UPDATED 4:45 p.m. Monday

By Christopher Glotfelty and Carol Rock

Although still in critical condition, Santa Clarita City Councilman Frank Ferry is showing signs of improvement after a post-surgical infection put him into the intensive care unit of Providence Holy Cross Hospital.

On Monday, City of Santa Clarita spokeswoman Gail Ortiz said that Ferry is still improving and that doctors have cut back on some of his medication.

The councilman went into the hospital November 30 for removal of a cyst near his pancreas and developed complications that compromised his health. Ferry’s family is at his side and expressed their thanks for the community’s support and prayers.

On Tuesday, Ferry’s son Nick told KHTS that his father has shown slight improvement, but is still in the Intensive Care Unit at Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills, where he has been hospitalized for the past week.

“He’s a strong guy,” the young Ferry shared, when asked if he’d been able to speak to his dad. “He’s still out of it, but he knows we’re here. We sure appreciate everyone’s concern.”

Ferry’s family was called to his bedside Friday afternoon when he experienced life-threatening complications after undergoing surgery November 30 for removal of a cyst near his pancreas. His kidneys were compromised and toxins from the cyst contributed to an infection that doctors are working to abate.

Vince Ferry said that while Frank’s condition is critical, vital signs have been good and that the family is watching for little signs of improvement.

“You know Frank, he’s a stubborn guy,” Vince said. “We are definitely feeling the love and support from the community. I wish I could say there was more change, but we’re hanging in there.”

The 45-year old is a career educator and currently the principal of Alemany High School in Mission Hills. He has been the assistant principal of Saugus High School and served as the Associated Student Body Director at Valencia High School.

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Prep sports blogs have been buzzing with the news about Ferry, who is one of the most outgoing supporters of youth sports. His son, Jake, plays on the Alemany football team, but was not at the game Friday night, according to Daily News blogger Gerry Gittleson. Ferry’s oldest son, Nick, attends Springfield College in Massachusetts.

“The City Council is certainly aware of his circumstances,” said Councilman Bob Kellar. “Our prayers are with Frank and his family and we hope he gets through this.”

The Council gathered Monday morning to get an update on Ferry’s condition.

Ferry was re-elected to his fourth term to the Santa Clarita City Council in April. Frequently the subject of controversy because of his direct and unhesitant commentary, he was an unabashed advocate for expansion of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and is a supporter of the takeover of libraries within city limits. His priorities on the council also include fostering free enterprise and keeping public roads accessible.

Ferry also champions youth-oriented causes, facilitating a groundbreaking compromise between skateboarders and park planners to create a new skatepark and working closely with law enforcement, counselors and school administrators to bolster drug abuse prevention efforts.

No release date has been set by the hospital and family members remain optimistic for his complete recovery. Vince Ferry said that his brother could not receive visitors in the ICU, but that thoughts and prayers are appreciated.