'It’s Going to be a Great Couple of Years': Community Welcomes New Ferndale City Council

It’s a new year and there’s a new face on the Ferndale City Council to go with it.

It was ’s first time at the council table Monday night after , and the new councilman was eager to get involved. Martin volunteered to serve on additional city boards and he took a stand in favor of the , offering the motion to go forward with the ordinance change.

"All in all I felt it was a successful meeting and I am honored to be a part of this council," Martin said Tuesday.

Martin, along with , were sworn in at Monday's meeting.

Children from Ferndale Cub Scout Pack 1245 led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rev. J. Scott Miller of the led the invocation.

Community offers support to new council

Many community members spoke during the public comment period to congratulate the new council, including Ferndale resident Dennis Hoeppner.

Hoeppner said he was discouraged to find out only 14 percent of registered voters voted in the last election, but he wasn’t disappointed in the results.

“I believe that 14 percent got it right,” he said.

Oakland County Commissioner and former Ferndale mayor Craig Covey congratulated the new council.

“You look good up there,” Covey told Martin. “It’s really good to see all of you and it’s going to be a great couple of years.”

Council members express optimism

Council member Melanie Piana later expressed similar sentiments. "I look forward to a fantastic two years,” she said.

"I think this is really one of our best teams that we've had," councilman Scott Galloway said.

Mayor Coulter also offered support to the new council member. "I'm looking very much forward to working with you," he told Martin.

Coulter also thanked residents for the confidence they have placed in council.

Martin said Tuesday that he appreciated the showing of support. "I truly appreciated the support and optimism that the community expressed for the new council," he said.