New Batavia City Council members sworn in

Three newly elected Batavia aldermen and nine reelected city officials were sworn in during the city council meeting on Monday.

Mayor Jeff Schielke, who held off challenger Thomas Connelly, is beginning his 12th term, continuing his run as one of the longest-standing mayors in the country.

“I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the support I’ve always gotten from Mayor Shielke,” State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser said before swearing Shielke in. “The work that you’ve done here is amazing. So to me, it’s an honor just to be standing here with you.”

Ten of the 14 Batavia City Council seats were up for election in April. Three new faces and seven incumbents were elected.

New Ward 3 Alderman Alice Lohman will serve a four-year term, replacing George Ajazi, who did not run for reelection.

New Ward 5 Alderman Jim Fahrenbach will serve a four-year term. Fahrenbach defeated newcomer Emily Daetwiler to replace Mark Uher, who did not run for reelection.

New Ward 6 Alderman Matthew Anderson will serve a four-year term. Anderson defeated newcomer Kate Cuneo to replace Nicholas Cerone, who did not run for reelection.

Reelected aldermen Jennifer Baerren in Ward 1, Leah Leman in Ward 2, Kevin Malone in Ward 3, Tony Malay and Dustin Pieper in Ward 4, and Robin Barraza and Sarah Vogelsinger in Ward 7 also were sworn in at the ceremony. Each will serve a four-year term, except for Malone, Malay, and Barraza, who will serve two-year terms.

City Clerk Kate Garrett was sworn in again after running unopposed.

After the ceremony, the new city council held its first meeting.

During the meeting, Shielke recognized outgoing Aldermen Uher, Ajazi and Cerone for their service to the city.

Outgoing aldermen spoke during the meeting to bid farewell to their fellow council members, welcome the new members and thank city staff.

“It has been a pleasure serving with all of you,” Uher said.“For those coming in, don’t be afraid to speak up. It’s your time now.”