Don Gardner, a longtime friend and fellow councilor, made the presentation, thanking McPherson for his dedication to the citizens of Presque Isle.
“I’ve served with Ron for 10 years (on City Council). As a councilor and as a friend, I can’t say enough. Ron’s the one who talked me into running for Council; I haven’t regretted a minute,” said Gardner, shaking McPherson’s hand as he presented the token of appreciation.
McPherson, who chose not to seek re-election to Council, citing health issues as the reason, reflected on his more than 18 years of service with various city departments and committees.
“My journey started some 18 years ago with Jim Gardner. We learned together,” said McPherson, noting his experience on various boards allowed him to “learn the flow of things,” providing him with valuable knowledge he then implemented in decision-making as a councilor.
“I want to thank Tom (Stevens, city manager). I’ve been here (on the Council) a full 12 years with him. We’ve had our ups and downs, but he’s talked me through much. I appreciate his help. We saw each other more than we saw our families, while working on the Public Safety Building,” recalled McPherson.
Over the years, McPherson said he’s seen a lot of changes in the city.
“I’ve been through an awful lot of events that the good Lord made me part of; now we’re going into a new era,” he said.
McPherson said the purchase of land for a new recreation facility and its future construction “will be fantastic” for the community.
“This Council has some of the biggest challenges you’ve ever had,” he said.
He thanked newly-elected City Councilor Randy Smith for stepping up and accepting the challenge.
“I’d like to congratulate Randy. I had my paperwork in the first week but said if someone else came in, I was out. Mel (Hovey, a city councilman) found him. I want to thank Randy and wish him and the city all the best,” said McPherson, noting, “I’m not going away. I’ll be in from time to time” to offer comments at future Council meetings — this time as a citizen.
McPherson thanked the citizens who’ve supported him over the years.
“And for those who didn’t, I supported you anyway (as a councilor). I tried to make decisions for the common good,” he said.
He acknowledged that there were probably only a couple of boards or committees he hadn’t chaired or been a member of, including the Library Board of Trustees.
“I’d like to thank the city of Presque Isle, the city that I love,” said McPherson. “My health won’t allow me to go on with any service. You’re (the city and Council) going into some difficult times and difficult decisions will need to be made — some buildings to close and people to go,” he said.
McPherson was also honored with a plaque for his service to the Forum Advisory Board. Making the presentation were Forum Director Jim Kaiser and Forum Advisory Board Vice Chair Lucy Richard.
“You’ve been a member of the board for 11 years, three years as chair. You stepped in and helped out when we needed you,” said Richard, as she shook McPherson’s hand.
With that, Council and those present at Monday’s session joined in a round of applause for the outgoing councilman.
In other business, Council:
• Approved amendments to Chapter 25 — International Building Code, Section 108, to increase the minimum building permit fees;
• Approved amendments to Chapter 31, National Electric Code, to increase electrical permit fees;
• Approved a malt, spirituous and vinous liquor license application by Presque Isle Hotel Co., d/b/a Northeastland Hotel, 436 Main St.;
• Approved a special amusement permit for dancing and entertainment by Presque Isle Hotel Co., d/b/a Northeastland Hotel, 436 Main St.;
• Received an update on the 2010 municipal budget and scheduled the next hearing on the matter for Dec. 21, during Council’s next session;
• Received an update on the Five-Year Capital Program for 2010-14;
• Held the first of two hearings on amendments to Chapter 48 — General Assistance Ordinance for overall maximum levels of assistance, food and housing, with Dec. 21 set as the final hearing date on the proposed changes;
• Heard comments from Theresa Fowler, executive director of the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce, and Michael McPherson, speaking on behalf of the Chamber, requesting the city increase funding to the Chamber for 2010;
• Received an update from Ken Arndt, the city’s planning and development director, on the proposed expansion of the Industrial Zone along Skyway St. and Edgemont Dr. Under the proposal, property to the north of Northern Maine Community College and Presque Isle Middle School would be re-zoned to allow construction of wind turbines;
• Was updated by Industrial Council Executive Director Larry Clark on the potential abandonment of rail trackage by the Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway, LTD. Clark indicated that MDOT has taken an active role in the matter, with state and MMA officials continuing to meet and discuss the future of rail service to Aroostook County, with the next public meeting slated for Dec. 15 at UMPI;
• Approved amendment to Personal Rules and Regulations on driver’s licenses, as proposed;
• Appointed Susan Cook to the SAD 1 School Board for Section 13, which includes the area Park and Dyer streets;
• Approved the return of votes cast for the municipal and SAD 1 election;
• Approved Presque Isle Water and Sewer District salaries for 2009;
• Tabled until Council’s Dec. 21 session discussion of changes to the policy for processing and reviewing hardship abatements;
• Approved closing city offices at 1 p.m. Dec. 24 to allow employees more time with their families for Christmas;
• Scheduled the first meeting of 2010 for Jan. 4, beginning at 4 p.m., to allow for the ceremonial swearing in of officials and other recognitions, prior to the regular Council session;
• Approved consent agenda items, including Council meeting minutes of Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 17, as well as 2009 warrants 43-46 totaling just over $4,825,030; and
• Heard the manager’s report, including Steven’s request for recommendations for interim city manager, with Stevens suggesting Solid Waste Director Dana Fowler (who’s served as acting city manager in Stevens’ absence in the past) serve in that capacity until a new manger is hired. Stevens also presented Council with the Downtown Revitalization Committee’s request to close off sections of State St. on New Year’s Eve, with councilors agreeing to discuss the matter at their Dec. 21 meeting.
Council’s next session is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Dec. 21 at City Hall. The public is welcome and encouraged to participate. For more information, contact 764-4485.
