Forest Lake facing staff changes amid city administrator search
The City of Forest Lake is facing staff changes amid its search for its next city administrator, as finance director Elle Reichert submitted her resignation on Friday, Oct. 23, and deputy city clerk Amanda Milks’ employment with the city ended on Tuesday, Oct. 20, according to interim city administrator Jolleen Chaika. The Forest Lake Council formally accepted Reichert’s resignation, effective Monday, Nov. 23, 2026, at its Monday, Oct. 26 meeting. Chaika said her and Reichert, who was hired in September 2025, will meet to discuss the transition as Reichert moves to a new role in another metro area city. Mayor Blake Roberts and council members thanked Reichert for her contributions, and Roberts said a large city in the south metro is going to “benefit greatly with her knowledge.” According to a council memo, “the finance director vacancy creates a need for interim leadership to maintain financial operations, support completion of the 2027 budget process, oversee year-end activities, and provide direction to finance department staff.” The Council authorized Chaika to develop and negotiate a proposed interim finance director arrangement, including the proposed cost and funding source, to be presented for Council consideration and approval at its next regular meeting on Monday,
