Wildomar City Leadership Reorganizes

Wednesday night was busy in Wildomar. During the regularly scheduled City Council meeting, leaders were appointed, an employment contract for the new city manager was approved, newly reelected council members were sworn into office, and the city's outgoing top leader was honored.

Councilman Tim Walker was appointed by his colleagues to serve as mayor of the city for 2013, and Councilwoman Marsha Swanson was tapped to take the mayor pro tem position.

Walker, who was elected by Wildomar voters two years ago and served as mayor pro tem through 2012, takes the baton from Mayor Ben Benoit.

Annual appointments are standard practice in Wildomar. At the end of each calendar year, city council members appoint a new mayor and mayor pro tem. The mayoral terms are Jan. 1 through Dec. 31.

Wednesday’s meeting also saw the swearing in of newly reelected council members Bridgette Moore and Bob Cashman. Wildomar City Clerk Debbie Lee administered the oaths to the leaders who will each serve four-year terms on the council.

After thanking her family and voters, Moore told the audience, "I will continue to work hard for you for the next four years."

Cashman also made a promise to help "promote Wildomar."

During Wednesday’s meeting, council members also honored outgoing City Manager Frank Oviedo for his service. [Watch the attached video to hear what Oviedo had to say.]

Later during Wednesday's meeting, Oviedo was a bit emotional when he told staff, "I'm going to miss you guys. It's been a good run."

As a result of Oviedo’s departure Dec. 31, council members approved an employment contract Wednesday for Gary Nordquist, who was selected by council members to fill the city manager post during a special closed-session meeting Dec. 5.  Nordquist, who was hired by the city in 2009 and currently serves as assistant city manager, will begin in his new position effective Jan. 1.

According to city documents, as city manager Nordquist will receive an annual base salary of $179,000 – the same as Oviedo.