(Atlantic) Atlantic Mayor Grace Garrett presided over her final meeting on Wednesday night. Garrett and her husband, Bill, moved to Atlantic in 2017. After developing an interest in city government, she ran for City Council in 2021 and was later elected mayor in 2022. The mayor did not seek re-election in November.
Mayor Garrett said one of the things that most surprised her was the amount of work required to keep each department operating and to serve the community as it deserves. She added that she was fully committed to serving in both roles.
Mayor Garrett said that when she took office, her goal was to learn what the community wanted. She noted that her campaign tagline in both races was “enhance the community.” Garrett explained that enhancing means building upon the foundation that has already been laid.
Mayor Garrett highlighted several accomplishments during her term, including securing 47 acres for the Camblin Addition housing development at 22nd and Olive Streets. The Splash Pad was completed, and she expressed gratitude to the committee that helped move the project forward. She also pointed to the addition of new entrance signs welcoming people into the community.
Internally, the city added new generators for the Police Department, Fire Department, and Street Department. Street improvement projects are nearing completion, along with the development of a solid-surface campground—the only year-round campground in the area. Other notable projects include the downtown façade project, the ISU Bull Creek project, and the mural at Highway 71 and 7th Street.
Other notable achievements include updating internal documents, providing FEMA training for all staff and council members, developing an Emergency Response Plan, installing an EV charging station, and bringing the Iowa United First Aid Program to Cass County. Cass County was one of only three counties selected for the program, and it is still ongoing.
Mayor Garrett’s term ends on December 31.
A Retirement Celebration for Mayor Grace Garrett will be held on Friday, December 19, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers at 23 E. 4th Street.
