The Manhattan City Commission officially reorganized Tuesday.
Susan Adamchak, Karen McCulloh and Peter Oppelt were sworn in, following the November election. They join John Matta, who was sworn into a second consecutive two-year term and incumbent Wynn Butler who will serve as mayor in 2024.
Keeping with the city’s tradition, Adamchak, the top vote recipient in the election will serve as mayor pro-tem this year, then serve as mayor in 2025.
“Initially I was told that I would become mayor right away and that was a little daunting to think about taking that on from day one, so I’m very happy that I have a year to learn the ropes and get more familiar with what’s going in the city, what some of the key issues are,” she said.
Oppelt is a newcomer to public service, but is ready to push forward immediately.
“I’m just really excited to serve. I think we’ve got a good group of commissioners and we’ve got a really big task ahead of us this year in hiring a new city manager. I really hope to take our time and do the process correctly, get as much community input as we can and make sure we’re hiring the right person,” he said.
The commission will look to replace Ron Fehr, who is retiring in April after more than two decades on the job.
Mark Hatesohl and Linda Morse both departed the commission Tuesday. Hatesohl served 10 years non-consecutively, including a term as mayor in 2023.
“For a small town Kansas kid who grew up thinking Manhattan was about the coolest place around, the chance to be mayor of that great city has been the highlight of my life. I have nothing but joy, gratitude and appreciation for this opportunity,” Hatesohl said at Tuesday’s meeting.
Morse wrapped up an eight year term and at 78, says she’s retiring from public service.
“When I made my announcement I said I’m term limiting myself. It’s time is all. I’m really enthusiastic about the new commissioners that have been elected. I think they’re bright, very responsible people and I’m really encouraged,” she said.
As for new business Tuesday, the new commission approved a request for a connection to the city’s water system for a property at 2009 College Ave., just north of the city limits.
