Mansfield City Council honors departing office holders at final meeting of 2023

It was a night to honor those who have served the city of Mansfield.

Mansfield City Council bid farewell to a number of public officials at its meeting Tuesday, including Mayor Tim Theaker, Law Director John Spon, Finance Director Linn Steward and fire Chief Steve Strickling.

Members also recognized two of their own, Alomar Davenport and Kim Moton.

Strickling retired Dec. 1 after more than 32 years with the fire department. He became chief on April 16, 2013.

Dressed in his department uniform, Strickling became emotional as he addressed council.

"It's the best job in the world," he said before taking a lengthy pause to collect himself. "It is all about helping people, and I'm proud of it."

Outgoing Safety-Services Director Dave Remy said Strickling has been one of the longest-serving chiefs in the last 30 years.

Remy praises retired fire Chief Strickling

"You are a person who wears his emotions on his sleeve. You've shown that tonight," Remy said. "You've been honest and upfront. We've had our disagreements, but we've always smoothed those out for the betterment of the people."

Councilman El Akuchie noted he has known Strickling a long time.

"You've always been a man of integrity," Akuchie said. "I thank you for what you have done."

Strickling brought a number of family members to the meeting. He listed his parents, in-laws and adult children. Someone had to remind him he also brought his wife, drawing laughs from the crowd.

Theaker is leaving office because of term limits. He has been the city's mayor for three terms.

"It's been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Mansfield for the past 12 years," he told council. "I wish I could take credit for all the things that have gone on, to get us out of fiscal emergency and to grow the city of Mansfield, but I can't."

Councilman Aurelio Diaz pointed out he campaigned for Theaker in 2019.

Diaz sympathizes with role of Mayor Theaker

"It's been a thrill to get to know you," Diaz said. "Being mayor has to be the most difficult job. You're always going to be scrutinized. You're always going to be criticized.

"Your accomplishments are never going to be highlighted the way they should, but you are a good person."

Like Theaker, Spon served three terms. He could not be at Tuesday's meeting.

Spon, who has been an attorney for 50 years, prides himself for being passionate, goal-driven and decisive yet open-minded.

He says his most fundamental belief is to do the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Steward also served three terms and is credited with helping the city to emerge from fiscal emergency and be on course for financial sustainability.

She received the Government Finance Officers Association's certificate of achievement of excellence in financial reporting each year she was in office.

"I've appreciated working with Mayor Theaker. We've managed to get through these years and remain friends," Steward said. "I wish for all the city funds to stay in the black in the future."

Councilman Phil Scott praised Steward for doing "an excellent, excellent job."

"You set a high bar for those who follow you," Scott said.

Outgoing council members Davenport, Moton recognized

Davenport has been the councilman for the 4th Ward. He lost the primary election to fellow Democrat Cynthia Antoinette Daley.

Councilwoman Stephanie Zader said she and Davenport didn't start off on the best of terms.

"It has been interesting to watch our relationship develop here on city council," Zader said.

Davenport appreciated her comments.

"There were a lot of preconceived notions that people have had about me," he said. "Stephanie said that she was wrong, that she misjudged me."

Davenport has served as the head of the finance committee.

Councilwoman Laura Burns praised him for his attention to detail on bills.

"You've really applied yourself, and the city has benefited," Burns said.

Moton was appointed in October 2020 to fill a vacant seat in the 6th Ward. She lost in the general election to Republican Deb Mount.

Zader described her as the calmest member of council.

"You don't speak often, but when you do, it's well-thought out," she said.

Councilwoman Laura Burns told Moton, "I want to be you when I grow up." She said Moton displays grace, humility and wisdom.

Council passes temporary budget for '24

In financial matters, council passed a temporary budget totaling $165,688,867.

Members also authorized salary increases for the mayor, law director, finance director, council president and some members of council.

Those positions will receive about a 3% increase in each of the next four years.

The mayor's salary will be $94,528 at the beginning of 2024 and will go up the following three years to $97,364, $100,285 and $103,294. Jodie Perry is replacing Theaker.

Incoming Law Director Rollie Harper and incoming Finance Director Kelly Blankenship will have the same salary, starting at $88,221 next year and increasing to $90,868, $93,594 and $96,401.

Council also approved adopting pay grades and salary ranges for certain employees. The language related to the safety services director was amended from a range of $50,000-$95,000 to $70,000-$105,000.

Members said they approved the salary increases to attract quality candidates.

In personnel matters, council designated Delaine Weiner as the new clerk of courts. She is replacing longtime clerk Amy Yockey, who has accepted a position in the law director's office. Weiner has been the assistant clerk of courts.

Council also established standing committees for the term beginning Jan. 1 and expiring Dec. 31, 2025.

mcaudill@gannett.com

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Mansfield City Council bids farewell to outgoing office holders