Outgoing servants recognized, new alderman appointed to sit on Collinsville City Council

The City of Collinsville thanked two longtime servants last week and welcomed a new city councilman at a special called meeting at City Hall.

Alderman Brandon White recognized outgoing mayor Derek Kays and mayor pro-tem Benny McKee for their many years of service to the city.

Afterward, local resident Carl Lucas was appointed to a vacancy on the council.

The special session of the council was held Wednesday, April 30 at Collinsville City Hall. 

McKee was first to be recognized as his term on the council is ending after more than a decade of service. 

He did not seek re-election. 

“I’ve known Benny since I was in kindergarten,” White said. “He is my best friend, and we have been through it all together. He has served several different terms at different times on the council and our city is better for it.”

White also recognized Mayor Derek Kays who, likewise, did not seek re-election. 

“Derek got elected to council 10 years ago,” White said. “At the time, I thought, ‘Who is this kid?’ He is so young. Ten years later, I will tell you, it is the best thing that has ever happened in our city. He has put in late nights and weekends. He doesn’t rest. He has put in the work and I can’t thank him enough.” 

Both McKee and Kays were presented with appreciation gifts for their time on City Council. 

With the mayor vacancy at hand, Alderman Chase Guidera filed to run for the mayor’s spot unopposed in the spring election.

He will take the oath of office as mayor later this month.

Guidera resigned his council seat last month to prepare for his transition to the mayor.

Guidera’s alderman vacancy, as well as a vacancy for McKee, leaves two open spots on the council since no one filed to run for those spots in last week’s election. 

Local man, Carl Lucas was appointed Wednesday night to fill Guidera’s seat on the council. 

The unexpired term will be up for re-election next May. 

Likewise the council will appoint someone to fill McKee’s spot later this month.

Guidera, Lucas and White join Steve Ritchey and Jessica Orsburn on the Council.