A new team of city lawmakers officially assumed office in Bellevue last week.
A new mayor, Jon Anderson, and three City Council members, Chris Koch, Shaun Mahoney and Tammy Eaton, took their elected seats Thursday, May 12, during the regular council meeting. They were all voted into office in early April.
At the meeting Thursday, the council also voted to appoint Vivian Ivie—a former council member—to complete the remainder of Anderson's City Council term.
The new lawmakers accepted their duties by taking an oath of office and outlining their goals as representatives of the city.
Before the new guard assumed office, outgoing Mayor John Barton delivered a "State of the City" address, terming his views "The world according to Barton."
The speech marked Barton's final duties to the city after serving as mayor for four years. He chose not to seek re-election, and on Thursday he passed his mayoral duties to Anderson.
"I feel like I am leaving the city in a pretty good financial and administrative position," Barton said.
Barton detailed a healthy economy, describing Bellevue as financially sound. His economic highlights included the availability of jobs and steady rent prices, which contribute to the vitality of the town.
"When I look around at Bellevue I see the result of a lot of good governance over the years," he said.
Barton addressed governance by encouraging the council to make ethical decisions and offer dissent, with the ultimate goal being general agreement.
"With some of these difficult decisions down the road I ask you to reach for consensus," Barton said.
Barton addressed his concerns over the disruptions from a rapid increase in property values. He also advised the council to be more consistent with enforcing zoning ordinances and to be forward-looking regarding legislation of so-called big-box stores.
In conclusion, Barton stated he considers protection of the Howard Property, a park, recreation and conservation area along the Big Wood River, his greatest accomplishment as mayor.
"It's been a privilege to serve," he said.
Barton completed his civic service by offering the oath of office to Anderson. The new mayor responded by presenting Barton a plaque on behalf of the city.
In his first duty as mayor, Anderson swore Koch, Mahoney and Eaton into the council.
Anderson then made his first proposal to the city—a recommendation to appoint Ivie to his vacated council seat. Ivie previously served the council, but was scheduled to step down on Thursday because she was not re-elected.
Eaton made the motion and the council voted unanimously in favor for Ivie to complete the one-year remainder of Anderson's term.
"What (Ivie) represents to us is certainly a lot of experience," Councilman Jon Wilkes said, referring to Ivie's 16 years serving on the council. "We are going to benefit from the next 12 months."
With all of the council seats filled, the body moved ahead to vote unanimously in favor of Wilkes serving as council president.
The officials then outlined their individual visions.
Anderson stated his goals as mayor include establishing a Youth Advisory Committee and a Hispanic Advisory Committee.
"That way we can all start pulling together to be a better community," he said.
Anderson defined his leadership style as positive, proactive and optimistic.
"I believe the council should be an extended family for the city of Bellevue," he said.
The council members defined their individual goals as representatives of the city.
New to the council, Mahoney stated his top priorities included evaluating fiscal funding and long-range planning. Mahoney serves as the liaison to the Street Department.
Koch, also new to the council and a former P&Z commissioner, said he would like to establish a historic district and to create a self-sustaining library, possibly through a thrift store. Koch will serve as the Planning and Zoning and Building Department liaison.
Returning to serve the city, Ivie said her priorities include improving the look of Main Street and designating an area of city impact. Ivie also emphasized she desires to address the big-box stores issue by encouraging citizens to submit written letters to the city. Ivie continues as liaison to the Department of Public Safety.
Wilkes stressed the importance of working with the P&Z Commission, involvement in community activities, concentration on Main Street and environmental consciousness.
"I want to see everything we do done in an environmentally friendly manner," Wilkes, the Parks Department liaison, said.
Tammy Eaton, the Water and Sewer Department liaison, outlined the need to establish a capital improvement plan and explore building a new city hall.
Councilwoman Joanna Ehrmantraut provided a different type of vision. She informed the council she would be moving out of the county. Ehrmantraut serves as liaison to the Library and Administration departments.
According Bellevue City Clerk Dee Barton, she has not offered an official resignation to the city.
