The City Council has named former Vice Mayor Alan Gentges to the open position of municipal judge following the passing of long-time Judge Steve Conatser last year.
The council announced the decision following an executive session during its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday.
Gentges served on the council as the Ward 4 representative since 2016. He was elected vice mayor by his fellow council members in December 2020, the beginning of the current term. He resigned from the City Council this month to avoid any conflict or the appearance of any conflict as he pursued the position of municipal judge.
Gentges attended Southwest Missouri State University and earned his juris doctorate from Tulsa University College of Law in 1985. He is a private legal practitioner and serves as attorney for the towns of Ramona and Vera in addition to his previous work as an adjunct professor with the University of Tulsa College of Law and Rogers State University.
In his role as City councilor, Gentges served on the City Planning Commission, Downtown Landscape Task Force, Tax Incentive District Review Committee, Tower Green Design Committee, Transportation Committee and Water Resources Board. He has also served and continues to volunteer with several boards and committees representing a variety of interests in Bartlesville.
Gentges was one of five applicants interviewed for the position. He will begin his duties on the court next week.