SUMMARY OF A MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN
OF CHAPEL HILL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1997 AT 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Waldorf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Council Members in attendance were Julie Andresen, Joyce Brown, Joe Capowski, Mark Chilton, Pat Evans, Richard Franck, Lee Pavao and Edith Wiggins. Also in attendance were Council Member-Elect Kevin Foy, Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Fire Chief Dan Jones, Public Works Director Bruce Heflin, Town Clerk Peter Richardson and Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos.
Mayor Waldorf noted that Ms. Frances Hargraves had requested the opportunity to make a special petition to the Council this evening. Ms. Hargraves said that generations of her family had resided in the community for the past two hundred years. She thanked all of the Town’s elected officials for their burning desire to accept the responsibility for providing the Town’s policy direction. Ms. Hargraves said she was confident that the 1997-1999 Town Council would work together harmoniously and unbiasedly while exhibiting fairness and love for all they served. Ms. Hargraves also said she overflowed with gratitude for the Council Member’s efforts.
Remarks by Members of 1995-1997 Council
Council Member Franck expressed thanks and appreciation to Town residents for allowing him to serve on the Council for the past two years. Council Member Franck said it was an unfailing pleasure to serve the Town and its residents. Noting that he had hoped to continue his service on the Council, Council Member Franck said he nonetheless planned to continue to offer his services to the Town in the future as the Council wished.
Council Member Chilton said it had been a real honor and pleasure to have served on the Town Council for the past six years, including former Mayor Ken Broun, current Mayor Rosemary Waldorf and past and present Council Members. Council Member Chilton presented Council Member Elect Kevin Foy with a photograph from his office signed by United States Senator Jesse Helms. Council Member Chilton noted that former Council Member Joe Herzenberg had given him the photograph when he was seated on the Town Council.
Council Member Chilton expressed his sincere appreciation for having been given the opportunity to serve the residents of the Town for the past six years. Council Member Chilton thanked the 3,012 voters who had voted for him in the 1991 Council elections. He also thanked Alan McSurely and James Harris for taking him at his word about his proposed efforts to overcome discrimination in the community. Saying that he realized he was not always as polite and thoughtful as he always could have been, Council Member Chilton offered his sincere apology to Council Member Pavao for a past transgression at a Council meeting. Council Member Chilton also said it was his belief that it was “better to have voted and lost, than not to have entered the debate”. Noting that he would miss serving with the Mayor and Council Members, Council Member Chilton offered his official resignation from the Town Council. Council Member Chilton said with the Council’s indulgence, he would continue to serve on the Orange County Human Relations Commission and the Town’s Land Trust Implementation Task Force and the Task Force on the History of Chapel Hill Government.
Council Member Andresen said that Council Member Chilton had had an inspired drive to find common ground on the Council. She also commended Council Member Chilton for his facilitative skills in handling difficult situations such as coordinating the Home Occupations Committee and working with the neighborhood regarding a charter school using Hargraves Center. Council Member Andresen said that Council Member Franck had a tremendous verve for transportation matters. Council Member Franck said she hoped that Council Member Franck would be successful with his transportation-related reform efforts.
The Council took a recess from 7:25 to 7:28 p.m.
1997-1999 Town Council
The Honorable Judge Joe Buckner administered the oaths of office for Mayor Waldorf and Council Members Joyce Brown, Lee Pavao and Council Member-Elect Kevin Foy. Mayor Waldorf administered the oath of office to Council Member Edith Wiggins.
COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BROWN, FOR THE COUNCIL TO APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI AS MAYOR PRO TEMPORE. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
Mayor Waldorf read a resolution of appreciation to Richard Franck for his service on the Town Council.
COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN A RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO RICHARD FRANCK, FOR HIS SERVICE AS A COUNCIL MEMBER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE OF RICHARD M. FRANCK TO THE CHAPEL HILL COMMUNITY (97-12-1/R-2)
WHEREAS, Richard M. Franck served on the Chapel Hill Town Council from January, 1995 to December, 1997; and
WHEREAS, Richard served on the Chapel Hill Transportation Board from July, 1991 to January, 1995, during which time the Board submitted a major report to the Council regarding strategies for increasing the use of alternatives to single occupant vehicles; and
WHEREAS, Richard served on the Landfill Owners' Group from January, 1996 to November, 1997; and
WHEREAS, Richard was a very strong advocate for a balanced transportation system including especially the need for public transit services that reduce air pollution and automobile congestion, and thereby enhance the public health and safety and the overall quality of life in our community; and
WHEREAS, Richard persevered in his work to increase the Town of Chapel Hill’s pay for its lowest paid employees, and the Council in 1994 first adopted policies ensuring that all full-time employees earn significantly more than the federally defined poverty level for a family of four; and
WHEREAS, Richard brought to the Council not only his rigorous analytical style, public speaking skills and positive leadership, but his warmth and good cheer; and
WHEREAS, Richard is an ardent and highly knowledgeable baseball fan; and
WHEREAS, Richard's enthusiasm and dedication to his work on the Council will be missed;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby honors and praises
RICHARD M. FRANCK
for his outstanding service to the people of Chapel Hill and Orange County.
This the 1st day of December, 1997.
Mayor Waldorf said that she would miss Mr. Franck’s intelligence. Mayor Waldorf said that Mr. Franck was always ready to make and second motions and to keep meetings moving.
COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO A RESOLUTON OF APPRECIATION TO MARK CHILTON, FOR HIS SERVICE AS A COUNCIL MEMBER. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE
OF MARK CHILTON TO THE CHAPEL HILL
COMMUNITY (97-12-1/R-1)
WHEREAS, Mark Chilton served on the Chapel Hill Town Council from December, 1991 to December, 1997; and
WHEREAS, Mark was one of the founding leaders of the Student Environmental Action Committee at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the SEAC has now become a national and international organization; and
WHEREAS, Mark chaired the Home Occupations Committee and the Affordable Housing Task Force in 1995 and 1996; and
WHEREAS, Mark served on the Landfill Owners' Group from January, 1994 to September, 1997, and he advocated for socially just decisions regarding landfill sites; and
WHEREAS, Mark's record of support for environmental protection includes his votes and other actions on behalf of public transportation, watershed protection, air quality and his thoughtful decisions regarding proposed developments; and
WHEREAS, Mark has demonstrated excellent skills in mediating conflicts and in helping the Council find solutions to problems that address a variety of perspectives and policy values; and
WHEREAS, Mark received both his undergraduate degree and the degree of Juris Doctor while serving as a member of the Council, and was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in September, 1997; and
WHEREAS, Mark's sense of humor and his compassion and caring for people will be missed; and
WHEREAS, Mark has decided to leave his seat on the Town Council in order to pursue his professional career with the possibility, it is hoped, of resuming public service in the future;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby honors and praises
MARK CHILTON
for his outstanding service to the people of Chapel Hill and Orange County.
This the 1st day of December, 1997.
Mayor Waldorf said that Mr. Chilton’s caring for people would be missed on the Council. Noting that she personally respected Mr. Chilton’s reasons for leaving the Council, Mayor Waldorf said would miss Mr. Chilton’s ability to keep things moving on the Council.
Announcement of Vacant Seat on Town Council
Mayor Waldorf noted that this marked the third time in two years that there had been a vacant seat on the Town Council. She noted that there was a resolution before the Council this evening announcing the vacancy and outlining a proposed process and time table for filling the vacant seat.
Noting that it was important for the Council to hear from applicants for the vacant seat, Council Member Andresen said she had drafted a list of written questions which the applicants could respond to as part of the Council’s process. She also said that it was important to involve the public as much as possible in the process. Mayor Waldorf suggested that the Council consider the proposed resolution and then address Council Member Andresen’s proposal.
COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY C OUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO, TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 1. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
Mayor Waldorf noted that applications to fill the vacant seat were due at Chapel Hill Town Hall by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17th.
Council Member Andresen said she was proposing that the Council ask applicants to submit written answers to a number of proposed questions. Council Member Evans said that all of the applicants would have the opportunity to come before the Council for five minutes in order to outline why they wished to serve on the Council. Stating that the proposed process outlined in the memorandum before the Council had worked well before, Council Member Evans suggested that the Council not adopt Council Member Andresen’s proposal.
Stating that the Council could choose to vary its process for filling a vacant seat, Council Member Andresen said that it was fair to ask applicants about their views of the Town in addition to five minute presentations. She suggested that her list of questions be considered as a draft by the Council.
Council Member Wiggins said that Council Member Andresen’s memorandum had two points. She stated that the importance of involving the public in the process was a good one. She noted that the many members of the public would contact Council Members regarding applicants for the vacant seat. Council Member Wiggins also said that she would appreciate an opportunity to think of possible questions to ask applicants if this was the way in which the Council chose to proceed.
Council Member Foy said he concurred with Council Member Wiggins’ remarks regarding public involvement in the process. Council Member Foy said it was important for all Council Members to have input on what questions might be asked of Council candidates.
Stating that he was happy with the proposed schedule, Council Member Capowski suggested that a list of questions edited by Council Members could be used as guidelines for Council applicants/candidates. Council Member Capowski said he wished to reserve the right to ask questions to applicants at the Council’s January 5th special meeting.
Mayor Waldorf suggested that she could compile questions suggested by Council Members which could be used as guidelines by Council applicants in making their remarks to the Council.
Noting that Council applicants could handle the proposed questions as they wished, Council Member Foy said he preferred written answers to the questions. Noting that the proposed questions might discourage some persons from applying for the vacant seat, Council Member Wiggins said she preferred that the questions serve as guidelines for the candidates to think about.
Council Member Pavao said he agreed that the question could serve as guidelines for candidates. Council Member Pavao also said he would like to hold open the right to ask questions of applicants at the January 5th special meeting.
Council Member Andresen said she wondered whether the Council could pass a resolution indicating that the Council would like time to question candidates and invited written comments from candidates. She also suggested that Town residents be invited to contribute their endorsements and ideas.
Mayor Waldorf suggested that persons wishing to do so be invited to write to the Council on behalf on applicants. She also suggested that the Council could ask questions from the floor to
Council applicants at the special January 5th meeting. Mayor Waldorf said it would be helpful for Council Members to submit any suggested questions to applicants during the next few days. Mr. Karpinos said that under existing State Statutes and Town Ordinances, applicants could be asked, but not required, to respond to such questions.
COUNCIL MEMBER CAPOWSKI MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO, TO INVITE PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING THE COUNCIL APPLICANTS AND FOR MAYOR WALDORF TO COMPILE QUESTIONS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS TO BE USED AS GUIDELINES TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO COUNCIL CANDIDATES. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
COUNCIL MEMBER ANDRESEN MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE-RELATED APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
|
TOWN COMMITTEES ON WHICH COUNCIL MEMBERS SERVE |
1997-99 Preferences |
|
Cable Television Advisory Committee |
Joe Capowski |
|
Chapel Hill Museum, Inc. |
Lee Pavão |
|
Citizen’s Energy Task Force |
Joyce Brown |
|
Facilities Naming Committee |
Rosemary Waldorf Edith Wiggins |
|
Horace Williams Zoning Committee |
Joe Capowski |
|
Land Trust Implementation Task Force |
Joyce Brown |
|
Library Needs Assessment Task Force |
-- |
|
Noise Ordinance Study Committee |
Joyce Brown |
|
Sustainable Development Task Force |
Joyce Brown Pat Evans Lee Pavão Edith Wiggins |
|
Task Force on History of Chapel Hill Town Government |
-- |
COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO, TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING ADVISORY BOARD AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
|
COUNCIL ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS |
1997-99 Preferences |
|
Board of Adjustment |
-- |
|
Community Design Commission (as of 4-1-98) |
Julie Andresen |
|
Greenways Commission |
-- |
|
Historic District Commission |
-- |
|
Housing Advisory Board |
Edith Wiggins |
|
Human Services Advisory Board |
Edith Wiggins |
|
Library Board of Trustees |
Lee Pavão |
|
Parks and Recreation Commission |
Lee Pavão |
|
Planning Board |
Pat Evans |
|
Public Arts Commission |
Kevin Foy |
|
Transportation Board |
Joe Capowski |
COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO
MAKE THE FOLLOWING INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
|
INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEES AND OTHERS |
1997-99 Preferences |
|
Cape Fear River Assembly Board of Directors |
Julie Andresen |
|
Coordination and Consultation Committee |
Rosemary Waldorf Joe Capowski |
|
Durham-Chapel Hill Work Group |
Joyce Brown Joe Capowski Lee Pavão (Alternate) |
|
Firefighter’s Relief Fund |
Joe Capowski |
|
Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action |
-- |
|
Landfill Owners’ Group |
Joyce Brown Kevin Foy |
|
North Carolina Transportation Coalition |
Joyce Brown |
|
Orange-Chatham Work Group |
Rosemary Waldorf Julie Andresen Joe Capowski |
|
Orange County Parks and Recreation Work Group Steering Committee |
Lee Pavão Kevin Foy |
|
Orange County School and Land Use Council |
Lee Pavão Julie Andresen |
|
Orange County Visitor’s Bureau Board of Directors |
Lee Pavão |
|
Orange Water and Sewer Authority Committee |
Julie Andresen Kevin Foy Lee Pavão |
|
Policy Oversight Committee for US 15-501 Major Investment Study |
Rosemary Waldorf |
Shaping Orange County’s Future Task Force Steering Committee |
Joyce Brown Rosemary Waldorf |
|
Transportation Advisory Committee for the Durham-Chapel Hill Urbanized Area |
Rosemary Waldorf Joe Capowski (Alternate) |
|
Triangle J Council of Governments |
Pat Evans Julie Andresen (Alternate) Lee Pavao (Alternate) |
|
Water/Sewer Service Boundary Committee |
Julie Andresen Joe Capowski |
COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (8-0).
The meeting stood adjourned at 7:59 p.m.