UPDATE | New members join Bainbridge city council

Published 11:42 am Saturday, January 9, 2016

Two new Bainbridge city council members — and a pair of returning ones — took the ceremonial oath of office at Tuesday’s council meeting.

Kol Medina, who ran unopposed for the District 2 North Ward council seat, took the oath of office this week along with fellow newcomer Ron Peltier, who was elected to the District 4 Central Ward position after defeating Pegeen Mulhern.

The council also hosted a tearful farewell ceremony for Anne Blair and Steven Bonkowski, the two council members and former mayors who did not seek re-election and ended their terms on the seven-member council at the end of December.

Returning council members Mike Scott and Sarah Blossom were also sworn into office.

The newly-formed council tackled a thick agenda at its first meeting.

The agenda included the selection of a final design for a city logo, and council members also weighed in on the best public process to consider for the future of the city’s Suzuki property, an 13.83-acre parcel located at the southeast corner of Sportsman Club Road and New Brooklyn Road. Some in the Bainbridge community hope to see the Suzuki property developed as a housing project that would include affordable housing units, while others want the land dedicated for use as a park.

Also on the agenda: 11 items of new business. Items ranged from an employment contract for Joseph Tovar, the city’s consultant on the update of the comprehensive plan who is expected to be hired as the interim director of Planning and Community Development Department, to the purchase of a new boat for the police department and changes to the city code prompted by the legalization of recreational marijuana.

The start of Tuesday’s meeting packed an emotional punch. A standing-room-only crowd packed city hall for the hail and farewell.

Councilwoman Blossom presented Bonkowski and Blair plaques for their service to the city, and she teared up when thanking Bonkowski for his guidance as a fellow council member.

Blair, as well, got choked up as she thanked family, friends and supporters near the end of a heartfelt speech that recounted the council’s transition from a troubled past to a collegial group that moved the city forward.

Bonkowski and Blair received a rousing standing ovation before the council took a break for cake and refreshments.