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Mercer Island council swears in Julie Shea, honors Mayor Saleem Nies with resolution
Summary
Councilmember Julie Shea was sworn into Council Position No. 7 and the council adopted Resolution No. 16 87 honoring Mayor Saleem Nies's service; colleagues and residents offered tributes and presented a plaque.
Julie Shea was formally sworn into Council Position No. 7 at the start of the Dec. 2 meeting. City Clerk Andrea Larson administered the oath of office and the council recessed briefly to take photographs. The council then returned and presented a lengthy resolution (Resolution No. 16 87) recognizing Mayor Saleem Nies's eight-plus years of service, including leadership as deputy mayor (2018–19) and mayor (2022–2025).
Deputy Mayor Rosenbaum read excerpts of the resolution describing the mayor's record of service, legislative advocacy in Olympia and securing $4.7 million in state funding for waterfront improvements at Luther Burbank Park. Council members offered tributes: Councilmember Andrew (Andrew Hall) praised the mayor's accessibility and leadership, Councilmember Weinberg highlighted achievements that made Mercer Island "a great place to live, work, and play," and other members recounted the mayor's service through crises, reorganization efforts, and capital improvements. A motion to adopt Resolution No. 16 87 was moved, seconded, and approved by roll call; Mayor Nies recused himself from the vote and then offered brief personal remarks thanking staff, council colleagues and the community.
A plaque was presented to Mayor Nies and the council recessed briefly for additional photographs.
