ST. CLOUD -- A new year marks changes for the Foley city council.

At Tuesday night's meeting Gerard Bettendorf was sworn in as mayor. Brian Weis and Jeff Gondeck were also sworn in as council members. With Bettendorf taking over as mayor it leaves his council position open. Bettendorf says the city is currently taking applications to fill the position.

"In the next three to four weeks in the month of January if anybody in town is interested in running for the council position, they'll have to come talk to me or Sarah [Brunn] here at city hall or one of the other council persons and let them know that they are interested in taking over the spot, it is less than two years. "

Jeff Gondeck being sworn in as a Foley council member. (Richard Leguil, WJON)
Jeff Gondeck being sworn in as a Foley council member. (Richard Leguil, WJON)
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Bettendorf says as of right now they have two candidates for the position, Amanda Wilken and Gary Swanson. Wilken was runner up in the 2016 Foley council elections and Swanson is a former council member.

Brian Weis being sworn in as a Foley council member. (Richard Leguil, WJON)
Brian Weis being sworn in as a Foley council member. (Richard Leguil, WJON)
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Council member, Kris duMonceaux spoke in favor of Wilken at the meeting saying she is highly qualified for the position, as she is already a member of the planning commission and other city committees. While Weis was advocating for Swanson saying his experience already being on the council is beneficial to the city.

However, Bettendorf says they plan to review all applicants and appoint a new council member at the February 7 meeting.

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