For the first time since March, six new members were seated as a full Florence City Council during the Aug. 15 meeting. Those taking the oath were James Vanhoutan, Steve Wolfe, Deborah Gibson, Rudl Mergelman, Kathryn “Johanna” Nabors and Gayle MacKinnon.

In the first order of business, Mayor Paul Villagrana appointed Kirk Nelson and Beth Lenz to the Planning Commission.

After the city manager's report, Villagrana asked the council to nominate someone to be mayor pro tem to serve whenever he cannot be at the meeting.

“I personally would like to recommend Steve Wolfe,” MacKinnon said. “I have watched Mr. Wolfe lead for a number of years. I've had the pleasure of being under his guidance for a number of years.”

Villagrana echoed her sentiments and was seemed to be pleased when the council unanimously elected Wolfe to be the new mayor pro tem.

During the meeting, the council made the following decisions:

Approved a resolution allowing recreational Nature Center for a special use review.

Approved a resolution allowing a watchman's quarters in a heavy industrial zone district at 650 S. Union Ave.

Approved a resolution allowing a duplex residence at 602 N. Pikes Peak Ave.

Approved a professional office in the Central Historic Business Zone District at 110 E. Main St.

It was a learning curve for all six new members, but they were able to approve the four resolutions without much adieu, much to the relief of everyone in the audience. It's been a long time coming, but the work has just begun.