Red Bank Vice Mayor John Roberts was elevated to mayor on Tuesday night, and the most veteran member of the commission, Floy Pierce, was chosen vice mayor.
The votes came after City Judge Johnny Houston swore in new commissioners Rick Causer and Eddie Pierce as well as Kenneth Welch, who went back into office without opposition.
It was the final meeting for Mayor Monty Millard and Ruth Jeno. Mayor Millard, who lost in the election to Mr. Causer, did not attend. Mr. Pierce was the only candidate for the seat held by Ms. Jeno.
The new mayor noted that he has the second most seniority on the five-member panel, and he has been in office only two years.
He said, "I'm very excited about this board of commissioners. I see us getting a lot done this next year. We're going to work real hard to improve our city. The days of the past are over."
Mayor Roberts said there will be a focus on recruitment of new business and he said the code book will be updated.
He noted that Randall Smith from Tallahassee, Fla., will arrive Dec. 2 as the new city manager.
Interim City Manager John Alexander said another $300,000 has been found for some additional repaving of secondary roads. The money is from the city's sewer fund, and the city is no longer in the sewer business.
Public Works Director Tim Thornbury said that should take care of around 20 more side streets.
The first round of repaving spruced up 60 side streets in Red Bank.
Mr. Alexander said work is now completed on new ball fields for girls softball across from the cemetery at White Oak.
The commission voted to impose a less stringent requirement for commercial parking spaces. City Attorney Arnie Stulce said the move will allow a chain retail firm to locate in Red Bank.
The company had balked at the city's requirement of six and a half parking spaces for each 1,000 square feet of leasable space. That was dropped to four parking spaces, which attorney Stulce said is more in line with other cities.
.