FOLEY, Ala. — A new city administration was sworn into office Monday as Mayor John Koniar and five council members took oaths of office.

Two of the five council members, Vera Quaites in District 2 and Rick Blackwell Jr. in District 4, were taking council seats for the first time.

The oaths were administered by Foley Municipal Court Judge Mary Murchison, who was among numerous city officials to be sworn in at the beginning of Monday’s council meeting. Murchison was sworn in by the mayor.

Among others taking oaths were City Administrator Perry Wilbourne, Police Chief David Wilson, City Treasurer Sue Steigerwald, City Prosecutor Michael Dasinger and Assistant Prosecutor Frank Hollon.

Councilman Wayne Trawick of District 1 was appointed mayor pro tem.

No appointment was made to the city’s vacant Fire Chief position which has been filled by acting chief Lt. Chad Brewer. The mayor, however, said he was going on record thanking Brewer for the job he is doing in that regard.

In council action, a resolution was approved declaring “Prince,” the Foley Police Department’s K-9 dog, surplus property, meaning the dog is being retired and ownership is passing to the dog’s handler the past eight years, Sgt. Dempsey Hunt.

Hunt will be purchasing the dog from the city for $1. It was noted that Prince has been responsible for 300 arrests during his time with FPD.

Police Chief David Wilson said FPD will observe a departmental ceremony regarding Prince’s “retirement.”

The city memorialized the hiring of attorney Don Bolton to represent the city in the pending lawsuit over the “Battle of Mobile Bay” painting. Trawick and Councilman Charlie Ebert III abstained. The lawsuit is being brought by former mayor Arthur Holk, who gave the painting to the city years ago. Recently, the city has looked into selling the $200,000 painting, an action Holk opposes.

With Trawick abstaining on both votes, the council approved separate resolutions accepting HMR’s proposal for providing services to finalize stormwater improvement along Cedar Street, and Volkert’s Change Order No. 1 for stabilization of the Gatway Park drainage ditch in the amount of $18,603.

A resolution appropriating $7,521 to paint boxcars at the Railroad Depot Museum was approved, as was a resolution memorializing application for and award and acceptance of the COPS Technology Program Grant in the amount of $233,825 with City’s match of $18,080.

A resolution was approved calling for background checks on everyone employed by the City, including part-time personnel.

Based on a recommendation from FPD, the council approved a Restaurant Retail Liquor License from Antares Investment Co. LLC for Les Roux at 3177 S. McKenzie St.

The council meeting was adjourned in order for members to go into executive session.