested applicants and select a replacement Jan. 24.

The seat was vacated after the unexpected death of Supervisor Jon Plank, a much-respected long-time public servant. Because such an event occurs infrequently, Carson City officials are attempting formulate a plan using the general guidelines in the city charter.

Mayor Ray Masayko said he believes strongly about keeping the selection "an open process" and discussed with the board Thursday how they would make the selection.

"You get to set your own rules, get to set your own regulations, because we are not bound by rules and regulations," Masayko said.

Masayko said he will take applications from Ward 2 residents up to the last minute before a selection is made.

"The process remains open until we've made the appointment," Masayko said. He will take an application at the podium on selection day if needed, he said.

After a lengthy debate, supervisors agreed to hold an open meeting with all applicants at 9 a.m. Jan. 24 at the Carson City Community Center. The board has until Jan. 26 to fill the position.

"We're just kind of making this up as we go along, so bear with us," Supervisor Robin Williamson said jokingly as they struggled with the options about whether applicants would be interviewed separately or together.

Applicants will be allowed five minutes at the meeting to present their qualifications with all other candidates present, much like it would happen during a regular public election, Masayko said. The board will follow with questions.

The applicant must gain three votes by the board to be appointed.

Anyone interested in the position must meet specified qualifications. Applicants are required to:

-- be a resident of Carson City for the past six months.

-- be a registered voter

-- live in the Ward 2 district, which includes northeast Carson City.

Officials are encouraging those interested to send a letter of inquiry to the City Manager's Office, City Hall, 201 N. Carson St., Carson City, NV 89702. Inquiries can be made by e-mail or in person to Masayko or the city manager. Copies will be distributed to the board.

For information, call 887-2101.

Those who have filed query letters with the city include John Bergstrom, Tony Marangi, Shelly Aldean, L. Lee Radtke and Gregory Nemitz.

In other action, supervisors decided Thursday to create an internal city staff committee and an external committee to evaluate applications for city manager. City Manager John Berkich will leave at end of the month to take a position with Washoe County.

Supervisors plan to name three final candidates April 3, then interview and select a manager April 17.