VIDEO: Utica Council Bids Farewell to 2 Veteran Members

The Dec. 13, 2011 Utica City Council meeting was a historic day for outgoing councilmembers Mary Figurski and Joyce Kraft.

Kraft felt ill before the begining of the meeting and was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital before she could ring in the last meeting of her career as a council member.

Both Kraft and Figurski decided not to run in the Nov. 8 elections. Also, the term for Councilman Jeffrey Carter expired, leaving three open seats.

The Faith Terenzi, Barbara Montag and Chuck Cuddington, will be seated in January 2012.

Kraft has been on the Utica City Council for 24 years. In a proclamation, Mayor Jaqueline Noonan thanked Kraft for her unwavering service and dedication to the city.

Noonan noted that Kraft's bright smile and happy demeanor always cheered her collegues.

Noonan also presented Figurski a proclamation thanking her for the nearly 30 years of service with the City and a 2012 calendar of Utica.

Figurski served as a Deputy Clerk for serveral years and then as a councilmember for 14 years.

Figurski became emotional as Noonan listed off her attributes and contributions to the city.

"Mary has always exhibited insight and resolve," said Noonan.

Although Figurski will no longer serve as a councilmember, her ties with the Council have not yet been severed. At Tuesday's meeting, Figurski was appointed a Utica Library Board member. Figurski will fill the remaining appointment for Kathy Tracy, who had to step down because she moved out of the city.