Councilmember Denis Weber was sworn in as Agoura's new mayor during Wednesday night's reorganization meeting in council chambers. William D. Koehler took over the reigns as mayor pro tem during the ceremony.
Outgoing Mayor John Edelston addressed a standing room only crowd filled with community members as well as state and local dignitaries, stating that the evening's proceedings differed from past reorganizations in that the state of the city speech had been given earlier in the month at a luncheon sponsored by the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce.
He reiterated that the city has been able to remain fiscally responsible despite many challenges and limited opportunities because of state government cuts.
"The City of Agoura Hills has always prided itself in doing more with less," he said.
He also highlighted the year's achievements, including meeting public safety needs, capital improvements and the approval of plans for the new recreation center atop Ladyface Court.
Edelston introduced the new five-member Community Coalition, which will "focus on quality of life issues facing residents," he said.
Chief William J. McSweeney next swore in Weber and Koehler to their new posts.
A teary-eyed Weber, a four-time mayor and member of the council since 1993, thanked his family, the council and the community, saying that there is still "much to do."
In addition to "concentrating on our fiscal well-being," Weber said he will re-introduce a mayor's round table, which he noted has worked well during his past terms as mayor.
He urged the community to be involved and to approach him and the council when needed.
"When you come home to Agoura Hills, you want to feel good about Agoura Hills," he said. "You want to feel you're really home and safe, peaceful, in a place with prosperous businesses, good schools, families that care about each other ... the good life."
Weber then introduced a video presentation that highlighted the history of Agoura Hills dating back to its early settler days through its 1982 city-hood. The photos were taken from a forthcoming book about the city entitled Images of America: Agoura Hills for Arcadia Publishing scheduled for release in the spring of 2013.
Following the proceedings, a reception was held in the Civic Center's Community Room in honor of Agoura's 30th birthday. The city was officially incorporated on December 8, 1982.
