A changing of the guard on the Woodward City Council took up most of Monday night’s brief meeting, with three new council members sworn in and a new mayor pro tem appointed.
Woodward Mayor Brian Devick, sporting a heart monitor that he assured the audience was no fashion statement, began the meeting by appointing first-term council member Todd Folkerts as mayor pro tem. Folkerts replaces the previous mayor pro tem, Craig DeHoet, who leaves the council at the end of the month.
Devick then administered the oath of office to the three new city council members elected in November’s general election: Ashvin J. Patel, James A. Gough and Mary Bustad. The new councilors will assume their duties Jan. 1, 2018.
Veteran Woodward City Council member Richard Hartwig was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the city of Woodward for his nearly 30 years of service to the community. Hartwig is retiring from the council after two terms but has previously served four or five terms.
“I want to thank you people and all the council members who have served over the years,” Hartwig said in accepting the certificate. “I also want to thank the city employees. We have some of the best city employees around, and they put up with a lot. So thank you all.”
Two-term Council member Craig DeHoet also received a certificate of appreciation from the city for his two terms of service on the council. He lost a reelection bid in November but will continue as a member of the Woodward Economic Development Association, which he founded.
Council member Paul Thompson was absent from Monday’s meeting but a certificate of appreciation was also noted. Thompson has been active on a variety of bike trail committees, the Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority and many others. He did not seek reelection in November.
Devick and the other council members welcomed the new council members and praised their departing members. Folkerts said Hartwig was his “mentor” and De Hoet “brought me on the council and has taught me a lot.” Council member Dave Luke praised the departing members for their hard work.
“Change is coming to Woodward,” said retired newsman and former council member Merle Shawd, “and it’s going to be good.” He was not more specific.
