Commerce City formally sworn in four newly elected council members and confirmed a slate of council leadership and appointments at its organizational meeting.

At about 6 p.m., Mayor Douglas administered the oath of office to Jose Guardiola, Joanna Sandoval, Stephanie Trejo and Laurie Young. Each repeated the standard oath to "support the Constitution and the laws" and to "faithfully perform the duties" of a Commerce City council member.

Mayor Douglas then announced his selection for mayor pro tem. "My choice is Susan Noble," the mayor said; Noble accepted the role.

The meeting included farewells to outgoing members. Sean Ford, who served as mayor and council member, urged the new council to work with developers and to keep timelines and fees competitive. "If you're not growing, you're dying," Ford said, adding that the city is currently about "50 cops short right now." He also warned that losing major taxpayers such as Suncor would push taxes higher.

The council later confirmed numerous appointments to boards and commissions (see separate coverage). The clerk led a roll call after the oaths and confirmed a quorum for the new council.

What happens next: the council recessed for a 30-minute reception and returned to make committee appointments and fill external board seats; staff said incoming members will receive a land-use binder and training on Monday.