OKEECHOBEE — One of the first items of business for the Okeechobee City Council this year was to elect the mayor, and the job was done with no contention. Councilman Bobby Keefe nominated Dowling Watford, who has served as mayor for the last two years, and Councilman Bob Jarriel seconded the nomination. The vote was unanimous.

Earlier in the evening, an investiture ceremony was held for Councilwoman Monica Clark, who will be serving her second term as a council member. Retired Judge Jerry Bryant administered the oath of office. Clark thanked everyone for coming and said her father spent 50 years in service to the city of Clewiston and she is proud of the fact she is one of nine children — all in service to their communities. “I hope I can serve greatly for the citizens for the next four years,” she said.

In other business, the council discussed on which boards/committees each member will serve as city liaison and there were no changes from the previous year.

The Flagler Park Design Review Advisory Committee was formed. The council requested applications, and was pleasantly surprised to receive 14. Unfortunately this meant some of those who wanted to be on the committee were not chosen, but many said they were willing to serve in some capacity even if they were not chosen for the committee. The board members chosen were: Robbie Chartier, Susanne Clements, Bert Culbreth, Regina Hamrick, Frank Irby, Denise Whitehead and Kathy Scott. Jennifer Tewksbury and Gregg Maynard were chosen as alternates.

The contract for code enforcement special magistrate services was renewed. It is a 2-year extension of the original contract.

Councilman Wes Abney will continue serving as a council member until the special election to fill the seat which would have been Russ Cale’s had he not resigned. The election will most likely take place in the spring.