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Rousmaniere, Dana elected to mayor, vice mayor

After an hour-long discussion on appointments -- done in private executive session -- City Council re-elected incumbent Kate Rousmaniere as mayor and elected council member Steve Dana as vice mayor.

Council also chose several appointments to various boards and commissions across Oxford in executive session:

  • Dana and council member Mike Smith were appointed to the Planning Commission. Formerly, the seats were held by Dana and council member Edna Southard.
  • Southard was reappointed to the Recreation Board.
  • Southard was appointed to the Historic and Architectural Preservation Commission. Formerly, the seat was held by Smith.
  • Council members Glenn Ellerbe and David Prytherch were appointed to the Community Improvement Corporation. Formerly, the seats were held by Ellerbe and former council member Kevin McKeehan.
  • Ellerbe was appointed to the Student Community Relations Commission. Formerly, the seat was held by former council member Bob Blackburn.
  • Council member Raghu was appointed to the Environmental Commission. Formerly, the seat was held by Rousmaniere.
  • Ellerbe and Prytherch were appointed to the Housing Advisory Commission. Formerly, the seats were held by Ellerbe and McKeehan.
  • Smith and Rousmaniere were appointed to the Firefighters Dependents Board. Formerly, the seats were held by Smith and McKeehan.
  • Raghu and Rousmaniere were appointed to the Woodside Cemetery Board. Formerly, the seats were held by Blackburn and Rousmaniere.
  • Dana was reappointed to the OKI Representative position.
  • Rousmaniere was appointed to the Senior Citizens Board of Trustees. Formerly, the seat was held by Blackburn.
  • Dana was reappointed to the Butler County Land Use Coordinating Committee.
  • Raghu was appointed to the Visitors Bureau Board.

In closing remarks to Council, Rousmaniere enumerated four key goals for her upcoming two-year term: realigning the city government with the Comprehensive Plan to develop a vision for future city growth, building informal organizational infrastructure, building a public presence for council plus improving its communications and address the city's financial challenges.

"There's going to be a lot happening," Rousmaniere said, glancing at the other city councilors. "Get ready."