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.

City Officials

		Term Expires
Eric Seanger	Mayor	12/31/10
Tom Budde	Council Member	12/31/10
Joe Finken	Council Member	12/31/10
Jenny Mayers	Council Member	12/31/12
Tony Klasen	Council Member	12/31/12

Starting in April of 2009, the Council meets once a month on the third Thursday 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's outdoor activities.

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

Experience: Completed 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 on the City's labor negotiations committee.

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 JENNY MAYERS

Comments: I was born and raised in Melrose and am very dedicated to the growth of the City of Melrose.

City Goals: I would like to see planned growth in Melrose and to retain current businesses, along with attracting new people with amenities like parks, events, schools and the hospital.

Experience: I was head of the Marketing Department for 12 years at Central Minnesota Federal Credit Union; currently I am employed by BI Worldwide, based out of Norcross, GA as an Account Executive.

Committees & Organizations: I have been on the Melrose Parks and Recreation Board for 10 years, involved with the Tri-Cap Bus and Melrose strategic planning. I have also helped with numerous events including the Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce, the Melrose Toy Run for Project Give-a-Gift and the Melrose Car Show raising funds for brain cancer research. I also was involved with the Minnesota Family Involvement Council, raising funds for scholarships for 12 years.

Hobbies: I enjoy motorcycling, biking, walking and cross country skiing. I enjoy getting together with family and friends.

Council Accomplishments: Working together with Council Members and other committees to reach the goals of the City of Melrose.

Contact your Council Member:
120 E 6th St N
Melrose, MN 56352
Work: 320-248-1471
Home: (320) 256-4006 rmayers@charter.net

COUNCIL MEMBER TONY KLASEN

Comments: I grew up in Melrose, feel that I know the City fairly well and would like to be part of the future direction of the community.

City Goals: I would like to see Melrose remain fiscally responsible. Also, I believe limited government (smaller tax burden) is much more attractive to business and industry, which is also a foundation of capitalism and freedom.

Experience: B.S. in Business, St Cloud State University. Network Analyst - St Cloud Hospital, 7 yrs. Comprehensive Planning Committee - City of Melrose.

Committees & Organizations: Appointed to Planning & Zoning Commission, Comprehensive Planning Committee - Melrose. EMT- Melrose Volunteer Ambulance, 15 years. Comprehensive Planning Committee - City of Melrose.

Hobbies: Fastpitch softball, golfing, hunting, cars, traveling, outdoors.

Contact your Council Member:

431 West Riverside Ave
Melrose, MN 56352
Home: (320) 256-2258
Mobile: (320) 492-4618
E-mail: klasen8549@yahoo.com
klasent@centracare.com

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 the Mayor and two Council member openings will be held in November of 2010. 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 Human Resources Technician, Diane Gruber: dgruber@cityofmelrose.com, 320-256-4278.

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