Bliss and Franklin honored for Webster Groves council service

Bliss and Franklin each served two terms and decided not to seek re-election.

"Tonight my heart is full," Bliss said. "Eight years ago, the residents of Webster Groves placed their trust in me and that trust has been the greatest honor of my professional life."

In her closing remarks, Bliss thanked city staff and fellow council members for their collaborative work to advance the city.

"I am proud of what we built together," she added. "We've worked to ensure long-term fiscal integrity. We developed a strategic plan that gives this city a clear path forward and nurtured a growing commitment to ecological stewardship across our parklands and community. My deepest wish is for Webster Groves to be more connected and more accessible to all."

Franklin expressed appreciation to the residents of Webster Groves for their trust, engagement and willingness to participate in the shared work of local government.

"We made common sense decisions, tackled real challenges, and I believe moved the community forward in a real way," Franklin said.

"Webster Groves is great not because of its tree-lined streets, historic homes and architecture – it's great because of you," he added. "The people who live here, raise families here, invest in this community and businesses bringing our neighborhoods to life."

Bliss and Franklin each received a street sign and a watercolor painting of City Hall by artist Marilynne Bradley.

The City Council then reviewed the results of the April 7 municipal election. Mayor Laura Arnold and Councilmember Emily Hixson Shepherd were re-elected to four-year terms.

Leanne Waugh and Kevin Mitchell are replacing Bliss and Franklin as new councilmembers.