Last changed in 2011, the current council has left several issues open for interpretation for the city’s future leaders.

Questions about the downtown bar scene, including issues with the 50/50 ordinance and whether or not a moratorium on new bars serving alcohol past midnight will be permanent, still remain. The question of what will become of the proposed Park District also lingers, after more than a decade of struggle to redevelop the site.

The council will in large part be marked by the final failure of the City Center II project, an attempt to develop the west side of the downtown area that is the site of the current Park District project.

It was the final time Beard and Loomis had a seat at the table, but Loomis was not present for the third-straight meeting. Mayor Diane Goddeeris said it was because of “an equally as important event regarding his daughters.”

Since being ousted as mayor by his colleagues after the 2011 election, the once-vocal leader has taken a more hands-off approach to city politics, chiming in on business and development issues but staying largely silent outside of public meetings.

Incumbent Kathleen Boyle said during a visit to The State News that her greatest regret on the first part of her first term was not getting to know Loomis better.

Lahanas said their service will be marked by what they banded together to accomplish during challenging financial times.

“Both of them have a long history of service to the community,” he said. “I think the times of their leadership have been difficult for Michigan, and I think they have done a good job navigating the city through tough issues,” he said.

Before the meeting, Beard said it felt strange to be stepping away from council.

“It consumes such a large chunk of your life and your time,” he said. “It’ll be odd when I don’t have those appointments.”