A new era in the governance of Lincoln City was ushered in Monday night at City Hall, where three first-time councilors and a familiar leader were pronounced fit for office during ceremonies at the City Council’s first regular session of the new year.
The night was highlighted by the swearing in of Dick Anderson as Lincoln City mayor and Mitch Parsons, Diane Kusz and Rick Mark as city councilors.
“Thank you all for wishing goodwill to those who are leaving and those who are staying for the next four years,” Anderson said.
Anderson is succeeding Don Williams for his second term as Lincoln City mayor after holding the position from January 2011 to December 2014. Anderson was a Lincoln City City Councilor from 2009-2010 and 2015 to present.
“I am always stunned by the fact that we can have elections, we can have rancor, and then we can settle down to do the work of the people,” Williams said. “I want to thank everyone here for the opportunity to serve as mayor.”
“Looking back, we’ve accomplished many things that I hope will make Lincoln City a better place to live, work and play,” departing Councilor Susan Wahlke said.
Parsons is replacing Wahlke in Ward I, Kusz is replacing Anderson in Ward II and Mark is replacing Kip Ward in Ward III. Diana Hinton (Ward I), Riley Hoagland (Ward II) and Judy Casper (Ward III) will continue their terms as councilors.
“It is an honor full of apprehension and high hopes,” Mark said. “It really was humbling to campaign and win the endorsement of so many people to sit here. I hope to live up to expectations.”
“I’m just very excited, very positive,” Kusz said. “I think we’re going to get a lot done in four years and want to thank everybody who voted. Any time you vote is important. I’m excited to go.”
“I look forward to being here and just doing great work and listening to all of your concerns,” Parsons said.
In its first action Monday, the newly elected Council:
— Approved a recommendation to request Oregon Liquor Control Commission approval for a limited (beer and wine) on-premises sales license to the Bijou Theatre;
— Directed Parks & Recreation to list Lincoln City in the Oregon Heritage Tree Program and to recognize trees of significance such as the giant Sitka spruce at Regatta Park;
— Elected Casper Council president with the role of residing over meetings in the event the mayor is unavailable;
— Adopted a supplemental funding request to the $12.6 million new police station construction budget to demolish the old building in favor of a secured parking lot;
— Closed the public hearing but left the record open until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, on proposed ordinances to create standards for four-flat dwellings and tiny house (400 square feet or less) developments, and reducing existing requirements for off-street parking in Taft and Oceanlake. The Council will deliberate at its next meeting, Monday, Jan. 28.
