Paul Joiner new Lincoln mayor

Lincoln Councilman Paul Joiner was sworn in as mayor at Tuesday's Lincoln City Council meeting. Dan Karleskint was sworn in as vice-mayor. Ben Brown, a new council member, and Holly Andreatta, Lincoln's former mayor, were also sworn in for City Council seats. "It's been an honor and a privilege to serve as mayor of Lincoln. I'm just not ready to be done," Andreatta said in her outgoing speech. "I feel like we were just getting started. Thankfully, I have another four years to work with my colleagues to get things done." Andreatta was presented with a plaque to thank her for her service to Lincoln. Alyssa Silhi's term as council member came to end. "Not a single communication from City Council was free of significant, excruciating discussion for every sentence and paragraph,'' Karleskint said as Silhi laughed. Karleskint described Silhi as a very logical and fact-driven person. "I consider myself lucky to have served with her and wish her the best of everything," Karleskint said. Joiner also showed appreciation for Silhi. "You brought a level of discussion and debate that very rarely exists in this council chamber," Joiner said. "With it came civility and decorum. Previous debates were a little more heated than the ones you (Alyssa) were a part of. I hope civil debate remains in this body from here on out." Silhi said she was grateful for the community and colleagues. "It's been truly like a choice four years to be held in honor and being able to be your voice up here," Silhi said. "I feel good. What I ran to do has been mostly accomplished," Silhi said. "The council dynamics up here, I feel good about them. I feel the city has a firm foundation to talk through tough things and handle things that aren't easy or complimentary." In other news Nearly 10 residents of Lincoln gave public comments about their concerns about protecting the Auburn Ravine Nature Preserve at 1300 Green Ravine Drive, Lincoln. "I know most of you want to speak to a proposed disc golf course," Joiner said. "There is no project at this point in time. It's simply a proposal that's being discussed by Parks and Rec committee. I understand your concern, and we're here to listen. When the time comes, if a project comes forward, there will be plenty of opportunities (for discussion) for everyone that went up." His comment about there being no project "at this point in time" didn't stop community members from speaking out against it. "Endangered species and sports don't mix," said Marsha, a Lincoln resident who did not give her last name at the meeting. Others applauded and agreed with her. "Please don't destroy all of Lincoln's beautiful wildlife," said Linda Jo Miller, a Lincoln resident. "Once a habitat is destroyed, it can never be brought back." A resolution authorizing a $1,000,000 contribution to the Placer Land Trust to be used for the Clover Valley Preservation Project was passed, Tuesday. The city manager or designee will execute the use of funds agreement. "I wish you were as passionate about the Auburn Ravine as you are about Clover Valley," said Mark Melville, a Lincoln resident.