After seven years on St. John’s City Council, Dave Lane is stepping down.

Monday was the last formal city council meeting of the year.

Lane and his family have moved to Torbay, and Lane agreed to stay on the council to the end of 2020.

Councillors heaped praise on Lane for his service to the city and his work on the budget and the St. John’s Bike Master Plan.

Ward 5 Councillor Wally Collins cut through some of the more serious and sentimental testimonials at council earlier this week.

Collins says he never knew how funny Lane was until they went downtown together. He even hinted that Lane is a good mimic, but wouldn’t reveal who the target of his impressions was.

Mayor Danny Breen also praised Lane for his time on council, taking a gentle jab at councillor Jaimie Korab who wore a festive red suit covered in candy canes at last night’s meeting.

He joked that he’s glad that Lane, who was partial to sweaters and ties, listened to his advice to get a suit, and not councillor Korab’s.