Kirsten Hytopoulos was selected by fellow City Council members to serve as mayor for 2011 during their retreat on Monday.

The secret, informal vote that favored Hytopoulos will be followed by a formal, roll-call vote during Wednesday’s council meeting.

Hytopoulos will take over the position from Bob Scales, who voluntarily stepped down from his two-year term to comply with council’s prior policy decision to minimize the weight of the mayor position by limiting the term to one year.

Each of the councilors were given the option to volunteer for the position. Hytopoulos and Councilor Bill Knobloch threw their names into the hat, and gave brief speeches prior to a council vote.

Hytopoulos said she felt qualified for the position because of her good relations with other council members, city management and staff. She said she would not purport to fill the shoes of Scales, but continue to work in the same positive direction.

She hoped the community would recognize that the mayor is not the one “voice” for the council.

Knobloch said his 10 years working with city administration is ample preparation for the position. He said there shouldn’t be any secrets held within the council and the group should function as one body. Knobloch said he had some reservations, but felt this may be the right time for him to take on the position of spokesperson and foot soldier for the council.

In a short question-and-answer session, Councilor Kim Brackett asked the two candidates whether they felt their fiduciary responsibility is to the community or the organization.

Hytopoulos said she believes her duty is to keep the city functioning, able to deliver core services, and protected from litigation.

“Ensuring that money is well spent on behalf of the taxpayers, and also to make sure land use processes are carried out fairly,” said Hytopoulos.

Knobloch said he ultimately feels responsibility to answer to the community on how their tax dollars are spent.

“I am a fiscal advocate for reasonable, proper spending to benefit the community, and not the organization,” said Knobloch.