The current Belleville council held its last meeting Monday and it was a short and very emotional one.
Tributes were paid to outgoing Mayor Neil Ellis, a man who’s served either as a councillor or mayor for almost 20 years.
He was also a Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte riding.
First to pay tribute to Ellis was councillor Sean Kelly who said he had a lot of respect for Ellis and his years of experience.
“Your working relationship with me, I’ve always appreciated it. Anthing I went to your office with, to hopefully move or be a part of you were always very supportive so all the best Mayor (applause)”
Councillor Barb Enright-Miller said Ellis had been a great mentor and a great friend.
“As we return for a second term I want you to know that I believe your leadership help make this possible. You’ve raised us up. You’ve positioned us to earn the confidence of
this community. There’s a part of our success that will always belong to you and I’m sure we’ll never forget that.”
Councillor Garnet Thompson was too choked up to thank the Mayor when he first tried but managed to gather himself a few minutes later.
“Neil I’ve sat with you on our 3 terms and I’m going to miss you (Ellis: “I’m going to miss you Garn.”) You’re a great leader and I’ve learned a lot with you and I’ll miss you
and I want to stay your friend forever. Thank you. (applause)
Hear the outgoing Mayor’s comments to council below.
The newly elected city council will hold its inaugural meeting Monday November 16.
With a dramatic flourish Mayor Neil Ellis gets set to cut this amazing birthday cake. (Photo: Quinte News)
