Pelham honors Mayor Gary Waters and departing council members as city leaders mark transitions

Pelham City leaders and residents used the Oct. 20 city council meeting to formally recognize Mayor Gary Waters and several council members ahead of the upcoming organizational meeting.

Council and staff presented awards and personal remarks honoring Councilman David Gorham and Councilman Rick Wash for five years of service and Council President Mercer for 13 years on the council. City Manager Gretchen introduced the recognitions and asked each honoree to join officials at the podium.

The council then turned to a lengthy tribute to Mayor Gary Waters. Councilman Rick Wash described Waters as “a good man, a good soul” and said Waters “will leave a set of shoes that could never be filled.” City Manager Gretchen and multiple staff members praised the mayor’s leadership, listening and service; Gretchen said Waters had been a steadying force and an example of “servant leadership.” The council unveiled a portrait of Mary Waters to hang in city hall and invited employees to join the stage.

Members of the public joined the tributes during the public-comment period. Resident Daniela DeLuca thanked Waters and the council for their mentorship and service to youth, noting her family’s appreciation for the mayor and council’s engagement. An intern who had worked with city staff also thanked the mayor and council for the experience and said they would miss the departing members.

Why it matters: The recognition ceremony marks a civic transition as newly elected officials prepare to assume roles Nov. 3. The tributes emphasized continuity in municipal leadership and the relationships between elected officials and staff.

The meeting later moved on to routine business, including administrative appointments and votes; the council adjourned at the close of the agenda.