Mayor Bridget Keating opened the meeting by thanking Police Chief Smith for 26 years of service to the town and announcing the promotion of David England as the new chief of the Lake Clark Shores Police Department. The council presented ceremonial remarks and a flag that flew at town hall to Smith on his last day.

The recognition matter came at the start of the meeting, where Keating praised Smith’s “dedication to, and commitment, professionalism, leadership, and left an enduring mark on this police department and this community.” Chief Smith spoke briefly, calling his time an “honor and a privilege” and noted recent department accomplishments, including work on an encrypted radio system.

David England, introduced by the mayor with a summary of his background, said he was “truly an honor to be selected and, chosen to serve” and expressed appreciation to Smith and the town. England presented Smith with the American flag that had flown in front of town hall on Smith’s final day in service.

Discussion: remarks were ceremonial and congratulatory; no formal policy or budget decision was made during the recognition. Ending: the council moved on to other agenda items after the ceremony.