DEL MAR — Resolutions, rewards and accolades highlighted the year’s final City Council meeting Dec. 4, as Mayor Carl Hilliard and Councilman Mark Filanc stepped down and new members Al Corti and Sherryl Parks and incumbent Don Mosier wore sworn in to four-year terms. Reading from a resolution of appreciation, Hilliard praised Filanc, who has served since December 2008, for his “cut-to-the-chase, do-it this-way” approach to projects and “systematic, logical approach to community issues.”
He described Filanc, who owns a construction company, as an “enormous asset to the council and community,” adding that his engineering knowledge helped the city save money.
“He served this community extraordinarily well,” Hilliard said.
New Mayor Terry Sinnott described Filanc as “a very strong family man” who made a major contribution to the city while maintaining his sense of humor.
“It’s a shame to see him go,” Sinnott said. “Please come back and help us. We need all the help we can get.”
“Some of it was a lot of fun,” Filanc said of his tenure “Some of it was a little rough at times.”
Sinnott praised Hilliard for his “encyclopedic knowledge” while Filanc said he epitomized the Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared.”
“He has a heart of gold when it relates to the city of Del Mar,” Sinnott said of Hilliard, who was seated on the council in December 2004 and twice served as mayor.
“Nobody else can step into your shoes,” added Councilwoman Lee Haydu.
Offering some parting advice, Hilliard said, “If we are to survive as a city we must continue to be creative and innovative, not afraid to take on big projects.
“We must diversify our revenues, monetizing unproductive assets,” he said. “Securing non-tax cash flow should be a priority for the coming council.
“Explore the opportunities to consolidate facilities and services,” Hilliard added. “This is the window of opportunity, when the bond rates are low and building costs are lower. Seize the moment. Do not get wrapped around the axle of small stuff. Do great things. It has been a great pleasure to work with you. … Thank you so much. Good bye and good luck.”
City staff presented the outgoing council members with personalized street signs – Hilliard Court and Rue de Filanc. Hilliard also received a gavel, while Filanc was presented with a plaque and, because he is a sports enthusiast, a soccer ball autographed by two-time Olympic gold medalist Rachel Buehler, who grew up in Del Mar.
Mosier, Corti and Parks were the only candidates who ran for the three available seats in the Nov. 6 election.
“May your learning curve be steep because there’s a lot out there,” Filanc said. “But it’ll be fun. You’ll enjoy it.”
