W’boro’s new City Council takes over

By Alicia Rimel

Published: July 1, 2008

Tim Williams was elected Waynesboro mayor Tuesday, with fellow majority member Frank Lucente securing the vice-mayor slot at Tuesday’s 9 a.m. organizational meeting in the Charles T. Yancey Municipal Building in Waynesboro.
The meeting was the first of the new council, which includes the introduction of Bruce Allen, winner of the Ward B seat in the May 6 elections.
The purpose of the meeting was to appoint Waynesboro’s mayor, vice mayor, city manager, city attorney, city assessor, clerk of council and acting clerk of council. Council members were also named to the various commissions.
Williams was elected mayor of Waynesboro in a unanimous
decision. Councilwoman Nancy Dowdy moved that Lorie Smith be appointed vice mayor. Dowdy said she felt Smith’s experience would compliment Williams’ relative inexperience. The motion was voted down three to two, with Williams, Allen and Lucente dissenting. Allen moved that Lucente assume the position of vice mayor; Williams seconded the motion. The motion passed three to two, with Dowdy and Smith dissenting.
Mike Hamp was appointed Waynesboro’s new city manager in a unanimous vote by council.
Also on the agenda was the appointment of city attorney. This order of business has been moved to council’s next meeting, while the council reviews 12 applicants for the position. Bob Lunger will continue to serve as retainer for the position of city attorney.
In a unanimous decision, John Kiger was reappointed as city assessor. Julia Bortle was also reappointed clerk of council in a unanimous vote. Hamp will serve as acting clerk of council in the event of Bortle’s absence. Council also appointed Hamp to the VASAP Board.
Council members will serve as follows: Allen will serve on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Dowdy on the Transportation and Safety Commission, Smith on the Flood Commission and Lucente on the Planning Commission.
In a last order of business, Williams expressed an interest in reactivating the recently dormant Finance Committee. An appointment to be made by the mayor, Williams named Lucente and himself as heads of the committee, which they deemed an informational and fact-finding venture.
Smith expressed a desire for more information regarding the committee’s intent and purpose. Williams assured members that he would provide them with the appropriate information.
The next city council work session will be held July 7 at 6 p.m. at the Charles T. Yancey Municipal Building.