Zack Thompson and Barbara Brooks were sworn in Tuesday as the newest Gainesville City Council members.

However, they will not officially assume their roles until the first week of January.

Thompson is the co-owner of Professional Touch Landscapes and Tap It Gainesville Growlers on Thompson Bridge Road. He replaces Bob Hamrick, who is retiring, as the Ward 2 representative.

“Thank you so much for your support,” he said after taking the oath of office. “You don’t know how much it meant throughout the race. We have a wonderful city with a lot of potential, a lot of opportunities.”

Brooks, meanwhile, is a retired school social worker. She replaces Myrtle Figueras, who also is retiring, as the Ward 3 representative.

Brooks thanked her supporters after taking the oath.

“I can only promise you that I will do what that oath said,” she said. “I intend to earn your trust and respect.”
Hamrick and Figueras were honored for their service on the council. Hamrick served for 46 years and Figueras for 20 years.

In other business Tuesday, City Council gave the final sign-off on a wastewater ordinance that places prohibitions on certain water use. Violators could have their water cut off.

Top prohibitions include allowing water to escape from private property to a public right of way; operating an irrigation system during rain; and failing to repair a controllable leak or washing any vehicle with a hose that does not have a water shut-off nozzle.