Outgoing Gig Harbor City Council members Jim Franich and Paul Conan were honored for their service Monday night as their terms come to an end Dec. 31.

Neither Franich nor Conan sought re-election this year. Council member-elects Jill Guernsey and Michael Perrow will take their respective seats next year.

“I’d like to present you with this plaque in appreciation of your 10 years of service,” Gig Harbor Mayor Chuck Hunter told Franich as he handed him a Washington state-shaped memento.

Fellow council members praised Franich’s intellect and his meticulous preparation for city council meetings, as well as his ability to keep any disagreements with fellow council members confined to the twice-a-month Monday night meetings.

“He’s been an excellent member of the council,” Council member Paul Kadzik said, joking that, without Franich next year, city council meetings might end sooner. “I’d like to get home earlier.”

Council member Tim Payne said he often disagreed with Franich, but he counted him as a dear friend.

Council member Derek Young cited Franich’s persuasiveness on issues.

“He changed my mind more than anyone on the council,” Young said. “That’s an impressive thing.”

Equally impressive were what peers had to say about Conan, a two-term council veteran who also received a plaque.

“Paul’s always an up guy,” Hunter said. “He never gets discouraged or down.”

Franich agreed: “The community has been very lucky to have Councilman Conan.”

“You have been a great friend and partner,” Payne said.

“We have a very special place here in Gig Harbor,” Franich said, adding he is proud of being consistent with his values and doing what he thought was right for citizens.

Displaying his sense of humor, Conan was slightly less serious but equally heartfelt in his remarks.
“Thanks for putting up with me for eight years,” he told the council.

Speaking to Franich, he said: “I’m glad I’ll have someone to hang out with Monday nights.”

In other business:

* The council passed an ordinance to include private schools in the uses eligible for performance-based height exemptions for gyms and performing arts-related facilities.

* The council approved a resolution to adopt the 2012-2017 six-year Transportation Improvement Program.

* The council approved revising a Planning Commission work program to allow consideration of a text amendment to revise side yard setback requirements within shoreline districts.

* Marketing Director Laureen Lund was presented with the Tacoma-Pierce County Tourism Professional of the Year award.

Reporter Brett Davis can be reached at 253-853-9243 or by email at brett.davis@gateline.com.