FOLEY – A new four-year term began Monday, Nov. 3, as Foley’s elected representatives and city administrators were sworn into office.
During an organizational meeting held before the regular council session and work session, Mayor Ralph Hellmich took the oath of office for his second term. Council members sworn in were Wayne Trawick, District 1, who will continue as council president; Timothy “Tim” Lower, District 2; Roderick Burkle, District 3; Larry Engel, District 4; and Charles Ebert III, District 5, who will continue as council president pro tempore.
Hellmich thanked the council for their dedication to public service.
“I appreciate each and every one stepping up,” Hellmich said. “Public service is not easy. You’re going to have a lot of different opinions from folks who like to see things change or stay the same. So we thank you for giving your time, and I also want to thank your families. It’s a team effort because you’ll spend a lot of time working with the city.”
City court officials, executive directors and department directors were also sworn in for the new term. Hellmich said Foley’s success depends on the city’s capable and committed staff.
“We have an outstanding staff at all levels,” he said. “Our public safety chiefs, our executive directors—this is our first full term with that structure, and it’s working out very well. We have an outstanding city staff and workers who make this all work and make us look good. We are known as the Forward City, and we’re going to do everything we can to keep it that way.”
Baldwin County District Attorney Robert Wilters, a Foley resident and Baldwin County native, administered the oath of office to the officials and staff members.
“To all those who have worked with the city all these years, thank you for what you do,” Wilters said. “It’s a good, safe place to live, and we appreciate that. We who live in Foley appreciate it.”
During the organizational meeting, the council also appointed members to city boards and designated depositories for city funds.