For the first time in 12 years, Champaign will receive a new mayor when Don Gerard is sworn into office at the beginning of the Champaign City Council meeting Tuesday night.

The face of the council will be changed with the additions of Gerard and new council member for District 5 Paul Faraci. Faraci will become the fourth person to represent District 5 since 2009.

Gerard defeated incumbent Jerry Schweighart during last month’s election on April 5.

“I haven’t really got a chance to think about it, this past month has gone by really fast,” Gerard said.

He added that the transition to mayor has gone well and that his work with the transition team is about halfway through.

“It’s been a lot of fun, and I hope to hit the ground running,” Gerard said.

Tuesday night’s meeting will begin with the swearing in of Faraci and Gerard, who have been friends since eighth grade, when Faraci first moved to Champaign.

“It will be really fun to work with him as an adult and not to mention he’s extremely talented and intelligent, and I think that will be used for the good of the city,” Gerard said.

Will Kyles, council member District 1, said he thinks the new additions will be beneficial for Champaign.

“For the city, it’s an opportunity for new objectives, goals, and I think they’re a great addition to the council,” Kyles said.

In addition, the three council members at-large, Tom Bruno, Deborah Frank Feinen and Karen Foster, will all be re-sworn in as they were all re-elected in uncontested races.

During the meeting, the council will vote on a proposed lease agreement between the city and Herff Jones and a special permit for a new recycling drop-off center.

The company would pay no cost for the land, which is a parking lot at 308 N. Market St. The agreement would require the company to employ 250 or more people at all times. If fewer than 250 are employed, the company would be required to pay $5,400.

The city council will convene at 7 p.m. at Champaign City Hall, 102 N. Neil St.