MORAN After a few weeks of uncertainty, the Moran City Council will have some familiar faces in new roles in 2020.
Councilman Jerry Wallis will be sworn in as mayor at the Councils Jan. 6 meeting.
Wallis was voted in as mayor, courtesy of 32 write-in votes during the Nov. 6 city and school elections.
Outgoing Mayor Phillip Merkel, who has served in an elected capacity for the city as either mayor or councilman for 30 of the past 38 years, declined to run for re-election.
Jim Mueller, who served on the Council from 2001 to 2018, was voted back in as a city councilman via write-in vote as well. He received 25 write-in votes.
Corliss Lynes, the only Council member to file for re-election, easily maintained her seat.
Meanwhile, Chad Lawson did not file for re-election, but nonetheless still received 21 write-in votes.
Even though he received fewer write-in votes than did Mueller, Lawson may remain on the Council, anyway.
Thats because Walliss ascension to mayor will leave a vacancy on the Council.
Lawson told the Council Monday hed be willing to serve again if needed.
As the next mayor, Wallis must appoint a Councilman to fill his vacant seat, subject to the rest of the Councils approval.
AS PART of their regular meeting Monday, Council members approved several year-end measures.
City employees will receive a 25-cent-per-hour pay increase for 2020. Police Chief Shane Smith, a salaried employee, will receive an equivalent amount for his pay hike.
Council members approved cereal malt beverage license renewals for Marmaton Market and Pump N Petes.
Moran Municipal Court costs will remain unchanged.
CONDEMNATION hearings for two properties were held, with the owner of a carport at 403 N. Park St. given an extension to decide whether to repair or demolish the structure, which has significant roof damage.
