Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community People topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Southgate honors Citizens Academy graduates, celebrates parks director's retirement
Summary
Council presented certificates to a Spanish‑language Citizens Academy cohort and honored Steve Costley on his retirement after 36+ years leading Parks & Recreation; council and residents praised his role in opening multiple parks and community programs.
At the start of its Nov. 25 meeting the City Council presented Certificates of Appreciation to participants in the Southgate Police Department’s Citizens Academy, the first Spanish‑language cohort in several years.
"Our Citizens Academy consists of 6 Wednesdays. It's 2 hours every Wednesday," Captain Roman Amador told the council, noting 10 applicants completed the program and that participants learned about dispatch, canine, gang and SWAT units and the department’s structure.
Councilmembers thanked Captain Amador and the chief for the outreach and asked staff to consider a shorter executive summary version of the course for elected officials.
Later the council formally recognized Parks & Recreation Director Steve Costley, who retires after more than 36 years of service. Mayor Davila and other councilmembers praised Costley for leading capital and program work, including opening three parks in 2023 and building partnerships across agencies.
"You've left a huge legacy," Davila said as she read a plaque listing Costley’s service from February 1989 to December 2025. Costley and dozens of residents and colleagues addressed the council, recalling years of events, youth programs and community collaboration.
The council read a plaque and presented Costley with public remarks and gifts; residents and commissioners also offered testimonials during the presentation.
Next steps: Council encouraged continued community support for Parks & Recreation staff and named Tina (interim) to step into operational leadership; staff will process retirement paperwork and confirm transition arrangements.
