Mayor Tom Koch thanks departing councilors, highlights projects and urges civility

Mayor Tom Koch addressed the council after the conclusion of the regular agenda, thanking outgoing members for their service and recognizing department heads and staff for day-to-day work that supports the city’s operations.

Koch praised achievements such as seawall work, progress on school projects with the state School Building Authority, new parks, a municipal fiber optic initiative and other downtown redevelopment efforts. Speaking to the council and the public, he urged elected officials to prioritize deliberation over spectacle: “If someone speaks loudly enough, confidently enough, or angrily enough, their words are treated as truth… Emotion replaces reflection, reaction replaces deliberation,” he said.

Several outgoing councilors offered brief remarks of thanks and reflection. Councilor Devine noted local projects including an urgent care facility and downtown redevelopment; Councilor Minton reflected on his prior service in the police department and constituent work; Councilor Liang and Councilor McCarthy thanked colleagues and families. The ceremonial remarks concluded with the council moving to adjourn.

Ending

After the ceremonial acknowledgements, the council moved to adjourn.