Following a closed executive session Monday of Owensville’s Board of Aldermen, John Kamler opened his final meeting as mayor, welcoming newly-elected Mayor Kevin McFadden to the role.

Aldermen held the 6:30 p.m. closed session for a “possible litigation” issue and no decisions were made, according to city records.

Kamler, who served as an elected official of Owensville for 16 years, formally accepted McFadden’s resignation as Ward 1 Alderman and President of the Board of Alderman before sharing an emotional moment with the board.

“I really appreciate everybody. It’s been a great ride,” Kamler told the board. “I look forward to great things from you guys.”

After Kamler adjourned the session Sine Die, City Clerk Peggy Farrell administered the oaths of office, formally welcoming McFadden as mayor, City Marshal Scott Griffith, Ward 1 Alderman Cathy Lahmeyer, and Ward 2 Alderman Denise Bohl to their terms.

Before Kamler departed entirely from the meeting, McFadden called him “front and center” for his first official act as mayor of Owensville by reading a proclamation in recognition of John Kamler’s service to the community and designating April 15, 2024, as John Kamler Day.

“I think it’s a great first step,” said McFadden.

The proclamation outlined Kamler’s service to Owensville as a longtime active participant in the social and civic life of the community, years of service and exemplary dedication to the best interest of Owensville, and his “caring, sharing spirit.”

“This is better than remembering tax day,” Kamler jokingly said before exiting his final meeting as an elected city official.

In his next order of business, McFadden nominated to the board an individual to fill his vacant seat as Ward 1 Alderman — Danny Breeden, owner of the local restaurant, Snowensville.

The motion to accept Breeden’s appointment was made by Lahmeyer, seconded by Bohl, and approved unanimously.

He was then sworn in by oath of office.

The Owensville Planning & Zoning Commission also had two board members step down recently.

Before leaving office, Kamler “graciously went ahead and found two individuals” to fill those positions, McFadden told the board. “I’ve talked to both of them and I think they are an excellent fit for that position.”

Patrick Leslie was nominated to fill the remainder of Steve Hobein’s term set to end July 20, 2026. Steve Adams was nominated to replace the second departing member, but details of that term were unavailable.

Bohl made the motion to approve these appointments and Ward 2 Alderman Matt Kramme seconded the motion. It was approved unanimously.

Next, McFadden accepted a nomination by Bohl to appoint Lahmeyer as president of the Board of Alderman. Kramme seconded the motion and it passed without opposition.

He then presented his appointments of committees and commissions.

With no changes other than his replacement, McFadden made the following appointments:

City Administrator Randy Blaske, McFadden, Breeden, Kramme, Bohl, Lahmeyer and Farrell to finance/budget; Blaske, McFadden, Breeden, Kramme, Bohl, Lahmeye, and Public Works Director Jeff Fahrenholtz to public works; Blaske, McFadden, Bohl, Lahmeyer, Mike Feagan and Darrell Decker to public safety; Blaske, McFadden and Bohl to Planning and Zoning; Blaske, McFadden, Breeden and Kramme to pool and parks street/sidewalk; Blaske, McFadden, Breeden, Kramme, Bohl, Lahmeyer, Dr. Troy Hudnall, Dr. Brian Edwards and Dr. Roger Stewart to health committee; Blaske, McFadden, Breeden, Kramme, Bohl and Lahmeyer to comprehensive plan (economic development) and Chamber of Commerce; Blaske, McFadden, Bohl, Farrell and Deputy Clerk Kara Meyer to insurance; and Blaske and McFadden as Meramec Regional Planning Commission representatives. Blaske will serve as the chairman of all committees.

Assignments were made by consensus.