Ryle Chastain took the wheel of McMinnville city government on Tuesday when he was sworn in as mayor. 

For one of his first official duties, he recommended Alderman Everett Brock for vice mayor. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved that recommendation. 

“The person that I’m recommending for this positon is the longest serving member of this board,” said Chastain in making his endorsement. “He has served a number of years as the finance and administration chair and I believe he has a schedule that can uniquely complement mine in helping me to discharge my duties as the mayor.”

Vice mayor serves in the mayor’s absence. 

Board members also approved two other appointments by the mayor: Alderman Rachel Kirby to the McMinnville Electric System board and Alderman Sally Brock to the E-911 board. 

This will be Kirby’s first term on the MES power board, which oversees the activities of the utility.

While most appointments to the MES board are for four years, the city’s representative is a yearly appointment. 

A recently elected member of the McMinnville city board, this will also be Mrs. Brock’s first appointment for the city. 

Only three pieces of business were placed on the agenda for the new board. While not on the agenda, members discussed – and canceled – the 2020 Christmas Parade due to COVID.