Linden council begins new session

Published 11:07 pm Monday, November 3, 2008

Mitzi Gates became the Linden’s new mayor Monday as the city swore in Gates and three new city council members.

Mike Carlisle, Jan Cannon and Richard Lankster joined veterans Neal Jackson and Dennis Breckenridge on the council, which kicked off its new term after a brief swearing-in ceremony performed by Marengo County District Judge Wade Drinkard.

“I actually have only worked with a council as a governing body,” said Gates, who had served as a council member before being elected mayor in August. “I am still thinking of us as a whole council and always will. It will be the way we can get things done — working together and getting things accomplished for Linden. We have a lot to look forward to.”

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In the customary role of establishing the council’s makeup for the next four years, Gates made several committee appointments and named a mayor pro-tem.

Councilman Breckenridge received the nod for the mayor pro-tem position. He was also appointed to report to the council about the parks, recreation and civic improvements.

Council member Jackson was appointed to the public safety committee, Carlisle to the general government and finance committee, Lankster to the streets and sanitation committee and Cannon to the nursing home and education committee.

City employees Cheryl Hall, city administrator; Terry Tyson, director of public works; and Scott McClure, director of public safety, were reappointed for the next four years.

Breckenridge, Jackson and Carlise were also appointed as members to the Linden Utility Board, with Gates serving as the utility board superintendent.

The city council will meet every first and third Tuesday at p.m. in Linden’s city hall.