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JOHN MORAN leaves Florissant City Council after 18 years.
BY CAROL ARNETT

The Florissant City Council bid a fond farewell to Councilman John Moran, whose 18 years as a council member are coming to an end. Moran decided not to run in this month’s election.

Moran represents the city’s Ward 2. He was the Council President and served as the Mayor Pre Tem when Mayor James J. Eagan died in office in 2000.

Several council members praised Moran’s honesty. “He has the most integrity of anyone I’ve ever worked with,” said Councilman Tim Lee.

Moran also has a reputation as a mentor. “Mr. Moran was the first member of the council to come up to me and offer help,” said Councilwoman Karen McKay. “He is a pillar of the community and a shining star in Florissant and all of North County.”

Councilman Mark Schmidt agreed. “John was a great mentor when I was elected in 1996.” Schmidt said that Moran wasn’t all business, though.

“We had a lot of fun together,” he said. “I always enjoyed trips to conferences with you and your wife,” he told Moran.

Mayor Robert Lowery called Moran a “dedicated family man. He embodies what every father and husband should be.”

City Attorney John Hessel said that he met Moran 22 years ago, when Moran coached his son’s baseball team. “I have had the privilege to work with you and socialize with you,” he told Moran. “You have represented the city with dignity, honor and courage and I thank you and your wife for your friendship.”

Councilman Dan Sullivan said he also admired Moran. “I’ve enjoyed the battles between you and the mayor,” he said. “They were always entertaining.”

Moran thanked several people who have helped him through the years, including the council, mayor, commission members, and city staff.

He also thanked former council members, including Geri Debo, the late Dave Reynolds, Bob Garrett and Susan Geerling.

Moran also thanked his friends and families who helped with his campaigns through the years. “When you’re campaigning, your family members are your campaign workers,” he said. He thanked his mother-in-law, his wife, Robin, and his two children.

“Keep working hard and respect each other for the betterment of Florissant,” Moran told the council.

John Grib will be taking the seat held by Moran. Grib ran unopposed in the April 8th election. Councilman Dan Sullivan lost his seat to Andrew Podleski in Ward 6. Mark Schmidt won a close race over Greg Stiebel. The election results are yet top be certified by the St. Louis County Election Board.

A public hearing was held on a proposal by Ruiz restaurant to change the restaurant’s sign. The restaurant wants an electronic sign to replace the current sign. No one spoke in opposition to the proposal and the council held a first reading on the bill approving it.

Also approved was a request for a package liquor license for Convenience One at 22 Patterson Plaza.

Passed an ordinance appropriating $4,421 for the Valley of Flowers Children’s Arts programs.
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