It was an emotional night at City Hall in North Battleford Monday.
At the conclusion of the final regularly scheduled council meeting of the 2012-16 term, City Manager Jim Puffalt took to the podium to bid farewell to Mayor Ian Hamilton.
“Your leadership, your contribution to the city is incredible,” said Puffalt. “You’ve made a huge difference for us, you’ve made a huge difference for the city.”
Puffalt acknowledged the time commitment by Hamilton at council and at functions beyond council chambers.
Puffalt also wished luck to the incumbent councillors and the other candidates who are running.
He also paid tribute to councillor Ray Fox, who is leaving after 13 years.
“We appreciate all your wisdom, advice and guidance. We wish you all the best of luck as you go forward.”
The tribute ended with staff rising to give Hamilton and council a standing ovation.
Hamilton closed with his own words, giving his “best wishes” to Ray Fox before thanking administration.
“We thank you. You made us look good,” Hamilton said. “I thank you very much, all of you, for everything that you’ve accomplished and assisted with, following our directives, our directions, that we’ve set out in policy and the strategic planning sessions. You are the ones that are making things happen out there on the street, you and all of your staff members. So we can’t thank you enough. I’ve had a great time.”
Hamilton was visibly emotional as he closed the meeting. “All the best. This meeting is adjourned.”
After the meeting Hamilton admitted to reporters in having emotions, but said this was “not the end” of his time contributing to the community.
“I’m comfortable with my decision. I’m going to miss this. I’ve really enjoyed my role as councillor and then as mayor. So yeah, it’s mixed emotions, for sure.”
This is the last regularly scheduled council meeting until Nov. 7, a meeting that will be ceremonial in nature with the swearing in of new mayor Ryan Bater and the rest of council.
“I think we are passing off to the new council a great start,” said Hamilton. “I’m very confident of the abilities of the people to continue the development of such a great city that we do have.”
