Hobart picks Rixner as pro tem
By Travis Coleman Journal Staff Writer | Posted: Saturday, December 15, 2007
SIOUX CITY -- Mayor-elect Mike Hobart confirmed Friday that Councilman Jim Rixner will be his mayor pro tem.
Rixner, elected to a four-year term on the City Council in November 2005, replaces outgoing councilman Jason Geary as mayor pro tem.
"Jim is a mature individual," Hobart said. "I like the way he votes on a lot of issues. I think we'll work well together."
Although Hobart will take office Jan. 2, Friday was also Mayor Craig Berenstein's last press conference because there are no council meetings scheduled for the next two weeks.
The official swearing in for Hobart and new councilman Aaron Rochester will be Jan. 2 at 11:30 in the City Council Chambers.
On Wednesday, city staff held a reception for Geary and Berenstein, who has been Sioux City's mayor for eight years.
"It was probably more than I deserved," Berenstein said. "It was really a heartwarming event."
Berenstein also named Florida attorney Andrew Mai as the new city attorney Friday, replacing retiring City Attorney Jim Abshier. Mai is set to start work in February and will work with the three current assistant city attorneys.
"Certainly, Jim leaves big shoes to fill," Berenstein said.
Mai graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minn., in 2001. He has since represented several cities in Florida while with a private firm.
In other items, Berenstein also said he expects the council to approve construction plans for the Hamilton Boulevard traffic signal interconnect project.
Bids for the project from Interstate 29 to Stone Park Boulevard could begin coming in January, with construction starting this spring and completion of the project sometime in 2008.
There is also set to be a resolution to approve the appointment of a special master to conduct hearings on the declared vicious animal appeals.
Previously, these appeals would go before the city manager or the city council. After this amendment to the vicious dog ordinance is approved, the council will begin searching for a candidate.
"I've not seen any names suggested," Berenstein said.
Berenstein also said there will be council discussion Monday on the possible relocation of the Headid Park ballfield from its location in an industrial zone at 2350 Hawkeye Drive to 46th Street off of U.S. Highway 75.
Finally, Berenstein said the council is set to accept a development agreement with Jensen Imports to build a stormwater detention pond at the new dealership it is building on Stadium Drive.
On Monday, Rixner asked to see the entire agreement because he wanted to see the final language before signing off.
Rixner, elected to a four-year term on the City Council in November 2005, replaces outgoing councilman Jason Geary as mayor pro tem.
"Jim is a mature individual," Hobart said. "I like the way he votes on a lot of issues. I think we'll work well together."
Although Hobart will take office Jan. 2, Friday was also Mayor Craig Berenstein's last press conference because there are no council meetings scheduled for the next two weeks.
The official swearing in for Hobart and new councilman Aaron Rochester will be Jan. 2 at 11:30 in the City Council Chambers.
On Wednesday, city staff held a reception for Geary and Berenstein, who has been Sioux City's mayor for eight years.
"It was probably more than I deserved," Berenstein said. "It was really a heartwarming event."
Berenstein also named Florida attorney Andrew Mai as the new city attorney Friday, replacing retiring City Attorney Jim Abshier. Mai is set to start work in February and will work with the three current assistant city attorneys.
"Certainly, Jim leaves big shoes to fill," Berenstein said.
Mai graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul, Minn., in 2001. He has since represented several cities in Florida while with a private firm.
In other items, Berenstein also said he expects the council to approve construction plans for the Hamilton Boulevard traffic signal interconnect project.
Bids for the project from Interstate 29 to Stone Park Boulevard could begin coming in January, with construction starting this spring and completion of the project sometime in 2008.
There is also set to be a resolution to approve the appointment of a special master to conduct hearings on the declared vicious animal appeals.
Previously, these appeals would go before the city manager or the city council. After this amendment to the vicious dog ordinance is approved, the council will begin searching for a candidate.
"I've not seen any names suggested," Berenstein said.
Berenstein also said there will be council discussion Monday on the possible relocation of the Headid Park ballfield from its location in an industrial zone at 2350 Hawkeye Drive to 46th Street off of U.S. Highway 75.
Finally, Berenstein said the council is set to accept a development agreement with Jensen Imports to build a stormwater detention pond at the new dealership it is building on Stadium Drive.
On Monday, Rixner asked to see the entire agreement because he wanted to see the final language before signing off.
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H Rollins wrote on Dec 15, 2007 1:35 PM: