GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The city council passed two essential ordinances that give the city the right to disconnect water for illegal hookups, and it agreed to lease a portion of City Hall to the Clay County Economic Development Corporation. 

But the highlights of Tuesday night’s meeting were the retirement ceremony for Sgt. Chris Hess and the recognition of five Charles E. Bennett fifth graders for their essays celebrating City Government Week. 

Hess served in the department for 28 years, Chief Shawn Hines said. 

“I want to say thank you for the 28 years of your life,” Hines said. “I would also like to say thank you to his immediate extended family for allowing us to share for all these years. It’s impressive what you truly mean to the police department, the residents of our city.” 

The Green Cove Springs Police Department presented Sgt. Hess with a personalized gun box for his service weapon as a retirement gift. Hines said Hess will return in three weeks as a part-time officer. 

That was followed by a ceremony for five students from Charles E. Bennett Elementary. The fifth-grade class was asked to write an essay about what they’d do if they were the mayor for a day. Essays from Stella Waswick, Seth Bailey, Sailor Thompson, Emman Ratterree and Abigayle Young were selected. 

Also, the city recognized the Village Improvement Association for International Service Day. The group is not only the oldest women’s club in Florida, but the 142-year-old organization was singled out for its dedicated work in educating others about social causes, beautifying the area, and improving the quality of life. 

The city council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall.