Greenville City Council bids goodbye to two departing council members

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GREENVILLE — Members of the Greenville City Council said “Goodbye” to two longtime council members at Tuesday night’s meeting.

John Baumgardner and Roy Harrison will be leaving council at the end of the year. Neither ran for reelection. Their seats will be filled by Dori Howdieshell and Steve Willman, who won uncontested elections for the positions in November.

Baumgardner has served on council for 10 years, while Harrison ends a 12-year run on council, following 30 years as a Greenville Police officer.

“I’d like to thank my wife and family for backing me through these last 12 years — missing the grandkids’ ballgames, things of that sort,” said Harrison. “For the most part I’ve enjoyed serving the community, as I recall, 42 years of serving the community, one way or another.”

Baumgardner said, “It’s hard to believe 10 years have flown by as fast as they have.”

Acknowledging the “deference and respect” he’s felt from council and the city administration, Baumgardner added, “I’ve made a lot of good friends here on council and appreciate the friendship and look forward to maybe someday getting back up there.”

Councilman Todd Oliver said, “It’s going to be strange without you two gentlemen. I know what you’ve put into it. I thank you for your dedicated service and time.”

Councilman Leon Rogers added, “I’m going to miss John and Roy. We’ve worked together several years down here. They’ll be missed, however I’m sure the two new incoming [members] will do a great job also.”

Councilman Tracy Tryon told Harrison, “I thank you for everything you’ve done and the things that you continue to do.”

To Baumgardner, Tryon said, “Thank you for the wisdom you’ve brought, your business sense, some level-headedness and stubbornness to get some things done. You’ll both be missed.”

Councilman Doug Schmidt said, “John and Roy, I really enjoyed our time up here together. I hate to see you guys go.”

Councilman Clarence Godwin told the two, “I really appreciated the time up here working with you guys.”

Council President John Burkett added his thanks, saying, “These two gentlemen have given a lot of their time and talents to this council and we appreciate it.” He then presented certificates of appreciation from the city to the two outgoing members.

Safety/Service Director Curt Garrison reported to council that the city hopes to have street lights re-installed on Gardenwood Drive over the next two weeks; that the Water Plant’s temporary shutdown for upgrades on December 7 was successful; and that the city will be taking bids for the Ohio Street/East Main Street project beginning Thursday.

In other business, council approved ordinances to increase wages for the city’s non-union employees and department heads. The 2.25-percent wage increase becomes effective January 1, 2016.

Council also approved a resolution authorizing a 10-year contract with Miami Valley Lighting to provide street lighting for the city effective January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2025.

The Greenville City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Municipal Building, 100 Public Square. The meetings are open and the public is invited to attend.

Greenville City Council President John Burkett (center) presented certificates of appreciation to Roy Harrison (left) and John Baumgardner (right) at Tuesday’s council meeting. Harrison and Baumgardner are leaving council at the end of December.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_council-002-WEB.jpgGreenville City Council President John Burkett (center) presented certificates of appreciation to Roy Harrison (left) and John Baumgardner (right) at Tuesday’s council meeting. Harrison and Baumgardner are leaving council at the end of December. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

By Erik Martin

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Erik Martin may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com.

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