Former Warrenton Mayor Greg Costello has been appointed to fill the Ward 1 alderman’s seat vacated by Karen Casserly at the end of May.Costello was sworn into office during the board of aldermen’s regular meeting Tuesday night after being nominated by Mayor Eric Schleuter, although the vote to approve Costello was not unanimous.“I respect Mr. Costello, and I know that he is currently serving as chairman of our TIF commission,” said Ward 1 Alderman Mike Shilharvey. “With everything that’s going on with the development at the (new) interchange, and issues we’re having with the fire board, ambulance board and 911 board, I would rather see him stay in that capacity. That is why I’m going to vote ‘no.’ ”Shilharvey spoke via video communication because he was out of town.Ward 3 Alderman John Miller said he agreed with Shilharvey, and also voted against appointing Costello.Aldermen Scott Schulze and Gary Auch, both representing Ward 2, and Alderman Gary Miller representing Ward 3, all voted to approve Costello’s appointment, winning him the seat.“I am honored to be considered by Mayor Schleuter. This is a very different role for me,” Costello said. “I come to it without any agenda. ... I plan on following the mayor’s lead. He is the mayor elected to this city. I support his projects and direction, as long as they are legal and ethical.”Costello has a long history of working within the city government. He was first elected mayor in 1986, serving until 1998. He was elected as an alderman twice, in 2003 and 2006, then again as mayor in 2008.City initiatives approved during Costello’s various stints in office include the construction and expansion of Warrenton City Hall, construction of Morgan Park and the city’s current pool facility, development of the Warrenton Area Industrial Park and building the city’s athletic complex.Costello also has had his share of controversies, including legal disputes with the Warren County government during his most recent term as mayor, as well as employment decisions that spurred some citizens to demand a state audit.The audit determined that in areas examined, the city was well managed with few problems.Former Alderman Karen Casserly stepped down from her position effective May 31 because she was moving to a residence outside of Warrenton. She was recently re-elected to her seat during municipal elections in April. Costello will finish the rest of her two-year term.City of Warrenton