Hamilton politicians are hoping to move on from an "unfortunate chapter".

City Council has formally voted to "censure" Mayor Bratina ---- in response to a series of comments that he made related to the controversial pay hike given to his chief of staff.

Bratina's response is that he "accepts" the decision and will attempt to learn lessons from it and become a better mayor.

Councillor Sam Merulla, who presented the censuring motion, says the response needs to be "applauded" adding that he now looks forward to working with the mayor on "issues that matter".

The censure is a formal rebuke of the mayor's actions but it doesn't carry any measurable punishment.