Laserfiche WebLink
in the trenches together and rarely with each other. He stated that he has learned <br />a great deal from Mayor Claire and admires him and the service he has given, <br />thanking him sincerely and wholeheartedly. <br />Council Member Howard stated that Mayor Claire was one of the main reasons <br />she got involved in City politics having known him for approximately 20 years, <br />while on the HHCC and City Council. She stated that he had given her a solid <br />foundation by providing information on the past that has given a solid foundation <br />to make decisions on the future. She further stated that over the years they have <br />agreed on many things and disagreed on some, but she always knew that he <br />would base his decision on what was best for the community and is not impacted <br />by special interests or political parties. She stated that Mayor Claire has shown <br />true grit and is a real leader, while allowing the observance of interactions and <br />love with his wife, children and grandchildren showing the compassion and gentle <br />side. She presented, on behalf of the City Council, a thank you memento <br />signifying how much they appreciated his savings of thousands of taxpayer dollars <br />during his terms of office. <br />Council Member Pierce stated her appreciation of the time spent in understanding <br />the right course of action and even when disagreeing, Mayor Claire challenged <br />her to look for the best for the community. She thanked Mayor Claire and said it <br />has been a real pleasure. On behalf of the City Council, she gave Mayor Claire an <br />umbrella signed by various people in City Hall. <br />Vice Mayor Ira stated that he would truly be missed. He stated that when the <br />flooding problems arose, Mayor Claire was there and his historical knowledge has <br />proved invaluable. He further stated that for him, personally, having someone that <br />understood finances was very much appreciated. He thanked Mayor Claire stating <br />that he will miss him very much and presented a fossil heart to him along with <br />other gems. Vice Mayor Ira read the proclamation and presented it to Mayor <br />Claire. <br />Mayor Claire stated that there had been 20 Council Members that had left during <br />his tenure. He thanked many people including Bob Bury, City Manager Everett. <br />City Attorney Yamamoto, City Clerk Howe and Volunteer Art Balsamo. He asked <br />that he go out as Mayor the same way he went in asking his family to gather <br />around the Council dais for a photograph and expressing his thanks and <br />appreciation. Mayor Claire left by requesting adjournment and leaving Vice Mayor <br />Ira to chair the meeting. <br />8. ADJOURNMENT <br />A. M/S Ruskin /Hartnett to adjourn sine die. The motion passed by a unanimous <br />voice vote by those present. <br />REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 24, 2003 <br />MINUTES PAGE 4 <br />MINUTES Book No. 60 <br />Page No. 99 <br />