Municipal Court Judge Mary Jane Knisely was elected to the District Court and will assume her new job on Jan. 3, leaving a vacancy that must be filled by the City Council until the next City election.  The advertised deadline for applications is Dec. 10, 2010.  The Council decided at its Nov. 22 business session that a subcommittee consisting of the Mayor and Council Members Angela Cimmino, Dick Clark, Denis Pitman and Vince Ruegamer would interview applicants and make a recommendation to the City Council for action at its meeting on Dec. 20.  This should give the incoming judge the opportunity to work with Judge Knisely a few days before her departure for the Yellowstone County Courthouse.

• Accept the recommendation of the Council subcommittee and appoint the nominee to an approximately 1-year term until the next City election;
• Appoint another candidate; or
• Delay the appointment, leaving the position vacant after Judge Knisely's departure.