Monday, October 27, marked the final Hoover City Council meeting for three incumbent councilmen who chose not to seek re-election: Councilman Sam Swiney, Council president pro-tempore Curt Posey and Council president John Lyda. The council also recognized Mayor Frank Brocato, who lost his re-election bid.
Lyda spoke on behalf of the council to recognize and honor Brocato's service.
"In 1973, most of you all know that Mayor Brocato began his service to the city with the Hoover Fire Department. He was our first-ever paramedic, and then gave 42 years of service to our fire department," he said.
"Some of our HR records may be a little fuzzy… But I think I'm confident in saying that with 52 years of service, Mayor Brocato is our longest serving ever city employee."
Lyda highlighted the mayor's successes in economic development as he touted the city's financial well-being, crediting Brocato, saying, "Under his leadership and guidance, the city set forth a path that for generations," a comment that came with a biting aside, "unless a future council decides to change it, will guarantee the financial stability of our city."
The upcoming council and future councils will need to tackle several unresolved issues, including stormwater and sewer repairs, some of which require a recent $6.1 million emergency allocation. They will also need to review and potentially renegotiate the lease for the Riverwalk development—which has raised serious concerns about its prepaid rent and large tax incentives—find the millions in unallocated costs for a performing arts center that was promised but never built, and address other problems caused by inaction or decisions made during Brocato's administration.
After Lyda recognized Brocato and presented him with a key to the city, Councilman Casey Middlebrooks, who was reelected without opposition, stood up to acknowledge the three departing council members.
"When Mike Shaw left this city, he did us the honor of writing state bills in each of our honors. So, the four returning council members, Steve McClinton, Derek Murphy and Khristi Driver came together to write these proclamations on each of y'all's behalf."
The resolutions that followed showed the camaraderie among the members, touting the unique skills they brought to the body while also playfully teasing one another.
The proclamation honoring Posey was titled, "Hail the Service and Shiny Dome." It began honoring Posey for "Distinguished Service and Fiscal Foresight." It recognized his "tireless work as an unparalleled Avid Champion for the Arts, playing a starring role in the formation of the Hoover Arts Council and enriching the cultural vitality of the community," before joking that he had the ability to "calculate the exact number of pencils used in City Hall since 2016."
The proclamation declared, "The last Tuesday of every October shall henceforth be known as "Curt Posey Data Dive Day," wherein all City Council members, department heads, and citizens are encouraged to spend a minimum of two (2) full hours diligently studying a spreadsheet, questioning its assumptions, and finding at least one formatting error, in the spirit of the Councilman's rigorous analytical approach."
"Councilman Sam Swiney, having served a full and commendable term as the Council Representative for Place 2, has been a steadfast voice of reason, a trait reflecting the principled man and leader this Council has come to know and respect," the proclamation honoring him said.
Recognizing him for his commitment to his son's sports, it was declared that Councilman Sam Swiney is hereby granted the title of "Councilman Emeritus for Recreational Affairs," and is officially relieved of all future Council meeting obligations in favor of mandatory attendance at all youth sporting events."
Going on to wish him every success in his new role as "Chief Administrator of Sports Schedules."
Lyda's recognition was the final one of the evening. His proclamation was titled, "Commemorating the Finish Line of Public Service." It began, "Council President John Lyda has faithfully served the citizens of Hoover for three terms since November 5, 2012."
"He has left an indelible mark on our community's prosperity through his dedication to long-term vision and strategic growth," it read before honoring his commitment to international exchange through the American Council of Young Political Leaders
"The City extends its deepest gratitude for his public service and acknowledges that he finally gets a break, wishing him Godspeed in all his future endeavors, with the hope that his next great physical feats—whether running or high-speed personal watercraft—will be filled with smooth seas and clear roads."
Lyda was presented with a key to the city, a plaque, and his gavel, which was boxed up in a keepsake box, leading Middlebrooks to joke: "We may not be able to adjourn tonight."
Ashley Lovell will replace Lyda, Swiney will be replaced by returning Councilman Gene Smith and Robin Schultz will replace Posey. The three council members and the new mayor will be sworn in on November 3.
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