The Boonville City Council welcomed new Fire Chief Tim Cooper, allowing him to address the council for the first time since being hired.

Cooper spoke to the City Council during their meeting on April 21. He thanked the council and expressed his optimism about the future of the department.

Cooper fills the position after former Chief Tim Carmichael retired after more than 40 years with the Boonville Fire Department.

The council is also meeting Monday, May 5, to consider payments for several improvement projects. The council will also hear from Cooper County Ambulance EMS Chief Brandon Hicks during open session.