Corey Novotney, 29, was sworn in as the new Ward 2 Alderman at a special meeting of the board of alderman held Thursday, July 16. He will be filling a spot left open by the resignation of Kent Richardson.

Novotney is a lifelong resident of Gerald. His late grandfather, Robert “Bob” Novotney once served as city marshal.

It seemed Mayor Hillary Ward was prepared to nominate Novotney to the seat a week earlier. At that time, the board had not received a written letter of resignation, so the nomination was not made.

At the July 16 meeting, Richardson’s resignation was finally accepted. Novotney was nominated and all three aldermen voted to approve. He works as a corporate recruiter at Woody Bogler Trucking Co.

Novotney is a married father of two and lives off of West Springfield Avenue.

“As alderman, my goal is to make the right decisions that will benefit the greater community and have a positive impact on the present moment and future at hand,” Novotney told The Republican.

As a native son, he believes it is important to preserve our heritage while progressing forward and reaching new heights.

There will be plenty for Novotney to do as the city faces a major water tower project, upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, the appeal of the judgment against the city in the Bull Moose Tube litigation and getting the city clerk’s office reorganized.

Novotney seems undaunted by the work, “I am eager to work alongside our mayor and elected officials to bring positive change to our city.”

Reappointing Planning and Zoning Commission members had been tabled from the prior meeting. Linda Trest was appointed for another three-year term at the special meeting. No other appointments were made.