Mayor John Rey is officially looking for a city clerk.

The seat has been left open since the early resignation of Liz Peerboom in late September. At City Council Monday, the mayor said anyone interested in the position should contact him, and said “a cover letter of interest with a brief resume is requested.” These items should be submitted to the mayor at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St. The position pays $5,000 annually, according to a city news release.

“With the length of time remaining in the term of the four-year office (30-plus months), the mayor is authorized by state code to make an appointment to the office until the next election,” according to the city. “The duties of the part-time position include: maintaining the official city seal, overseeing the minutes of official City Council meetings, recording minutes of closed executive sessions and signing the documents recording actions of City Council.”

The open position comes after the resignation of Peerboom, who expressed frustration over the changes made to the position and the work of the city manager. Peerboom was elected in 2013.

“I have a long history as an employee of the city, so to me that shows that I am loyal. In the last several months, it has become apparent to me that the road blocks that have been put in place are unmoveable,” she wrote in an email published on DeKalbCountyOnline.com. “The new city manager is slitting throats and leaving body bags… . This is a city of DeKalb that I no longer recognize and I see no reason to continue collecting a salary to take attendance at the meetings. I have been pretty much shoved out.”

The clerk will hold office until April 7. At that time, the appointed clerk has the option to file for placement on the ballot and run for the remaining two-year term.

Other business

Due to freezing temperatures during last year’s polar vortex, the DeKalb Police Department is looking for $23,148 to install heating units on its north wall.

Deputy Chief Wes Hoadley said the police fear if extreme weather happens, the pipes in the washrooms could break.

The amount would be paid in thirds by the Dewberry Architects, Irving Construction and the city, so DeKalb would only pay $7,716. The notion was passed with seven yeas and one nay.