Photos: Belmont City Council's Changing of the Guard

To a packed house, Coralin Feierbach and Dave Warden turned over their seats at the dais Tuesday night to two new members of the five-person Belmont City Council.

Click on the slideshow above for highlights from Tuesday nights's meeting.

In a special meeting of the council on December 10, the two longtime members received an outpouring of appreciation and accolades from members of the community, San Mateo County, the State of California, and the United States House of Representatives.

But it was the heartfelt thanks of two groups in particular that will be the lasting legacy of the two public servants.

"You have been a tireless champion for open space," Mayor Christine Wozniak said to Coralin Feierbach in her remarks. 

"And you were a hands-on leader, responsive to residents, and always working hard to make Belmont 'picture postcard perfect,'" added Wozniak. 

Carol Rossi and Michael Schmitz, members of Friends of the San Juan Canyon, also thanked Feierbach for her years of dedication to the preservation of Belmont open space, specifically the 35 acres in the canyon, which was as much a labor of love as a crusade for the four-term councilwoman. 

Click on the slideshow above for highlights from Tuesday nights's meeting.

Feierbach was instrumental in the passage of Measure F, the acquisition of over 35 acres of property in the San Juan Canyon, the re-designation of those properties to permanent open space, and the initial steps taken to promote and protect the city's newest parkland. 

Dave Warden, whose legacy will be his steadfast commitment to saving taxpayer money.

"The money we spend in this city is not my money--it's your money, it's the taxpayer's money. And I won't spend one dime of it unless I can convince myself that it's the right thing to do," said Warden in his departing remarks.

He added that during his 12 years on the council, he strove to carefully weigh the needs of the many versus the needs of the few.

"Even if it affects one person who has lived in their house for 50 years, sent their kids to school, paid their taxes in this town--that person deserves to have as much ay than any institution or business," Warden said.

Kathleen Beasley, manager of the Belmont Library thanked Warden for his work on the Library Task Force and the construction of the new library. In recognition for his support, Beasley presented Warden with a personalized library book that will stay in circulation so that Warden will "be immortalized in our collection." 

State Senator Jerry Hill presented the outgoing councilmembers with a proclamation from his office and the offices of Sen. Leland Yee and Assemblyman Kevin Mullin.

"Of all the elected officials I have worked with over the years, there are no two with a greater commitment, compassion, and dedication to their city. You have truly given of yourself at every moment, and if you knew it was the right thing for Belmont, you fought hard. This city should be very grateful; your legacy will live on forever," Hill told the outgoing councilmembers. 

In her parting remarks, Feierbach said she hoped Belmont would be the "city of yes" under its new leadership and mentioned some of the "yes" highlights of her time on the council.

"Let's talk about the 'yes' City of Belmont in past," said Feierbach.

"Yes on health; restricting smoke for our seniors and children living in apartments and condos," she said referring to a the controversial smoking ordinance she backed that became a model for other cities.

In addition to the smoking ordinance, Feierbach mentioned design review, sign/tree/noise ordinances, and the preservation of San Juan Canyon as things the city has said "yes" to during her tenure. 

Feierbach left with one request for the new council.

"Do something exciting with downtown," she said. 

New councilmembers Eric Reed and Charles Stone, and returning councilmember Warren Lieberman each took the oath of office and then joined David Braunstein and Christine Wozinak on the dais to begin the work of a new age in Belmont. 

Click on the slideshow above for highlights from Tuesday nights's meeting.