Yuma City Council honor two outgoing members

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma City Council is honoring two members leaving office with a ceremony Wednesday night.

The city honored them with awards and cake after the meeting.

Ema Lea Shoop and Michael Shelton are both coming to the end of their city council terms.

Shelton served on the council for two terms, from January 2016 to December 2024. He shares how he is feeling at his last meeting as a council member.

"It's very full...I'm full of memories of things we've accomplished together, full of all of the appreciation that’s been shown," said Shelton.

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls says both candidates were very influential during their time and is grateful to both for their service: "I just like to thank them both for their time and dedication to the people of Yuma it has been such an honor to work with the on the diocese."

Meanwhile, Shoop's is the city's longest serving member in city history with over 20 years

"I've been through like five last meetings so it's just kind of a repetitive," commented Shoop.

Both members have advice for those that will be taking their place.

"Do your homework, know what you're talking about, don't ask questions to staff, [and] make statements that staff can respond to," said Shoop.

"There's so many things to pay attention to. Not just the items in front of you, but the whole atmosphere that comes with it," added Shelton.

The newly elected city council members will officially be inaugurated on January 6.