The meeting, held at the Sons and Daughters of Italy’s outdoor patio, was a quick one — with the majority being taken up by members of council and other county leadership thanking out-going Council member Steve Stevenson for his 18 years of civil and public service to the Lock Haven community.

Council unanimously approved a proclamation to that effect, which was read by City Manager Gregory Wilson.

The proclamation noted Stevenson’s election to office in 2007 and taking his seat in January 2008. From there, he began to expand his service outside of council chambers to include time on boards for the Clinton County Economic Partnership, Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. and the Pennsylvania Municipal League.

“He has volunteered additional hours as the city’s Emergency Management Coordinator and regularly attends meetings of the Airport Advisory Committee, Commercial Loan Program, the Summer Concert Committee, the Code Enforcement Board of Appeals, the Lock Haven Area Flood Protection Authority, the Levee Advisory Committee, the Planning Commission, the city Redevelopment Authority, the Recreation and Parks Board and the Zoning Hearing Board,” Wilson read.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Lock Haven City Council approved a proclamation on Monday night to honor out-going Council member Steve Stevenson. The proclamation also included a “key to the city” and many thank yous for Stevenson’s nearly 20 years on council. Pictured, from left, are council members Heather Alexander, Tami Brannan, Barbara Masorti, Stevenson, Rick Conklin and Jeff Brinker.

It was noted, during his time in office, Stevenson has a “voice in more than $100 million in capital projects to the city including improvements to the city’s water and wastewater system, its streets, parks, airport and public works facilities.”

The passage of the proclamation also included a “key to the city” presented to Stevenson by members of council.

Following the unanimous passage, members of council offered their own words of gratitude for the long-time member.

Barbara Masorti opened with a quote from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “The life of a man consists not in seeing visions and dreaming dreams, but in active charity and in willing service.”

“Few people embody these words like Steve Stevenson,” she said.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Lock Haven City Council held its final meeting of 2025 at the heated outdoor patio of the Sons and Daughters of Italy along Henderson Street on Monday night.

Masorti went on to note that many members of the community were likely lucky enough to see Stevenson volunteering and working towards the city’s betterment in various ways such as the Hometown Hero Banner Program through Downtown Lock Haven, Inc.; his careful watch of the city’s budget during its review process each year and supporting local races for the PA Trail Dogs and others.

“I learned a lot sitting next to Steve for the past six years. I’ve learned that disagreeing about an issue doesn’t mean one of us is wrong. Voting differently doesn’t mean that we’re not friends. And when a vote is taken, whatever the outcome, we support the wish of the council and we move on to the next agenda item for the good of the community. Because that’s the way local government works,” she said.

“Steve, I’m so grateful for all that you’ve taught me, for your patience and encouragement, but mostly for your example of service,” she concluded.

Rick Conklin, who has served along Stevenson for the 18 years he’s been on council, noted it was a pleasure to work with him in all that time.

“It’s been a pleasure all the way along and I have to tell you, I come from a large family — six siblings — but, my friend, you became my brother over the last 18 years,” Conklin said. “It has been an absolute joy to spend time with you.”

Former mayor Rick Vilello attended Monday’s meeting to thank Steve for his service to the area.

Vilello noted he worked with 19 different council people during his years as mayor in the 2000s.

“Few had the dedication that Steve Stevenson had. It is a leadership role and showing up is 80 percent of the job. Steve, no matter what, always showed up,” Vilello said. “He took his responsibilities seriously, he made decisions that were thoughtful and reasonable.”

Clinton County Commissioner Jeff Snyder, who served on the SEDA-COG Board for 12 years, thanked Stevenson for his dedication.

“I’ve always admired Steve for his forthcoming nature. You never had to guess what he was thinking,” Snyder said. “He’s well respected at SEDA-COG and is going to be missed.”

Snyder noted Stevenson was not only a positive representation for the city, but the county as a whole in his public service.

City staff also offered their thanks to Stevenson.

Cyndi Walker, building code official, said serving as a member of staff since Stevenson was voted onto council has been a pleasure.

“It’s been great working with you as a member of city staff. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your unwavering support with city staff and the administration, and always keeping first and foremost the best intentions of the community at heart. You have really made an impact,” Walker said.

Following these comments, Stevenson offered his own words. He encouraged current and incoming members of council to carve their own path and to do their homework and research topics as well as to listen.

“I loved working for the city. My first job was in the city teaching in the summer baseball program,” he said.

He noted, from there, he served as a fire relief driver for the fire department and, after retiring from PennDOT, chose to run for council because of the positive impacts he was seeing.

“One of the reasons I ran for council was Rick Vilello. I liked what he was doing for the city. I liked his leadership… and I just wanted to help,” he said.

Stevenson also thanked his wife, Patty, and children for being so understanding when he was out in the community and doing his work on council and the city staff for their support.

“I think we have one of the best staffs that I can remember in the last 18 years. I do appreciate all the help and support,” he said.

Council’s next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Jan. 5 in council chambers at city hall, 20 E. Church St., Lock Haven, and streamed on its YouTube page.