YORK-The York City Council heard good news Monday night as they hired two new police officers and reflected on a very positive meeting from last week.

Last Monday the city held the first of two Small Town Development Initiative meetings and many positive aspects of the city were uncovered.

York Mayor Carolyn Mitchell Gosa said she was very pleased with the turnout.

“We had our first meeting for the Small Town Development Initiative and it went well,” Gosa said. “There were a lot of people that turned out to tell people what they want to see happen in York and what they thought were assets of York.”

Gosa said the meeting was also very enlightening.

“A lot of people began to tell stories about York,” Gosa said. “There were a lot of things I didn’t know about York that they talked about.”

Councilmember Robert Beard said he hoped people would use the meeting to get excited about their hometown.

“We had a good turnout and I think a lot of people that are form York, but don’t live here anymore have lost a lot of pride in what York is about,” Beard said. “We got to the asset part and it was amazing some of the assets that people did not realize. It was a very enjoyable meeting and I think people would gain a lot from coming to the meeting and give a lot because there is a lot of history here in York.”

Beard said he hoped the meeting would springboard good things for York.

“We have got to get people to take a little more pride in that,” Beard said. “I think this is a good stepping stone toward doing that.”

The next meeting will be October 3 following the next council meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Gosa said she would like to see the attendance even higher at the next meeting.

“We just ask that all the citizens will come out,” Gosa said. “We ask them to come out and be a part of this plan that we are trying to get for York.”

She added this was a chance for everyone to participate in improving their city.

“We are doing all we can to find out what we need to know about York,” Gosa said. “We don’t want anyone to be left out of this because it is a good thing and we feel like we are really doing some good things for York.”

The next business of the council was to hire Brian Harris and David Rory as new police officers. Harris is a certified police officer and has been working with the school system. Rory had been working with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department and was a member of the York Council.

Gosa said Harris brought experience though he was young.

“Officer Harris brings a lot of experience and he is a very fine young man,” Gosa said. “He has been working at the school and has done a great job.”

The hiring or Rory brought mixed emotions from Gosa. His hiring onto the police force also prompted his resignation from the council. Gosa said he would be missed.

“When I begin to talk about David Rory going it is bittersweet,” Gosa said. “He is a good council member and to lose him from the council and gain him as an officer is bittersweet. We are glad to have him as an officer and sad to lose him on the council. He has been an outstanding council member and we know he will be an outstanding officer.”

Rory said he was sad to leave the council, but felt good things were ahead.

“I would like to say to the mayor and the council it has been a pleasure to work with you all,” Rory said. “I know you will all move forward, but I feel I will better myself coming back to you and feel I will do a lot better on the streets. I know you will continue to go forward.”