DOVER— Fred A. Neil was all smiles as he was officially sworn in as a city councilman during Monday night’s special meeting.

The first-time candidate was elected to represent the Third District in last month’s election. The seat was left vacant in November when Sean Lynn resigned to take a seat in the General Assembly.

“I think my family saw something that was very important,” Mr. Neil said. “It shows what you can do if you’re determined to help people and willing to do so.

“To see their grandfather at 81 as a first-time politician and to achieve this level in a capital city is an important educational lesson for them. I know they’re very proud and I’m proud that they’re here with me.”

Council President David Bonar shared the same sentiment.

“This is a unique experience,” Mr. Bonar said. “We’re tickled to death and I can’t tell you how proud I am. You worked very hard for this community and for the people in the district. I can speak on a personal experience that he’s dedicated and tenacious individual to get the job done.”

The other newly elected officials will be sworn in on May 11. Scott Cole will represent the Third District after defeating Mr. Bonar in the election. Mr. Bonar served as council president since 2013. Council will vote on a new president May 11.

Both Councilmen Timothy Slavin and David Anderson announced their candidacy for the position during the meeting.

“I see the role as council president as a simple one,” Mr. Slavin said. “The council president serves as the vice chair to assist the mayor, set the agendas for the meetings and to help obtain a consensus of fellow council members. The council president is one co-equal voice of the nine members on council.”

Mr. Anderson hopes to reconnect with citizens.

“I think the challenges we face are based on communication with the citizens,” Mr. Anderson said. “At one point we used to have more communication with them, but we cut out some of those methods. We used have surveys for the citizens to get input from them.”