Hindman begins fifth term

Chris Janku was unanimously elected mayor pro tem.

By James Patrick Schmidt

Published April 10, 2007

Mayor Darwin Hindman called to order a special meeting of the Columbia City Council Monday night to say goodbye to two councilmen and welcome two new faces to the council. The meeting also marked the beginning of Hindman's record-setting fifth term as mayor.

The meeting began with parting comments from former Third Ward Councilman Bob Hutton and former Fourth Ward Councilman Jim Loveless.

Both men thanked their constituents and their families for giving them the opportunity to serve their community.

"These past six years that I've been on the council have been productive and, in my opinion, successful," Loveless said. "I feel that we have left the city in better condition than it was when we started. Thanks to the people of the Fourth Ward for the privilege of representing you and for trusting my judgment. I appreciate that."

Both men also thanked the city staff working under City Manager Bill Watkins for the last year.

"I think one thing that we should be extremely proud about, and most people don't think about this, is our utility network," Hutton said. "And in Columbia, we're not just water and light. We're parking utility, sewer utility, storm-water utility — we have all these utilities. And the rates are pretty down-low compared to other communities."

After the comments of the former councilmen, there were a series of presentations for both of them just before their replacements were sworn in.

Hindman presented Hutton and Loveless with a resolution of appreciation from the City Council, heritage tree certificates for a tree to be planted in the park of choice for the honoree and a silver tray to honor each for service as the mayor pro tem — Hutton in 2004 and Loveless in 2003 and 2006.

Following Hindman's presentation, Watkins presented each former councilman with his nameplate and a decorative tile, depicting the city symbol, commissioned from local artist Susan Taylor Glasgow.

Once the presentations ended, City Clerk Sheela Amin swore in Hindman as well as Third Ward Councilman Karl Skala and Fourth Ward Councilman Jerry Wade, all three of whom won in the municipal elections last Tuesday.

After being sworn in, the councilmen took their seats at the council table. The first action of the term for Hindman, Skala and Wade was the chance to share comments.

All three used their opportunity to offer thanks to their constituents and the people who supported all of their campaigns, as well as introducing members of their families who attended the swearing-in.

Following the comments, the City Council dealt with the annual election of a mayor pro tem and the appointment of the two standing council committees.

Second Ward Councilman Chris Janku was unanimously elected to mayor pro tem, a position he also held in 2005.

The cable television committee remained unchanged with Janku, Sixth Ward Councilwoman Barbara Hoppe and Fifth Ward Councilwoman Laura Nauser serving as members of the committee.

The Conley Poor Fund committee consists of First Ward Councilwoman Almeta Crayton as well as Skala and Wade, who replace Hutton and Loveless as members of that committee.