Click the play button above to view the organization section of Monday's Salina City Commission Meeting.
By NATE KING
Salina Post
The City of Salina has a new Mayor following a scheduled organizational meeting held on Monday as part of the commission's regular meeting.
Outgoing mayor and current commissioner Bill Longbine received a plaque of appreciation on behalf of city staff from newly installed Mayor Greg Lenkiewicz.
Outgoing Mayor Bill Longbine reflected on his tenure, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pride in Salina's progress. He highlighted the city's resilience in the face of economic uncertainties and noted significant milestones, including new housing projects and infrastructure improvements.
"Serving as the mayor of the city of Salina has been a great honor. This past year... I am convinced there is more development happening in Salina now than at any time in recent history," Longbine said. "I predicted that 2024 could be the year that Salina surpasses 50,000 in population... I believe we are knocking on the door of 50,000 people in our city."
Longbine also championed the current project underway to replace Salina Fire Station Four.
"Preparations are being made to break ground on the first new fire station to be constructed since the 1980s. Our fire stations will soon be equipped with seven new fire trucks to serve and protect our city for years to come."
Longbine closed by voicing his appreciation to the residents of Salina and city staff.
"Thank you to the dedicated city staff for their support and direction. Without their efforts and guidance, we as commissioners would have a difficult time," Longbine said. "Let us remember that the heart of the city lies in the people who call Salina home. Together, we can seize the opportunities and keep building a brighter future for generations to come."
Following Longbine's remarks, the commission held a procedural vote which resulted in unanimous favor of installing former Vice-Mayor Lenkiewicz as the new mayor and Commissioner Mike Hoppock as vice-mayor.
Incoming Mayor Lenkiewicz shared remarks and expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve the public.
"I've been reflecting on my service as a commissioner for the last three years, and what I keep coming back with is just a feeling of gratitude and appreciation to be here and to serve the public," Lenkiewicz said. "The other thing that really kept coming back to me was the commissioners that currently serve on this commission. I think you're very professional. We exchange ideas in a very recurring manner. It's greatly appreciated."
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among city staff and commended their hard work in keeping the city running smoothly.
"It's not about just the person sitting at this particular seat at the dais. It's about everybody that works for the city, that serves the city, and it's a collaborative effort," Lenkiewicz said. "All the departments are always hard working... they come every day and do the job that's required so that our city runs as smoothly as possible."
Looking ahead to 2025, Lenkiewicz expressed optimism, highlighting the momentum from 2024 and his excitement about upcoming projects.
"I think we've had some great momentum in 2024, and I think it'll continue," Lenkiewicz said. "I look forward to these projects coming to fruition and the new things coming up. Hopefully, we can fine-tune the things that need to be fine-tuned. But I'm happy to be here and of service."