By DAVE SCHULTZ

During a brief meeting of the Bluffton Common Council Tuesday evening, Scott Mentzer was re-elected as the council’s president.

The vote was 5-0, with Janella Stronczek, Rick Elwell, Chandler Gerber, Josh Hunt, and Mentzer all voting in favor. Mentzer’s vote came last; he was attending via a Zoom conference.

Members of the Bluffton Common Council take the oath of office to serve as members of the Bluffton Redevelopment Commission Tuesday night. Mayor John Whicker, center foreground, administered the oath to, from left, Scott Mentzer (on the screen as he attended the meeting virtually), and standing, Josh Hunt, Chandler Gerber, Rick Elwell, and Janella Stronczek. Seated at center are City Attorney Tony Crowell and Clerk-Treasurer Tami Runyon. (Photo by Dave Schultz)

The council also reorganized itself as the Bluffton Redevelopment Commission, with Mayor John Whicker appointing Stronczek, Mentzer, and Elwell and the council appointing Hunt and Gerber. All were then sworn into service on the BRC.

Whicker said Dr. Brad Yates, superintendent of the Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District, said Angie Sheets would once again represent the school district on the board. The school district’s position on the board is a non-voting one but it is mandated by state law.

Also Tuesday night, the council voted to recommend Susan Bailey for another four-year term on the Economic Development Commission. The final choice for the position is up to Whicker, who said he had contacted Bailey to see if she wanted to continue serving on the commission.

daves@news-banner.com

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