The meeting’s most notable moment came as the council paid tribute to Bud Corte, a dedicated community figure whose efforts had left a lasting impact on Northport. Mayor Phil Stokes led the ceremony, presenting the key to the city to Corte’s family. Attendees shared stories that underscored Corte’s commitment to his community, including his work with local organizations and his role in rebuilding the scout house. One speaker movingly recounted Corte’s selfless nature, describing an instance where he prioritized repairing a neighbor’s broken well pipe despite his own health issues. The speaker emphasized Cort’s philosophy: “Everything he did, he did it with goodness in his heart.”

To honor his memory, a celebration was organized at the Scout House. Scheduled from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the event promised to be a time of reflection and community gathering, with food provided for attendees. Wanda Corte expressed gratitude for the community’s support and shared her late husband’s legacy of kindness and positive impact on Northport.

The council meeting also featured several important proclamations. One recognized the essential contributions of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to healthcare. This proclamation declared January 18th through January 24th, 2026, as National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week, highlighting the critical role these professionals play, particularly in rural and military settings. Rebecca Fleetwood accepted the proclamation on behalf of the nursing community, acknowledging the significance of CRNAs’ work over the past 150 years.

Another proclamation affirmed Northport’s designation as a Purple Heart city. This acknowledgment honors individuals wounded or killed in combat and ties into the city’s role as the permanent home for the Van of Valor, a mobile memorial dedicated to preserving the stories of Purple Heart recipients and Gold Star families. She described the van as a “living room on wheels,” where personal stories of sacrifice are shared and preserved as part of a broader educational initiative. Wallace noted, “In a world that often feels divided, the stories in this van have a unique power.”

Additionally, the council recognized Tom Brown, the assistant parks and grounds manager, for achieving certification as a parks and recreation professional. This recognition highlighted Brown’s dedication and the rigorous process required to earn such a credential, which includes meeting specific educational and experiential criteria.

During the public comments section, an anonymous e-comment was noted, expressing dissatisfaction with Northport’s rebranding efforts. The commenter criticized the expenditure on the initiative, urging the city to reconsider its approach and strive for a branding strategy that better captures Northport’s identity.