The search for a new city manager will take a key step next week, with the three finalists in town for in-person interviews.

The months-long search produced 50 applicants, and that list was reduced to semi-finalists by GovHR USA, the recruiting firm hired by the City. The city council met last week to establish this list of finalists:

– Shawn W. Henessee, former county manager in Clark County, Wash.

– Harold L. Stewart II, current city manager in Warrensburg, Mo.

– Ray O. Agbabiaka, former director of community development in Matteson, Ill.

All three candidates will be in Minot next week to participate in a pair of final interviews and take a tour of our community.

First, meet-the-candidate videos are available on the city’s website and Youtube channel. The videos will give viewers a chance to learn about the candidates’ backgrounds, and to hear them answer a few questions about their desire to be part of Minot’s future.

Second, a virtual open house will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4, on the City’s Facebook page. The key to the virtual open house is providing residents with the ability to submit questions directly to the candidates through Facebook. Prior to the open house, residents can also submit questions or comments to members of the council through the public comment portal on the City’s website at www.minotnd.org/citymanager.

On Thursday, Nov. 5, the three finalists will take part in two interviews and a tour of Minot. Interviews will be conducted with the city council and with a separate panel of community stakeholders. Because of COVID-19 gathering restrictions, the council interviews will be streamed live through the City’s social media platforms.

While the city council will ultimately decide on who, if anyone, from this list of finalists is hired, there is an opportunity for members of the community to share their thoughts and offer questions to the candidates. Community engagement is vital to municipal government, and we hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to pose questions to these candidates. This is an opportunity to ask your questions directly to the candidates, and hear their answers. After that, you can provide feedback to the members of the council on the candidates.

The next city manager will help guide Minot through some crucial upcoming years, as we continue to design, fund, and construct flood control measures to help protect our community from nature’s wrath. The city manager plays a key role in Minot’s relationships with a wide variety of local entities and partners, and helps lead our collaborative efforts with local elected officials who will carry Minot’s message to the 2021 Legislature and beyond.

It’s important to have informed, open, and thoughtful dialogue with members of our community as part of this hiring process. Join us in this important process by letting us know your thoughts and opinions. Our community will be better because of your input.

Mask up, vote on Tuesday in the general election, and then logon Wednesday and Thursday to join us for the city manager candidate virtual open house and interviews.

Sincerely, City Hall.

You can find more about what’s happening at the City of Minot at minotnd.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d also encourage you to sign up for our monthly electronic