There were several teary goodbyes at Monday night’s council meeting, the last for the current term of council.
With five of the seven members of Clearview council departing, outgoing council members took their chance to thank staff, fellow council members and constituents.
“I just want to recognize that there’s 70 years of dedication in this room that won’t be returning the next term,” said mayor-elect Robert McArthur, calling for a round of applause.
McArthur won last month’s municipal election, unseating Doug Measures. Two incumbents also lost their seats and two opted not to run again.
“The mayor was a great leader,” said outgoing deputy mayor Paul Van Staveren, who did not seek reelection. “Mayor Measures was our leader not our boss and he did a great job of leading us so Doug, on our behalf, thank you very much for everything.”
He wished the new council the best.
Outgoing Ward 1 councillor Phyllis Dineen, thanked her fellow council members for their wisdom and fellowship and outgoing Ward 5 councillor Marty Beelen, who made an unsuccessful play for deputy mayor, said it has been an honour and pleasure to serve on council and committees.
Of his fellow council members he said, “I think there is a mutual respect. There is a bond almost like a fraternity, a bond that I will always cherish. Thank you.”
Ward 4 councillor Robert Walker was celebrated for 36 years on council, serving as representative pre and post amalgamation.
Choking up, he said, “It has been an honour for me to sit at this table with the six of you and moving Clearview forward at a pace we have been able to control. And staff, it has been an honour to work with you and support some of your requests and projects. Your worship, I’m finished.”
He received a standing ovation from council members and those assembled in the gallery.
“There simply is no gift better than giving time, and you and your family have given that time to this community and it is certainly being recognized and honoured so thank you,” said Measures.
As a parting gift, Walker was presented with a mantel clock.
Later in the meeting Measures made an emotional statement of his own, thanking all members of council. “Each one of you have contributed, collaborated, discussed and debated in a respectful manner at every meeting we have been together. I am forever impressed in the ability of this group of citizens to remain focussed on serving the community of Clearview with integrity. We did not fight it out with procedural acrobatics as previously seen at this table. I also feel this group of citizens truly understood the importance of supporting the unique neighbourhoods that make Clearview a beautiful place. We are one community, one team, and for that I thank you.”
He also thanked staff and his wife Tracey, “the first lady of Clearview.”
“Folks, this has been the honour of my life to serve as the sixth mayor of Clearview Township,” he said in conclusion. “To the next council that comes to this dais, I wish you all the very best as you serve the citizens of our great and beautiful township, as it is citizen’s work to serve the community and it is indeed the citizen that will demand your very best. Look to the future in every decision that is made at this table and remember the generations of citizens that are still to come. Your grandkids will know you made a difference. Thank you, Clearview.”
Measures was presented the mayor’s gavel and a plaque recognizing 20 years on council.
Staff also presented certificates to all council members for their years of service and shared a slide show of photos and memories.
The new council term begins on Nov. 15.
Contributed photo: At its final meeting of the term, Clearview Township council members present outgoing Ward 4 councillor Robert Walker with a clock in appreciation of the time he has spent as a representative for Stayner, 36 years in total. Pictured from left is Paul Van Staveren, Marty Beelen, Phyllis Dineen, Robert Walker, Doug Measures, John Broderick and Robert McArthur.
