CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Mayor Kim McMillan formally administered the oath of office Tuesday to three newcomers and three incumbents chosen by voters in November to serve on the Clarksville City Council.

Three new members took the oath for the first time, including Ron Erb of Ward 3, Tim Chandler of Ward 4, and Jeff Henley of Ward 9. Three incumbents who won re-election Nov. 8 – Valerie Guzman of Ward 5, David Allen of Ward 8, and Jeff Burkhart of Ward 12 – repeated the oath to begin new four-year terms on the City of Clarksville’s legislative body.

City Judge Charles Smith, who was elected to a third term, also was sworn in.

Mayor Kim McMillan and retiring County Elections Director Vickie Koelman congratulate re-elected City Judge Charles Smith.

During the brief City Council meeting for the swearing in ceremonies, Mayor McMillan also announced her recommendation of Councilwoman Guzman as Mayor Pro Tem, who’s appointment was then unanimously ratified by the full City Council. Mayor Pro Tem serves in the mayor’s temporary absence or inability to act, and would become mayor if the office were to become vacant.

New Clarksville Mayor Pro Tem Valerie Guzman, left, and Mayor Kim McMillan.

“I want to thank the voters for re-electing me to the Council,” Guzman said. “And I thank the Mayor and Council for the support as Mayor Pro Tem. I look forward to what we will accomplish.”

In a City Council executive session, or discussion meeting, that followed, Mayor McMillan released the list of her appointments to the City Council’s standing committees for 2017.

“I have made every effort to ensure gender and racial diversity on the committees,” Mayor McMillan said.
The committee assignments are:

FINANCE: Jeff Burkhart, Chair; Geno Grubbs; Bill Powers; Valerie Guzman; and Jeff Henley.

GAS & WATER: Bill Powers, Chair; Valerie Guzman; David Allen Mike Alexander; and Jeff Henley.

HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: David Allen, Chair; Wanda Smith; Jeff Burkhart, Tim Chandler; and Ron Erb.

PARKS & RECREATION: Valerie Guzman, Chair; Bill Powers; Deanna McLaughlin; Richard Garrett; and Jeff Henley.

PUBLIC SAFETY/BUILDING & CODES: Geno Grubbs, Chair; Jeff Burkhart; Mike Alexander; Wanda Smith; and Ron Erb.

STREETS/GARAGE: Mike Alexander, Chair; Deanna McLaughlin; Geno Grubbs; Richard Garrett; and Tim Chandler.

TRANSPORTATION Deanna McLaughlin, Chair; David Allen; Richard Garrett; Ron Erb; and Tim Chandler.