The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday evening, recognized several individuals who are leaving their current posts in City government, and three people who will be stepping into their new positions, effective Jan. 1st.

Ashley Hayes

First up, the Council recognized former City Councilperson Ashley Hayes, who represented the 3rd Ward for seven-years. Mayor Dave Jones noted Hayes has served as a Council liaison to the Parks and Rec Department Board and Landfill Committee, along with the Community Protection Committee. She was recently elected to a seat on the Parks Board, as well. Hayes was 27 years old when she was first appointed to the Council.

The Council also recognized Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees, who has served on the fire department for 29 1/2-years, with the last 13 as Chief. He received a wall clock for his years of service. McNees will remain on the fire department as a volunteer.

Fire Chief Mark McNees

He will be succeeded by Tom Cappel II, who was voted-in by the department as fire chief earlier this month, pending Council approval, which he received during Wednesday’s meeting.

Cappel, who joined the Atlantic Fire Dept. in 1998, currently serves as a Captain on the Department, a position he’s held for the past 14-years. Atlantic Children’s Librarian Julie Tjepkes was recognized by the Council, Wednesday, for her 32-years of service to the Library.

Tom Cappel II

Julie has worked through five circulation systems, seven directors, and many co-workers. Like McNees, she received a wall clock for her many years of dedicated service.

Atlantic City Councilmen Chris Jimerson and Dana Halder were recognized for their elected service to the City. Jimerson represents the Atlantic 1st Ward, and serves on four commissions and/or committees. He thanked the Council and employees at City Hall and all the departments, adding that “I think we’ve got a great town.”

Halder has served as an At-Large Councilman for the past nine-years. He too has served on several committees and/or commissions. He ran down a long list of accomplishments he’s seen over the past nine-years, and said “I believe the City Council has nothing but interests in Atlantic for making decisions.

Julie Tjepkes

At times we are accused of not listening. This is usually brought up when we have made a decision on ordinances unpopular with a certain amount of people.” He said he feels the Council is sometimes not listened to, when they ask residents to clean-up their property. Halder got a bit choked-up when he said in closing, that “Atlantic to me is a fantastic place and I have enjoyed making it the best place we can in the last nine-years.” Halder didn’t leave out the possibility he might run for office again in two-years.

Jim Behrens

Grace Garrett

Grace Garrett will take the place of Halder on Jan. 1st. She narrowly won an election for the At-Large seat, in November, and was sworn-in Wednesday evening. Jim Behrens will take Jimerson’s seat as 1st Ward representative, after having run unopposed in November. He too, was sworn-in Wednesday evening.

Councilman Chris Jimerson

Councilman Dana Halder