Lyndon Johnson had just assumed the presidency when Bill Goetz was elected to the Fort Mitchell City Council. Ronald Reagan was completing his first term as president when Bill Goetz was appointed to the NKAPCouncil by the Fort Mitchell City Council. And, Bill Clinton was midway through his second term when Bill Goetz was elected to the NKAPCommission.

Bill Goetz decided earlier this year to call it a career. His colleagues on those NKAPC—now PDS public bodies decided last month to call those 52 years “distinguished” as they adopted a joint resolution honoring Goetz for his service.

Among the accolades included in the joint resolution by the PDS Council and PDS Management Board were these:

“WHEREAS William H. Goetz served continuously as a member of the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Council until 1993; and

WHEREAS during this time period members of the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Council elected William H. Goetz to be their president from 1984 through 1987; and

WHEREAS members of the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Council elected William H. Goetz in 1998 to serve as a member of the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission; and

WHEREAS William H. Goetz served continuously as a member of the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission until 2016; and

WHEREAS during this time period members of the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission elected William H. Goetz to serve as their treasurer from 2000 through 2003 and their chairman from 2004 through 2011; and

WHEREAS his role in service to the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Council and Area Planning Commission were marked with dedication, distinction, commitment, and integrity.”

Members of the two boards also certified that:

“WHEREAS this exemplary record of service to the two organizations ends this month as William H. Goetz declined to stand for re-election to the Planning and Development Services Management Board; and

WHEREAS his decision marks the end of 52+ consecutive years (since 01/01/64) that he’s held a statutory office in the Commonwealth—one of the longest in Kentucky history.”

In conclusion, members of the two boards:

“RESOLVED that a Wall of Distinguished Service be created in a prominent location in the PDS Building to be a lasting tribute to those individuals whose dedication and service to “more efficient planning” improved the quality of life for all Kenton Countians and that a copy of this joint resolution honoring William H. Goetz be the first mark of respect to be placed there.”