The Madison City Council elected new leadership and recognized outgoing leaders at their meeting Tuesday night.

The council elected Ald. Tim Bruer, District 14, as president for the 2008-09 term. Bruer replaces Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, in the position. Bruer served as the council’s pro tem president during the 2007-08 term. The council elected Ald. Mark Clear, District 19, as the new pro tem president for the 2008-09 term.

Verveer, who assumed the presidency in April 2007, thanked the nine rookie alders who began during his term for their hard work and expressed gratitude toward the council at the meeting.

“I appreciate each and every one of you and the faith and confidence and trust you placed in me a year ago,” Verveer said. “I love this institution, I’ve devoted much of my life to it.”

Mayor Dave Cieslewicz recognized both the outgoing president and pro tem president’s accomplishments through formal honoring resolutions on the council’s agenda.

“Alderperson Verveer’s tenure as Common Council president was marked by great dedication and enthusiasm,” Cieslewicz said to acknowledge Verveer.

Presidential duties include weekly gatherings with the mayor and pro tem president to discuss city issues and convene with the county clerk to set agendas for council meetings.