Over 20 years of service to the City of Elizabethton was honored Thursday.
City Council took a moment during their regularly scheduled meeting to honor Mike Mains – who stepped down from his position as Parks and Recreation Director.
Mains served as director for 23 years and will stay within the recreational realm after accepting a position with the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department as assistant director.
Alexander thanked Mains for his efforts and time in the community and presented an award on behalf of the city as a token of appreciation.
An emotional Mains cracked a smile during the presentation and said it was fantastic working in Elizabethton and that he would miss it.
As Mains made his way back to his seat, Councilman Richard Tester had an additional comment for the outgoing director, praising his work ethic and dedication to the city.
“We appreciate all he’s done,” he said.
The city is currently taking applications and beginning the search for a new director. Mains recently told the Elizabethton Star the position would be a good spot for the new manager.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working in Elizabethton,” he said. “Whether the city hires from outside or promotes someone within, I think it will be a good situation with the community support and the support from City Council.”
Council members were also able to hear an update from Caroline Hurt, Carter County Health Department director, about a new addition to the facility.
Hurt added the State of Tennessee recently approved, along with the current construction, the improvements to the site’s dental clinic.
According to the State’s funding guidelines, the City’s four quarter allocation of $7,227.50 can be designated toward the improvement.
Hurt added the addition wasn’t any new money from the city and that the only item needed to be was a request to be made to the state.
The director went on to add the department’s dental clinic has been able to have excellent working relationships with city and county school systems, often seeing more city youth, and talked about the bussing program and the ability for children.
Renovations will allow the clinic to see more kids at a quicker rate, Hurt said, and continue to be more of an asset moving forward with a possible second dental assistant coming aboard.
Council unanimously approved the agenda.
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Other highlights from Thursday’s Council meeting include:
• Approval of  the first reading of the Elizabethton City Schools budget
• Approval of budgets for the Elizabethton Municipal Airport and Golf Course
• Approval to contribute $5,000 toward a masterplan for a 30-mile Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail that would run from Abingdon, Virginia to Elizabethton
• Approval of up to six pieces of art to line the walkway between Sweetsie Treats and Coffee Company
• Approved the annual Independence Day Celebration organized by the Parks & Rec, which will take place July 4 and include a parade that will start from Big John’s and go to the memorial.