By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
A former Yukon elected leader received some hearty thanks for his dedication and commitment to the City of Yukon and its citizens.
Aric Gilliland accepted a trophy plaque from Mayor Shelli Selby as a token of appreciation during the Oct. 17th Yukon City Council meeting inside the Centennial Building, 12 S 5th.
Gilliland was recognized for his volunteer service as Yukon’s Ward 4 council representative.
The Yukon High School graduate resigned his position effective Sept. 12 after serving three years and four months on the five-member city council.
“We’re wishing you well,” Selby told Gilliland. “I’m sad for us, because we’ll miss your words of wisdom, for your level head and the commitment that you had to our city.
“I’m happy for you that you get to go live out in the country, be with your family and spend more time with them.”
A teacher, coach and small business owner, Gilliland recently moved with his family to property they own outside Yukon city limits.
Since he no longer lives in Yukon, Gilliland was not eligible to continue serving on Yukon’s municipal governing board.
At Gilliland’s recommendation, the city council appointed former Yukon Planning Commissioner David Enmark to complete the final seven months of an unexpired four-year term.
Enmark, vice president of retail operations with True Value Company, took the oath of office Oct. 3 as Gilliland’s successor.
The next Ward 4 city council term starts on the first Tuesday in May 2024. There will be an election if more than one candidate files for the seat.
Gilliland had been Yukon’s Ward 4 council member since May 2020. He defeated businessman Ken Wilkins in a February election by a 246-96 vote margin (72%) to earn a four-year term in office.
“I sincerely appreciated the people that elected me and the opportunity to work with each of you guys,” Gilliland told council members. “It will always be a special part of my life.”
Although he now resides outside this city, Gilliland said “his heart will remain” in Yukon.
ODDS ‘N ENDS
Among business items approved at the Oct. 28th Yukon City Council meeting were:
- Resignation of Brad Downing from the at-large seat on the Yukon Traffic Commission.
- A three-year lease agreement with Golden Legacy LLC for continued use of property east of the Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore.
- Temporary easements with Opitz, Inc. and ODB Investors for installation of 12-inch sewer lines at Frisco Ridge-Phase 2 traversing south of Interstate 40.
During staff reports, City Manager Tammy Kretchmar showed photos of construction at the new Freedom Trail Playground and Splashpad.
A City of Yukon contractor has started installing play structures and equipment.
Kretchmar indicated the project will be completed by Christmastime.
Meanwhile, city council members met for about 52 minutes in executive session to discuss pending and ongoing litigation.
After reconvening, the council voted to retain McAfee & Taft to represent the City of Yukon in a class action lawsuit (see related story in upcoming edition).
