MEMORANDUM

TO:                  Mayor and Town Council

FROM:            Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission

SUBJECT:       Reappointment to the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission

DATE:             May 29, 2008

At the May 19, 2008 Town Council Regular Business Meeting, the Town Council considered candidates for appointment or reappointment to the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission. Frank Webb, a serving Commission Member and current Chair of the Commission, was not reappointed. Out of the six council members in attendance,

Frank received four votes of the five that were required.

We regret this outcome and believe that it is the unfortunate consequence of several factors, including:

• The three Council Members who were absent were among those with the greatest familiarity with the Commission, its work, and its membership.
• Some Council Members may not have realized that certain names were those of serving Commission Members.

Commission members view Frank Webb as a very competent chair who has provided steady leadership, and who has worked effectively with Town Management to ensure a smooth transition of the Town’s public art program into the Town government. This work, which is continuing, will be negatively impacted by his departure.

There remain several open seats on the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission following the May 19th vote. We request the Town Council reconsider the reappointment of Frank Webb to the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission at the Town Council meeting on June 9, 2008. 

Thank you.