Outgoing members of Lorain City Council were given the opportunity to address the public following the adoption of formal resolutions honoring their service during the December 15, 2025 regular council meeting.
Council unanimously approved individual resolutions recognizing Joanne Moon (5th Ward), Beth Henley (1st Ward), Dan Nutt (4th Ward), Sylvia Duvall (At-Large), and Mary Spellacy (7th Ward). In each case, council suspended the three-reading rule to allow immediate passage.
After the resolutions were adopted, each outgoing member was invited to speak, offering personal reflections on their time in office and the relationships built during their service.
Joanne Moon, who served on council from 2016 through 2025, thanked residents for welcoming her into their lives and homes during her time representing South Lorain.
“The people that I met were amazing. I would go to their house and they would let me in even though they didn’t know me,” Moon said. “I’ve been very grateful for this journey.”
Moon also referenced the historic makeup of council during her tenure, noting a period when seven women served simultaneously.
Beth Henley, who represented the 1st Ward from 2018 through 2025, explained her decision not to seek reelection and reflected on stepping away from public office.
“I chose not to run again. I’m getting a little older, and it’s time,” Henley said. “I’ve been incredibly blessed to work with some really great people.”
Henley thanked residents of the east side and city staff across departments, describing council colleagues as “my people.”
Dan Nutt, who served as 4th Ward councilman from 2022 through 2025, expressed gratitude to fellow council members, city staff, and administrators.
“It truly has been an honor to serve,” Nutt said. “None of this works unless we all work together to try to move the city forward.”
He also thanked the council clerk’s office for its role in keeping council operations running smoothly.
Sylvia Duvall, who served as an at-large councilwoman from 2024 through 2025, encouraged residents to remain engaged in local government.
“It’s a tough job, and they depend on the citizens’ input,” Duvall said. “Come to the meetings. Ask questions. Stay involved.”
Mary Spellacy, who represented the 7th Ward from 2024 through 2025, thanked voters for the opportunity to serve and reflected on the experience of holding public office.
“I’m grateful for it and humbled by it,” Spellacy said. “It has truly been an experience for me.”
While each member spoke from a different perspective, their remarks shared a common focus on service, relationships, and the people they represented, closing a chapter for the outgoing council ahead of the next term.
By the Numbers: Outgoing Lorain City Council Members
During the December 15 meeting, council resolutions formally documented the scope of work completed by each outgoing member during their time in office.
Joanne Moon – 5th Ward (2016–2025)
- Approximately 588 council meetings attended
- 1,977 ordinances and 433 resolutions considered during her tenure
- Served on multiple committees, including Federal Programs, Parks & Recreation, and Building & Lands
- Chaired the Federal Programs Committee during the 2024–25 term
Beth Henley – 1st Ward (2018–2025)
- Approximately 461 council meetings attended
- 1,688 ordinances and 346 resolutions considered
- Served on Parks & Recreation, Building & Lands, and Police, Fire & Legislative committees
- Served as Vice President of Council during the 2023 and 2024–25 terms
Dan Nutt – 4th Ward (2022–2025)
- Approximately 253 council meetings attended
- 918 ordinances and 163 resolutions considered
- Chaired the Finance Committee and the Building & Lands Committee
- Served on Federal Programs and Police, Fire & Legislative committees
Sylvia Duvall – At-Large (2024–2025)
- Approximately 103 council meetings attended
- 396 ordinances and 68 resolutions considered
- Served as Chair of the Federal Programs Committee
- Active involvement with multiple community organizations
Mary Spellacy – 7th Ward (2024–2025)
- Approximately 103 council meetings attended
- 396 ordinances and 68 resolutions considered
- Served on Police, Fire & Legislative; Streets & Utilities; and Parks & Recreation committees