The Suffolk Rotary Club has tapped a longtime city lawmaker to be honored as the First Citizen of 2005.

Suffolk City Councilman Curtis R. Milteer Sr., who has served one term a mayor and two as vice mayor during his 25 years on council, was selected from among several nominations received by the Rotary Club, said Everett Birdsong, spokesman for the civic group.

The people who wrote letters nominating Milteer for the award praised the changes he has brought about in the Whaleyville community.

For example, Milteer was instrumental getting city sewage to 3,000 families. He also supported the installation of storm drainage for several communities and worked to for the extension of city water and sewer service along Carolina Road to the Suffolk Executive Airport.

Before being elected to council in 1980, Milteer spent five years on the Suffolk Planning Commission.

Milteer, 74, said he was humbled to win the award.

&uot;It is an honor to be recognized by the Suffolk Rotary Club as one of Suffolk’s First Citizens,&uot; Milteer said. &uot;As a lifetime Suffolk resident, it has been a pleasure watching this community grow over the years.

&uot;I am proud to have played a small part in that growth during my years of service to the city.&uot;

Milteer and his wife, Sarah, raised four children in Suffolk.

Milteer will be honored at a banquet at 6 p.m. April 26 in the Nansemond -Suffolk Academy’s cafetorium. This event will feature musical accompaniment by renowned pianist Walter Noona.

Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at the Suffolk Visitors Center, 321 N. Main St., or by calling 923-3880.

The Rotary Club is also seeking sponsors for the banquet. Sponsorship levels are Bronze – $50, Silver – $100, Gold – $250, Diamond -$500 (which includes two tickets) and Platinum – $1,000 (includes a table with eight tickets to the event).

All sponsorship proceeds are tax deductible and go into the Suffolk Rotary Club Charity Fund.

For more information, call Scott Carr, event chairman, at 923-1138.

allison.williams@suffolknewsherald.com