Johnson pledges cooperation (12/23/03)

DUNKIRK — In a spirit of cooperation, Mayor Tom Johnson said Monday that he was more than willing to continue working for the betterment of the city, including helping his successor Sam Hubbard.

Both Hubbard and Johnson spoke during Monday night’s city council meeting, then shook hands, and exchanged a few additional comments afterwards.

Also during Monday’s council session, city clerk-treasurer Jane Kesler presented Johnson with a plaque on behalf of the entire council and city employees, thanking him for his dedication and service to the community.

“We have a plaque to present to Tom for his four years of leadership,” Kesler said.

“It’s been a good experience,” Johnson commented.

Johnson noted that there had been some pretty tough times, referring to the Indiana Glass Co. situation and weather-related problems during his term of office, “but we stuck together and got through them.”

“I’m going to stay involved with the community, especially helping with projects relating to the city park and pool,” Johnson said.

“Like Sam said, it’s hard to get people to jump on board, but I’m willing to help out,” the outgoing mayor said.

Hubbard noted that there will be a swearing-in ceremony for he and the other newly elected city officials at 1 p.m. on Jan. 1 in city hall. There will be some light refreshments served, he added.

Also stepping down from the council at the end of the year will be Jean Esslinger who commented that she also planned to remain active in the community.

“I’ve enjoyed working with all of you for eight years,” Esslinger said.

In other business at Monday night’s meeting, council members:

•Heard a report from council president Dan Watson complimenting LPI Paving, Excavating and Concrete of Portland for their work in knocking down two dilapidated buildings and then cleaning up the debris at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Main Street in the downtown area.

“They did a good job,” Watson said, noting that Lincoln Avenue was now open to traffic once again. Also he said that if the city can acquire a neighboring building on Main Street, it will be demolished, too.

•Re-appointed Jerry Nelson, pastor of Calvary United Methodist Church in Dunkirk, to the board of the Dunkirk Foundation.

•Re-appointed Esslinger and Richard “Chuck” Huffman to new terms on the West Jay Community Center Board. Also appointed to three-year terms on the WJCC board were Dru Hall, Steve Hall, Phil Ford, Tammy Boltz and Ron Fuller.

•Set a special end-of-the-year council meeting to handle budget fund transfers for 4:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, in Dunkirk City Hall.[[In-content Ad]]