City of Grafton swears in new Alderman

By Editor | April 30, 2025 |

By Steven Spencer

The City of Grafton swore in returning elected officials as well as the new Second Ward Alderwoman.

Mayor Mike Morrow, City Treasurer Lisa Fitzgerald, Alderman Richard Mosby and Alderwoman Donna Smith all took their oaths Tuesday, April 15, at the City Council meeting following their re-elections, and Alderwoman Mary Jo Cote was sworn in as the newly elected Second Ward Alderwoman.

“It’s truly an honor for me to be able to serve another four years with this city and with the people that are up here and people that I have served it with. It’s just amazing. I wake up every morning looking forward to coming in to work believe it or not. I’m kind of one of those guys, when I had the military, every day up and at em and so forth, it’s like that with the city. I truly enjoy what I’m doing and I’m glad to be here another four years,” Mayor Morrow said.

Mayor Morrow said he will continue to oversee the affairs of Grafton including the ongoing project with the ferry committee working towards full-time ferry service between Grafton and St. Charles, improving city infrastructure and parks, and balancing budget details.

Justin Cote was also recognized during the council meeting for his dedication to the city as the Mayor’s Assistant.

“We couldn’t run the city without him,” Mayor Morrow said.

In other city business, it was announced that the first statue for the National Memorial of Military Ascent will be unveiled at a special ceremony on Monday, May 12, at 1 p.m. at the Grafton Visitor Center.

It was also announced that a new subcommittee within the Parks Committee has been created to work on beautification efforts along the city streets. Alderman Mosby said there will be work with flowers and potted plants thanks to private donations.

Mayor Morrow said they’ve put in twice for a Streetscape grant but it was awarded to other cities, and with private donations they’ll be able to move forward with some work.

“I think it’s great. We’re going to start on it small but it will grow.” Mayor Morrow said.

Following a brief discussion the council approved an agreement with Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau. During the discussion, council expressed an interest in seeing a report more often than just annually as outlined in the agreement. Mayor Morrow agreed and said he would talk with Great Rivers and Routes about the possibility of a quarterly or biannual report.

The Supplemental Budget for FY2024-2025 was also approved. Mayor Morrow said the supplemental budget made adjustments to the budget to help with some unexpected costs like $150,000 worth of damages from flash flooding.

“Nothing changes in the budget, just shifting money around from places so that weren’t 180% overspent in one area and 30% spent in another,” Mayor Morrow said.

Before the meeting adjourned, the council approved a proclamation declaring the week of May 17 to May 24 as U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Week and approved a special event permit for the Grafton Chamber of Commerce’s Sip, Sample and Stroll set for Saturday, May 10.