The Scandia City Council is back to full strength with the appointment of Chris Ness to fill a seat that's been vacant since September.
Ness, a 12-year Scandia resident and a mortgage consultant, has been chair of the city's planning commission. He will fill, through 2012, the remainder of the council term held by John Lindell, who recently resigned.
A proposal to hold a special election to fill the seat didn't succeed, said City Administrator Anne Hurlburt.
Council members have asked the seven other applicants if they are interested in replacing Ness on the planning commission.
Ness will be sworn in at Wednesday's 7 p.m. meeting.
KEVIN GILES
