Knox City Council Elects President Pro Temp, Addresses Appointments

The President Pro Tempore for the Knox City Council was selected Tuesday evening.

As a reminder, a “president pro tempore” serves as the representative for the council members and that individual would run the meeting if Mayor Estok is ever absent.

Mayor Dennis Estok called for nominations for the position and Councilman Don Kring nominated Councilman Ron Parker to continue serving in that position. Additionally, Councilman Jeff Berg was nominated by Councilman Bill Gustafson.

When members cast their votes, Parker was selected as president pro tempore for another year with a vote of 3-2.

In addition to choosing the president, members also addressed various appointments.

Councilwoman Bertha Blue was reappointed to serve as the city’s representative with the Starke County Solid Waste District. Blue will also re-join Councilmen Kring and Parker on the Planning Commission as they were all three reappointed to those positions.

Councilman Jeff Berg was reappointed to serve on the Starke County Economic Development Foundation Board, the Kankakee-Iroquois Regional Planning Commission and the Redevelopment Commission. Jerry Gerrado was also reappointed to the Redevelopment Commission.

When it came time to make the appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Mayor Estok noted that there wasn’t anyone specific in mind.

He explained that last year, the spot remained unfilled, so council members should be working to find an eligible candidate to serve in that capacity. Estok noted that the nominee will need to be a Republican so the board can remain balanced.

Anyone interested in weighing in as a member of the BZA should contact the Mayor’s Office at 574-772-4553.