News Editor Newly-elected Lexington City Council members and Mayor Tom Hughes were sworn into office during last Tuesday night’s Council meeting.

Council members taking the oath were John Stratton, Ward 2; Randall Hansen, Ward 4; Ethan Schneider, Ward 1; and Thomas Rowland, Ward 3. Stratton, Hansen and Schneider are newcomers to the Council.

Following the swearing in ceremony, Councilman Charles Hollingsworth was appointed to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem, while City Clerk Carla Ghisalberti and City Treasurer Deb Bagley were appointed to serve two-year terms.

Meanwhile, outgoing Council members Ryan Waddell, Mike Kramer and Daniel King received recognition for their years of service on the Council.

Councilman and former Mayor Pro-Tem John Harden spoke about Kramer’s 12 years of service on the Council over two stints. During Kramer’s first stint from 2009-2017, Harden said Kramer was involved in several major happenings in the city, including construction of the new water plant and the signing of the hospital lease agreement.

“I always valued his input on the things that happened so we could analyze those types of things and make an educated vote,” said Harden.

Harden also commended the efforts of King, who served 10 years on the Council during two stints.

“I was very impressed with his knowledge of how city government works and his really digging into the issues,” said Harden.

Harden also singled out Waddell, who served on the Council from 2022 to 2026.

“I would like to thank Ryan for his candor and good input,” remarked Harden. “I thank all of them for their public service, and welcome the new members. I’m excited to work with them and keep the city moving forward.”

In other matters:

• City Council members approved adding a section of road to the Business Highway 13 paving project. Royal Contracting submitted a proposal to extend the project by paving Tremont to Southwest Boulevard for $28,500. Royal was the low bidder at $137.567.50 on the original project, which involves paving from Tremont to Tevis Bridge, then from the bridge to the north entrance of the First Baptist Church parking lot.

• It was announced that the citywide spring cleanup will be held April 25-May 3 from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. each day.

• City Administrator Shawnna Funderburk explained that Comcast/ Xfinity will resume their fiber optic installation project on April 20. Any residents with questions about the project can contact City Hall.

• Funderburk once again reminded residents to flush only toilet paper. Recently, flushing of other items has resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage to the city’s wastewater system, including damage to pumps and lift stations.

• The Council approved plans for a “Stomp the Stigma of Mental Health” 5K run/walk on May 30 sponsored by the Lafayette County Cares Coalition.

• Hughes commented that the official re-opening of the playground at College Park will be held Saturday, June 6. New equipment has been added that will make the playground one of the best in the area, stated Hughes. A bench has been added in memory of Alistair Lamb, who died in last April’s gas line explosion.