Two longtime Foley City Council members were recognized for more than three decades of combined service during their final official meeting.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich and fellow council members presented resolutions of commendation and appreciation to Vera Quaites and Rick Blackwell, who were both elected in 2008.

Hellmich praised the pair for their commitment to the city and said they continued a longstanding tradition of public service in Foley.

“We're going to miss you guys,” Hellmich said. “You always put Foley first. During these past years, the integrity of this group is without question. So thank you.”

Hellmich described Quaites as a quiet but determined presence on the council who worked diligently behind the scenes.

“You don't get out there. It wasn’t about you. It's about our city and about the people you represent," he said. "A lot of people don't realize what all you've done behind the scenes to move things forward as I do. We appreciate it.”

He added, “Thank you so much for what you've done. This is not enough for all you’ve done, but you have been there for our city.”

Quaites expressed her gratitude to Hellmich and her colleagues, including Wayne Trawick and Charles Ebert III, who will continue serving when the new term begins in November.

“You all are like family to me,” she said. “When I came here, you treated me with the utmost respect and love, and I really appreciated that, and you still do. So I will continue as I close this chapter in my life, but I've never closed the friendships that I have made and gained here. So I want you all to know and the council, Wayne, Charlie and the rest of you, that y'all have been a mentor to me, and I appreciate it.”

Hellmich also commended Blackwell for his leadership during the last four terms on the council.

“You've been a great member of this team,” Hellmich said. “Our city team has great integrity. We're so proud of our city. Foley is looked at as really a well-run city around our state. I hear it from all over. People want to know what Foley is doing all the time. Unfortunately, we're doing a lot, but that's part of where we live, and it's a great place to live, and you've been part of it, and we all thank you.”

Blackwell reflected on the city’s growth during his time in office.

“One thing that impressed me when I first took office was the growth and development, such as the hospital, and look at what we’ve got today,” he said.

Both members were joined by family as they received their resolutions. Hellmich said the dedication of public servants often extends to their loved ones.

“It's not just the council people,” he said. “It is the support of all the family because people don't realize the amount of time that a council person has to put in.”

Blackwell will be succeeded by Larry Engel as the District 4 representative, while Timothy “Tim” Lower will take Quaites’ District 2 seat when the new term begins Nov. 3.

Other members of the council include Roddy Burkle, who was sworn in as District 3 representative earlier this month, and returning incumbents Trawick and Ebert.