Looking forward and looking back. Most new years are happy, but I’m especially glad to put 2020 in the rearview mirror. However, I want to note a few transitions at city hall that take place as the calendar changes.

First, we said congratulations, good luck and goodbye to Scott Mangold after a solid tenure of service to the City of Powell, both as mayor and councilperson. He will be missed, but we look forward to having him represent us at the Park County level. Next, we welcome Geoff Hovivian on board as a Ward 2 representative. He was elected and appointed to replace our dear friend, Jim Hillberry, who we still think of often. We also have the pleasure of saying welcome back to Zane Logan, former city manager, in a new capacity. Zane will replace Scott for the next two years as a council representative from Ward 1.

Scanning the horizon into 2021, we have a few committee openings for any folks interested in city business. We are currently in need of volunteers to serve on the Planning and Zoning Committee as well as the Airport and Tree Boards. Shoot me an email if you are interested, jwetzel@cityofpowell.com.

I would like to thank the entire City of Powell staff on a handling a tough year with great professionalism. The challenges in 2020 were many, and not normal by your typical standards. Our 62 full-time employees, plus a few solid part-time crew members, operate the following 12 departments and handle a great deal of critical services in Powell: Parks, Aquatic Center, Electrical, Engineering, Municipal Airport, Municipal Court, Police Department, Sanitation/Weed & Pest, Streets, Water, Administration and City Clerk, and Utilities and Finance. And they do it with five fewer full-time employees than 10 years ago.

Finally, knowing how important everything we do at the city is to our citizens, I would also like to say ‘thank you’ for trusting me to be your Mayor for another four years. It is an honor to serve.