Phoenixville Council Reorganizes, Welcomes New Members

In front of a crowd, five councilmembers were sworn in Tuesday night at . 

Judge Anthony Sarcione of the Chester County Court of Common Pleas performed the swearing in, and former Councilwoman Tish Jones entertained the crowd with a rendition of "This Is My Country" before the new council members took their seats. 

Those new to council are Kyle Guie, serving an unexpired two-year term in the Middle Ward, Chris Bauers, elected to a four-year term for the North Ward and James Kovaleski, who will serve a four-year term representing the West Ward. Councilman Michael Speck was re-elected to the East Ward seat, while Jennifer Mayo switches spots and takes over the four-year term in the Middle Ward. Mayo was previously appointed to fill out the unexpired term left open when former Vice President Michael Handwerk resigned.

After the newly elected members were sworn in, Mayor Leo Scoda presided over the reorganization meeting. Richard Kirkner (D-North) was unanimously chosen to serve another term as president, while Speck (D-East) will serve as Vice President. The vote was 6-2 for Speck, with Bauers (R-North) and Councilman Dave Gautreau (R-East) in opposition. 

By a unanimous vote, Gautreau will take over the duties of assistant secretary. He will also remain in the position of Fire Department Liaison and will serve as Recreation Department Liaison. Other appointments are as follows: 

Policy Committee (meets fourth Tuesday of the month): Kovaleski (chair), Guie, Mayo, Kirkner 

Police, Personnel and Public Safety Committee (first Monday): Speck (chair), Gautreau, Mayo, Kirkner 

Parks and Recreation Committee (second Tuesday): Gautreau (chair), Bauers, Dugan, Kovaleski

Finance Committee (third Tuesday): Dana Dugan (D-West) (chair), Bauers, Guie, Kirkner 

Infrastructure Committee (third Tuesday): Guie (chair), Bauers, Kirkner, Speck 

Economic Development Committee (fourth Tuesday): Mayo (chair), Gautreau, Kovaleski, Kirkner 

Negotiating Committee: Gautreau, Mayo, Kirkner 

Regional Planning Liaison: Kirkner 

Planning Commission Liaison: Mayo 

Community Development Corporation Liaison: Mayo 

Council Representative to the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation: Gautreau 

Tuesday's meeting was solely for the purpose of reorganization and swearing in new members. Council will hold its first regular meeting of 2012 on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. Council meetings will remain on the second Tuesday of the month for 2012.