(Jon Jaehnig/For the Gazette) Hancock DDA Chair Peter Wickley (left) stepped down at the end of Monday’s meeting, after 39 years in the position. He was presented with a plaque on behalf of the city by Mayor Paul LaBine.

HANCOCK — Peter Wickley officiated his last meeting of the Hancock Downtown Development Authority on Monday. Wickley had earlier announced that he would be stepping down as DDA chairperson after holding the position for 39 years.

The occasion was marked by kind words from members of the public, Wickley’s fellow DDA members, and by a plaque presented to Wickley by Mayor Paul LaBine, and with a cake following the meeting.

“I’m here for one reason and that is to say thank you to Mr. Peter Wickley for 39-plus years of service on the Downtown Development Authority,” previous mayor John Haeussler said during public comment at the beginning of the meeting. “… Beyond the DDA, the fact that you’ve been a presence in downtown Hancock for more than 39 years … I just wanted to say thanks.”

Late in the meeting, Wickley took the time to say a few words for himself and at least as many about the people around him.

“It’s been a wonderful ride,” he said. “I’ve seen the city do a lot of good things, some not so good things. Various people came through this boardroom in the last 39 years and to see the dedication and the loyalty from the people around this boardroom has been fantastic. Mary (Babcock) has done a great job. Bringing on (a DDA Coordinator) was something I wanted to do 20 years ago. I hope that this august body continues working with Deb and giving her all of the support that they can because she’s doing just a fantastic job… it’s been a pleasure serving the city of Hancock for all of these years.”

At the end in what members joked was a record short meeting, LaBine gave a short speech and presented Wickley with the plaque.

“Mr. Wickley, it is my pleasure to present you with a plaque in recognition of 39 years of dedicated, valued, and exemplary service to the city of Hancock as chairman of the Downtown Development Authority, serving and promoting the downtown business community. On behalf of myself, Mary, and the city at large, thank you very much.”

Vice Chairperson Johnathan Luce Jr. will be taking over as DDA chair beginning with the January meeting.