City Council - Regular Meeting

Don't worry if it's still shaky. 4:30 thinking of me. I don't know if I like that. Thank you. Yeah.

I haven't read

[laughter]

It is 7:00. It's time to start our meeting. Amy, please call the roll. Mr. Rat here. Mr. Ryan,

Mr. Barker, here. Miss Blind present. Mr. Shu, present. Mr. Cod, here. Mr. Hower here. Mr. Leis here. Mr. Marmy Mr. Ne

we are all here tonight. We stand for the invocation by Mr. Luchas and please remain standing father in prayer this evening. We thank you for this day that you've given us another day to serve you and serve our city. has asked you be with our discussions this evening helps them to be fruitful and beneficial for the city. That's continue to keep a hedge of protection [clears throat] around safety forces uh as they keep us safe uh from day to day in all that they do. We also want to thank you for uh this time of year, for the season, and for the uh gift that you sent us years ago of your son to earth so that we can live eternally with you forever. Be with us this evening. Bless our time together in Jesus name. Amen.

Amen. We pledge algiance to the flag and to the republic nation and justice for all. Next on the agenda is uh caucus. We have anything pertaining to the agenda tonight?

Mr. President, Mr. for me. Um I would like to invoke uh rule 11 ordinances or resolutions. I don't have my finance 45

on ordinance number 256 and 257 Mr. I got it. Go ahead. Ordinance number 25-45 by Mr. Marmy. An ordinance to make an appropriation for the expenditures of the city of Newark, Ohio during the year ending December 31st, 2026. He per 25-45. What is your wish,

Mr. President? Mr. Yeah. I make a motion to wave the two-day reading rule ordinance number 25-45. Second. Got a motion by Mr. Marmy. Second by Mr. Cost to wait through day roll. Please call Mr. R. Yes. Mr. Ry. Yes. Mr. Barker. Yes. Miss Blind. Yes. Mr. Shu. Yes. Mr. C. Yes. Mr. Hower. Yes. Mr. Levitz. Yes. Mr. Marmy. Yes. Mr. Ne. Yes. Today has been waved. What is your wish? Thank you, Mr. President. Make a motion to adopt ordinance 25-45. Second. Got a motion by Mr. Marvin, second by Mr. Cost to adopt. Do any discussion?

Can you please call Mr. Rat? Yes. Mr. Ryan? Yes. Mr. Barker? Yes. Miss Blind? Yes. Mr. Shu? Yes. Mr. Cos? Yes. Mr. Hower? Yes. Mr. Leutus? Yes. Mr. Marley? Yes. Mr. Neing? Yes. 25-45 passes 10. Next up is 25-46. Ordinance number 25-46 by Mr. Marmy. An ordinance to make an appropriation for the expenditures of the city of Newark, Ohio during the year ending December 31st, 2026. Further reading 25-46. What is your wish? Mr. President, Mr. Marmy, make a motion to wave the two-day reading rule and ordinance 25-46. Second motion by Mr. Marmy, second by Mr. C to w the two-day reading rule. Anyway, please call the role. Mr. Wrath,

yes. Mr. Ry, yes. Mr. Barker, yes. Miss Blind, yes. Mr. Shu, yes. Mr. Cos, yes. Mr. Hower, yes. Mr. Leutus, yes. Mr. Marmy, yes. Mr. Ney, yes. Today, reading one has been waved. What is your wish? Thank you, Mr. President. Make a motion to adopt ordinance 25-46. Second. Got a motion by Mr. Marvy to adopt. Second by Mr. Cost. Do we have any discussion? And we please call the role. Mr. Wrath? Yes. Mr. Ry? Yes. Mr. Barker? Yes. Miss Blind. Yes. Mr. Shu, yes. Mr. Cotto, yes. Mr. Hower, yes. Mr. Levas, yes. Mr. Marmy, yes. Mr. Ney, yes. 25-46 passes 10. Next up is 25-47.

Ordinance number 25-47 by Mr. Marmy. An ordinance to make an appropriation for the expenditures of the city of Newark, Ohio during the year ending December 31st, 2026. Further reading 25-47. What is your wish? Mr. President, Mr. Marmy make a motion to wave the two-day reading rule on ordinance 25-47. Second. Got a motion by Mr. Marmy, second by Mr. Cost to wait the two-day reading rule. Amy, please call the role. Mr. Rack, yes. Mr. Ryan, yes. Mr. Barker, yes. Miss Blind, yes. Mr. Shu, yes. Mr. C, yes. Mr. Hower, yes. Mr. Leutus, yes. Mr. Marmy, yes. Mr. Ney, yes. Today, rule has been waved. What is your wish? Mr. President, Mr. Make a motion to adopt ordinance 25-47.

Motion by Mr. Mar second by Mr. Cos. Do we have any discussion? Can we please call a roll? Mr. Rap? Yes. Mr. Ryan? Yes. Mr. Parker? Yes. Miss Blind? Yes. Mr. Shu? Yes. Mr. Cos? Yes. Mr. Hower? Yes. Mr. Leutus? Yes. Mr. Marmy? Yes. Mr. Neely? Yes. 25-47 has passed 10. Anything else before Caucus tonight? Okay. Next up is minutes of the December 1st meeting 2025. Do I have a motion? Motion by Mr. Loo, second by Mr. Hower. All in favor say I.

All oppose. Same sign. Passes 10. Uh, no appointments tonight. Reports are standing committee's finance service without objection will be received and filed. Reports from the city officials. Uh, Ryan Bob, city auditor operating report for the period ending November 30th, 2025. Brenda Cooper, tax administrator. Income tax revenue reports for preparing ending November 30th, 2025. No communications. Next up is comments from citizens. This is your opportunity to come and speak. I ask you to give your name and address. Keep your comments about three minutes. Do we have anybody on this first time around? Okay. Next up is ordinance on the second reading. There are none this meeting. Next up is ordinance on first reading 25-41.

Ordinance number 25-41 by Mr. Raph, Mr. Cross, Mr. Marley, Miss Blind, an ordinance changing the zoning classification of certain real property generally described as 165 South Third Street, City of Newark, Lincoln County, Ohio, partial text ID number 054-215808-00.0000 00 from that of LB limited intensity business zoning district to TFR two family resident zoning district zoning code of the city of Newark Ohio 25-41 will be referred to the planning commission next up is 25-42

ordinance number 25-42 by Mr. Raph Mr. Cost Mr. Marine Miss Blind an ordinance changing the zoning classification of certain rural property generally described as 200 day avenue city of Newark licking county Ohio parcel tax ID number 054-242886-0000 and 024-233454-0000 from that of single family residents RH highdensity zoning district to HB highintensity business zoning district zoning code of the city of Newark Island 25- 42 will be referred to planning commission. Next up is resolutions on the second reading 25-75.

Resolution number 25-75 by Mr. Marmy, Mr. Cos, Mr. Barton, Miss Blind, Mr. Wrath, a resolution appropriating monies for the current expenses of the municipal corporation. Further reading 25-75. What is your wish? Mr. President, Mr. Marmy, make a motion to adopt resolution 25-75. Second. Got a motion by Mr. Marmy, second by Mr. Barker. Do we have any discussion? Can we please call the RO? Mr. Rat, yes. Mr. Ry, yes. Mr. Barker, yes. Miss Blind, yes. Mr. Shu, yes. Mr. Cos, yes. Mr. Hower, yes. Mr. Babutus, yes. Mr. Marmy, yes. Mr. Ney, yes. 25-75 passes 10 zebra. Next up is 25-76.

Resolution number 25-76 by Mr. Wrath, Mr. Cos, Miss Blind, Mr. Marley, and Mr. Barker. A resolution authorizing and directing the director of public service to advertise for bids and enter into contract for certain essential supplies for various departments of the city of Newark, Ohio for 2026. Further reading 25-76. What is your wish? Mr. President, Mr. R. Make a motion to adopt 25-76. Second motion by Mr. R, second by Miss Blond. Do we have any discussion? And we please call the role. Mr. R. Yes. Mr. Ryan? Yes. Mr. Barker? Yes. Mr. Blind? Yes. Mr. Shu? Yes. Mr. Cos, yes. Mr. Howler, yes. Mr. Levita, yes. Mr. Marine, yes. Mr. Neing,

yes. 25-76 passes 10. Next up is 25-77. Resolution number 25-77 by Mr. Wrath, Mr. Cause, Mr. Harley, Mr. Barker, Miss Blind. Resurfacing with related work. Scope of work within city will include resurfacing and replacement of curb ramps as needed. The general location within Newark is State Route 16 from just west of Dayton Road to the East Corporation limit. Further reading 25-77 was your wish, Mr. President. Mr. R. Make a motion to adopt 25-77. Second. Motion by M. Rap. Second by Miss Blind. Do we have any discussion? And may we please call the RO. Mr. Rap? Yes. Mr. Ryan? Yes. Mr. Burker? Yes. Miss Blind? Yes. Mr. Shu? Yes.

Mr. Cos? Yes. Mr. Hower? Yes. M. Leutus? Yes. Mr. Mar? Yes. Mr. Ney. Yes. 25-77 passes 10-0. Next up is a resolution going on the first reading 25-81. Resolution number 25-81 by Mr. Moring, Mr. Cost, and Mr. Rap. A resolution appropriating monies for the current expenses of the municipal corporation. 25-81 will be held to our next meeting January 5th. That concludes our resolutions ordinance tonight. Uh, next up is your last opportunity for citizen comments. Do we have anybody tonight? Do we have anybody tonight?

Let me guess. Three minutes. Name, address. Anything else? Mr. President,

uh my name is Mark David the first. I live at 20 West North Street, New Ohio uh in the seventh ward. Um I'm here tonight uh because I want to thank Councilman Brian. I want to thank Councilman Rat for your service. And so thank you both for for building this term. Thank you Fton for um letting me have a Republican representative in my ward. And so I do appreciate that. Um and thank you for serving out your full term and and uh representing me and the district and uh and doing what you put in order to to move it forward. So I appreciate that. M Wrath, thank you as well for your service. And so, um, I wanted to say thank you on the record for all that you've done over these 16 years, as well as, uh, put up with somebody like myself on council, uh, for the four years that I was here. So, uh, I wish you the best. I want to say thank you for your service from a community that that really is grateful for for where we were from 16 years ago to four years ago and being in a better place today. I want to say thank you to

Thank you. Hi everyone. Good to be back. Jonathan Lang, 297 Auburn Drive, New York. Uh, couple things I wanted to mention tonight. I I did want to applaud the uh snow clearing. I think they've done a pretty good job. Uh, service department. Appreciate them making it out uh all the way out on River Road where I'm where I now am. Uh, unfortunately, the new detour had me going through some areas we don't plow. Um, and so I do want to ask that we kind of think through with the engineering department the timing of some of these kind of detours. I think this was kind of a frustrating time of the year to close down River Road and make everybody go back through these pretty windy roads. I know there's been some real real hectic uh driving out that way. So hopefully it was something that was necessary as far as the timing goes, but I guess it is what it is now. I just hope we can get it done quickly. Um, Colton, had pleasure serving with you. Congratulations on a job well done. Uh, congrats on finishing out your term. U, you've done a real nice job for the seventh board and and I hope you uh are proud of your accomplishments. Uh, Mr. Rat, 16 years on council. Uh, what did we do? Seven. Seven together. Um, it was it was a pleasure serving with you. I always thought you did a fine job speaking up, speaking your mind, being direct, never being afraid of saying saying what had to be said. Um, and so I just want to congratulate you on 16 years of of incredible job serving your community and uh your voice will be missed and uh all the all the best luck to your to your successor and the city and going forward. Thank you. [clears throat]

Could you could I ask a question? Sure. Would you mind just one time on the record tell everybody why you moved to the third war? [laughter] I did have to move from from the fifth ward to to the third word. The most desirable word. [laughter] Thank you. [clears throat] Anybody else?

City officials. Yeah, I I too just want to wish you nothing the best. Cold good job. It was good getting to know you and certainly stick around and hope you see more of you. Mr. Wat, we served together for many years city council. You did a beautiful job and uh wish you nothing but the best in your future and uh talk. Thank you.

Any city officials? Mr. L, you got something to say now? Law director,

thank you. Uh, just congrat, you know, thank you for your service today. Congratulations on serving a great term for the city. It's been honored to sit here next year in four years. Um so wish you nothing but luck in the future. Um council um as also a citizen of for all 16 years in um I appreciate your dedication award and the service that um it's also been an honor serving here as a law director with you on the council. wish you the best of luck in the future. I know you fast and uh also congratulations on 16 years of great service.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

I'll continue that on really. Councilman Ryan and Councilman Rat, thank you very much. Not everybody wants to serve on councils in communities, but we are the better because you do. And uh thank you so much for the year and years and years and years serving together. And uh it's been a a real privilege to uh as administration and mayor et. So thank you very much. Um I want to reach out just to our departments that have to work outside during this time of year. We all uh shimmer a little bit going to our car while they work out there. I'm sure it's police and fire and water and streets and you know we've got a variety of people that do have to work outside daily even beyond our workers and thank them all to make this city run whether it's our employees or construction workers etc. It's always a challenge. This is abnormal weather for us. And then uh we had a big snow on Saturday and certainly I think the street department has done a human's job. As I've said many times, until um that stops, we really can't try to get ahead of it. And then when it gets below 16 degrees, that salt does very little work and very little effectiveness. We got some sun yesterday, which was phenomenal what that can do even when it's single digits out there. But uh thank you gentlemen. They put in a lot of hours in those trucks. They're very appreciative I know of the new equipment that administration and council worked together to get them and we finally got and I think it made quite a difference. So uh thank you very much. We really there are a few communities that have school closed tomorrow as I see more out in the shock area and I think a couple are out out maybe shock but out out in the country a little more and I think it's also the cold weather in the morning but Columbus schools were closed today and that's also weather but it's also streets. So, we had two-hour delays today, but uh I want to thank all the employees of the city that uh do their job in the weather. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Parker.

Uh thank you, Mr. President. Uh a couple things. Uh one, I just want to thank uh the auditor's office, all department heads. Um we've we've passed a budget, a balanced budget, one that I know everybody's worked on for quite a few months. So, I appreciate everybody's hard work on that. Um, I'll echo the mayor's comments on our snow plowing and some comments earlier that uh Mr. Lang made that uh they did do a great job. Um, I know I was out in the middle of it when it switched from level one to level two and it was a little dicey, but our crews were out there at the same time and did a great job. Um, I want to uh bring up one thing that a couple of constituents have called me about. Um, the Baker Boulevard connector to Sharon Valley Road. Um, it's been on again, off again, on again, off again. I'd like to start having these conversations uh with the administration if we can uh to see uh what that looks like uh here in the future. Uh if we can bring that back up with some additional development coming to the fifth ward, I think it's something that needs to be brought back up. Uh Mr. Ryan, congratulations. Uh it's been a pleasure serving with you. uh my time on off on so it's great. Um I wish you the best in your your future endeavors. Uh Mr. Wrath, congratulations. Appreciate everything you've done for the city. I at a time when I first came on council was also a resident of the third ward.

Uh so um it's been a pleasure to work with you and I I do appreciate what you do and how you how you handle yourself and wish you luck in your future endeavors. and uh call if you ever need anything. Uh and with that, I just want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year as we probably won't see most of you until January. That'll pass.

Thank you, Mr. President. Uh first, I'd like to thank the community for came together for the toys for tots outreach. Uh we had uh toys go out to a thousand kids on Saturday and it was most of the day and it took dozens and dozens of volunteers and I'd like to thank Family Faith Community Church and and Hoist Toys for Tots. It was an inner county uh effort and so very very grateful for them. It was it was just a great day. Um and I Mr. Ryan, thank you. Uh, he helped. He was so generous of his time. He was boots on the ground. He did a great job helping with the Hope Park restoration project. And uh, I just appreciate him so much. You're very industrious. And uh, maybe we'll see on that Fortune 500 cover someday. And sir,

I appreciate you. We've not always seen eye to eye, but you know what? I've learned a lot. There are discussions and and it and it taught me that it's okay to talk about difficult things and to dig and to research and and I'll tell you he has done a great job as well teaching me about science taking out how do you do this? How do you campaign? But very very good gentlemen. Congratulations to you and your dear wife. She's wonderful. And thank you, sir. With that, I'll pass.

Thank you, Mr. Shu. Thank you, Mr. President. I do want to wish Colton and Jeff the very best in the future. And with that, I'll pass. Thank you, Mr. Cost. I'd like to thank Colton and Jeff for their service to the city of Newark. I also like to say I thought the streets look phenomenal. I don't I don't think I ever see the streets look that good after that being restored. So, thank you to the street department. Thank you, David. Thank you. Mr. Howler. Thank you, Mr. President. I'll just thank Colton and Jeff for the time they've served. It's been enjoyable working with you guys and I wish you guys the best. I'm sure you guys will stick around. With that, I'll pass. Thank you, Mr. Ludas.

Thank you, Mr. President. I do want to thank the street department for the great uh job they did over the weekend with all the so in getting it cleared. I was out Saturday and Sunday and then you had good trips all around. So that was that was much appreciated. Co, thank you so much for your time on council last years. It's been a pleasure to serve with you. Wish you all the best uh of luck in your future endeavors. Mr. Wrath, I've had the pleasure of singing to you for eight years and we've had a lot of conversations over the side. You're laughing. [laughter]

little bit of time. They've been great. I appreciate all that you taught me, especially on the front end when I came here years ago as far as ser and sharing that with me and then sharing our conversations with class up here as well. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and uh I'm proud of you. Best of luck. Thanks for your service. Last but not least, want to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year. With that, I will pass. Thank you, Mr. Marmy. Thank you, Mr. president. Um I too want to thank all of those like the the mayor indicated uh that are working outside. Uh street department did a a fabulous job this weekend. Um primarily because they've prepped and they prepared ahead of time and they were ready for it. Same with our police and fire. They were ready for it. And I know that there's when it's that cold and you're out there and you're responding, you're doing what you got to do to get the job done. Um it is very much appreciated. And I know there's other folks with the water and so on so forth. Um especially with this cold weather oftentimes issues. So appreciate all of them uh for what they did this weekend and continue to do in this cold weather this week and uh 51 on Thursday. So that's what we have.

Um want to also thank the auditor's office uh for the budget and bringing that forward. Um they did a lot of work along with the the mayor. Um it's his budget and he has a lot of input from his department and then it funnels through him to the honors office to get that together. Uh, but in particular, I know the hours that Jackie, Jim, and Ryan put into the budget just to make those numbers crunch and equal and so greatly appreciate what they have done for us uh to make that happen. Uh, Mr. Ryan, I want to congratulate you on the completion of this endeavor in your life, this chapter, and uh, wish you good fortune into the future. I appreciate you on council and uh you're always gonna have a friend in me. So therefore if there's anything that we can do for you in the future or uh we might call on you also. You never know. So um but do appreciate your service. Thank you very much. Uh Mr. draft. Uh, I want to start out by saying that appreciate that, uh, Jason, Erica, and Jen are able to be here for you. They've been here the entire way. I don't There's so many. What? Pardon?

Warren. Warren. Yeah. How many grandchildren have you got? Warren was one of 12. One of 12. So, you can understand me not know what what that was. So, okay. Uh but they've been with you the entire time, the entire 16 years. So it's only fitting that they are here with you today. Um this is the conclusion of this chapter in your life and um it is 16 years of of a novel that you completed just because of all that you've done for the citizens of Newark and for the city itself.

Yeah. Um, you know, there there's so much that we can comment on as far as the individual things. Uh, but I think it's it's more uh it's more beneficial to explain just the the gra the gravity of the accomplishment that you have have done here. Um it it is just huge and um the city is in a much better place than we were 16 years ago and that's because of you and so um you know it's it it's again just one chapter though and I know that there's going to be another purpose that you're going to fulfill in the very near future. uh whatever you choose to do, you're going to fulfill that purpose. That's just the type of man you are. And uh you're an even better friend. And you're somebody that will never let a friend down. If I if I needed something and I call, okay, I'll be there in five. I'll be there in 10. However long, however far away he was. It isn't, "Oh, really?" Now, no, it was when you need me. So, again, that's that's a true friend, somebody that you can count on. And uh I appreciate that greatly. And that'll never end. It's [clears throat] still going to continue on. So, um I wish you the greatest of fortune. uh you have a fortune sitting right out there.

Yeah. And uh you're very blessed and those blessings will continue and I look forward to seeing what's next for you. Thank you very much. Thank you. And then finally, I just want to wish everybody a very very merry Christmas and a happy new year and uh without a pass. Thank you, Mr. Ne. Thank you, Mr. President. I've said it before. I always have the distinct disadvantage of when I have to [laughter] I will simply thank Mr. Ryan for your service to the city. Wish you the best. Mr. Rat, thank you for your service. Wish you the best on your future endeavors. And I wish everyone a merry Christmas. And with that, I will pass. Thank you,

Mr. R. Mr. President.

Um, yeah. First off, I want to start off by saying thank you to the um citizens of the seven board for giving me the opportunity to serve the last four years. Um, I feel like I'm a different man from four years ago. Um, I I've grown so much. Um, this is the most honorable duty I've ever had the opportunity to serve flat out. U, I don't know how I'm going to be able to do this. Um, thank thank you, you know, the kind words. Um, I'm going to be running my own, you know, my business has been exploding. Um, so I I deliver restaurants, borrowwood or barwoods to restaurants and I have like a dozen restaurants right now. So, you know, I I just don't want to put too much on my plate. So, that's that's the main reason why I'm doing again. Um, I I probably will be moving as well, but I just didn't think it was the most responsible thing to do that, you know, to try to start a new family, run the business, and counsel. I just I didn't think I could do them all at once. So, um, uh, Jeff being a newbie coming on here is is so overwhelming and you made it, you know, manageable and the lessons I've learned from you, friendship I've gained from you [clears throat] is to irreplaceable. And uh I just can't put into words, you know, how much I appreciate you as a friend and as a colleague and everyone here. Um you know, great a colleagues. You guys are just, you know, teammates, you know, team players, you know, and our team is the city, you know, it isn't

Yeah. Republican or Democrat, you know. So I have faith in my replacement that she she will keep it that way. If not,

thank you. I did have a prepared speech and I was going to talk about each and every one of you. I had again I apologize for my voice. How appropriate that I have litis in my last night here. But uh I had a 15 minutes prepared and Mr. Harris remind me that the Steelers are playing tonight. So I'll cut it a little bit short. [laughter] uh to my public council members. Fair Hall get through this under Ryan Ryan B to our law director Trish Moore [clears throat] to our service director David Rhodess safety director Tim to the citizens of New York I'm not going to get too. This is free speech. I'm just not going to get through it.

Do you want someone to read? You want to read it for you? Jen. All right. Go ahead. I'll let your wife read it for you. [clears throat] [laughter]

Thank you. to my fellow council members, to Mayor Hall, to auditor Ryan Bub, to our law director Trisha Moore, and our service director David Rhodess, to safety director Tim Hman, to the citizens of city of of the city of Newark, and to my family and friends who are here tonight. Thank you for being part of this moment. 16 years ago, I took an oath to serve the city of Newark as member of city council. I accepted that responsibility with humility and after all these years, that sense of gratitude has never faded. Tonight marks my final meeting as a councilman. And it has truly been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve this community. Over the past 16 years, we've seen progress, face challenges, and make decisions that will shape Newark long after we leave these seats. from improving our roads and infrastructure to supporting local businesses and community programs and from advancing public safety initiatives to investing in parks and recreational facilities. I have seen firsthand how hard work, collaboration, and dedication can transform a city. Not every issue was easy and not every vote was unanimous, but every decision was made with the shared goal of doing what we believed was best for our city. I am proud of the work we've accomplished together. To my fellow council members, past and present, thank you for your dedication, your thoughtful debate, and your commitment to public service. I have learned so much from each of you, and I am grateful for the professional friendships we have built. To Mayor Hall, thank you for your leadership and your willingness to work collectively with council in ser in service of new to Newark. and to our law director, Trisha Moore. Thank you for your guidance, professionalism, and steady counsel over the years. Your expertise has helped ensure that our decisions were not only

well intended, but well grounded. To our service director, David, your friendship, guidance, and professionalism are appreciated more than you could ever know. Without your steady leadership and dedication, I'm not sure we would be where we are today. I also want to take a moment to recognize our safety director, Tim Hickman, and our safety forces, police, fire, and emergency medical personnel. Your bravery, dedication, and tireless commitment to protecting our community often goes unseen, but it does not go underappreciated. You put yourselves in harm's way every day to keep our families and neighbors safe, and for that, the city of Newark owes you a great debt of gratitude. I also want to recognize our city employees and department heads. Your professionalism, hard work, and commitment keep Newark running smoothly every single day. The success of this city reflects your dedication, much of which happens behind the scenes. You make it possible for council to do its work, and for that I am deeply grateful. To the citizens of Newark, thank you for the trust you placed in me over the years. Thank you for your emails, phone calls, conversations, and yes, even disagreements. Your engagement strengthens our local government and reminds us who we serve. Your voices have guided me, challenged me, and inspired me. Reflecting on these 16 years, one thing is clear. Public service is not about the titles, the votes, or the meeting. It's about the people. It's about neighbors helping neighbors, leaders listening to their community, and working together to create a city we can all be proud of. I leave council humbled by what we accomplished, inspired by what is yet to come, and grateful beyond measure for the chance to serve.

Most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Jen, and my family and friends. Your patience, encouragement, and support made these years of service possible. Public service requires sacrifice and I'm deeply deeply deeply grateful for the love, understanding, and unwavering belief you have shown me. As I step away from council, I do so knowing Newark's best days are still ahead. I am proud of what we built together, confident in those who will continue this work, and forever grateful for the opportunity to serve this remarkable, remarkable city. Thank you. It has been the privilege of my life

to that last part. I said that

I have to finish with this. Um and thank you for that. Uh but with over 300 billion dollars worth of development go down the third ward. I feel confident that the third ward will continue to be the most desirable award in [laughter] Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Thank you for all the kind words. Thank you for the friendship and the association. I appreciate each and every right. Um, I want to remind everybody coming up on January the 19th is the Martin Luther King breakfast. Um, the speaker will be much better than it was last year. Um, December 29th is at 4:30 right here in the chamber is going to be the swearing in ceremony for um, council um, and a couple other people here in the city. Um, it's open to the public, so bring your friends and family. Um, Colton, thank you for your service. I know it takes a lot of time and effort and um, appreciate all you've done and um, like Mr. Martik said, never know we may have to be calling you for something. So, Mr. Raph, um, I probably knew Mr. Rap longer than anybody. We go way back into the 90s. Jason I coached Jason in baseball, him and my son. And I asked your dad if you would come tonight and he said, "No, Jason won't be here tonight." So [laughter] underneath the bus. So So yeah. Um I knew Jeff way back in the 90s and um seems like a long time ago, but um

it was. Yeah.

Wow. Um yeah, thank you for your service and all that you've done for the city and um good luck to you on your next adventure and um like to wish everybody a merry Christmas, a happy new year. Our next meeting is January the 5th. Do I have a motion? Motion cost by Moodus. All in favor say I. A lot of things.