City Commission - Regular Meeting

Welcome to the last meeting of the Suski City Commission in 2025. We will have an invocation offered by Commissioner Murray followed by the pledge of allegiance. Let us take a moment to pause and reflect. We give thanks for this community, for the city of Sunduski, its neighborhoods, its people, the responsibility we have all carried together, the richness of our shared history, and the colorful pieces that form this beautiful mosaic. We give thanks to our fellow commissioners for the willingness to serve, to disagree with purpose, and to work through hard questions in public and in the public interest. It has been an honor to serve along each of you. We give special thanks for the extraordinary public servants who make this city run every day. A talented, committed staff [clears throat] who will run through walls when given clear direction and a noble mission. We are grateful for their professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the people we serve. Without them, we are as meaningless as gongs banging in the wind. We give thanks as well for the voters and the public who entrusted us with this work, held us accountable, and supported my own work through nearly two decades of service. That trust has been both a privilege and a responsibility, and I and we are grateful for it. As families and friends gather in the coming days to celebrate the holidays, may the season bring rest, reflection, and renewal. Time to reconnect with one another and with what matters most. [clears throat]

We also give thanks for the opportunity to do the work we have done, for the progress made, the lessons learned, and the knowledge that public service can be a true calling able to unite and propel a community. As this chapter closes, we extend our best wishes and blessings to the new commission taking office in 2026. May they be guided by wisdom, courage, and respect for this community as they take up the work ahead, leading Seduski in the way they see fit and in service to the common good. May this city continue to move forward with purpose, compassion, hope, and that special sinski swagger one back together. Amen. Amen.

Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Mr. Myers, you call the role. Yes, Mr. President. Miss Fargo here. Mr. Wington here. Mr. Brady here. Mr. Marie here. Mr. Bali here. Mr. Coons here. Mr. Crrael here. Commissioners, you have before you the minutes of our meeting of December the 8th, 2025. What is your pleasure, Mr. Chairman? Mr. Wat, I move that we accept the December 8th minutes as presented. Second.

Got a motion and a second. Discussion. Without objection, the motion will be approved. And hearing no objection, that motion is approved. And those minutes are approved. Commissioners, tonight we have the privilege of witnessing the swearing in of one of our newly elected commissioners, Miss Leva Wilson. The oath will be administered by our friend, Judge Tyone.

Right. All right.

[laughter] I, S. Wilson, I, S. Wilson, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support that I will support protect and defend protect and defend the Constitution of the United States the Constitution of the United States and the state of Ohio and the state of Ohio and the charter and ordinances and the charter and ordinances of the city of Sesi of the city of Sanduski that I will honestly that I will honestly faithfully faithfully and impartially and impartially disar excuse me discharge the duties discharge the duties of my office of my office as a city commissioner as a city commissioner and not be influenced and not be influenced by any consideration

by any consideration except except that of merit except that of merit and fitness and fitness in the appointment and the appointment or discharge of my employees or discharge of my employees that I am currently qualified I am currently qualified to hold the office to hold the office and I will m maintain all of the qualifications And I will maintain all of the qualifications throughout my term in office. throughout my term in office. In compliance with section four in compliance with section 4 six six and 43 and 43 of the city cher of the city charter. So be God. So be God.

[applause] [applause] [applause] Judge, good to see you. I got some woman power with me. All right. Congratulations. Starting to shake because they're leaving. [laughter] Oh, come on. I'm leaving in two years. [clears throat]

Okay. pen. Do you like a ball, please? This is the point where I usually tell our uh our visitors, in this case, Judge Tone, that they don't have to sit through an entire meeting. They can get out of here. So, [laughter]

I think he's done that before. But, but Leva, you have to stay. Yes, sir. [laughter] We'll move to our uh public participation portion of our meeting. Any residents with comments regarding tonight's agenda, please step to the podium and share with us your name and address. And uh ask that you uh share with us your agenda item comments. Seeing no one rushing to the uh to the podium, we'll move to the next portion of our agenda.

Commissioners, you have several communications from staff recommending various pieces of legislation. Can I have a motion to accept those communications? Second. Got a motion and a second. Discussion without objection. That motion be approved. Hearing no objection. That motion is approved. Commissioners, we have five items on the consent agenda this evening. I think uh if any do any of you wish to move any of those items from the consent agenda to the regular agenda. Mers, we present the consent agenda.

Yes, Mr. President. Item A, liquor license transfer for Still Heaven Fun LLC. Item B, approval of final 2026 budget. Item C, approval of temporary appropriations for 2026. Item D, approval of amended enterprise zone tax abatement agreement with LUCO. Item E, approval of funding source amendment to Camp Street and West Forest Drive utility relocation project. Commissioners, having heard this liquor license transfer and these ordinances, what is your pleasure, Mr. Chairman? Mr. Murray,

I move for the approval of item A and then the approval of items B through E pursuant to section 14, the city's charter. Second been a motion and a second discussion. Mr. Bart, Mr. Chair, Mr. Cook, as it relates to only item D. Um, I'll be abstaining from that one. That's all I need to add. Excellent. If I may, item B, it was read as approval of the final 2026 budget. Is it is actually the approval of the final 2025 budget, just to make that clear. Got it. Understood. Commissioner Miss Bars, you pull the commission on that motion. Miss Fargo. Yes.

Mr. Wington, yes. Mr. Brady, yes. Mr. Murray, yes. Mr. Bali, yes. Mr. Coons, yes. With the exception of D, I'm abstaining. Mr. Crabel, yes. And now on the liquor license transfer and the ordinances. Miss Fargo. Yes. Mr. Wington, yes. Mr. Brady, yes. Mr. Murray, yes. Mr. Pali, Mr. Yes. Mr. Crabel, yes. that liquor license transfer and the ordinances are passed. Inspires we present item number one on the regular agenda.

It is requested an ordinance be passed authorizing and directing the city manager to enter into a contract with Erie County Prosecutor's Office for legal services to prosecute Municipal Court for the law department commencing on January 1st, 2026. in declaring this ordinance shall take immediate effect in accordance with section 14 of the city charter. Commissioners, having heard this ordinance, how do you wish to proceed? Mr. Chairman, Mr. Waty, I move for the adoption of this ordinance under suspension of the rules in full accordance with section 14 of the city charter. Second.

Been a motion and a second discussion. Mr. Hastings, I noticed that this uh this uh ordinance is uh ultimately saving us a considerable amount of money on a yearly basis. Is that correct?

Yes. Yeah, the uh as everyone knows uh our current prosecutor is retiring after a long and distinguished career with the city of Sanduski um in uh interviewing and looking at various options we had for replacement. Uh we entered into discussions with the county prosecutor who is going to take over all of those functions. Um, and it it will be a considerable savings, especially in terms of the the health care costs and the pets payments that we'd otherwise have to make. Can we presume, Mr. Hastings, that uh if this uh one-year relationship works out, we'll certainly continue to do that as opposed to continuing their own prosecutor.

It has a provision for an automatic renewal from year to year unless one side or the other gives 90 days notice of cancellation. Plus, uh, the agreement has a provision that allows either party to cancel on 6 months notice. Great. Excellent. Thank Thank you for doing this. Excellent move and a great savings for our city. Additional comments or questions? Commissioner. Mr. Mars, you pull the commission on that motion. Miss Fargo? Yes. Mr. Wington? Mr. Brady? Yes. Mr. Murray? Yes. Mr. Vali? Yes. Mr. Coons? Yes. Mr. Crabel? Yes. And now on the ordinance. Miss Fargo? Yes. Mr. Wington? Mr. Brady? Yes. Mr. Murray? Yes. Mr. Vali. Yes. Mr. Coons. Yes. Mr. Crabel. Yes.

That ordinance has passed. SM, you present item number two. It is requested an ordinance be passed approving a wage increase for the city's nonprobationary administrative employees authorizing the finance director to expend the necessary funds and declaring this ordinance shall take immediate effect in accordance with section 14 of the city charter. Commissioners, having heard this ordinance, what is your pleasure? Mr. Chair, Mr. Coons move for approval of this ordinance under item two in full accordance with section 14 of the city charter. Second been a motion and a second discussion. Mr. Mars, you pull the commission on that motion. Miss Fargo. Yes. Mr. Wington. Mr. Brady. Yes. Mr. Murray, I'm staying. Mr. Vali, yes. Mr. Coons, yes.

Mr. Crabel, yes. And now on the ordinance. Miss Fargo? Yes. Mr. Wington? Yes. Mr. Brady? Yes. Mr. Murray? Abstain. Mr. Vali? Yes, Mr. Coons. Yes, Mr. CrarAl. Yes. That ordinance is passed. Miss Myers, you present item number three, ordinance number one. It is requested an ordinance be passed authorizing and directing the city manager to enter into a construction agreement with Battery Park Sunduski LLC for the construction of public improvements within the Battery Park planned unit development in the city of Sunduski and declaring this ordinance shall take immediate effect in accordance with section 14 of the city charter. Commissioners, having heard this ordinance, how do you wish to proceed? Mr. Chairman,

Mr. Wington, I move for adoption of this ordinance 313-1 under suspension of rules in full accordance with section 14 city charter. Second second. Been a motion and a second discussion. Miss Myers, you pull the commission on that motion, please. Miss Fargo, yes. Mr. Wington, yes. Mr. Brady, yes. Mr. Murray, yes. Mr. Pali, yes. Mr. Coun, yes. Mr. Mr. Crael. Yes. And now on the ordinance. Miss Spargo. Yes. Mr. Wington. Mr. Brady. Yes. Mr. Murray. Yes. Mr. Bali. Yes. Mr. Coun. Yes. Mr. Crabel. Yes. That ordinance is passed. Mr. Bars, you present item three, ordinance number two. [clears throat]

It is requested an ordinance be passed accepting and approving the final plat for Battery Park planned unit development in the city of Sunduski located at 701 East Water Street and declaring this ordinance shall take immediate effect in accordance with [cough] section 14 of the city charter. Commissioners, having heard this ordinance, what is your chairman? Commissioner Cra. Yes. I I move approval of item three uh the uh ordinance number two uh in full accordance with section 14 of the city charter. Second it a motion and a second discussion. Mers, you pull the commission on that motion. Miss Fargo. Yes. Mr. Wington. Mr. Brady. Yes. Mr. Murray. Yes. Mr. Pali. Yes. Mr. Coons. Yes. Mr. Crabel.

Yes. And now on the ordinance. Miss Fargo. Yes. Mr. Wington. Mr. Brady. Yes. Mr. Murray. Yes. Mr. Pali. Yes, Mr. Coons. Yes, Mr. Crael. Yes, that ordinance is passed. Mr. Bars, you present our last item, item number four. It is requested an ordinance be passed authorizing and directing the city manager to expend funds for the purchase and installation of playground equipment and amenities from Game Time DWA Recreation Incorporated of Harrison, Ohio through Omnio Partners purchasing program for playground equipment at Farwell Park and declaring this ordinance shall take immediate effect in accordance with section 14 of the city charter.

Commissioners, have you heard this ordinance? How do you wish to proceed? Mr. Chair, I move for I move for the adoption of this ordinance under suspension of the rules in accordance with section 14 of the city charter. Second. It's been a motion and a second discussion. Quick question, Mr. Chair. Mr. Yeah, I I wanted if this question can be uh answered. How long has has that equipment been there that's out there now? Um now that we're replacing and I always like to know how long um equipment's been there that we're replacing. Any Mr. mailing. You look like you might have an answer.

Commissioner Coun that uh equipment at Firewell Park was installed in 1999. Okay. So, because of the age of the equipment and then some of the equipment that has had some damage to it, it just makes sense it's time to replace it. And then also too with the lease agreement that we signed on, Cedar Fair. Thank you. I have one more question too because I know we talked about maybe in the spring and summer. John could probably chime in on this that we would actually have some portaotties out there because I don't think there are any out there in the spring and summer. So, is that something that we're working on too at by the time springtime comes? Yeah, Mr. Worling's aware of it.

Thank you, Mr. Mailing. Uh I just want you to know that uh it is not lost on me that the theme of the equipment that you're installing there is centered around a theme park and and for the very few people that aren't aware of this that particular park we recently within a year or two ago entered into a 20-year lease the property owned by our theme park Six Flags here in Sunduski. So great great move. Thank you for public relations too. those kind words. And our thanks to Six Flags for entering into a 20-year agreement on on something that really benefits the kids in that neighborhood to a great degree.

M Mr. Chairman, I had a question for Mr. Mley. What What is the life expectancy of play park equipment? Typically, you get 20 to 25 years for playground equipment. Yeah, I know. It's It's gotten real expensive. Yes, absolutely it has. Thank you. Thank you. Additional comments or questions, Commissioner? Mr. Bars, you pull the commission on that motion. Miss Fargo, yes. Mr. Wington, Mr. Brady, yes. Mr. Murray, yes. Mr. Pali, yes. Mr. Coons, yes. Mr. Crabel, yes. And now on the ordinance. Miss Fargo? Yes. Mr. Wington? Yes. Mr. Brady? Yes. Mr. Murray? Yes. Mr. Pali? Yes. Mr. Coons? Yes. Mr. Crabel? Yes. That ordinance has passed.

We will turn to our city manager for his report, Mr. Orzac. Good evening, commissioners, audience, and staff. Um, we'd like to thank Commissioner Wington for his donation of $300 this year through payroll deductions. These donations were made to the city's greenhouse in honor of Peggy Murray. We would like to thank him for his continued support and get a motion to accept that donation. So moved. Second. A motion and a second discussion. Mr. Wington, that was incredibly generous. Thank you. Thank you. That was from almost 25 years ago when your mom helped me out when I was running. So without objection that motion will be approved and hearing no objection that motion is approved with our thanks to Commissioner Wington. Thank you.

Suski Park and Rex would like to thank the Hogy Foundation for donating kitchen supplies for Suski Wreckit Mills. These supplies will be used during Midtown Supper Club and out of school program. Um general reminder for property owners of vacant dwellings. If your dwelling is expected to remain vacant and unoccupied during the winter months, we highly recommend that you contact the city to turn off the water. This will help prevent your water lines from freezing and breaking, which could least lead to costly repairs. Customer accounting can be reached at 419-627-5893 to schedule the water disconnection. The leaf collection program is complete. For any residents with additional leaves, the drop off area near the Marquette Drive entrance to the city services center will remain open 7 days a week until the end of January. Leaves must be bagged in paper bags and curbside uh Christmas tree collection starts January 12th and will occur in each zone throughout the week. Residents may also drop off their trees at the Shelby Street boat launch overflow parking lot at Kuanas Parking lot through the end of the day, Friday, January 16th. Please refer to the city's website or call 419-627-5829 for further information. And um on behalf of this city administration and staff, I'd like to uh uh thank uh Commissioner Pali for his uh years of service here with the city um just in this term as a commissioner, but um he's you know been around Erie County for quite some time. Our community development and planning staff um uh valued your input, your uh thoughts, um all the uh recommendations, suggestions, and uh communication that you had with them. you are a trusted partner. Um, your [clears throat] uh example of uh leadership is uh want to be upheld and uh we uh really as a as a city and uh staff appreciate everything that you've

done over your term as a commissioner. [clears throat and snorts] Uh Commissioner uh Brady and Murray, um we uh thank you for your unwavering support. you're uh always uh a phone call away. Um guided the city through some uh tumultuous times with uh Mr. Wington when the city didn't have a uh a lot of funds and um you know, we [clears throat] were uh searching for our identity and um all kinds of things that you gentlemen have uh done for the city. Uh it's uh been a honor to work with you. Uh, I know that the uh staff appreciated everything that you've done and um all the different facets of your uh uh terms here. I know someone's broken up Mr. Murray had served for quite a time and Mr. Brady forever uh seems this last term, but um we really appreciate it. Um you know, I can't really express uh I I expressed earlier to you my thoughts and um we just uh we're going to miss you. I know we know you're uh still going to be cheerleading from uh behind the scenes to make sure Sunduski continues to grow and supporting the commissioners that are staying on. So uh thank you for everything you've done for the city and I'll take any questions if you have any

questions or comments for our city manager. M Mr. Ozak, thank you uh for those warm comments. Do I send a check to 240 Columbus? [laughter] No cash flow director waiting. [laughter] It was heartfelt and sincere, Mr. Pale. Appreciate it.

Additional comments for the city manager. We'll move to items of old business. Any items of old business, commissioners? Anything old out there going on? No. Items of new business. Any items of new business? Wow, you're making this too easy. We'll move to the uh public participation on any item concerning city business. Please step to the podium and share with us your thoughts on city business. Good evening everyone. Um, my name is Nolan Murray, 532 Wayne Street. Uh, and believe it or not, the last time I came to a city commission meeting, I was still living in the smallest bedroom at Commissioner Murray's house [laughter] and hosting meetings on folding tables at Meg Street. Um though it's an honor to be here and to watch the growth over the last uh 12 years of the city um and to move home. Um I promise I'll be short. I have two brief points to make. First, I want to take a moment to thank you uh Dad and Commissioners Brady and Polly for your time working for the city and to make it a better place uh for all of us to work and live over the last couple years. You've done it the right way from the first day to the last. Um when you started uh 12 years ago, the city looked a little different. Downtown uh wasn't what it is now. The water froze, while the water was always beautiful, it was not taken advantage of in the way that it is today. Um but you always saw Sanduski as a place that had its best days in the future. And I thank you for championing that. Three of your

four kids have now moved back and even this last term um have spent time uh loving the city. You've helped create common spaces where people can come together. [clears throat] Our world feels increasingly fragmented by technology and developing the common spaces such as this beautiful city hall, Jackson Street Pier, and the landing park and rec center once those are finished are so crucial to maintaining our identity as a community and for places for us to run into each other and see our neighbors. Um, kids running around in the Jackson Street Pier, running into neighbors, sunsets that make you stay a little bit longer in our town have made it such a beautiful place to live. Our downtown is now a place that is alive. I'm sure many of you have experienced it over the festivals and events this summer, most recently the Christmas market. Um, it's thriving. It is a place that is alive. There is a real energy. um sunshine or snowfall, it is the down, it is the envy of our region. I think that goes without saying. Um I I would dare say you rarely hear people speak with the same vigor about having a fun night out in Fremont or Port Clinton or even our wonderful little brother Perkins Township. But what really set you guys apart was your insistence on high standards for everyone who represents the city and for everyone who works for it. Um it's made a difference. You can feel it now in the way the city runs and the effectiveness of the things that happen here. Um we've seen such wonderful investment in our parks as we just saw moments ago, wonderfully strong financials and a level of progress that we can only hope that the future commission can exceed. Perhaps most importantly, we've seen a local government that people can trust. One that plans ahead, listens carefully, and leads with integrity. The Suski City Commission has earned a

reputation welldeserved I think as the most proactive and effective legislative body in this region. Don't ever surrender that. Don't ever let the tail wag the dog that is this building in this commission because this council has proven what is possible when government doesn't just manage problems. You solve them and you can still be a force for good. Too many public leaders treat public service as a burden rather than a privilege. And I know that you guys all feel that [clears throat] we see some folks who treat government like a problem to be solved rather than a tool to make people's lives better. Some even brag about naming buildings or cutting services as if somehow doing less is bold leadership. Meanwhile, Sunduski has done the opposite and because of that we have become something special. A city that believes in itself and that people want to live in and want to visit. I think that's the legacy of your time on council. Um, you've all reminded us that local government can work if you're thoughtful, pragmatic, and hopeful all at once. So, thank you for your time, for your belief in Sunduski, and for making it um a community that is our own. And second, I have an award for the city of Sunduski. Um, for the past couple of years and the last year with um Commissioner Pujo, I've been on the board of our local chapter of Habitat for Humanity. Um each year we present an award to an organization um whether it's a church or a nonprofit um or a community group that provides the most exceptional support of our mission to build homes in communities. Um this year our director and our volunteer committees chose the city of Sunduski because of the outstanding partnership they've had with the city. So I have this this plaque to give to the city. I'll give this after the meeting. But um the city has been a partner on uh lots and the welcome home Ohio grant which was able to defay some of the rising

construction costs in the couple of the built homes we're going to build over the next I think two years. Um having certainty in funding and locations is so important. Uh we move the lots in Suski so much faster than the rest of our jurisdiction which is Erie and and Hiron counties. Um people want to move to Suski. Um, especially want to thank Colleen Gillson and Debbie Eversol who our directors work with um, in getting this stuff together. It's been uh, such an honor to see this on both sides of the of these uh, transactions. Um, it really I think though and when I was thinking about this award and this night, it puts a bow on the work the city has done um, through the commission and its amazing staff. There are other communities in our area. We get to work with lots of different townships, governments, counties. Um, some of them are thinking about affordability and housing and how it's become more expensive. No one else is actually doing anything. And the city has helped us buy lots, get our funding in order that we weren't even looking for. Um, you guys are light years ahead of anywhere else. I mean, it's it's not even close. So, I I think the energy and dedication in this building is real. I hope it continues. Thank you for what you've done [clears throat] for the city. You

Thank you, Mr. Murray. [applause] [applause] For the record, about a minute ago, uh the law director gave me that wink that I'm supposed to cut the speaker off, but I can [laughter] I can tell you that that's not happening as long as you're praising us. Thank you, Mr. Murray. very well. Additional comments from the public on any item pertains to city business.

I uh Aaron Blair, 221 East Washington Street. Um I wanted to thank you, Commissioner President Brady, and Commissioner Murray for the leadership that you've provided this commission and to all of you for dedicating your your time and your interest to public service. your accomplishments over the years before I met you were the inspiration and um what gave me the confidence to move here and become a resident and to invest in my home in the city and I thank you for your leadership that time. It's been a joy to live in Sunduski and to uh take part in some of the work since I've been here as well and thank you Commissioner Pajali for your excellent leadership. Uh, I appreciated this time over the last couple years with planning commission um and you and your dedication to your community and your career to make our our quality of life high and this city a to live. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Blair. [applause]

Commissioners Naomi Twine, 1529 Harmony Lane, Canton, Michigan. I wanted to come tonight um because it is two of my one of my closest I think and best friends um that I started on commission with um Commissioner Murray and Commissioner Brady. And of course anyone who runs for public office has to have a love for it. And I appreciate the fact that when you run for office and you serve that Sunduski has had some wonderful people serve this community. Um it hasn't always been easy. There have been some hard choices that have been made. Um, but again, I want to thank Commissioner Murray, Commissioner Brady, all the commissioners, Commissioner Elect, who has now been sworn in, Commissioner Wilson, um, the city of Sunduski, their staff, and the public. Um, Sunduski is a wonderful place. It's my home. It will always be my home, no matter where I'm at. Um, but again, I appreciate um the service of our commissioners and the love that they have for this community. Um, God speed.

Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Commissioner Twine. You'll always be Commissioner Twine. Additional comments from the public? If not, Mr. President, Mr. Crarael,

um, I'd like to share just a couple of quick thoughts. Um, this is, uh, the the the past years that that, uh, uh, the three of you that are that are going out of office have served have been momentous years. Um it's through your guidance that many extremely significant projects have been undertaken and accomplished in [snorts] this community. Uh you are to be commended for your leadership in that regard. Um and and rather than draw out my comments, I'll just say uh finally that um I think in in the in the long arch of history um there will be an interesting little blip in Sunduski's history that marks the time and attention and care uh that you gave uh to this city through your service. I thank you for that.

Thank you, Commissioner Kri. [applause]

Murray, I was doing okay before uh with the invocation until I saw Commissioner Twine. I'll do better this time. I promise. To my colleagues past and present, thank you for serving. Time and again, we see the difference in communities well served by people with optimism and vision. May the hearts of our new commission be filled with the special joy of Sundowski and the drive to make her better. To those following us now and in the years ahead, I offer this advice. Listen more because you know far less than you think. Talk less so that you can listen more. Do your homework. Support staff. They work hard and these meetings are stressful for them. If you alienate staff, you will accomplish nothing. Give them direction and support and they will literally tear down buildings and walls to make Sanduski succeed. Know your lane. As Dave Wington often says, if you find yourself at city hall too many times each month, you are probably usurping staff and the city manager and are out of your lane. Undercut the city manager and you will accomplish only chaos. Remember that five or so people in opposition are usually far outnumbered by those rooting for Sundust success at home. Talk to people, listen genuinely, read widely, and think long. Do so, and the right course of action will be clear. More than anything, remember that saying yes, that is, accomplishing something takes courage, time, and a lot more work. While no is occasionally the right answer, it is rarely the answer that best serves the public good. 12 years ago, we were at a depressing low. You could roll a bowling ball down Columbus AB on a weekend in July and not hit a car person. Our only initiatives

back then were to cut more people and more services. We had twice failed by large margins to increase our income tax, but we rallied and we passed issue eight. Then we announced the bicesentennial plan. And when we announced it, I told those gathered at the state theater that we could collectively stop pinching ourselves because the future suski of which we had long dreamed was going to become a reality. It has taken time and the work will continue forever really. But that is the essence of stewardship. People have often asked me what happened. How does Suski turn the corner? My response has been to hold up a mirror. It was all of you and us who changed. When we passed issue 8 by a huge margin, we said loudly and clearly and for all to hear that we believed in ourselves again. Each of you in have invested in your homes, in your families, in yourselves, in your businesses and in the city itself. That is what has changed and it is contagious. Just look at the way Sunduski initiatives have been emulated by other local governments. Sunduski has gone from being an economic and development lagard to an economic icon and engine driving growth and innovation for the benefit of our entire region. For many years, I worried that our success would be set back that our luck would run out. I thought it finally happened with CO. That seems like such a confusing bad dream now. But those charged with maintaining a police force, a fire department, and clean water. For those folks, it was a terrifying time because we were looking at close to a 50% cut in our revenues. But [clears throat] we made it through that time and we rallied again and our success continues. To my neighbors, I love Suskians, the people I know and those I don't. You make Suski special, different, joyous, hard scrabble, and home. Some treasure the predict predictability of the suburbs, but I love your irassability and oriness. You

fight over a quarter, but risk your comfort and safety for a neighbor in need. You are the people I want to call kin, and so I do. To Suski staff, past and present, you've been and will always be my heroes. [clears throat] From police officers to firefighters to the men and women who plow our roads in blizzards and maintain our parks in sweltering heat. To those skilled and tireless men and women who keep our water safe before and after we use it. To the planners and doers who make our dreams come true and the accounting and legal wizards who make sure we get it right. Thank you. Thank you for the extra effort. Thank you for putting up with our nonsense at times and for the courage to quietly tell us sometimes publicly when we get it wrong. To Eric Whoopser, thank you for saying yes when I asked you to consider coming back home and for your boundless almost crazy vision and for your endless enthusiasm. To John Orzac, thank you for the discipline you have brought to the organization, your loyalty to Seduski and getting job after job done. Every dream needs a builder and every team needs a closer. To my partner in crime, Mr. Brady, over these last 12 years, thank you for being that. We have been united in seeing Sunduski prevail, and it has. We rarely disagreed, and when we did, we found a way. Thank you for asking me to run again when I did not plan to do so 12 years ago. However, your encouragement that we could change to Dusty for the next 10 years fell short of the mark. To my immediate family and my partners, thank you for allowing me to serve and for your support. I know it could be awkward to have your parents in the paper, but after 20 years, as I have joked, we remain

undefeated and unindicted. [laughter] Mr. Susky's voters, I am honored beyond all telling that you have asked me to serve and help lead this greatest of cities for many years. [clears throat] For me, it has been a love story, largely reciprocated and yet unrequited still in part. No matter, because the truth endures without need for confirmation. To those still fretting, I have confidence that good people are taking our places and that they will do great things. Let modesty fill your ambition and duty fill your needs. Finally, know that every critic, for every critic, 25,000 people are cheering for Sedusky's success. Go on and exceed their wildest expectations. Thank you. [applause] I too have some prepared remarks, but uh when I got here today, I I thought of a couple of interesting stories that I'd like to share with you. And I know it's dangerous to add lib. You're not supposed to do that, but uh anymore, nothing frightens me in this room. Uh there's a gentleman sitting directly in front of me and he's directly behind uh newly elected Commissioner Wilson. Uh it's Jimmy Sino. He was sitting there 14 years ago and I had filled the room with family and friends. He made the mistake of sitting right where he's sitting now.

[laughter]

And after I was sworn in, all of my family and friends left. But Jimmy didn't see them leave. So he sat through a 2-hour meeting and stood up and found that he'd been completely abandoned by our family and friends. But here he is 14 years later. Second interesting story. I was trying to think of a way to not be emotional. So I thought the way to do that is to videotape this and play it on the big screen for all of you. So I videotaped it six times and each time I got more emotional. [laughter] So I figured, what the heck? I might as well do it in person. So here it is. I've had 13 remarkable years at this table. Imagine that. over 300 commission meetings, 150 of them as the president and the ex official mayor, which I still don't know what that means. On the 1st of January, I'll be the exeicial man. Looking back, I too am filled with gratitude for the historic renaissance we've witnessed here in Sunduski. For so many years, I've been able to say we really have the wind at our backs. unbelievable momentum, progress, revitalization, and community spirit that's transformed our city and Wayne in ways we could only once dream of. None of this would have been possible without the tireless work of 248 staff members who serve with professionalism and heart every single day. Thank you all of you for your commitment to Sunduski. And thanks to our city manager, John Rossac, for his steady leadership and partnership. [clears throat] He was just

the right person at just the right time. For the last few years, you've been exactly what Sunduski needed. Over these 13 years, I've had the privilege of serving alongside 18 different city commissioners. Each of those individuals brought a unique perspective and passion and together we move forward. We fought our way through a worldwide pandemic and ended up stronger and more resilient as a city. Successes, yeah, we've had a few, too many to mention here. Make no mistake, our success is not the result of the people sitting at this table, past or present or future. It's the result of each one of the 248 individuals who show up every day and serve this city. Most importantly, I want to thank my family for allowing me to devote 13 years of my life to public service. And I mean my entire family. I got three adult children. Carrie, Christine, and Ryan are here today. their spouses, my six grandchildren. I got brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws that all rooted for me and rooted for this city. My granddaughter and grandson, Ella and David Richard Mack, never miss a chance to tell whoever is listening that their papa is the mayor. They're [clears throat] going to have to do some adjusting, too. For the past 12 years, there have been two extraordinary women in my life. Boy, I hope that doesn't come as a surprise to my wife. [laughter] A few of you know that I've relied heavily on our daughter Christine Christine Mack [snorts] to take my thoughts and my ideas and turn them into eloquent word words both written and spoken. The words were my vision

expressed through her gift with language and composition. Thank you, Christine. The other woman of course is my wife. 12 years ago, we began on parallel paths to serve this community. Myself as a city commissioner and my wife on the state theater board. The deal was that we would spend four years on our passion. She kept her part of the bargain, me not so much. The price of public service is paid for by your spouse. You'll all find that out if you don't already know it. All of those phone calls at very odd hours, Mr. Wington. [laughter]

All of those late night dinners after commission meetings, all those groundbreings and ribbon cutings, sometimes in 20°ree weather and sometimes in 95 degree weather. Streetscape and so many sleepless nights. Mr. Orzac. They take their toll, but life unfolds as it does, and I'm grateful for her support through it all. I've often quoted one of my favorite poems by Robert Frost, and it's been very appropriate for our city for the past 12 years. We have miles to go before we sleep. Sunduski still has miles to go before they sleep. In 2013 [snorts] at KidsFest, I pitched the idea of running for this office to the guy sitting next to me. I told him that with a little luck, we could change the trajectory of this city for the next hundred years. He laughed, but I think that's exactly what we did with a lot of help. In recent weeks, so many people have asked me, "What comes next?" For the longest time, I struggled to answer that question. The reason I don't know that answer is because I never got this far in my dream. Now, with this commission support, I will ask for a motion to adjourn. I' I've got a couple of comments I'd like to make. [laughter]

Even Well, we'll adjourn later then.

Even Even Even though you guys are tough to follow. So, I I'd just like to say it was an honor to work with all the commissioners I was priv privileged to work with during my four years on the commission. I enjoyed the trip and I would recommend it to anybody, especially young people that might want to run. You should you should get involved. Uh especially wanted to thank Mr. Brady and Mr. Murray for their leadership when nobody else wanted to step up around this table, including myself. Uh you guys stepped up and filled the role. So, I really appreciate that. Uh, the best of luck to the new commission and I would encourage you to be the, uh, boss you would like to be when working with staff. You know, you got seven different commissioners, seven different personalities and seven different agendas, and that's tough on staff. So, I I know you guys would do well. In closing, I thought about uh, what do I say? maybe belled out some uh Bob Hope Thanks for the memories, but I didn't think anybody would want to hear me sing and I didn't want to sing, that's for sure. Then I thought maybe I would quote the uh late great Richard Milhouse Nixon when he was leaving the the White House and you won't have Polly to kick around, [laughter] but but I'm not good with a peace sign. That didn't work either. And then I thought, well, maybe I'll plagiarize Mr. Lington when but he told me when he left the commission and if I get it wrong correct me uh the city commission is like a baby's diaper. It has to be changed once in a while. [laughter] So so but that was too forest gumpish for me. [laughter] It didn't work. And uh so I settled on Jesse Jackson. Keep hope alive to the new commission for all the citizens. Keep hope alive. Thank you. And and one last thing, I just

wanted to mention that um I appreciate the fact that you and Mr. Murray put me on that invite to the party next door. I kind of felt like uh [laughter] Joey Bishop or Peter Laughford when he was when they were hanging with the rat pack. So uh [laughter] the rat pack. Thank you. [applause]

That's my next question. Okay. What's next? Would that be a motion to adjurnn? So, we're moved.