In its first meeting of the year tonight, The City of Jasper elected its city manager and mayor pro tem for 2013. Mayor John Weaver was the only nomination for city manger. As such, he was approved by the council unanimously. Last year’s Mayor Pro Tem Jim Looney was also the only nomination for that position and was subsequently elected by the council unanimously.

Council also approved board appointments. City Clerk Tacie Williams said only two board positions expired last year, a position on the three-person planning and zoning board and a position on the planning and zoning board of appeals. The planning and zoning spot was previously held by Tim Ghorley. Ghorley was reappointed unanimously by council to a three year term ending on December 31, 2015. Likewise, the planning and zoning board of appeals position was previously held by Karen Proctor, who was also reappointed unanimously to a three year term ending on December 31, 2015.

Additionally, council was required to set the qualifying fee for the city’s 2013 Election. This year Jasper voters will vote for two city council seats, currently held by Allison Brown and Anne Morrow. Williams explained by law the city must set and advertise qualifying fees for the candidates before February first.

“I propose we require a $35 qualifying fee for the candidates for local office,”

she said, adding that this was the maximum amount allowed by the state. Council approved the recommendation unanimously.