The lobby of Kalispell City Hall was crowded Monday night with supporters of Tammi Fisher, Kalispell’s new mayor, who was sworn in at the meeting a few minutes later.
Fisher made brief remarks after taking her oath of office, expressing gratitude to the council and staff for making her feel welcome.
“I know that we have many challenges that lie ahead and I look forward to restoring fiscal accountability to city government,” Fisher said.
The council then voted unanimously to make Ward 4 Councilman Duane Larson the council president, continuing his tenure in a leadership post that has him leading meetings in the mayor’s absence.
Joining Fisher in taking the oath as a new member of council was Jeff Zauner, who will represent Ward 2 after defeating long-time incumbent Hank Olson in last year’s election. Ward 3 incumbent Councilman Jim Atkinson took the oath after defeating newcomer Marc Rold in his reelection bid. Ward 4 Councilman Tim Kluesner and Ward 1 Councilman Bob Hafferman were also sworn in after running unopposed for reelection.
In addition, Municipal Court Judge Heidi Ulbricht took the oath of office after running unopposed for reelection.
City Manager Jane Howington presented Olson and outgoing Mayor Pam Kennedy Carbonari with plaques thanking them for their years of service to the Kalispell.
In remarks closing out her two terms as mayor and two terms as a council member, Kennedy Carbonari recounted a list of achievements she has had a hand in during her time on the council, including: establishing the KidsSports complex; building a new fire station; completing Woodland Waterpark; rebuilding Meridian Road; signing the 911 interlocal agreement; and upgrading the wastewater treatment plant, among others.
“2010 will be a tough year, economically, just like 2009 was full of challenges,” Kennedy Carbonari said. “My hope is that all of you continue with respectful dialogue.”
And then, the meeting proceeded, with a new Kalispell City Council embarking on a new year of work.