Monday night’s council meeting was John Tulloch’s last as Piedmont’s city clerk, having announced his departure from City Hall as of Aug. 4 after almost 17 years with the city, and 13 as city clerk.
All five council members, and recently retired City Administrator Sara Lillevand, praised Tulloch for his love of and dedication to city government in general, plus his encyclopedic knowledge of governmental rules — most specifically elections, and how local candidates needed to comply with the myriad rules and deadlines governing how citizens run for office.
Councilmember Tom Ramsey said Tulloch kept “politely reminding me of deadlines,” and calmly led him through the process, sometimes pushing deadlines hard.
Councilmember Jennifer Long called Tulloch a “stalwart of the community,” and Councilmember Conna McCarthy told Tulloch, “You’re clearly the backbone keeping this place together.”
Mayor Jen Cavenaugh’s voice broke just a little as she read some words from a special proclamation recognizing “John Oliver Tulloch Day in Piedmont.” And a number of city staffers came to council chambers holding up an image of Tulloch’s face on a stick.
“Today we’re all John Tulloch,” said Chelle Putzer, the city’s recreation director, holding one of those images up to her own face.
Lillevand noted that it has been Tulloch who has overseen creation of 13 years’ worth of City Council packets — no small feat, she said, and often a thankless one.
Tulloch kept his comments short and sweet. “I grew up here, and I love it here,” said Tulloch, whose family will continue to live in Piedmont.
John Tulloch with his family.
Sheri Hartz, a former city clerk in both Novato and Emeryville, was appointed Monday night as interim city clerk for Piedmont, as the city searches for a long-term replacement for the departing John Tulloch. The city has hired a consultant to lead that search.
Hartz, who retired from her Emeryville position in 2022, had served for about six years in Novato, and for another six years in Novato before that. She also worked for the City of Santa Rosa as an administrator for six years, and as chief deputy clerk to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for three years.
John, you amaze me, with the way you have gifted our community with all of your knowledge and passion. We’ve all benefitted in a myriad of unseen, under-appreciated ways you’ve lived your dedication.
Thank you, and may you find great and enriching avenues in next moves. I’m lucky to have met you, long ago, as next door neighbors during your youth. Thank you!