Tommy Smith, the outgoing vice mayor, presided over a swearing-in ceremony Saturday in which five newly elected members took their oaths of office, then the council convened a special meeting to elect internal leadership.

Mayor India Kincannon, who addressed the audience before the oaths, cited recent city accomplishments and priorities, saying the council had “helped navigate COVID-19” and added thousands of housing units, including “430 affordable new homes in just the past few months.” She also said the Knoxville Police Department would soon be “at fully authorized force for the first time in years.”

The honora​ble Judge Tyler Kavanas administered the oath to the incoming council members. Karen Adams (1st District), Nathan Honeycutt (2nd District), James Douglas Lloyd (3rd District), Matthew DeBargleben (4th District), and Denzel Grant (6th District) each repeated the oath of office and were greeted with applause.

After the ceremony, Council convened a short special-called meeting on the stage with a single business item: elections and confirmations. Mr. Frost, the assistant recorder, explained the process: members could self-nominate or be nominated by colleagues, and the assistant recorder would call names for those willing to serve.

For vice mayor, Council member Thomas nominated Lynn Fugate; Council member Helsley seconded the nomination. Mayor Kincannon read a letter from Fugate dated Dec. 12 in which Fugate stated she would be absent from the meeting due to “a prior family commitment in Georgia” but expressed her willingness to serve. The council approved the nomination by voice vote; Mayor Kincannon announced, “Motion carries 7 0 1,” and declared Lynn Fugate elected vice mayor.

The council then moved to elect a beer board chair. Council member Helsley said she was willing to serve; the nomination was seconded and the council approved by voice vote. Mayor Kincannon offered congratulations.

Finally, the council selected its representative to the Knoxville Transportation Authority. Council member DeBartolaben volunteered to serve and was seconded; the council approved the nomination by voice vote.

The meeting was adjourned without objection and attendees were invited to a reception outside.

Speakers and sources quoted in this account are limited to statements on the public record during the ceremony and the special-called meeting.