Mixed emotions are surfacing as the City of Vernon prepares for a new era.
The inaugural meeting of the council elected Nov. 19 will be held at city hall Monday at 7 p.m.
“There is a sense of excitement but I’m also trying to absorb all of the protocols involved,” said Rob Sawatzky, who will be officially sworn in as mayor.
He says he is also aware of the expectations residents have placed on himself and council.
“We will be very busy for the first two or three months with things that are already underway like the budget and searching for a new chief administrative officer.”
Being sworn in as councillors are Juliette Cunningham, Catherine Lord, Patrick Nicol, Mary-Jo O’Keefe, Brian Quiring and Bob Spiers.
Monday’s meeting is largely ceremonial but council will be asked to approve appointments to city committees and external agencies such as Regional District of North Okanagan, the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee and Okanagan Regional Library.
Sawatzky has made appointments based on discussions with each councillor.
“There are 39 appointments and there are a number of factors to consider such as continuity and trying to go with people’s interests,” he said.
“We haven’t had any problems with that and I think we have things set up.”
Council will also approve meeting dates for 2012 to 2014 and who will serve as acting mayor if Sawatzky is unavailable.
Outgoing mayor Wayne Lippert, as well as outgoing councillors Buffy Baumbrough, Jack Gilroy and Shawn Lee, have been invited to attend Monday’s ceremony.
