UPDATE: New City Council Member Sworn Into Office

UPDATE on February 7th, 2023:
There is a new City Council Member representing Bettendorf's 5th Ward.

Right before the Committee of the Whole Meeting on February 6th, 2023, Mayor Bob Gallagher swore in Nick Palczynski in Council Chambers:

"I'm very excited and humbled by this privilege and looking forward to serving the constituents of the 5th Ward in the City of Bettendorf," said Palczynski before taking a seat for his first City Council meeting.

Palczynski fills the vacancy left by Scott Webster, who was elected to the State Senate in November 2022. 

Nick Palczynski Swearing In 2 6 23 photo (1) - Copy



UPDATE on January 25th, 2023:
The City of Bettendorf is welcoming a new addition to its City Council.

On Tuesday, January 24th, 2023, City Council approved the appointment of Nick Palczynski to fulfill the role and responsibilities of 5th Ward Council Member.

Palczynski fills the vacancy left by Scott Webster, who was elected to the State Senate in November 2022.

“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next Council Member of the 5th Ward,” said Palczynski. “I have a lot to learn and I am eager to represent my constituents. The City of Bettendorf is a great place to raise a family and I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the growth of our community.” 

During its Special Meeting on January 24th, City Council heard presentations from three applicants: Beth Aronson, Austin Blunk, and Nick Palczynski. During his presentation, Palczynski said he was born and raised in Bettendorf and more than a year ago, returned to the City with his wife and three children.

“During the past 4 years, I have built sales organizations for companies that are on the leading edge of technology - specifically focused on computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence,” he told City Council. “My family and I have had the opportunity to live in many different communities, which has afforded me an opportunity to see how other communities operate. These unique experiences allow me to bring a new perspective to the City of Bettendorf while leveraging the skills I have developed in my personal and professional career.”

“We really appreciate Beth, Austin, and Nick’s interest in this position,” said Mayor Bob Gallagher. “All three – as two business owners and somebody with experience in business, raising their families here and doing the work that they’ve done here – make them incredible contributors to the City.”

Palczynski will be sworn in during City Council’s Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, February 6th, 2023.

UPDATE on January 20th, 2023:
We are days away from finding out who the newest member of the Bettendorf City Council will be.

On January 24, 2023, City Council is holding a Special Meeting to hear from three citizens who applied for the 5th Ward Seat:
  • Beth Aronson
  • Austin Blunk
  • Nick Palczynski 
According to the Agenda, each applicant will give a presentation. Then, City Council will discuss and potentially select its new Council Member. If they determine they need more time, another Special Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 31st at 5pm. 

This Special Meeting will be livestreamed on the City of Bettendorf's YouTube Page.

ORIGINAL STORY on December 9th, 2023:
If you would like a say in what happens in the City of Bettendorf, now is that opportunity.

On January 1, 2023, there will be an opening on the Bettendorf City Council after 5th Ward Alderman Scott Webster was elected to the State Senate on November 8, 2022. On December 6, 2022, City Council decided to appoint someone to fill this position.

If you live in the 5th Ward (You can see the complete Ward Map here) and are interested in this position, City Council is accepting resumes until January 13, 2023 until 5pm. First, you need to complete a questionnaire, which will be given to eligible applicants by contacting the City Clerk at mspencer@bettendorf.org or visiting City Hall at 1609 State Street, Bettendorf, Iowa.

The applicants – or finalists selected by City Council – will give a presentation to City Council on January 24, 2023. The City Council will make their selection that same night or on January 31, 2023.

TIMELINE

January 13, 2023 - Applicant Deadline
January 24, 2023 - Applicant Presentations
January 24 or 31, 2023 - City Council Selection

The electors of the 5th Ward have the right to file a petition requiring that this opening is filled through a Special Election.

This notice is published pursuant authority of the City Council of the City of Bettendorf, Iowa.