The city of Whitehall is facing numerous changes in 2008.
At the Dec. 18 meeting, City Councilman Zach Woodruff announced his resignation from Ward 2 seat, effective Dec. 31.
He cited a new job in 2008 as the reason for his decision. The seat will now have to be advertised, and council will begin the interview process for a replacement to serve the two years of Woodruff’s unexpired term.
Council also appointed Bob Bailey to the Ward 1 seat vacated by Chris Rodriguez, who was elected to an at-large seat through 2011. Bailey will serve Ward 1 through 2009.
The new councilman said that he is honored and excited to be selected.
"I want to become a good council member and serve Ward 1," offered Bailey.
During her last council meeting, Mayor Lynn Ochsendorf expressed her appreciation to the community for their support over the past four years as mayor, and the eight previous years as council president.
She told Mayor-elect John Wolfe, "I think the city is in good hands. Your heart is in the right place, and I wish you the best."
She also congratulated Bailey and commented that she has always found his yard to be beautiful, and shared that he is a good neighbor to those around him.
Council adopted several ordinances. One will authorize the mayor to enter into a collectively bargained contract with The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF 1729), as bargaining representative for all firefighters, at the rank of captain and below for a period of three years from Jan. 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2010.
Firefighter Del Shepherd attended the meeting to verify that the contract had been ratified on behalf of IAFF 1729 President Mike Mason.
The next council meeting will Jan. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Council meeting times will change beginning Jan. 8. Council meetings are the first and third Tuesdays each month, and will begin at 7 p.m., with agenda meetings at 6:30 p.m. Committee meetings are the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, and will begin at 6:30 p.m.
