2/7/2017Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 2-7-2017 Mayors, two Law Directors, one Finance Director, five Service Directors, five Safety Directors, one Planning Director, two Human Resources Directors, three Council Clerks, three Council Presidents and nine previous Council members, all of which were good people to work with and I learned from them all. I am excited about my future and just to let you know I won't be far away. In discussion with my wife Nancy and family, I have decided to take a position that has become available in which I applied, interviewed and have been offered that position. I have been on a great team up here and now will be joining another team that I will bring my passion and my experience to help our great city. In my many years as a Councilman, I have been a strong advocate for property maintenance. I have sponsored and supported legislation to bring property maintenance to the forefront to address our aging commercial and housing properties. That position is Property Maintenance Inspector and I can't wait to get started with the good people in our Building Department. I want to thank my family, all of you up here tonight and especially the residents of Ward II who voted for me over the years that gave me this great opportunity to serve the city that I love. Thank you Madame President for this privileged time. The Mayor requested time to respond. Paul, it has been my pleasure to serve with you on Council and now my last seven years being Mayor. It's been quite an experience. You have truly been the best Councilperson I have ever worked with in this city. You can only tell one's character and leadership when they hit tough times and their back is against the wall. We did that in 2008-2009. When everyone else seemed to panic in this community, you led. For that reason, this City and all its residents owe you a great debt of gratitude. We were in a tough time, we emerged out of the recession in great shape due to your leadership. Thank you for your service and I look forward to working with you in your new role in the building department. Director Gareau was recognized. Mr. Barker's recitation of events are true. I'd like to point out when Paul first met me 20 years ago, he was my age right now. I'd like to point out what happened to us. I do want to point out for everyone here that I hold Paul in the highest regard. I think his work over the years has been exceptional. He has been able to find a good balance between his passion for what he believes in along with his sympathy and compassion for those he works with and for those he represents. To me that's the hallmark of someone who knows how to do the job and does it well. It's a good example for those who seek to hold the position that you now hold. It's a thing to behold. I'm very happy to have worked with you and look forward to working with you moving forward. Thank you. It's been a lot of fun. We have had some tough work, some great discussions, but it's always been good. I thank you for that opportunity and I wish you well in your new job. Councilman Kearney was recognized. I would like to say thank you to Councilman Barker for his friendship over the last eight plus years. Though we had differences of opinions over the years, we always treated each other with respect. It was not only a privilege to serve with him, it was a pleasure.