Correspondent photo / Amanda Smith Cortland Mayor Deidre Petrosky, left, administers the oath of office to new councilwoman Allison McGregor during a special ceremony Friday evening at city hall. The ceremony was standing room only. In addition to McGregor, Petrosky also swore in new members Chelsea Munroe and Christopher Wadley, and returning member Kevin Piros. Councilman John Picuri received a unanimous vote to become the next council president.

CORTLAND — When city council begins meeting in regular session later this month, a new council president will be leading the elected body.

The city has had several controversies this year, coming to a head with a recall election for mayor Dierdre Petrosky in February. Early voting begins Tuesday.

Kevin Piros, who had served two years as vice president and six years as president of council, said it was time for a change in board leadership.

“We have a lot to do to restore confidence,” Piros said.

He said with that in mind, he was withdrawing his name from consideration from any leadership role on council. He nominated councilman John Picuri as council president.

“John will bring a continued commitment to the position and I respect him as a council member and as a friend,” Piros said.

Picuri received the unanimous vote of the other council members.

Jim Bradley was elected vice chair.

Sworn in to office were Allison McGregor, Chelsea Munroe and Christopher Wadley, all of whom were newly elected in November. Piros was sworn in to his new term as council member after being reelected.

Former council members Kathleen Fleischer, Don Moore and Dick McClain chose not to seek reelection Nov. 4. Scott Rowley is the sixth council member.

Those who collected recall petitions say they and others are upset by several decisions made by Petrosky and the controversy that occurred when council did not support her selection of Sean Ratican as service director.

Petrosky has refused calls to resign.

She administered the oath of office to Piros, McGregor, Munroe and Wadley on Friday.