BIDDEFORD — On Tuesday, in her last city council meeting officiating as mayor of Biddeford, Joanne Twomey thanked the members of the council who served with her during her two terms ”“ four years ”“ as mayor. She said she and the council did great work together and all should be proud.

Under her administration, said Twomey, the wastewater treatment plant that had been contracted to a private company for many years, was taken back under city control saving the city approximately $250,000.

Another accomplishment of which Twomey said she was proud was winning approval of a $34 million bond to renovate Biddeford High School in the November 2009 election.

During her campaign for a second term as mayor in 2009, Twomey championed the high school bond, which was approved at the polls by a large majority.

The failure of a local circuit breaker that she supported, was one her major disappointments, she said. If enacted, the circuit breaker would have awarded funds to local residents based on their property tax rate and income level.

Her biggest regret, said Twomey, was despite her best efforts she was unable to get the city’s “bag lady” off the city streets.

Throughout her administration, said the mayor, she had an open-door policy welcoming all members of the public.

“That office is for everybody,” she said, “I hope that continues.”

During the meeting, Twomey passed out plaques to the nine council members, only three of whom will be serving under Mayor-elect Alan Casavant, thanking each for their service to the city.

When members of the public had their opportunity to address the council, many also thanked council members and the mayor for their service. Among those was Mayor-elect Casavant, who noted that public service can be difficult because it’s impossible to please everyone.

However, he said, even when there is disagreement it’s important to remember that all the elected officials care about Biddeford’s residents and improving the city.

“You cared about the city and your service proves it,” said Casavant.

A potentially controversial agenda item was sidestepped when the council voted to table the nine appointments to various committees proposed by Mayor Twomey.

Council member Patricia Boston, who made the motion to table the appointments, said she did so because, “I felt it should be up to the council and next mayor.”

In addition, she said, some of the terms of current committee members had not expired.

Traditionally, new mayors make a number of committee appointments as one of their first orders of duty, said Councilor George “Pete” Lamontagne.

— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.