TORONTO

Mayor Rob Ford admitted Thursday that he “embarrassed” council this term and, a few hours later, danced away to reggae music in the council chamber.

Council started the fourth day of the last meeting of the council term with farewells and thanks from some councillors, including a tribute to Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly.

Councillor Pam McConnell led her colleagues in recognizing Kelly for his work after Mayor Ford was stripped of his powers last year following his admittal to smoking crack cocaine, what she called a “terribly, terribly chaotic time.”

“You have brought us out of dark chaos and into the light,” McConnell told Kelly. “You have brought calm into very troubled waters.”

Mayor Ford also thanked Kelly for leading council.

“I know I put this council through some challenges,” Ford said as his voice cracked. “I know I embarrassed council and I want to thank, sincerely, the deputy mayor for taking the reins.

“I can’t thank you enough for taking the job on. The past is the past and we have to move forward so thank you. I sincerely, sincerely appreciate what you’ve done.”

Thursday’s speech was a far cry from Ford’s warning to councillors when he had his powers taken away last November and told them “if you think American-style politics is nasty, you guys have just attacked Kuwait.

“Mark my words, friends, this is going to be outright war in the next election and I’m going to do everything in my power to beat you guys,” he said at the time.

Ahead of the council lunch break, councillors listened to another musical performance from Jay Douglas and The All Stars.

Like he did during the reggae performance last December, Ford danced in the centre of the council chamber and sang along with the songs including Hallelujah and One Love.

Mayor Rob Ford dances at council ... again from Don Peat on Vimeo.

Councillor Joe Mihevc said he thought Ford’s words to Kelly were genuine “for that moment.”

“I think the issue is whether that pattern of (bad) behaviour will continue if he were to get re-elected and I’ve seen no reason why it won’t continue,” Mihevc said.

Speaker Frances Nunziata announced that council and its committees met 686 times this term for a total of 3,276 hours (not including Thursday’s meeting).

Up to Wednesday, council had considered up to 18,646 agenda items, made 25,617 motions, conducted 8,364 recorded votes, listened to 8,664 deputants, and received 22,967 e-mails or letters from the public.

Coverage from council: Click here for a mobile-friendly link.