Council reorganizes, Gillette new mayor

The Thousand Oaks City Council held its annual reorganization meeting last week, selecting a new mayor, paying tribute to former Councilmember Ed Masry, who passed away Dec. 5, and swearing in his replacement.

Reflecting the evening’s mix of sadness and happiness, celebration and remembrance, and reflection and hope, standing ovations were given throughout the meeting by residents and a variety of city leaders, including former mayors, representatives from education, recreation and parks, business, and county and state government.

Outgoing Mayor Claudia Billde la Peña, emotionally commended Masry as a “champion of the residents of the city,” crediting him with her involvement in city government. Each councilmember recalled Masry.

“The city lost one of its very bright stars in Ed Masry,” said Councilmember Dennis Gillette.

Masry’s wife, Joette, and two sons accepted several mementos acknowledging Masry’s commitment to the city. A seat in the Scherr Forum, where the council holds its meetings at the Civic Arts Plaza, was dedicated in his name. In appreciation for Masry’s support for Native Americans, a representative of the Chumash tribe performed a song. Former Mayor Larry Horner, now a representative for U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), presented the Masry family with the flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in Masry’s honor.

Bill-de la Peña was recognized for her service to the city as mayor the past year. Marking Bill-de la Peña’s commitment to open space, several local environmental groups offered commendations. Bill-de la Peña was recognized for her dedication to the city during a time last summer that was personally challenging due to the birth of her first children, twin boys.

Bill-de la Peña’s fellow council members acknowledged her service.

“You have had an unbelievable year and took it all in stride,” Councilmember Jacqui Irwin said. “You have done a great job.”

Gillette was chosen mayor and Councilmember Andy Fox was selected mayor pro tem for the coming year. Gillette last served as mayor five years ago. He pledged to search for ways to sustain city services, including public safety and open space acquisition, and to continue to support such issues as affordable housing, the 23 Freeway project and the final upgrading of Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

“Since our city has always been sound, I’m confident solutions will unfold,” Gillette said.

Tom Glancy was sworn in as a council member. The former planning commission chair will serve the remaining three years of Masry’s term.

“I am extremely humbled by the honor and look forward to serving with my fellow council members and serving the city of Thousand Oaks,” Glancy said.

City Clerk Nancy Dillon and Acting Assistant City Manager Don Nelson were recognized for their nearly three decades of service each to the city. Both are retiring this month. Certificates, photo albums and plaques were presented to Dillon and Nelson, and two seats in the Scherr Forum were dedicated in their honor.

Dillon was also made city clerk emeritus for her 23 years as city clerk.

Deputy City Clerk Linda Lawrence will take Dillon’s place. A replacement for Nelson has not yet been named.

Dillon, who joined the city in 1976 as a clerk typist, is responsible for formalizing the city’s records management system, implementing the city’s “e-manual,” a computerized reference tool for city staff, and drafting the employee catastrophic leave program.

Nelson, who served as public works director prior to taking on the interim assistant city manager position in May, is credited with many accomplishments during 26 years with the city, including the creation of the award-winning Hill Canyon Wetlands project and an extensive recycling program.

“Together we have built a world-class city,” Nelson said. “I’m glad to have been a small part of it.”