LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Mayor Richard Donovan upon the occa-
sion of his retirement after 26 years of distinguished service to the
Village of Minoa

WHEREAS, It is the sense of the State of New York to acknowledge those
esteemed individuals within our midst whose professional lives and civic
endeavors have served to enhance the stature of this great Empire State;
and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of the State of New York to recognize
that the quality and character of our society reflect the concerned and
dedicated efforts of those individuals who are devoted to faithfully
serving the best interests of their community and the needs of its resi-
dents; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to commend Richard
Donovan upon the occasion of his retirement after 26 years of distin-
guished service as a member of the Minoa Village Board of Trustees,
including 12 years as Minoa's Mayor; he will officially retire as Mayor
on Monday, April 4, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Richard Donovan dedicated himself to community service, soon
after he moved to the Village of Minoa in 1971 with his wife, Phyllis,
and their two children; and
WHEREAS, In 1990, Richard Donovan was elected to the Village of Minoa
Board of Trustees and subsequently served in various positions, includ-
ing eight years as the Deputy Mayor of the Village of Minoa; and
WHEREAS, In 2004, Richard Donovan ran for Mayor of the Village of
Minoa, and won by substantial margins to this highly-regarded position;
and
WHEREAS, In this capacity, Richard Donovan effectively provided over-
sight to the total operation of the Village while maintaining strong
relationships with various government agencies; he also worked hard to
recruit business and development, and improve the quality of life in the
charming village that sits in the northern part of the Town of Manlius
in Onondaga County; and
WHEREAS, Richard Donovan has also served as President of the New York
Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) which afforded him the opportunity to
represent his Village and the Central New York area with the mission of
improving local government by facilitating cooperation, the exchange of
information and ideas on best practices, and the discussion of new
solutions to common municipal problems; and
WHEREAS, Richard Donovan's vast community service over the past
decades has also included, but is not limited to, being a member of the
F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse Steering Committee, the Town of Manlius
Disaster Preparedness Committee, the Town of Manlius Emergency Service
committee, and the East Syracuse-Minoa School to College & Career Advi-
sory board; past President of the Onondaga County Mayors Association;
and co-founder and past advisor of Explorer Post 996; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Richard Donovan served 20 years with East Syra-
cuse-Minoa Youth Sports, three years of which as President, and was
instrumental in the construction of the St. Mary's Baseball Field; and
WHEREAS, Richard Donovan has also devoted himself to protecting the
life and properties of his neighbors by serving eight years with the
Minoa Fire Department, and as an active member of the New York State
Fire Chiefs Association; and
WHEREAS, Richard Donovan has faithfully served as Mayor of the Village
of Minoa and will long be remembered for his honesty, integrity, keen

sense of duty, and his strong ability to handle any challenge and impor-
tant community projects; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his friends and family members,
all of whom feel privileged to be a part of his life and rejoice in his
achievements; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to
express its highest admiration for Minoa Mayor Richard Donovan, and to
wish him continued success in all his future endeavors; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body hereby pause to commend Mayor
Richard Donovan upon the occasion of his retirement after 26 years of
distinguished service to the Village of Minoa; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Mayor Richard Donovan.