Newly elected commissioners Parrell Grossman and Mike Seminary took their seats among fellow city commissioners in an otherwise low-key meeting Tuesday night.

Grossman was assigned a commission portfolio that includes finance, parking lots and the Renaissance Zone Authority. Seminary was assigned a portfolio that includes public works, roads and streets, and economic development.

The commission voted unanimously to make Commissioner Connie Sprynczynatyk vice chair.

Both new members gave a thumbs up to their initial experience.

"I'm very excited to get involved," Seminary said, adding that he was especially glad to be assigned the public works and economic development duties.

"My impression is that it's interesting and fascinating work, and I look forward to getting involved with these issues," Grossman said.

In other business:

n Commissioners approved the annexation of 40 acres currently in Lincoln Township for the purpose of expanding Cottonwood Park. The annexation was requested by the Bismarck Parks Department and is being done immediately so that needed water main work can get done this summer. Later in the meeting, commissioners signed off on the water main work at a cost of $135,615, which will be shared by the city and the park district. Commissioners approved the annexation unanimously and the sewer work by a vote of three to one, with Commissioner Steve Schwab voting no.

n Commissioners approved a television advertising campaign to encourage area residents to seek out vaccinations for both themselves and their children. The campaign will utilize $24,000 in outside grant money.

It will primarily focus on increasing the amount of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccinations given to adults and the amount of flu shots for children. Paula Flanders, director of Bismarck Burleigh Public Health, said this is the first year that flu shots are being pushed for children up to age 18.

"That has never been done before, so it is going to be very important for us to educate the public on those needed vaccines," said Paula Flanders, director or Bismarck Burleigh Public Health.

n Commissioners issued a liquor license to Mr. Delicious, a downtown business that is moving from its current location on 4th Street to 3rd Street and expanding its offerings to include a dinner hour with beer and wine.

(Reach reporter Jonathan Rivoli at 250-8264 or jonathan.rivoli@bismarcktribune.com.)