INDIAN SHORES — A changing of the guard took place at the April 9 meeting of Town Council, which featured a new mayor, vice mayor, council members and town attorney.
In January, Mark Housman was appointed to replace council member Bill Smith, who retired after 22 years in office. And on Apr. 4, recent appointee Nick Menchise was sworn in to replace Diantha Schear on the council.
Menchise previously served on the town’s board of adjustments. Schear resigned to run — successfully — for a three-year term as mayor.
Mike Petruccelli, who resigned to run for mayor unsuccessfully, was absent from the April 9 meeting but was honored for 10 years of council service.
Retiring Mayor Patrick Soranno opened the meeting, his last after 10 years in office.
Then, Schear was sworn into office by Town Clerk Freddie Lozano.
Mike Howard, automatically elected as an unopposed council candidate, also was sworn into office. Howard previously served on the Police Pension Board.
John Caruso was unanimously approved for appointment to the Indian Shores Police Pension Board to replace Howard.
Soranno said Schear had been “my right hand” in serving as vice mayor.
“I know she will do a fine job as mayor,” he added.
Ellen Bauer’s one year of service on the council makes her its most senior member, and she was unanimously elected vice mayor.
New town attorney
A resolution passed unanimously appointing attorney Daniel Lewis to replace the resigned Regina Kardash as town attorney.
A new town attorney representation agreement also was passed unanimously, covering Lewis and the law firm of Persson, Cohen, Mooney, Fernandez & Jackson.
“I am confident this new council will do a great job given their experiences (and continue) to make Indian Shores a great place to live,” Schear said before adjourning the meeting with a tap of her mayor gavel.
