Our City Officials 04 11 2007

C-T photo by Catherine Stortz-Ripley

BK Web Works photo

Formalities began with the council closing out their term by adjourning sine die. Mayor Rodenberg offered comments about Shaffer and Douglas' years of service and presented both men plaques of appreciation. Shaffer was appointed councilman-at-large in December 2005. "He has done a great job for us," Rodenberg said of Shaffer. Douglas, the senior member on the council, has served as 3rd Ward Councilman for 10 years. "He¹s done a good job representing the people of the 3rd Ward," Rodenberg said. Douglas said he was honored to have been elected to five terms on the council. "It has been a privilege to serve the 3rd ward, the city and its employees and with the council," Douglas said.

City Administrator John Edwards then presented the outgoing mayor with a plaque of appreciation for his years of service and said Rodenberg served the city well, especially in his efforts in locating the new correctional center in Chillicothe. "If it hadn¹t been for you, the prison may be somewhere else," Edwards said. "Thank you so much." Rodenberg completed two terms as mayor and did not seek re-election because he was moving out of the city limits. "I came today with mixed emotions," he said in addressing those gathered for Wednesday's ceremony at City Hall. "I appreciate the opportunity over the last four years. We have done a lot of growing and that has been good for the city. I hope we keep progressing... The best years for Chillicothe are ahead." In turning to incoming mayor Haney, Rodenberg said, "Go get'em, Chuck."

After remarks were offered, Livingston County Clerk Kelly Christopher administered the oath of office to City Clerk Roze Frampton who, in turn, administered the oath of office to incoming mayor Chuck Haney as well as the other elected officials. Department managers and Administrator Edwards also took the oath of office. The new council is now led by Mayor Chuck Haney, Councilman-at-Large Darrel Rinehart Jr., 1st Ward Councilman Earle Teegarden Jr., 2nd Ward Councilman Lonnie Sewell, 3rd Ward Councilwoman Donna Preszler, and 4th Ward Councilman Pam Jarding. Other elected officials are Attorney Scott Washburn, Clerk Roze Frampton, Auditor Theresa Kelly, Treasurer Sherry Parks and Constable Rick Knouse. Appointed officials are Ed Crawford, director of parks and recreation; Hugh Musselman, street superintendent; Joe Rinehart, director of emergency services; and Gerry Gabel, superintendent of Green Hills Golf Course; Joe Gilliland, pro shop/clubhouse manager at Green Hills Golf Course; and Gil Gates, code enforcement and zoning officer.

The oath, as administered, is: I (state your name) resident of the city of Chillicothe, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and State of Missouri; and that I will, to the best of my ability, diligently and faithfully, without partiality or prejudice, discharge the duties of (name of office) in and for the City of Chillicothe, Missouri, according to the Charter and Ordinance of said City, and the Constitution and Laws of the state of Missouri.