TERRIL, IA (Northwestiowanow) – The City of Terril has filled both its mayoral and council vacancies following a special meeting Tuesday night.

The vacancies were created earlier this month following the resignations of Mayor Julie Thiesen and Councilmember Amy Ness.

The council heard from two residents interested in serving as mayor, Greg Valentine and Former councilmember Mark Lair. Lair served multiple terms with the council in the past.

Valentine said that while he has no previous experience in city government, he wanted to help the community, especially concerns about Terril’s water quality.

 

 

Councilman Austin Fairchild made the motion to appoint Mark Lair as mayor, citing Lair’s previous experience in city government.

 

 

Fairchild’s motion was seconded by Sara Laidig and approved by the council, appointing Lair to serve the remainder of Thiesen’s term through 2027.

Lair said he stepped forward because he did not want the community to go without a mayor, though he described himself as more of a temporary solution than a long-term officeholder.

 

 

Following Lair’s appointment, Valentine expressed interest in filling the vacant council seat. The council then unanimously approved Valentine to serve on the council for the remainder of the term.