City Council honors Ed LaValle on his last day before retirement

The Venice City Council meeting held on July 8, 2025, began with a heartfelt farewell to Ed LaValle, the city attorney, who is set to retire on August 4 after over 12 years of service. The meeting featured numerous acknowledgments of LaValle's contributions to the city, highlighting his leadership style characterized by servant leadership—a philosophy prioritizing the growth and well-being of teams and communities.

Council members expressed their gratitude for LaValle's support and mentorship, noting his collaborative approach and dedication to public service. One council member emphasized that LaValle's leadership has been instrumental in guiding the council through various challenges, particularly in the wake of last year's hurricanes. This sentiment was echoed by others who appreciated his ability to educate and inform them on critical city matters.

LaValle himself reflected on his time with the council, thanking his colleagues and expressing pride in being part of a strong team. He mentioned upcoming responsibilities, including attending a Council of Governments meeting and working with finance officials to update the city's bond ratings, which are crucial for future projects like the construction of a new fire station and redevelopment efforts.

In addition to the farewell, the council discussed the need to formally address the findings of the Citizen Advisory Board (CAB) regarding the city's response to recent hurricanes. One council member noted that the CAB had worked diligently for eight months to evaluate the city's actions and suggested that the council should adopt their recommendations for improvement. The mayor agreed to place this discussion on the agenda for the council's return in August.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of an executive session scheduled for noon, where lunch would be provided for council members. Overall, the session was marked by a mix of gratitude for LaValle's service and a commitment to addressing important community issues moving forward.