Sheree Lustgarten, the city’s newest councilwoman, was sworn into office at the Patterson City Council meeting Tuesday, Dec. 4 along with Mayor Luis Molina and Councilman Dominic Farinha, who were both reseated.

Lustgarten, Farinha and Molina all took the oath of office after a ceremony honoring Councilwoman Annette Smith, who had served on the City Council since 2006.

Smith talked of her participation in some of the city’s accomplishments since she had joined the panel. A resolution plaque that the City Council awarded her listed some of those items, including completion of the Hammon Senior Center, the arrival of several prominent businesses in Patterson and reworking the city’s General Plan.

“I think I’ve done a great job as a councilwoman,” she said, listing off several accomplishments including ordinances authored and the establishment of business parks.

Lustgarten won a tight race that saw Dennis McCord finish just eight votes behind her for the second City Council seat.

“This is a great responsibility, and I thank you for entrusting me,” Lustgarten said at the end of the meeting.

Mayor Molina expressed hopes that the new City Council would work together, though he noted they would at times disagree, but noted the city had turned a page and was looking toward the future.

While the mayor talked of civility, Councilwoman Deborah Novelli urged more community participation.

“I’m hoping 2013 sees more people in the audience,” she said. “So keep your chairs close.”

Farinha expressed gratitude for everyone who participated in the election.

“It’s hard for me to describe how good I feel about being able to serve the city I was born and raised in,” Farinha said. “My vocabulary cannot describe it.”

Contact Nick Rappley at 892-6187, or nick@pattersonirrigator.com.