Jefferson City's newest mayor took her seat last night, but not before the now former Mayor Eric Struemph was honored for his service to the city.
At the City Council meeting Monday, new Mayor Carrie Tergin took her oath of office after Struemph concluded the last meeting of the former council, where he was recognized as a successful mayor and leader.
Third Ward Councilman Bob Scrivner used the word "successful" to characterize Struemph's time in office, cataloging the accomplishments achieved in the last four years, including the new St. Mary's Health Center, Jefferson City's designation as "the most beautiful small town," and the hiring of City Administrator Steve Crowell.
"I think that defines successful," Scrivner said.
Other council members described Struemph's four years as mayor with words like comfortable, ready and passionate.
"No matter what happened, you were ready to go and you were ready to lead," said 4th Ward Councilman Carlos Graham.
But Struemph was not only honored by council members. Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid presented Struemph with a giant check of the returns from the city's contribution to the $3 million revenue guarantee fund for the Columbia Regional Airport, which was used to attract American Airlines to the region in 2013.
Though the fund still has about two weeks left on the two-year agreement with the city, McDavid said he wanted to show his gratitude to Struemph for his leadership in the matter. The check, for $103,000, represents the city's original $100,000 investment plus interest. In the entirety of the revenue guarantee fund, American Airlines only made one withdrawal in the first month of operations.
The check presented Monday was only ceremonial and City Attorney Drew Hilpert said he was unsure when a real check would be sent to the city.
Struemph was not the only outgoing member Monday, as Ron Medin, who served as a 5th Ward representative for the past four months, finished his temporary service once Mark Schreiber was sworn in as the new 5th Ward councilman.
Medin was appointed to the seat in January after former 5th Ward Councilman Ralph Bray resigned Dec. 31 to take up the office of Cole County recorder of deeds.
In taking her new seat as mayor, Tergin said she was excited to begin her role, telling everyone that regardless of who they supported in the six-way race for the mayoral seat, everyone should be ready to work together.
"We are all on the same team now," Tergin said.