Because of the death last month of Councilman Gary Smith, the City of Wayland is soliciting applicants to fill the vacancy.

City Manager Joshua Eggleston said the council should make an appointment on next month’s regular meeting Monday, Feb. 1, or 30 days away from Mayor Tim Bala’s formal declaration of the open seat, which was made at Monday night’s meeting.

“My firm recommendation is to make it a fair and open process,” Eggleston said.

He said anyone interested in serving on the council should submit a letter and resume either to City Hall or on line by Wednesday, Jan. 27.

The council Monday evening held a moment of silence to honor Smith, who had not yet completed his first two-year term. It is expected that his successor will finish out the rest of the term and the seat will be up for election in November 2021.

In other business Monday evening, the council:

• Was given yet another positive audit from Dan Veldhuizen of Siegfried Crandall, who praised Treasurer Cherie Parrish and her team for their work.

“Overall, your government funds are in good condition,” he said, noting there is $556,000 in the rainy day fund, $856,000 in the streets fund, $1.5 million in the sewer fund and $628,000 in water.

“The city is in a better financial place that in the past,” Velhuizen said, but he noted pension liability is cutting into fund equity.

• Awarded a bid of $34,100 from Superior Services for replacement of the roof at the fire department.

Mayor Tim Bala said he was glad to get the work done, noting, “It’s like pulling teeth just to get somebody to come out and look at it.”

• Was told by Councilman Joe Kramer that Wayland Area Emergency Services responded a record 4,045 calls in 2020.

• Duly noted the next council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 19, rather than Monday, Jan. 18, which is Martin Luther King Day, a federal holiday.