Mayor Matt Zacher sworn in; council elects Madeline Palmquist president and confirms committee appointments

Mayor Matt Zacher, City Clerk Jennifer M. Gasser and City Attorney Susan C. Schill were sworn into office at the Wisconsin Rapids Common Council organizational meeting, which convened at 6 p.m. in City Hall. New and returning alderpersons also repeated the oath of office as part of the ceremony.

The ceremony included the mayor administering and taking oaths. "I, Matt Zacher, having been duly elected as mayor for the City of Wisconsin Rapids, do hereby solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution... and will faithfully discharge the duties of said office," Zacher said while repeating the oath.

Why this matters: The organizational meeting set leadership and committee assignments that will guide the council's work for the coming term. Establishing chairs and vice chairs determines which alderpersons will steer key agendas such as finance, public works and human resources.

Shortly after the oaths, the council held nominations for Common Council president. Jeff Penscobar nominated Alderman Madeline Palmquist. The council conducted an anonymous ballot; the result was seven yes votes and one abstention, electing Palmquist as council president. "Thank you for your service, again," a member said in congratulation.

Mayor Zacher then announced his appointments to standing committees and asked newly formed committees to meet to elect chairpersons and vice chairs and to report meeting days and times. The council confirmed named chairs and vice chairs for Finance and Property, Human Resources, Public Works and the legislative committee; several of those confirmations included meeting schedules (for example, Finance and Property will meet the first Tuesday of the month at 5:00 p.m.).

The council also filled aldermanic representative seats on several boards and commissions. By recorded voice or show of hands, the council confirmed aldermanic appointments including:
• Alderman Furkey to the Planning Commission (term expiring April 19, 2027); the mayor noted a two-thirds vote is required for this appointment and the council recorded eight votes in favor.
• Jake Ketner as the council member on the Park and Recreation Commission (vote recorded 8–0).
• Mr. Pencover as the aldermanic representative to the Waterworks and Lighting Commission (vote recorded 8–0).
• Michael Tim as the aldermanic representative to the Board of the Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce (vote recorded 8–0).

A motion to approve the mayor's packet of committee and board appointments was made by Alderperson Austin and seconded by Alderperson Pomper; the council recorded eight votes in favor and zero opposed.

What comes next: Newly elected chairs and vice chairs are expected to schedule committee meetings and report meeting dates and times to city staff. The council also scheduled an alderperson orientation after the meeting.

Ending: The organizational actions taken at the meeting set the council's leadership for the coming term and put in place the committees that will carry forward legislative and operational work.