The Bettendorf City Council approved the appointment of Nick Palczynski as the new Fifth Ward council member at a special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Mr. Palczynski, director of strategic partnerships for One Track.AI, fills the vacancy left by Scott Webster, who was elected to the Iowa Senate in November.
“I am humbled and honored to be selected as the next council member of the Fifth Ward,” Mr. Palczynski said. “I have a lot to learn and I am eager to represent my constituents. The City of Bettendorf is a great place to raise a family and I look forward to making a meaningful contribution to the growth of our community.”
During the meeting, the council heard from Mr. Palczynski and two other applicants for the post: Beth Aronson, owner/operator of Coffee Hound and Cheesy Cow, Bettendorf; and Austin Blunk, owner/operator of Valley Outdoor, Bettendorf, and a farmer.
During his presentation, Mr. Palczynski said he was born and raised in Bettendorf and returned to the city more than a year ago with his wife and three children.
“During the past four years, I have built sales organizations for companies that are on the leading edge of technology – specifically focused on computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence,” he told council members. “My family and I have had the opportunity to live in many different communities, which has afforded me an opportunity to see how other communities operate. These unique experiences allow me to bring a new perspective to the City of Bettendorf while leveraging the skills I have developed in my personal and professional career.”
Mayor Bob Gallagher applauded the trio for their interest. “All three – as two business owners and somebody with experience in business, raising their families here and doing the work that they’ve done here – make them incredible contributors to the city,” he said.
Mr. Palczynski will be sworn in at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, Feb. 6.
