City seeks planning commissioner

OTHELLO — A former councilman will take the seat being vacated with the election of Shannon McKay to the mayoral position, following a vote by the city council Monday night.

Dale Wyman was selected by a 4-3 vote, after a vote to select another candidate failed.

Council members Everett Cole, Eleanor Brodahl, Tim Wilson and McKay voted to confirm Wyman. Council members Larry Bray, Ken Johnson and Marc Spohr voted against his confirmation.

The vote for Wyman came after a vote to confirm candidate Bob Guerrero failed to get a majority vote of council members. Wyman previously served on the council for 10 years, and stated Monday that he had more time to give to the position since his retirement.

McKay is leaving his city council position at the end of the year after being elected to the mayor's position earlier this month over fellow councilman Spohr. McKay has served as mayor pro-tem since the resignation of former Mayor Jeannie Sanders earlier this year.

Also at Monday's meeting:

? McKay presented Interim Police Chief Jake Evans with his appreciation for his work as the police chief during a transition period. McKay said Evans had delivered on his promise to help out the city, and was thankful for the work the interim chief had done. Evans has been with the city since August, his contract with the city expires Dec. 1.

? The city is taking applications for candidates to sit on the Othello Planning Commission. Planning Commissioner Alan Hanks will be leaving the post at the end of the year, and McKay said applications for those interested will be taken until Dec. 12.