Tate assumes top seat; Lee, Sellers begin councilmember
terms
Morgan Hill – Steve Tate, Marby Lee and Greg Sellers took the oath of office Wednesday night as the public welcomed its first new mayor in 10 years and a new member of the city council.
Tate replaced out-going mayor Dennis Kennedy and Lee began her first term in office as Sellers began his third.
“The words sound kind of trite, but (out-going Mayor) Dennis Kennedy leaves big shoes to fill,” Tate said, transitioning from two straight terms on the city council. “He set a vision for the city and he accomplished it.”
Kennedy’s tenure at City Hall began in 1990 on the city council and included five two-year terms as Morgan Hill’s first directly elected mayor. His departure marks the end of nearly 30 consecutive years in public service in Morgan Hill.
More than 100 people attended City Hall to witness the change in power. Afterwards Councilman Mark Grzan was patriotic in his remarks.
“Tonight we see the best of America, the changing of leaders,” he said, praising Kennedy for his guidance. “I look at tonight as a celebration … Hopefully we’ll be able to twist (Kennedy’s) ear and seek his counsel because we have many issues in the years to come.”
Graphic designer Lee thanked her husband, her daughter and the residents of Morgan Hill as she took her seat on the council.
“I want to say thank you for having faith in me,” she said. “I look forward to serving all of you over the next four years.”
Sellers expressed his appreciation to his family and supporters as he began his ninth year on the council. In a carefree moment he paid homage to Kennedy’s 10-year period in office with a one-liner about the new city emblem Kennedy unveiled as a parting gift to the city.
“Now every time I look at Steve Tate, you’re sitting over his head,” Sellers told Kennedy as laughter filled the gallery.
An emotional and almost tearful procession of good-byes accompanied Kennedy’s exit. Kennedy himself, dressed festively in a colorfully checkered tie, was jovial and witty through it all – until he was choked-up in offering his own final remarks.
“It’s been a real honor and privilege to serve as mayor of Morgan Hill, and help keep things moving forward,” he said as the words came to him. “I want to thank everyone for the support they’ve shown me over the years.”
Kennedy assured members of the public “the city is in good hands” and praised department staffs for their energetic cooperation with elected officials.
“Morgan Hill has a small staff for a city this size,” Kennedy said. “You wouldn’t believe the number of volunteer hours and overtime they’ve invested because they want to do what’s right.”
City Manager Ed Tewes said Kennedy’s courteous leadership style made him an effective boss as mayor and chair of the Redevelopment Agency.
“You brought to those roles dignity and respect,” Tewes said. “We thank you for that and wish you and your family the very best.”
The Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce presented Kennedy with a plaque thanking him for his “good ideas” and “great accomplishments.”
In other news, the new city council got down to business after a cake and ice cream reception by approving new zoning that restricts what types of businesses may exist along Monterey Road south of Bisceglia Avenue and north of West Edmundson Avenue and north of Central Avenue and south of the railroad crossing. With Sellers recused and Lee abstaining, the council voted 3-0 to limit commercial uses in those areas to non-retail industries such as hair salons, restaurants and car washes. Mixed-use development is also encouraged in the new ordinance. The council’s decision follows a public hearing in November where some property owners criticized the new rules as chilling the waters for new business opportunities in the city. Others in the community influenced the planning commission to unanimously back the new rules to prevent proliferation of strip malls in accordance to the city’s General Plan.
The city council – before new members were sworn in – also honored the Morgan Hill Centennial Committee for its work planning and staging events to celebrate the city’s 100th birthday this year. The Morgan Hill Centennial Project Committee was additionally recognized for numerous hours recruiting and working with volunteers to construct the Morgan Hill history trail. Jennifer Tate, chair of the centennial committee, showed her appreciation with an optimistic look to future generations. “I feel Morgan Hill is just getting into its prime,” she said. “In the next 100 years we’re only going to see things that make us smile.”
Tony Burchyns covers Morgan Hill for The Times. Reach him at (408) 779-4106 ext. 201 or tb*******@mo*************.com.
