Update: City Council Reorganization: Belmont-Style

Following a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, the presentation of the flags by the Belmont Police Department's honor guard, a few speeches and some parliamentary procedures, Belmont's newly elected officials were sworn-in on Tuesday night before a standing-room only audience.

Belmont City Clerk Terri Cook was the first to take the oath of office, followed by City Treasurer John Violet. This is Cook's third term as city clerk; she defeated challenger Dave Warden in the November 8 election.  Treasurer John Violet, who also begins his third term, ran unopposed.  

Councilmembers David Braunstein and Christine Wozniak, both of whom were re-elected for second terms, then took their oaths of office.

Once the swearing-in ceremony was completed, the city council reorganized itself, by selecting a new mayor and vice-mayor.

Dave Warden, the who served as the city's vice mayor for the past year, was the unanimous choice for mayor.

Following the vote for mayor, David Braunstein nominated Warren Lieberman for vice-mayor, and Coralin Feierbach nominated Christine Wozniak. In a 3-2 vote, Wozniak was chosen as vice-mayor.

This was the second time Lieberman's nomination for vice-mayor didn't fly with the majority of the council. The lack of support by a majority of the council prompted a response from the councilman. "This is the second time I've been nominated for vice-mayor and haven't received the votes," said Lieberman.

"Our council has taken some actions that are totally confusing to me," Lieberman added. "If I'm not serving the public well, I'd like to know about it." His final comment prompted applause from the audience.

Outgoing mayor Feierbach was recognized by her fellow councilmembers and city staff for her year of service. City Manager Greg Scoles presented Feierbach with a book of Belmont's past mayors, and in a lighter moment, Scoles gave Feierbach's husband a poinsettia plant in recognition for the sacrifices councilmembers' family members make.

In her outgoing speech as mayor, Coralin Feierbach thanked the city staff, "for putting up with my Colombo-like remarks, referring to the inquisitive 1970s TV detective, 'Oh, but I have just one more question,' and, 'One more thing I'd like to say.'"

Feierbach then reviewed the list of accomplishments she and the city council made in her year as mayor.

"We now have our own fire department, and that beautiful bike bridge—the Children's Bridge," said Feierbach. Her list of accomplishments also included the resolution of Koret Field, new sign and tree ordinances, completion of the construction project at Sixth an O'Neill avenues, the hiring of an in-house city attorney, and a new public works director.

In his remarks as incoming mayor, Dave Warden listed his top five priorities for his upcoming year as mayor.

"First, I'd like to finish the general plan. It's been 30 years since the plan's been updated. Second, we need to have a plan for the land purchased in the San Juan Canyon. Third, we should turf the north field at the Belmont Sports Complex. The fourth thing on my list is to fix the city's infrastructure without selling more bonds. And finally, I really want to develop a way to get information to the citizens of Belmont," said Warden.

The next meeting of the Belmont City Council will be Monday, December 19. (Note: This is a special meeting of the council.)