New Commissioner Rod Freeman takes the oath of office from County Mayor Rogers Anderson Monday night.

Ravenswood home stabilization approved
By SUSAN LEATHERS
Brentwood Home Page
It’s Mayor Paul Webb now.

Brentwood City Commissioner Webb was elected to serve a two-year term as the city’s mayor Monday night. Newcomer Rod Freeman was elected vice mayor.

New Mayor Paul Webb, right, poses with outgoing Mayor Betsy Crossley and Vice Mayor Rhea Little

Jill Burgin takes the oath of office from County Mayor Rogers Anderson while husband Tim and their sons look on.

The mayoral “election” came immediately after County Mayor Rogers Anderson swore in the four commissioners who were victorious in last week’s Municipal Election. Incumbents Anne Dunn and Betsy Crossley went first. Freeman and fellow newcomer to the board Jill Burgin were both surrounded by their families as they took the oath of office.

Burgin offered her thanks to all who helped in her campaign and said she was eager to begin her new role. Freeman said it will be “a stretching year for Rod Freeman” but said he’s looking forward to it.

In the race for mayor, Webb received four votes, from Jill Burgin, Anne Dunn, Regina Smithson and Paul Webb. Former Vice Mayor Rhea Little received votes from himself, Freeman and Crossley.

Freeman received votes from all but Burgin and Crossley who voted for Crossley.

Retired City Commissioner Joe Reagan, attending his first meeting in 16 years seated in the audience instead of facing it, offered his congratulations to the new board during the citizen comment portion of the 40-minute meeting. “I think y’all are going to make a great team,” he concluded.

Also addressing the commission was Glynnis Bethel, who said she was homeless in Brentwood and was speaking on the need for a homeless shelter in the city. She read three Bible scriptures to the board in lieu of other prepared remarks. She did describe the city as “greedy” and “mean to homeless people, poor people.”

In new business, the board unanimously passed a resolution authorizing Leatherwood Inc. to stabilize the historic Ravenswood mansion at Marcella Vivrette Park. (Click here to see slideshow of the c. 1825 home and its surrounding buildings).