Aldermen voted 5-0 to select Flake as president at their last meeting held April 21. Flake, who represents Ward II, abstained from voting. Flake was nominated by Ward I Alderman Jerry Cullom. "I thank the board for their vote of confidence," Flake said following the vote. During last week's meeting, Ward I Alderman Phil Tallo, Ward II Alderman Kendall and Ward III Alderman John Clark were sworn back in. They each ran unopposed in the April 7 municipal election. All three aldermen were elected to their current seats in 2007. Also at last week's meeting, Mayor Greg Costello announced his appointments to the board committees will remain the same. They are as follows: Ways and means: Flake, chairman; Kendall; and Tallo. Police and personnel: Kendall, chairman; Jerry Cullom; and Flake. Water and sewer: Clark, chairman; Jim Dreyer; and Flake. Streets, sidewalks and streetlights: Flake, chairman; Cullom; and Clark. Recreation: Tallo, chairman; Kendall; and Dreyer. City grounds and cemetery: Cullom, chairman; Tallo; and Clark. The board representatives on other city boards include Flake (planning and zoning), Tallo (parks), Cullom (industrial development authority) and Kendall (tourism). Other News * The city will be paying significantly more money to clean the expanded city hall when the construction project is complete. At last week's meeting, the board voted 6-0 to renew its annual contract with Crystalline Cleaning for $27,729. The city is currently paying the cleaning firm $15,722 to clean the police department daily and the rest of city hall three times a week. Under the new agreement, the lobby area and restrooms of the new city hall will be cleaned daily in addition to the police department. * The Warrenton pool will be brought into compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Act when it opens next month. Aldermen approved the purchase of special drain covers. The city will pay Westport $5,481 for 12-by-12-inch drain covers. The law is designed to prevent swimmers from being trapped by a drain. * The board approved a low bid of $4,500 from Karrenbrock Excavating, LLC, to demolish and remove the former finance/recreation department building located at 204 W. Booneslick. The remaining six bids ranged from $6,075-$12,500. * The city renewed its annual contract with videographer John Marino, approving his request to be paid $30 per hour. He was being paid $25 an hour. The request was unanimously approved by the board. * Costello appointed Alex Brandwein to fill an open spot on the city's park board. Aldermen voted 6-0 to approve the recommendation. * Liquor licenses were approved for Eforia, a Mexican restaurant owned by Richelle Neal and previously named Los Cantaritos, the athletic complex, and for Casey's. * The city scheduled an open house to show off the completed city hall expansion project on Saturday, Aug. 15. Tours will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.