Fenton City Council is back to seven members, after approving the mayor’s appointment of Michael Piacentini.

Clerk Jennifer Naismith performed the swearing-in at Monday’s work session, after council unanimously voted for Piacentini.

In his application letter for the position, he said, “I believe I can contribute to the improvement of the city and be able to represent the residents and city looking forward.”

Piacentini ran for a council seat in the Nov. 8 election but lost to Leslie Bland (1,310 votes), Patricia Lockwood (1,468) and incumbent Cheryl King (1,229). Piacentini had 1,158 votes.

When Councilwoman Dianne North resigned on Nov. 7 due to family and employment commitments, it left the council with an opening. Piacentini asked Mayor Sue Osborn to consider him for the seat, stating in his application letter he is a 12-year resident of Fenton and Michigan born and raised. He is married to Karen Piacentini, owner of Fenton’s Open Book, and they have three children.

Michael Piacentini is a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA) board member and has worked for Beckman Coulter, a medical device company. He is a member of his subdivision board and a past president of it. 

At its Nov. 28 meeting, council voted to waive its usual rules so it could take action on filling the vacant position at its work session. Worksessions for the Fenton council traditionally have been for discussion only. The council consulted city attorney Stephen Schultz, who said council members could agree to waive the rule.

The council and audience welcomed Piacentini with applause.