Bitz sworn in as new City Council member

The City Council members approved Sept. 6 minutes, as well as swore in new council member Wade Bitz.

Bitz takes the place of former council member Joshua Miller, who died unexpectedly of natural causes May 14 at age 32, to finish out his term this year.

Bitz also was one of five people who won the upcoming City Council elections by acclamation.

The council approved canceling the election, with the candidates winning by acclamation because they are running unopposed.

Bitz won the four-year term for the seat now held by Ed Matter, who did not want to run for another four-year term.

But Matter won the remaining two-year term for the seat formerly held by Miller, starting in January, beacause Matter showed interest in serving for two more years rather than four.

Chris Partin won the seat now held by Derek Eldridge, who did not run for re-election, while Josh Gomez is taking the seat now held by Andrew Brekke, who also is not running for re-election.

Dave Brewer won by acclamation the seat now held by his wife, Denise Brewer, who is not running again.

The City Council also approved an ordinance amending the code for signs.

A request from St. Jude Thaddeus School to close Seventh Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets within the city limits Oct. 14 for the school's annual pumpkin patch festival was approved. This activity will be an all-day event.

A presentation by the St. Mary Working Group was canceled, so that agenda item was tabled until November's council meeting.

The Project Child Safe program provided safety kits for gun locks. More kits are supplied at the police department.

The next City Council meeting will be held Nov. 6.