The Kenai City Council will interview candidates for a vacant council seat during a work session on Wednesday.

The vacancy opened in November following former council member Robert Peterkin’s resignation.

In total, the city received nine applications for the seat. In order to qualify for the open seat, applicants must be qualified voters of the City of Kenai, be at least 21 years old and have been a resident of the city for at least one year immediately preceding their appointment.

According to a memo from Kenai City Clerk Jamie Heinz to the council, Heinz confirmed that all nine applicants were qualified to fill the seat.

Applicants include former city council member Tim Navarre, who ran against and lost to his opponent Teea Winger in the Oct. 6 municipal election. In his letter of interest, Navarre highlighted his public service experience.

“Both my public and government service has taught me to understand the needs of all parties and I will always act in a way that would protect the City of Kenai and its residents,” Navarre said.

Other applicants include Matt Brown, Michael Boyle, Dave Peck, Victoria Askin, Shelby Oden, Sovala Kisena, Brad Brown and Alex Douthit.

Michael Boyle also served on the Kenai City Council for 12 years and as vice mayor of Kenai, according to his resume.

“Clearly, I am no stranger to this governing body and its function to the City and could seamlessly move into the position bringing the experience and background to fill the position,” Boyle wrote. “I approach this knowing that I am available to fulfill the requirements, meetings and other functions necessary.”

Whoever is selected to be the new council member will serve until the next municipal election.

Members of the public will be able to watch the interview live on Wednesday at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Meeting information is available on the City of Kenai’s website.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.