By Shannon Lukens.

 

Retiring Steamboat Springs City Manager Gary Suiter was pleasantly surprised Tuesday night when Steamboat Springs City Council made a proclamation that it is Gary Suiter Day. It was Suiter’s last meeting before retiring after over nine years with the city.

Council President Gail Garey read a proclamation to Suiter, thanking him for presiding over almost 300 Steamboat Springs City Council meetings, and navigating the city through COVID, among other things.

Suiter thanked those who came to the meeting, starting with all past and present city council members. “Your support has been unbelievable through my tenure here. It is very, very important to our collaborative success.”

 

He then thanked “the amazing city staff” for their support. “I can’t describe how proud I am of the staff that we have here. They’re talented, they’re dedicated, they’re smart, and they bring great ideas to the table. They respected me as a boss and they respected my decisions. You guys did an incredible job here at all levels as staff members.”

 

He then thanked the citizens in the room, and the spouses of staff and council. “The citizens here are dedicated, they care, they’re involved, we hear from them, quite a bit, right? And that’s what makes a successful community.”

 

 

“Thank you very much. This is a complete surprise and I’m very, very grateful for everybody’s support and it’s just been a great ride, so thank you, God bless, and we will see you around town.”

 

Those in the room were given a chance to speak and tell stories. Six former City Council members got up and thanked Gary for his professionalism and encouragement, and for progressing the city to where it is today, over some rocky times.

Former Council President Robin Crossan read a poem for Gary, and then gave him a snow globe of Howelsen Hill.

 

Finance Director Kim Weber thanked Gary for managing “down, up and out,” which means down to the city employees, up to the City Council, and out to the constituents in the community.

Gary Suiter also thanked his wife, Fran, saying, “When you are hiring me, you’re also hiring my wife,” and he appreciated her support since his first council meeting in October of 2015.

Council President Garey ended the talk of Gary Suiter Day, thanking him for his calm demeanor that has been invaluable, adding that he touched a lot of lives.

 

All agreed that Gary Suiter has made Steamboat Springs his home, and they said they hope to see him around the community upon retirement.