Changing of the guard

HARTINGTON — City Council President Gary Kruse and Mayor Brad Peitz took part in their final Council meeting in those roles Monday, while a third Council member announced her intention to resign.

Mark Becker was sworn in as Hartington’s new Mayor Monday. Peitz, who chose not to seek a third term as Mayor, was then sworn in as a Councilman. Cody Christensen, who was re-elected to the Board, also took the oath of office at Monday’s meeting.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Becker took his seat at the head of the Council table to conduct the meeting.

“Bear with me everybody. This is my first rodeo,” Becker said as he announced the first agenda item of his tenure.

The first order of business was to elect a Council President to replace Kruse. Becker said he wanted Peitz to fill that role because of his experience guiding the city for the past eight years.

The Council then accepted the resignation of Council member Deb Addison effective at the end of this year.

City Attorney Steve Pier said the city must now publish a legal notice of vacancy, allowing area residents to aply for the position. The Mayor can then select a candidate to fill Addison's slot.

The Council then went through their annual reorganization, reappointing members to the EMS squad and fire department and designating the city engineer. The official depository, and offical newspaper were also designated.

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