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PRESENTATION OF COUNCIL SERVICE AWARDS TO COUNCILLOR LYNN STRACHAN, COUNCILLOR BRIAN JACKSON AND COUNCILLOR ALEX NUTTALL
Mayor Lehman recognized the accomplishments of the three outgoing members of Council and he displayed a video of Councillors Strachan, Jackson and Nuttall's campaign clips for each of their first terms on Council.
Mayor Lehman recognized Councillor Lynn Strachan for her efforts and achievements during her three terms as a member of Council representing Wards 5 and 2. He commented that Councillor Strachan is a fearless advocate and not afraid to speak her mind. Mayor Lehman noted that being in her mid-30's and sitting on Council for 11 years is quite an achievement.
Mayor Lehman presented Councillor Strachan with a picture from the "Visibly Unseen" collection and a Bike Route street sign representing her advocacy for Active Transportation.
Mayor Lehman recognized Councillor Brian Jackson for his efforts and the years of experience he brought to the Council table. Mayor Lehman thanked Councillor Jackson for his guidance and the confidence he had in him as a young mayor. He provided highlights from Councillor Jackson's political career, including being Mayor of Innisfil. He noted how fortunate the City of Barrie was to have Councillor Jackson as part of its Council and that he would be sorely missed.
Mayor Lehman presented Councillor Jackson with a copy of the official 125th anniversary map of the City of Barrie illustrating the community in both 1853 and 1978, a street sign Traffic Calmed Neighbourhood representing his efforts related to traffic calming initiatives in his ward, and a variegated clivia plant.
Mayor Lehman recognized Councillor Alex Nuttall noting he was the youngest Councillor elected in the City of Barrie. He commented that Councillor Nuttall works in the financial industry and brought this expertise to the table. He highlighted Councillor Nuttall's advocacy for Ward 10 residents, his charitable work and his sense of humour. Mayor Lehman thanked Councillor Nuttall for his efforts and many enjoyable years serving together on Council.
Mayor Lehman presented Councillor Nuttall with a picture from the "Visibly Unseen" collection and a How to Operate an IPS street sign recognizing his efforts to promote traffic safety in Ward 10.
Each of the members of Council provided comments describing their admiration and respect for the outgoing members of Council. They observed that they enjoyed working with them as part of the Council team.
Councillor Strachan thanked the Mayor and members of Council for their kind words and noted that she felt privileged to serve on Council for 11 years. She expressed her love for the City of Barrie and being on Council, even if the decisions she made were difficult. She commented on all of the things she was able to do during her tenure and how she enjoyed the team around the table. In closing, she thanked City staff and the volunteers who she has had the opportunity to work with over the past 11 years for their dedication and combined efforts that make Barrie the best city in the world.
Councillor Jackson thanked the Mayor and members of Council for their kind comments. He remarked that he has enjoyed his term in Barrie and the team spirit around the table and noting that this Council should be commended. He discussed his pleasure in looking after residents and how rewarding it was when things got accomplished. Councillor Jackson thanked the staff for all their efforts and thanked his wife for her support during his political career. He requested that the incoming Council continue to move the City forward. In closing, Councillor Jackson wished everyone a happy holiday season and encouraged everyone to remember those who are less fortunate.
Councillor Nuttall thanked the residents of Ward 10 who took a leap of faith in electing him 8 years ago. He discussed his own personal and family changes since joining Council, how when he first was elected he thought of himself as a politician and now has become a public servant, how much he has matured and the incredible moments that he has experienced around the Council table. He recognized Councillor Strachan as a friend who he could call upon when he needed advice and he also thanked all of Council as they were huge mentors. In closing, Councillor Nuttall thanked Mayor Lehman for their strong working relationship.
Mayor Lehman reflected on the past term of Council and the successes of the 2010-2014 term, including the decrease in unemployment, the City of Barrie being named the safest city, the effort and comradery of Council and how the community is in a much better place. In closing, Mayor Lehman thanked Council for an incredible 4 years, and observed that they should be proud of their accomplishments.