Slay, Williams honored for service on city’s first board

City officials thanked outgoing city board members as the “epitome of public service” in a “bittersweet” farewell.

Mayor Walter Morrison said Alderman Wesley Slay, and Alderman Lisa Williams “stepped up” to the role in public service.

Morrison said the two were “the epitome of public service” and would be “difficult to replace.” He said they took on the challenges of running a new city for no monetary gain.

“Anybody who has paid any attention at all in the city, I hope, understands these folks volunteered years and years ago to serve this community, and they did so without any pay or benefit,” Morrison said 

The board honored the departing members with a resolution. Both departing board members were presented with framed copies of the resolution at their June 10 regularly scheduled meeting. The resolution passed with a 5-0 vote.

“Please know I am thankful to each of you who have assisted me along the way,” Williams said.  “Thank you to those who have encouraged, supported, and stayed in touch. Especially the citizens in our city who have followed the process from the beginning, the first volunteers, city staff, city employees, the attorneys, the city planner and staff. Thank you to all of the friends in the beginning and new friends met along this journey.” 

Morrison said Williams has “always done what she thought was right” for the city and commended her for her hard work in knocking on doors to get signatures to incorporate Gluckstadt in 2015.

Slay said the experience has been “an honor and a privilege” and said he enjoyed his time as Alderman-at-large.

“I don’t often shed tears, but I might tonight,” Slay said.

 Neither Slay nor Williams sought re-election after they were appointed as Aldermen in 2021. 

The new board will take their positions on July 1. Their first meeting will be July 8.