Oronogo Mayor Charles Wilkins and three aldermen were sworn in Monday by City Clerk Cyndi Jennings.

One of the aldermen, Matt Kroutil, is new to the board. He received 8 of the 20 write-in votes for the 2nd Ward seat that didn’t have a candidate on the ballot. Jason Grossman didn’t file for reelection but received 5 write-in votes anyway. Also receiving write-in votes were Tyler Woods (6), and Jason Guild (1).

It was suggested that Grossman be asked to serve on the park advisory board.

Mark Lloyd (1st Ward) and Kima Francis (3rd Ward) took the oath to retain their seats after being elected unopposed.

Wilkins is beginning his first full term. He was elected a year ago to finish an unexpired term. 

Wilkins received 138 votes compared to write-in candidate Travis Shafer’s 25 votes.

Board members with another year on their terms are Rick Seeley (1st Ward), Tammy Talent (2nd Ward), and Darrell Orender.

Orender was elected by his fellow board members as mayor pro tem.

Wilkins announced appointments of non-elected city officials and members of city boards.

That will be the last time most non-elected city officials need to be appointed each time a mayor takes the oath of office. An ordinance passed Monday makes the appointments for an unspecified term. They still serve at the pleasure of the mayor board of aldermen but will no longer need to be reappointed.

The terms of city attorney (one year) and municipal judge (2 years) are still specified. Derek Snyder continues a the city attorney, and Mark Elliston is still the municipal judge.

According to state law, the city clerk, city attorney and municipal judge have specified terms.

The board reelected Cyndi Jennings as city clerk.

Another new ordinance, citing state statute, prohibits anyone with unpaid municipal taxes or user fees from becoming a candidate for any elective position.

In other action, the board:

• Accepted the resignation of Larry Lacy, a former alderman, from the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustments.

• Approved ordinances repealing the current stormwater regulations and stormwater management and adding a new stormwater management chapter to the code.

• Approved an ordinance regulating private swimming pools.

• Received a report from Police Chief Steven Weaver stating that the speed of 1,729 vehicles was clocked during the first four days that a new radar sign was placed on Grant Street. More than 98% of the speeds were 25 mph or less. The highest speed recorded was 52 mph. A second sign is expected to be activated soon. Weaver said, “I think these signs are going to bring great awareness to speed.”