Islamorada village council entered its meeting Thursday with a slightly different feel as outgoing Mayor Chris Sante left the dais to sit with public members.
Monroe County Judge Sharon Hamilton swore in four returning council members in Deb Gillis, Jim Mooney, Mike Forster and Cheryl Meads as well as its newest member in Ken Davis. It was then followed with nominations for leadership positions. Council’s decisions were unanimous as Gillis was elected mayor and Forster vice mayor.
Council didn’t proceed with its business without recognizing and presenting Sante with a plaque for 10 years of service on the dais. Gillis and fellow council members thanked Sante for his dedication service to the community.
“Listening to (him) and some of the things (he) brought totally out of box made sense and changed my mind on certain things,” Forster said. (He’s) definitely an asset to the community.”
In response, Sante said it was an honor serving. He also noted that he doesn’t want back on the dais.
“This council and this staff has been the best,” Sante said.
