Dripping Springs City Council kicked off its May 21 meeting by swearing in the councilors who were newly re-elected this month: Taline Manassian, Bill Foulds and Travis Crow. After the swearing-in ceremony, the council also unanimously voted for Foulds to serve another year-long term as mayor pro tem. Recognizing mental health awareness With the sponsorship of Council Member Manassian, the city issued a proclamation declaring May to be “Mental Health Month” in Dripping Springs. The proclamation came about when 17-year-old Lettie Hastings approached the council and encouraged it to adopt such a measure. “I did this to honor the life of a friend that I lost,” said Hastings, who was presented with a certificate acknowledging the proclamation at the council meeting. "And also to create awareness in our community surrounding mental health and end the stigma.” Appointing a new utility commission The council selected five individuals to serve staggered terms on a new utility commission, which will have a role in overseeing progress on the upcoming expansion to Dripping Springs’ wastewater treatment facility. According to Foulds, the commission was organized based on public feedback requesting such an organization. “We have some really good people who are going to be working with us,” said Foulds. Commissioners include Chuck Miller, Troy Jamil, Jim Langford, Megan Lind and Roger Kew. Langford will serve as chair.