Ted Collas, a 31-year employee of the Colorado Springs Fire Department, got a standing ovation Tuesday when the City Council unanimously confirmed his appointment to fire chief.

Mayor John Suthers nominated Collas, who has been serving as interim chief since former Chief Christopher P. Riley was given $80,000 in a six-month severance package in March.

Collas will be paid $160,235 a year to oversee 482 staff members and 22 fire stations.

“I can assure all my colleagues we’re getting the best,” City Council President Merv Bennett said, prompting the standing ovation.

When the applause died down, Suthers quipped, “OK, Ted, get back to work.”

As Collas was being welcomed in, Aviation Director Dan Gallagher was given a regretful farewell.

“Dan Gallagher’s here and has broken all our hearts,” Suthers said. “I’m really bummed about this, I want you to know that.”

Gallagher is largely credited for luring Frontier Airlines back to town and expanding the Commercial Aeronautical Zone during his three years at Colorado Springs Airport.

He is headed to Boston to run the Massachusetts Port Authority’s Logan International Airport, L.G. Hanscom Field in Bedford and Worcester Regional Airport.

In other business:

– The council deemed October Fire Prevention Month and acknowledged Fire Marshal Brett Lacey’s efforts to increase fire safety in the community.

– October also was declared Arts Month, with council thanks to Andy Vick and his Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, COPPeR.

– Council members voted 7-1 to approve licensed home sales of fresh produce and cottage foods. Councilwoman Helen Collins dissented, saying bad food and bad eggs could be sold. Council President Pro Tem Jill Gaebler responded, “This ordinance is about personal liberty, private property rights,” two causes dear to Collins’ heart.

Collins said: “It’s more government regulation and a fee.” Replied Gaebler, “Certainly you can’t sell food from your front door (now), so this is actually reducing regulation.”

– The council approved creation of a metropolitan district to finance infrastructure and operations at Tuscan Foothills Village townhomes and apartments along Centennial Boulevard south of Chuckwagon Road. The council had voted down the district in August and then went through a torturous series of legislative maneuvers before approving it Tuesday.