Heeding the parting words of former Mayor Gary Van Eyll, the Chaska City Council continues to consider lengthening the term of the mayor from two to four years.

In a work session Monday night, the council opted to seek out public opinion on the idea before proceeding in a more formal manner.

“I don’t see why we can’t at least explore it,” said Councilor Chris Schulz. “It’s just a discussion and we’d like some input.”

The issue will next be brought before the mayor’s informal “sounding board,” but could eventually result in a public open house.

Monday night, the council revisited the reasons for and against the change. The main argument for lengthening the term would be to improve the continuity of the position, while the main argument against would be reducing accountability.

“There’s something about having that contact [with the public] every two years that I like,” said Schulz, noting that he also understood how a longer term could improve relations with various groups and committees city officials, like the mayor, participate in.

-Mollee Francisco, staff writer