SUMMARY MINUTES OF AN ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
OF THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M.
Mayor Kevin Foy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Council members present were Flicka Bateman, Pat Evans, Ed Harrison, Mark Kleinschmidt, Bill Strom, Dorothy Verkerk, Jim Ward, and Edith Wiggins.
Also present were Council Members-elect Cam Hill and Sally Greene.
Staff members present were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos, Fire Chief Dan Jones, Police Chief Greg Jarvies, Parks & Recreation Director Kathryn Spatz, Public Works Director Bruce Heflin, Human Resource Director Pam Eastwood, Transportation Director Mary Lou Kuschatka, Interim Finance Director Kay Johnson, Inspections Director Lance Norris, Engineering Director George Small, Planning Director Roger Waldon, and Town Clerk Joyce Smith.
Item 1 - Welcome: Mayor Kevin C. Foy
Mayor Foy described the 2001-2003 Town Council as very productive and praised Council members' ability to work together to achieve significant accomplishments for Chapel Hill. He would be sad to see Council Members Bateman and Evans leave, he said, but explained that he felt heartened by Council Members-elect Greene and Hill who would be sworn in this evening.
Item 2 - Comments by Members of the 2001-2003 Council
Outgoing Council Member Flicka Bateman said that exactly ten years ago tonight she and representatives from three other neighborhoods had sat in the audience at an OWASA board meeting as members of a group called Citizens for Sewers. Their goal had been to reduce assessment rates to an affordable level, she said, and the group had asked the Town to set up a Sewer Assistance Fund for that purpose.
Council Member Bateman explained that she had learned then about the impact citizens with a reasonable and consistent message could have on policy decisions. She displayed a picture of herself with a plunger in hand kneeling beside a commode with a Christmas tree planted in it. That photo had appeared on the front page of the Chapel Hill News, she said, and she had been elected to the Town Council four years after it appeared. "So there's hope for anybody with political aspirations who wants to get elected," Council Member Bateman said.
Council Member Bateman characterized her six years of Council service as "extremely gratifying." She thanked the public for allowing her that honorable responsibility. She also thanked the Town staff for their expertise and support, and praised the local media for its evenhanded, accurate reporting. Council Member Bateman acknowledged the staff at UNC Hospital School, where she works, and expressed gratitude to her husband for his support. She was leaving public office still feeling the excitement of the democracy that exists in Chapel Hill, she said, and with the thrill of having participated in key decisions that affect the community. Council Member Bateman told the audience that she was leaving "without a shred of ambivalence." She had received so many phone calls asking for her participation that she had recently scheduled three meetings on the same night, she said.
Council Member Bateman noted that much had been said about the new Council "reading from the same page or same lyrics." But she did not think that was an accurate characterization, she said. She urged the Town Council to objectively analyze all of the facts and debate all viewpoints before reaching a decision. "It is never out of season to respect all opinions and to give a fair hearing to both sides." Council Member Bateman said. She then congratulated the new Council members and wished them all the best.
Outgoing Mayor pro tem Pat Evans stated that it had been an honor to serve in Chapel Hill. In addition to her ten years on the Town Council, she had spent nine years on the Planning Board, she said. Mayor pro tem Evans remarked that she would have to retrain herself because serving the Town had become her way of life. She thanked her husband and children for their support.
Mayor pro tem Evans left the following words of advice for Council members, "First, you have a right to your opinion but you don't have a right to be wrong with the facts. And be sure you know the difference between your opinion and the facts." Second, "you get more with honey than you do with vinegar." She explained that she had tried to practice both and she urged the new Council to look for ways to spread honey between the University, the business community, and the communities where people live throughout Town. Those are the "three legs of stools that make this community so great," she said. Mayor pro tem Evans thanked the staff for their advice and friendship, adding that citizens should be proud of their Town staff. She congratulated the newly elected Council members and thanked the Chapel Hill community for the time that she had been able to serve.
Item 3 – Recess
Item 4 - Oaths of Office for the Mayor-Elect and Council Members-Elect
Judge Allison Duncan administered the oath of office to Sally Greene. Judge Joseph Buckner administered the oath of office to Cam Hill, Bill Strom, Jim Ward, and Kevin Foy.
Item 5 - Seating of 2003-2005 Council
Mayor Foy noted that Judge Duncan was a federal judge and it was an honor to have her here this evening, he said.
Item 6 - Election of Mayor pro tempore.
COUNCIL MEMBER VERKERK MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD TO APPOINT COUNCIL MEMBER EDITH WIGGINS AS MAYOR PRO TEMPORE. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Item 7 - Resolution of Appreciation for former Mayor pro tem Pat Evans
Mayor pro tem Edith Wiggins read the following resolution honoring the service of Pat Evans:
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE OF PAT EVANS
TO THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL
WHEREAS, Pat Evans served the Town of Chapel Hill as a member of the Town Council from December 7, 1993, to December 8, 2003; and as Mayor pro tempore from December 6, 2001, to December 8, 2003; and
WHEREAS, Pat has demonstrated her love of the natural environment and wildlife habitats by carefully assessing the environmental impact of every development proposal, and is recognized and appreciated for her consistent focus and efforts to protect and enhance our natural environment; and
WHEREAS, Pat has diligently encouraged the Council and staff to find ways to help citizens become a part of their Town government; and
WHEREAS, Pat has worked tirelessly for a better Town: places to walk; enhancement of the Downtown through improving relations with and supporting the Downtown business community, support of Streetscape and various other projects; stormwater management improvements; the monitoring of air quality; ways to measure the fiscal and environmental impacts of development on the Town’s resources; and improved public transit through the initiation of the fare free transit system; and
WHEREAS, Pat has shown vision for the future of the region by her work on the Sustainable Development Task Force and the Shaping Orange County’s Future Task Force Steering Committee; and
WHEREAS, Pat has worked conscientiously to improve and strengthen Town/Gown relations; and
WHEREAS, Pat served the community and the Town Council with her active participation on the following committees and work groups, as well as, in many other ways:
Committee on Parking Lots 2 and 5 Public Transit Committee
Design Committee for Fire Station #5 Shaping Orange County’s Future Task Force Steering
Firefighter’s Relief Fund Committee Committee
Greenways Commission Sustainable Development Task Force
Library Foundation Board Town Operations Center Design Advisory Committee
Noise Ordinance Study Committee Triangle J Council of Governments Board of Delegates
North Carolina Transportation Coalition Triangle J Inclusionary Housing Committee
Orange-Chatham Work Group Triangle J Smart Growth Alliance
Orange County Visitor’s Bureau Board of Triangle J Water Resources Committee
Directors UNC Master Plan Design and Operations Team
Planning Board
WHEREAS, Pat’s determination, belief in fair process, belief in a participatory democratic system, and dedication to the people of Chapel Hill will be missed; and
WHEREAS, Pat has decided to leave her seat on the Town Council in order to devote more time to her special interests;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby honors and praises
for her outstanding service to the people of Chapel Hill and Orange County and her loving dedication to the betterment of the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
This the 8th day of December, 2003.
Item 8 - Resolution of Appreciation for former Council Member Flicka Bateman.
Mayor Foy read the resolution honoring the service of Flicka Bateman.
A RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE OF FLICKA BATEMAN
TO THE TOWN OF CHAPEL HILL
WHEREAS, Flicka Bateman served the Town of Chapel Hill as a Town Council member from January 17, 1998, to December 8, 2003; and
WHEREAS, Flicka has demonstrated her commitment to public recreation by steadfastly supporting the parks and recreation program in Chapel Hill, and is recognized and appreciated for her consistent focus and efforts to improve and develop public recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, Flicka has diligently encouraged the Council and staff to find ways to help citizens become a part of their Town government; and
WHEREAS, Flicka has worked tirelessly for a better Town: advising on the Homestead Park Aquatic Center, supporting a recreational area for dogs, and demanding adequate facilities for all Chapel Hillians; and
WHEREAS, Flicka has shown vision for the future of the region by her work on the Orange Community Housing and Land Trust, Sustainable Development Task Force, and the Shaping Orange County’s Future Task Force; and
WHEREAS, Flicka served the community and the Town Council with her active participation on the following committees and work groups, as well as, in many other ways:
Board of Adjustment Orange Community Housing and Land Trust
Facilities Naming Committee OWASA Interview Committee
Historic District Commission Parks and Recreation Commission
Horace Williams Planning Advisory Committee Shaping Orange County’s Future Task Force
Human Services Advisory Committee Sustainable Development Task Force
Intergovernmental Parks Work Group Town Operations Center Design Advisory
Mayor’s Committee on Habitat for Humanity Committee
Sunrise Road Project University of North Carolina Planning Panel
WHEREAS, Flicka’s sense of good humor, compassion for others and generosity will be missed by Council members, employees, and citizens; and
WHEREAS, Flicka has decided to leave her seat on the Town Council in order to devote more time to her special interests;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby honors and praises
for her outstanding service to the people of Chapel Hill and Orange County and her loving dedication to the betterment of the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
This the 8th day of December, 2003.
Item 9 - Appointment of Council Liaisons and Representatives
COUNCIL MEMBER STROM MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD, TO APPROVE THE LIST OF COUNCIL LIAISONS AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
2003-2005 Council Liaison and Committee Assignments
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board................................................................................. Jim Ward
Board of Adjustment.............................................................................................................. Cam Hill
Chapel Hill Museum.................................................................................................. Dorothy Verkerk
Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission........................................................................ Mark Kleinschmidt
Public Art Review Committee for Expansion of the Public Library.............................. Jim Ward
Public Art Review Committee for Green Infrastructure........................................... Ed Harrison
Public Art Review Committee for Homestead Park Aquatic Park.......................... Sally Greene
Public Art Review Committee for IFC Shelter............................................. Mark Kleinschmidt
Public Art Review Committee for Southern Community Park..................................... Bill Strom
Public Art Review Committee for Town Operations Center...................................... VACANT
Chapel Hill Township Park and Educational Campus
Master Plan Work Group.................................................................................... Bill Strom, Jim Ward
Citizen’s Committee to Study Traffic Issues on Weaver Dairy Road............................................. None
Community Design Commission.............................................................................................. Cam Hill
Council Committees:
To Consider Development Options for
Parking Lots 2 and 5....................................................................... Sally Greene, Ed Harrison,
Mark Kleinschmidt, Dorothy Verkerk,
Bill Strom, Jim Ward
Energy, Environment, and Sustainability.................................................................... Bill Strom,
Dorothy Verkerk, Jim Ward
Facilities Naming Committee............................................. Bill Strom, Jim Ward, Edith Wiggins
Firefighters’ Relief Fund...................................................................................... Edith Wiggins
Montessori School Committee................................................................... Mark Kleinschmidt,
Dorothy Verkerk, Edith Wiggins
Orange Water and Sewer Authority (Interview Committee)........................................ Cam Hill,
Bill Strom, Jim Ward
Council on Sustainable Community (Chamber of Commerce).................................. Mark Kleinschmidt
Durham/Chapel Hill/Orange Work Group......................................................... Ed Harrison, Bill Strom
Greene Tract Work Group................................................................................. Kevin Foy, Bill Strom
Greenways Commission........................................................................................................ Bill Strom
Historic District Commission............................................................................................. Sally Greene
Horace Williams Citizen’s Committee..................................................... Mark Kleinschmidt, Bill Strom
Horace Williams Planning Advisory Committee..................................................... Bill Strom, Jim Ward
Housing and Community Development Advisory Board..................................................... Sally Greene
Human Services Advisory Board............................................................................ Mark Kleinschmidt
Intergovernmental Parks Work Group.................................................................. Bill Strom, Jim Ward
(Alternate) Kevin Foy
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.............................................. Dorothy Verkerk
(Alternate) Jim Ward
Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action (JOCCA)....................................................... Edith Wiggins
Library Board of Trustees..................................................................................................... Jim Ward
Library Foundation Board..................................................................................................... Jim Ward
Mayor’s Committees:
Campaign Finance........................................... Ed Harrison, Mark Kleinschmidt, Edith Wiggins
Council Communications......................................................... Dorothy Verkerk, Edith Wiggins
Downtown Development......................................................................................... Kevin Foy
UNC Development............................................................................ Bill Strom, Edith Wiggins
Metropolitan Coalition......................................................................................................... Kevin Foy
Million Solar Roofs Initiative Steering Committee..................................................... Mark Kleinschmidt
Northside Conservation District Advisory Committee........................................................ Sally Greene
Old Chapel Hill Cemetery Task Force....................................................................... Dorothy Verkerk
Orange-Chatham Work Group............................................................................................... Cam Hill
Orange Community Housing and Land Trust.................................................................... Edith Wiggins
Orange County Soccer Symposium Task Force Jim Ward
Orange County Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors......................................................... Edith Wiggins
Parks and Recreation Commission.......................................................................................... Cam Hill
Personnel Appeals Committee......................................................................................... Edith Wiggins
Planning Board................................................................................................................. Sally Greene
Public Transit Committee.................................................................... Dorothy Verkerk, Edith Wiggins
Schools and Land Use Council...................................................................... Jim Ward, Edith Wiggins
Stormwater Utility Advisory Committee................................................................................ Bill Strom
TTA Board of Trustees......................................................................................................... Bill Strom
TTA Fixed Guideway Advisory Group.................................................................................. Bill Strom
Technology Committee........................................................................................... Mark Kleinschmidt
Town Operations Center Design Advisory Committee..................................................... Entire Council
Transportation Advisory Committee for the
Durham-Chapel Hill Urbanized Area ............................................................... Kevin Foy, Ed Harrison
Transportation Board........................................................................................................ Ed Harrison
Triangle J Council of Governments.......................................................................................... Cam Hill
University Arts Common Committee.......................................................................... Dorothy Verkerk
MAYOR PRO TEM WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERKERK, TO DISSOLVE SEVERAL COMMITTEES. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Remarks by Robert Dowling, Director, Orange Community Housing and Land Trust
Mr. Dowling thanked Flicka Bateman and Pat Evans for having been such staunch supporters of affordable housing. This Council had made a dramatic difference in affordable housing over recent years, he said. Mr. Dowling stated that Flicka Bateman deserved particular recognition for her early involvement on the Community Land Trust Task Force and for taking a major role in making the organization work by quickly getting to the point and moving the agenda along. He had always been grateful her commitment, energy and passion, Mr. Dowling said.
Item 10 - Closing Comments by the Mayor and Council Members
Council Member Ward thanked all those who had been fully engaged in the election process. He expressed gratitude to his campaign manager and to those who had gone out of their way in support of his reelection. Council Member Ward acknowledged his family, adding that he would not have run again without their support. He expressed appreciation to the Town of Chapel Hill and its citizens for allowing him the opportunity to serve.
Council Member Strom thanked the citizens of Chapel Hill for giving him the opportunity to serve another four years. He expressed gratitude to his wife, his son, and his campaign committee. This is a night of celebration of the democratic process that is admired throughout the world, he said, adding that it was an honor and privilege to be part of that process.
Council Member Strom listed some of the Council's accomplishments, adding that it was an optimistic and inspiring time to be serving on the Council. He mentioned critical decisions that the Town would be making with regard to Carolina North (CN) and emphasized that CN should be designed from the start as a public, transit-oriented development. The plans that UNC had revealed the prior week had fallen short of that expectation, he said. Council Member Strom stressed that transportation planning must be "foundational," and said there was very little for anyone to talk about until that element had been established to everyone's satisfaction. Council Member Strom stated that he looked forward to the next four years as the Town fashions an exceptional future together.
Council Member Hill expressed gratitude for the opportunity of serving the citizens of Chapel Hill. He thanked his campaign manager and others who had helped him. Council Member Hill expressed appreciation to his parents and children. He looked forward to working with the Mayor and fellow Council members to take advantage of the many opportunities that Chapel Hill has on the horizon, he said. Council Member Hill stated that he was truly excited about spending the next four years on the Council, "putting Chapel Hill first."
Council Member Greene pointed out that some had argued against making the environment and affordable housing top priorities in her campaign. It would be political suicide, they had said. But she had done so anyway and the voters had responded, she pointed out. Council Member Greene described the Council as being at a critical juncture with UNC. The Council must respond wisely, she said, adding that history would be the judge. She said that it was a privilege and a challenge for her to be in this place at this time.
Council Member Greene commented that local politics represents the best of what citizens have left in an open, participatory, and accountable democracy. She quoted Thomas McCollough, from The Moral Imagination in Public Life, saying that the happiness that Jefferson had in mind should be thought of as a common good, or a set of conditions, that a society must provide to enable citizens to work out their collective purposes. Government exists to provide the most of this kind of happiness to the most people, Council Member Greene said. "We're all in this together, in other words." She added that she would gladly do her best to represent the people of Chapel Hill. Council Member Greene thanked her family, campaign volunteers and helpers, Judge Allison Duncan, and her friends in the audience.
Mayor Foy thanked the people of Chapel Hill for giving him the honor and privilege of serving as Mayor and as a member of the Council. He noted that his term was two years. It would be a challenging next couple of years, but the Council has great aspirations for the Town as well as the ability to carry them out, he said. Mayor Foy noted that growth was the single biggest issue and that the question was how to confront it. Mayor Foy said that the Town was well equipped with its new Land Use Management Ordinance to do a good job.
Mayor Foy noted that there would be decisions to make concerning the new Downtown, the Southern Park, the Aquatics Center, and TOC. This will be a model for how a Town should conduct itself when it has high expectations for the private sector, he said. Mayor Foy commented that Carolina North would be a challenge, not just for the Council but for the community and region as well. He pointed out that the Town had the opportunity to implement bonds that would build new greenways, sidewalks, open space, and the library. Voters had given the Council their trust to go forward and make decisions on their behalf using their best judgement and being as thoughtful as they can, said Mayor Foy. He pledged that he and the Town Council would do that.
COUNCIL MEMBER WARD MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERKERK, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.