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The City of Vestavia Hills took its first steps into a new chapter Monday as the 2016-2020 city council officially took office.
Mayor Ashley Curry, along with Place 1 Councilor Rusty Weaver, Place 2 Councilor Kimberly Cook, Place 3 Councilor Paul Head and Place 4 Councilor George Pierce took their oaths of office surrounded by family in front of a packed council chamber, with Probate Judge Alan King administering.
After being sworn in, the council had a brief organizational meeting to establish the major staff members going forward.
City Clerk Rebecca Leavings and City Treasurer Melvin Turner were retained, as well as City Attorney Patrick Boone. Boone's position was approved with a for-against vote of 4-1, with Cook voting against.
Cook took a moment to discuss her concerns that have carried over from the campaign, saying that throughout the election she heard citizens questioning if Boone being attorney for both the city and the board of education was a conflict of interest.
Cook said in the time between the election and Monday, she had investigated the issue and interviewed attorneys and other experts to determine what the city should do. She said she will continue to push for discussion of the issue to "remove the shadow of conflict of interest."
The council also voted to move the time of city council meetings to 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday of each month, the only change being the time.
After the meeting, those at the meeting were invited to a reception provided by the Vestavia Beautification Board, and the new council members were able to give their thoughts on the front lawn.
The new council's first meeting will take place on Monday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.