Several outgoing town officials were recognized for their service to the community at the town board’s final meeting of the year on Dec. 19.
As of Jan. 1, Town Supervisor Terri Roney, Town Councilors Rick Keyes and Steve McGlynn, Highway Superintendent Jim Card and Code Enforcement Officer Debbie Williams will all be leaving their positions.
Roney read a statement thanking Williams for her 22 years of service to the town, which included helping to develop the town and village joint comprehensive plan and expanding the town codes.
“As code enforcement officer she witnessed firsthand the development that was beginning to take place, particularly in the watershed, and she knew that a more restrictive ordinance is the only way to prevent over-development in our community,” Roney said.
Williams will be retiring from the appointed position at the end of the year.
Town Councilor Jim Greenfield thanked Jim Card for his more than 30 years working for the town.
Card will be retiring and moving to North Carolina. His successor, Allan Wellington, was chosen in this year’s election.
Eric Sell, chief, and Jim Buff, president, of the Skaneateles Fire Department also presented gifts to Card and Roney and thanked the outgoing board members for their support of the fire department.
“I appreciate everything you’ve done for the fire department,” Sell said to Card, “From field days to fire calls to down trees, pumping basements, keeping the roads clear and safe, I really appreciate it and so do the members.”
Town Councilor Nancy Murray read a poem she wrote in honor of Rick Keyes’ four years on the board.
“With a twinkle in his eye when he said ‘hi,’ / for four years Mr. Keyes has sat across from me with ease,” she read.
Town Clerk Janet Aaron read a statement commemorating Steve McGlynn’s four-years on the town board. McGlynn showed his passion for the community by serving on the town planning board, Parks and Recreation Council of Skaneateles and the town board, Aaron said.
“Steve is the youngest board member I have worked with and he reminded me of what it was like to be young and have all that energy. Steve never lacked ideas for any project or idea that came along,” she said.
Lastly, Greenfield and Aaron spoke to honor Roney for her four years as supervisor, during which the board was a tight-knit and effective group they said.
“Not only were you the first woman supervisor, in my opinion, you’re the best the town has ever had,” Greenfield said. “You had to make some tough decisions over the past four years, there was a couple hiccups, but with your leadership it was done by the book and it has been great just to know you, let alone work with you.”
“Thank you Terri, we may be losing a supervisor, but we all gained a friend,” Aaron said.
In other business:
— The board announced that Code Enforcement Officer Adam D’Amico, who had been recently hired to replace Williams, has resigned from his new post with the town, due to taking another job.
Joe Genco is the editor of the Skaneateles Press. He can be reached at [email protected].
