City Government

Incorporated March 9, 1897.

Population: 3306
Operates under the “Optional Plan A” form of government as defined in Minnesota Statutes Sec. 412.111 and is a fourth class statutory city.
Governed by an elected Mayor and four elected Council Members.
Officially Recognized by the ICMA (International City/County Management Association) as a professional management city since 2006.
Operates under the management of an appointed ICMA Professional City Administrator.

City Officials

		Term Expires
Eric Seanger	Mayor	12/31/10
Tom Budde	Council Member	12/31/10
George Jensen	Council Member	12/31/08
Joe Finken	Council Member	12/31/10
Nancy Roering	Council Member	12/31/08

The Council meets the first and third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m.

Elected at-large to four-year terms and Council at alternate two-year intervals.
Elected by the citizens, the Mayor serves as the official speaker for both the local government and the community as a whole.
Serves as presiding officer, the Mayor is also a member of the Council.
Elected by the citizens, the Council, along with the Mayor, has the task of balancing the many individual interests of the citizens with the long-term goals of our community.
Ensures that all future projects are filtered through the City-Wide Strategic Plan.
Oversees administrative officers, formulates policies and exercises City powers.
Appoints personnel responsible for the proper administration of all affairs.
Oversees the City’s financial operations, authorizes necessary improvements and capital expenditures, and establishes ordinances through a professional staff.
Determines needs for future development of the City.

GET TO KNOW YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS!

MAYOR ERIC SEANGER

Comments: I grew up in Melrose and I enjoy the area outdoor activities.

City Goals: "My goal is to attract new business and industry to the Melrose area".

Experience: Completing first term as Mayor in 2006, Manager of family owned Melrose Electric Company, B.A. in Business from the University of Minnesota, member of Melrose Area Development Authority (MADA), and currently serving as the City's labor negotiations representative.

Committees & Organizations: Melrose Area Development Authority (MADA), Local Board of Equalization.

Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, other outdoors acivities, and taking care of my family.

Contact your Mayor:
119 N Eighth Ave W
Melrose, MN 56352
Bus: (320) 256-3846
Home: (320) 256-4371
Mobile: (320) 980-3012
E-mail: eric@melroseelectric.com

COUNCIL MEMBER NANCY ROERING

(Acting Mayor) Fills the role of Mayor when the Mayor is absent

Comments: This quote speaks to the way I like to conduct my life.

“When you can do the common things in life in an uncommon way, you will command the attention of the world.” George Washington Carver

City Goals: I would like to see planned growth in Melrose. I am in favor of new development of housing, industry, recreation and business. It is also important to nurture the clientele we already have. Melrose is a safe and pleasant community to live and raise children. We need to balance growth with ‘status quo’ so they may complement each other.

Experience: Served one four year term as Council member. Currently in fourth year of second term. Educator for 34 years as elementary teacher and Early Childhood Family Education. Coordinator of Sauk Centre ECFE program 27 years. Served 8 years on St. Mary’s Catholic School Board, Melrose.

Served on several volunteer boards at the College of Saint Benedict; President’s Circle Committee Chairperson, Liaison Committee, Alumna Resource Development Committee, Alumna speaker at December Graduation, etc.

*Parent’s Committee/6 years St. John’s University/served as Chair for 3 years.

Committees & Organizations: (HRA) Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Planning and Zoning, Parking Committee, (PIA) Partners in Action, Early Childhood Coalition.

Hobbies: I enjoy people of all ages. I enjoy spending time with my children, grandchild and extended families. I am an avid fan of most spectator sports and participate in volleyball, golf and riding my recumbent bike.

Council Accomplishments: I consider all accomplishments to be a collaborative effort of all the members.

Contact your Council Member:
525 W Riverside Ave
Melrose, MN 56352
Work: 320-352-0292
Home: (320) 256-3833 roering@meltel.com

COUNCIL MEMBER GEORGE JENSEN

Comments: I ran for office because I felt that I could help implement positive change for the community.

City Goals: I would like to see more businesses in Melrose. I am an avid supporter of local business.

Experience: Served one 4 year term, employed at Stearns Electric Company in Melrose.

Committees & Organizations: Public Safety Commission, Labor Negotiation representative, COC, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce.

Hobbies: Fishing and golfing

Contact your Council Member:
900 E Kraft Dr
Melrose, MN 56352
Bus: (320) 256-4241
Home: (320) 256-3715
E-mail: gdjensen@meltel.net
E-mail 2: gjensen@stearnselectric.org

COUNCIL MEMBER JOE FINKEN

Comments: I ran for City Council so that I can help keep my town growing. I want us to thrive. We have such a great town and I want it to be better. I see so many things other towns are doing I want to bring that to the table. I am a water treatment technician and I work all over the state. I am married and have three children. My family and I love to travel and spending time together.

City Goals: My goal for our town is that the people of Melrose know that I work for them, and that they are part of this town. It is time for everyone to step up and be part of the future planning of Melrose.

Experience: I will start my first four year term of office starting January 2007.

Committees & Organizations: I have been a member of the Melrose Fire/Rescue since 1998 and I have been the Chaplain since 2003.

Hobbies: Family

Council Accomplishments: Supports City-Wide Strategic Plan.

Contact Your Council Member:
203 Main St
Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-3886 (Home) (320) 980-2312 (Mobile) joefinken@meltel.net

COUNCIL MEMBER TOM BUDDE

Comments: I ran for office because I wanted to support positive change and ensure that the City was running efficiently.

City Goals: I would like to see more economic development in the City and I believe that the City should be proactive in attracting new businesses.

Experience: Will complete first term of office in 2006. B.A. in Marketing, member of the City of Melrose Public Utilities Commission, former Chair of the City of Melrose Public Utilities Commission. I am currently the Training Officer for the Melrose Fire Department.

Committees & Organizations: Member of the City of Melrose Public Utilities Commission and Melrose Fire Department.

Hobbies: I enjoy snowmobiling with my family.

Council Accomplishments: Working together with the other Council Members to keep the City of Melrose running efficiently now and into the future.

Contact your Council Member:
229 E Eighth St N
Melrose, MN 56352
Bus: 320-256-4269
Home: (320) 256-2808
Bus Fax: (320) 256-7684
E-mail: tkbudde@meltel.com

Interested in becoming a Council member?

If you are a current resident of the City of Melrose and you are interested in becoming a City Council member then you will need to first determine if you meet all of the mininum requirements to become a City Council member.

The City of Melrose has a general job description for the Mayor and each City Council member.

The City of Melrose has a list of expectations, code of ethics, legal requirements, and other materials availiable for those interested in becoming a Council member.

Elections for the next four year term of office for two Council member openings will be held in November of 2008. Applications can be picked up at the City Administration offices.

Click the highlighted area for a copy of the Mayor or City Council job descriptions or please contact the Human Resources Technician, Diane Gruber: dgruber@cityofmelrose.com, 320-256-4278.

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