At the Gaylord City Council meeting on Monday, May 11, several individuals appeared before council to explain why they should be appointed to fill vacant council seats.
The two current vacancies were created following the resignations of council members Hannah Techel and Robert Wilson, both of which became effective April 27, 2026.
After the council’s April meeting, the city announced the openings and invited interested residents who met the required qualifications to submit applications to the city clerk.
“Our charter states that appointments must be made at least 60 days after the seat is vacated, so they have until June 26 before an appointment must be made,” said Kim Awrey, Gaylord city manager, in an email.
Appointments are made by city council for the remainder of the term.
“One position is an at-large position, so any registered voter in the city can apply for that position,” Awrey said. “The other is for Ward 2, so the applicant needs to live within that ward to qualify.”
During Monday’s meeting, five applicants addressed the council. They were Mark Hansen, Michael Ryan, Brady Schulz, Paul Welitzkin and Alan Witt.
Awrey said all five are eligible to fill the open at-large position and four of the five are qualified to fill the Ward 2 position.
According to information provided by Awrey, Hansen has not been on council but did sit on the marijuana committee when the city was exploring recreational marijuana for the community. Hansen lives in Ward 2.
Ryan held an at-large position up until the end of 2025 and did not run for reelection in 2025. He lives in Ward 2, which makes him qualified for both positions.
Schulz works for Jack Bergman’s office but has not held any positions within the city. He lives in Ward 2.
Welitzkin, a retired former Herald Times reporter, currently sits on the salary compensation committee. He lives in Ward 2.
Witt ran for reelection of his at-large council seat in November 2025. Three members were elected, while Witt placed fourth in total votes. Witt does not live in Ward 2, so he can only be appointed to the at-large position.
Council members had the opportunity to make motions to appoint candidates to fill the vacant positions but decided they needed more time. Appointments are expected to be made at the May 26 meeting.
Resignations
The resignations of Techel and Wilson both came with formal letters.
In Techel’s letter dated April 27, she stated, “Serving this role has been eye opening, and I remain committed to the future of our community … However, it has become increasingly clear that the current environment on council is marked by a level of division and underlying animosity that makes it difficult to effectively carry out that responsibility.”
Techel also addressed the mayor, council and members of the public at the April 27 meeting. Her statement is included in the minutes posted on the city’s website.
Wilson’s handwritten resignation letter dated April 18 announced his “resignation to city council and all the duties.”
“It’s been a true pleasure being with you all,” Wilson wrote.
At the April 13 meeting, the Gaylord City Council agreed to bring misconduct in office charges against Wilson and compelled him to attend the April 27 council meeting, at which he was absent.
A special ethics committee comprising Mayor Todd Sharrard and council members Jordan Awrey and Vic Ouellette recommended the charges. City attorney Paul Slough and city manager Kim Awrey served as advisory members.
Wilson is charged with one count of accosting a minor for immoral purposes and one count of using a computer to commit a crime.
The charges were filed in 87-A District Court after the Michigan State Police started an investigation on March 14 after a report of online communication between Wilson, 44, and two individuals posing as a 15-year-old boy.
According to investigators, the conversation was sexual in nature and led to Wilson allegedly traveling to a local hotel where he intended to meet the minor. Wilson was arraigned March 26 and later posted a $10,000 bond. — Contact reporter Lisa Vidaurri-Bowling at lvidaurribowling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Gaylord council to fill vacant seats after two resignations
Reporting by Lisa Vidaurri Bowling, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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