Matt Hayek Gets the Nod for Second Iowa City Mayoral Term

There were some new faces at the city council table Wednesday evening, but one position is going to stay the same for a few more years.

Mayor Matt Hayek was unanimously re-elected to his role of mayor by his fellow council members during a special formal meeting. Also, Susan Mims was unanimously elected Mayor Pro Tem, filling the shoes of departing longtime council member Ross Wilburn.

The council, welcoming newly elected members Rick Dobyns, Jim Throgmorton and Michelle Payne, also voted to approve the council's legislative and strategic planning priorities for the year.

There was brief discussion on these two subjects before the vote was taken. On the legislative end, the council discussed how to properly word their desire to see changes to the state's current TIF statutes. While in strategic planning, council member Throgmorton wanted to emphasize the council's interest in re-investing in Iowa City's established communities, particularly those that surround neighborhood schools.

Following this discussion, and a few minor refinements, both plans were approved.