The Rural Municipality of Ritchot held its first council meeting this week, since last month's election.

The October 24th election saw only one change on council. In Ward Three, Jeannot Robert stepped down and was replaced by Curtis Claydon of Ste. Agathe.

Mayor Chris Ewen says with four of five council members returning for another term, it makes for an easy transition.

"It's going to be great working together for a full term as well as having a little bit of a new mind and fresh out of the box ideas from Councillor Curtis Claydon," says Ewen.

Ewen says Claydon is a longtime resident of Ste. Agathe, who is very community minded. He adds Claydon sits on many volunteer boards and will be a real asset to council.

Meanwhile, it was announced Tuesday that Shane Pelletier will continue serving as the municipality's Deputy Mayor.

"He's well versed in a lot of departments," notes Ewen. "I just think he's the right fit for the position and he will just grow stronger in it."

But, unlike many other municipalities, in Ritchot, the Deputy Mayor position is a four-year term. Ewen explains council feels it should be considered the same type of position as the Mayor and for that reason, the Deputy Mayor will not change each year.

"I think it was the right decision to continue it for a four-year term," says Ewen.