SUMMARY MINUTES OF AN ORGANIZATIONAL
MEETING
OF THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL
Mayor
Rosemary Waldorf called the meeting to order at
Council
members present were Flicka Bateman, Joyce Brown, Pat Evans, Kevin Foy, Lee Pavão,
Bill Strom, Jim Ward, and Edith Wiggins.
Also present were Council members-elect Ed Harrison, Mark Kleinschmidt,
and Dorothy Verkerk.
Staff
members present were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna
Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos, Assistant to
the Manager
Remarks by the 1999-2001 Council
Mayor
Rosemary Waldorf explained that tonight's meeting would be a ceremony to
welcome the 2002-2003 Town Council and that it would begin with welcoming
comments from the members of the 1999-2001Council.
·
Mayor pro tem Lee
Pavão thanked the community for the privilege of having served
·
Council Member
Joyce Brown said that she had considered it an honor to serve the people of
Regarding the Downtown public land, particularly
parking lot #5, Council Member Brown suggested that the Town's poets, artists,
musicians and other creative people be included in the planning for that
site. She also recommended putting the
Town's new Development Ordinance in an environmental perspective, which she
said was now lacking. She quoted an
ecological theologian, Father Thomas Berry, who once stated that
·
Mayor Rosemary
Waldorf remarks were as follows:
“This is an occasion for thank you’s, and as a
southern female, I have to give it the full treatment. Although it is definitely time for me to
leave this office in other capable hands, I am going to miss some people here
very much.
“I have already missed my assistant Alice Joyce, who
went on to another job recently. For six
years,
:The attorney and the top management team here –
“There’s a reason why Joyce Smith has those Employee
of the Year plaques on her wall. She and
her team of Myrna, Sandy, Vickie and Menessah have taken efficiency in the Clerk’s
Office to a scary level. And
“I will always treasure my work with our department
heads. They are impressively dedicated
and professional. Roger Waldon, with his
enormous capacity for work and ability to think on his feet, is the best
Planning Director in the state. I have
loved working with George Small and David Bonk to pursue our goals with the NC
Department of Transportation. They are
technically expert and respected by their peers. And David always relished being the guy with
the sharp elbows.
“Hats off to Bruce Heflin for good management of our
largest and most complex department.
Mary Lou Kuschatka is making a difference with her sharp pencil and
practical approach to transit services.
And Lance Norris is indeed filling the big shoes of the legendary John
Davis.
“Jim Baker, perennial winner of distinguished budget
awards, Kathy Thompson and
“Chief Jones, Chief Jarvies and former Chief
Pendergraph have taken the fire and police departments form small-town home
grown public safety to highly specialized and sophisticated services that, at
the same time, are responsive to people on a human level.
“Public housing is in enormously better physical and
operational shape then it was a decade ago. Credit Tina Vaughn and the
Council’s policy of investing in systematic renovation.
“Through the Mayor and Council and the issues of the
day get the press, it is the Town staff and their daily work that are part of
your good work. I’m glad to have the
chance to say thank you to the staff, every single one of you, one last time.
“Joel Harper and Aaron Nelson, and all the Chamber of
Commerce presidents in the last six years, are upbeat champions of this entire
community, not just the business sector.
Special thanks to Aaron for his help with the recent bond issue and to
Joel for his help with the 1996 bond issue, Hurricane Fran assistance efforts,
and helping us host the first ever NC Board of Transportation meeting in Chapel
Hill.
“Robert Humphreys, Missy, Kathleen, Chris and all the
other downtown champions – I know they will continue their effective advocacy
for our very special downtown. Please
stay in touch. I love downtown, and I
hope this Council will enable downtown to realize wonderful changes. This is your greatest opportunity.
“I also believe
“Mary Royster, Sue Baker, Nick Didow, Val Foushee and
other school officials made our school – town partnerships possible. I have been extremely proud to be a supporter
of our schools as they strive to meet facility needs. Special recent credit goes to Nick Didow and
Lee Pavão who, with the support of the Council, made the Meadowmont gym
proposal a done deal.
“Our legislative delegation is the State’s best. It was a pleasure always to work with Howard
Lee, Joe Hackney, Verla Insko and Ellie Kinnard. They serve us well and make us proud of them.
“Some very special people have been there for me when
I needed advice and support. Some happen
to be former Mayors and Council Members, but all carry the best of all titles,
“friend”: Dianne Lemasters, Mindy Alioto, Edie Salmony, Alice Ingram, Joe
Nassif, Ken and Margie Broun, John Howes, Shirley Marshall, Don Hartman,
Rebecca Clark, Art Werner, Art Hurow, Ed Caldwell, Josh Gurlitz, Fred Black,
Elsie Pickett, Lois Herring, Joe Herzenberg, Barry Jacobs, Bob Epting, Nancy
Preston. Sorry I had to
“Almost every day for the last two years, I have been
consciously thankful for the nature and general disposition of the 1999-2001
council. What a constructive, mature,
positive, thoughtful and effective group you have been. Your commitment to cooperation has enabled
this group to accomplish a great deal.
It has truly been a pleasure to serve with you.
“Having a Mayor in the family, no doubt about it, is a
big pain in the neck sometimes. Gary,
Benjamin and Alex took it all in unbelievable good stride. They were always supportive. It was great to know that they would always
be on my side. They never needed to read
the staff report or come to the public hearing – they always were happy to
support my position. Ben and Alex, going
from early elementary school kids to young manhood, handled all of this well –
I thank them both very much – and if fathers these days are supposed to teach
their sons to respect the efforts of the woman in the family, their dad gets
highest marks. We got a call at
“In the last couple of weeks, I’ve tried hard to
follow the Andy Rooney rule and offered advice only when asked. However, I do want to pass on to Dorothy, Ed
and Mark something that an outgoing Council Member said at this occasion eight
years ago.
“Here’s what he said:
Remember that you are representing not just the people who come and
speak at meetings, or who call or write, or who say they voted for you. You are representing everyone in Town,
including those who pay no attention, those who think and care but don’t speak
up, and of course, the kids.
“I wish you well in finding good directions and
choices that are in the best interest of the total community.
“Finally, thanks to the terrific people of
“As a parting gift for the new Mayor, I’m passing on
my well used copy of Roald Dahl’s “Revolting Rhymes.” It is a wicked retelling of favorite fairy
tales. You will be invited to read to
elementary school classes. This book was
always a hit.”
Remarks by Community Groups
·
Resolution of
Appreciation from the
Ms. Weiner expressed appreciation to the Town Manager
and staff. She noted that OCHC had
recently sold the last four homes on
·
Downtown
Commission. Kathleen Lloyd, Board Chair,
thanked Mayor Waldorf, Mayor pro tem Pavão, and Council Member Brown for all of
their hard work and for being receptive to the needs of the Downtown
merchants. She presented both Council
members with flowers and gave Mayor Waldorf the last a limited edition sketch
of Downtown Chapel Hill produced by local artist Ned Brooks. Ms. Lloyd read the inscription on the
plaque: "To Mayor Rosemary Waldorf,
in recognition and appreciation of outstanding dedication and service to our
·
Chamber of
Commerce. Executive Director Aaron Nelson thanked Mayor Waldorf, Mayor pro tem
Pavão and Council Member Brown for working to improve the quality of life in
Mr. Nelson commented on Mayor pro tem Pavão's deep
commitment to service, sense of fairness, and willingness to work hard on
projects. Mr. Nelson noted that Mayor
pro tem Pavão's accomplishments were many, listing the
Mr. Nelson referred to Mayor Waldorf as the Town's
"beloved mayor." He described
her service to the community as "energetic" and her commitment to the
issues as "stalwart." Mr.
Nelson commented on Mayor Waldorf's positive personality and outlook, her
exemplary service record, and her "adept disentangling of the inextricably
intertwingledness of Town and University."
He commented on her critical representation of the community on
transportation issues, as well as her sense of humor and honesty. Mr. Nelson said that Mayor Waldorf had been
"a great mayor" who had risen to the occasion and provided leadership. He predicted that the Town would be talking
about her for a long time to come, and thanked her for her service.
Mr. Nelson presented plaques to Mayor Waldorf and each
of the outgoing Council members. The
plaques stated that the Chamber had made a donation in each of their names to
the Orange Community Housing and Land Trust.
He then congratulated the new mayor-elect and the new Council
members-elect, wishing them the best of luck and offering to be of service if
called upon.
2001-2003 Council
Oaths of Office for the Mayor-Elect and
Council Members-Elect.
Mayor-Elect
Kevin Foy called the meeting to order and asked Judge Buckner to administer the
oaths of office to the new Council members.
·
Judge Joseph
Buckner, Chief District Court Judge.
Judge Buckner, a 23-year resident of
·
Ed Harrison
·
Mark Kleinschmidt
·
Dorothy Verkerk
·
Edith Wiggins
·
Judge Craig
Croom, from the Wake County Bar.
·
Mayor-Elect Foy
said that he was honored to have Judge Croon, with whom he had attended law
school, administer the oath of office to him.
After taking the oath, Mayor Foy received a standing ovation from the
audience.
Election of Mayor pro tempore
Mayor
Foy requested a motion for a Mayor pro tempore.
COUNCIL
MEMBER WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER BATEMAN, TO ELECT COUNCIL
MEMBER EVANS AS MAYOR PRO TEMPORE, BY ACCLAMATION. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Resolution of Appreciation for former Council
Member Joyce Brown, former Mayor pro tem Lee Pavao, and former Mayor Rosemary
Waldorf
·
Joyce Brown. Council Member Dorothy Verkerk read the
following "Resolution Honoring the Service of Joyce Brown to the Town of
WHEREAS,
Joyce Brown served the town of Chapel Hill as a Town Council member from
December 4, 1989 to December 3, 2001; and as Mayor pro tempore from December 7,
1993 to December 1, 1997; and
WHEREAS,
Joyce 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,
Joyce has diligently encouraged the Council and staff to find ways to help
citizens become a part of their Town government; and
WHEREAS,
Joyce has worked tirelessly for a better Town; places to walk, and a new
mixed-use zone that would combine residential with small-scale retail, stormwater
management improvements; a model for monitoring air quality; ways to measure
the fiscal and environmental impacts of development on the Town's resources;
and helped to found a state-wide coalition of cities to work in the General
Assembly for public transit resources; and
WHEREAS,
Joyce has spearheaded efforts to encourage use of efficient,
locally-controlled, environmentally-friendly energy within Town buildings long
before it was fashionable to do so, and has worked with the Million Solar Roofs
Committee, culminating in the installation of photovoltaic panels at the
Hargraves Center; and
WHEREAS,
Joyce has worked to educate the public about the need for recycling and waste
reduction, including her work on the Pay-As-You-Throw Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS,
Joyce 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; and
WHEREAS,
Joyce served the community and the Town Council with her active participation
on the following work groups, as well as in many other ways:
Appearance
Commission
Citizens'
Energy Task Force
Coordination
and Consultation Committee
Durham-Chapel
Hill Work Group
Landfill
Owners' Group
Landfill
Reorganization Work Group
Noise
Ordinance Study Committee
Land
Trust Implementation Task Force
Shaping
Sustainable
Development Task Force
Transportation
Advisory Committee
Transportation
Board
Triangle
J Council of Governments Board of Delegates
Triangle
J Water Resources Committee
WHEREAS,
Joyce spent many years serving on the Landfill Owners' Group that led to the
formation of public policy on solid waste management; and
WHEREAS,
Joyce's determination, belief in fair process, belief in a participatory
democratic system, and dedication to the people of
WHEREAS,
Joyce 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
JOYCE BROWN
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 3rd day of December 2001.
·
Lee Pavão. Mayor pro tem Pat Evans read the following
"Resolution Honoring the Service of Lee Pavao to the Town of
WHEREAS,
Lee Pavão served the Town of Chapel Hill as a Town Council member from December
7, 1993 to December 3, 2001; and as Mayor pro tempore from December 6, 1999 to
December 3, 2001; and
WHEREAS,
Lee has served as an Advisor to the Mayor on Town-University Discussions,
working to reach solutions for the community and the University that protected
the community and the environment; and
WHEREAS,
Lee has given of his time with leadership and support for various community
groups, such as the Chapel Hill Museum Board of Directors, Library Board of
Trustees, Library Foundation Board, and as Chair of the Parks and Recreation
Commission; and
WHEREAS,
Lee has been a leader in formative discussions that will affect the young
people of our community, especially in areas of school development, through his
role on the Orange County School and Land Use Council, and in his efforts to
ensure the location of a school in Southern Village and a gymnasium in
Meadowmont; and
WHEREAS,
Lee has been a promoter of cultural events, tourism, and community activities
within Chapel Hill and the greater Orange County community, serving as Chair,
Vice-Chair, and Member of the Orange County Visitor's Bureau Board of
Directors; and
WHEREAS,
Lee has demonstrated his generosity of spirit through his distinguished service
to such agencies as the
WHEREAS,
Lee served the community and the Town Council with his participation on the
following work groups, as well as in many other ways:
County-wide
Recreation Planning Committee
Durham-Chapel
Hill Work Group
Founding
Member,
Library
Board of Trustees
Library
Foundation Board
Mayor's
Liaison on Town-University Discussions
Orange
Orange
Water and Sewer Authority Committee
Parks
and Recreation Commission
Southern
Village School/Park Committee Steering Committee
Sustainable
Development Task Force
Transportation
Boards
Triangle
J Council of Governments Delegates Board
UNC-Chapel
Hill Planning Panel
WHEREAS,
Lee has demonstrated exemplary skills in listening to others, and by providing
a calm voice during even the most difficult discussions.
WHEREAS,
Lee's sense of humor, compassion for others, and generosity will be missed by
Council Members, employees, and citizens.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of
LEE PAVÃO
For
his outstanding service to the people of Chapel, Hill and
This
the 3rd day of December 2001.
·
Rosemary
Waldorf. Council Member Bateman told a
personal story about Rosemary Waldorf which demonstrated the steady,
non-judgmental tone that has she has experienced in the four years that she has
worked with Ms. Waldorf as Mayor. She
then read the following "Resolution Honoring the Service of Rosemary I.
Waldorf to the Town of
WHEREAS,
Rosemary I. Waldorf served the Town of Chapel Hill as Mayor from December 4,
1995 to December 3, 2001; and as a Town Council member from November 8, 1993 to
December 4, 1995; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary served as the first woman Mayor of Chapel Hill and as a role model for
all persons who aspire to public office; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary has served tirelessly as the Town's leader in discussions between the
Town and the University to reach workable solutions for the community and the
University during consideration of the University's Master Plan; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary served on the Coalition for Public Transportation, and worked with the
Mayors of Cary, Durham, and Raleigh to develop the Regional Transportation
Strategy for the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina, serving as a
spokesperson for regional transportation issues and advocating the need for
greater investment in multi-modal transportation alternatives; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary spearheaded efforts to improve public safety and reduce crime in
Chapel Hill, emphasizing the need for more officers and supporting community
policing, and through her work first on the Violent Crime and Drug Abuse Task
Force and then as chair of the Chapel Hill Police Department Law Enforcement
Committee; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary has been a major supporter of bond issues to improve the community,
including the 1996 bond issue that funded a new fire station, renovations to
the police headquarters, a downtown Streetscape improvement project, parks and
recreation, and open space; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary has provided leadership for Chapel Hill during and after natural
disasters such as Hurricane Fran in 1996, the historic snow storm of January
2000, and the flooding of July 2000, and has made every effort to provide
relief to the victims of these events; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary has been actively involved in the development of our young people,
including her work with the YMCA and After-School Programs and camps for
children; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary served the community and the Town Council with her participation in
the following work groups, as well as in many other ways:
Advisory
Committee for the Cane Creek Watershed Study
Coordination
and Consultation Committee
County-wide
Recreation Planning Committee
Design
Review Board
Facilities
Naming Committee
Firefighters'
Relief Fund
Mayor's
Committee on the UNC Master Plan
Mayor's
Orange-Chatham
Work Group Policy
Oversight
Committee for the US 15-501 Major Investment Study
Public
Housing Special Needs Committee
Shaping
Southern
Village School/Park Committee
Transportation
Advisory Committee
UNC-Chapel
Hill Planning Panel
Violent
Crime and Drug Abuse Task Force
WHEREAS,
Rosemary has shown strong skills in mediating conflicts and in helping the
Council find solutions to problems that address a variety of perspectives and
policy values; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary has inspired and engendered an environment of civil, respectful, and
productive discourse; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary's sense of humor and her genuine compassion will be missed; and
WHEREAS,
Rosemary has chosen to leave her seat on the Town Council in order to devote
more time to a professional career and family;
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Council of the Town of
ROSEMARY I. WALDORF
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 3rd day of December 2001.
COUNCIL
MEMBER EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD, TO ADOPT THE THREE
RESOLUTIONS. THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED
UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
Mayor
Foy pointed out that Rosemary Waldorf was respected by her colleagues
regionally as well. He read a letter
from Durham Mayor Nick Tennyson that described Rosemary Waldorf's public
service as "exemplary." In the
letter, Mayor Tennyson explained that he had tried to emulate Mayor Waldorf's
style because, he said, the confidence she projects gives strength to all who
join in her endeavors. Mayor Tennyson
wrote that the people of
Appointment of Council Liaisons and
Representatives to Boards and Commissions
MAYOR
PRO TEM EVANS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WIGGINS, TO ADOPT THE ASSIGNMENTS
AS PRESENTED WITH TONIGHT’S MATERIALS.
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).
2001-2003 Council Liaison and Committee Assignments
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board................................................................................. Jim Ward
Board of Adjustment.................................................................................................... Flicka Bateman
Community
Design Commission................................................................................. Dorothy
Verkerk
Consultation
and Coordination Committee...........................................................
Bill Strom, Jim Ward
Durham-Chapel
Hill/Orange Work Group............................................................ Bill
Strom, Jim Ward
(Alternate)
Ed Harrison
Firefighters’
Relief Fund........................................................................................................ Pat
Evans
Greene Tract Work Group................................................................................. Kevin Foy, Bill Strom
Greenways
Commission........................................................................................................ Bill
Strom
Historic District Commission...................................................................................... Dorothy Verkerk
Horace
Williams Planning Advisory Committee............................................ Flicka
Bateman, Jim Ward
(Alternate)
Bill Strom
Housing and Community Development Advisory Board........................................... Mark Kleinschmidt
Human
Services Advisory Board.................................................................................. Flicka
Bateman
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives.............................................. Dorothy Verkerk
Intergovernmental
Parks Group........................................................................... Kevin
Foy, Bill Strom
(Alternate)
Flicka Bateman
Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action (JOCCA)....................................................... Edith Wiggins
Library Board of Trustees.......................................................................................... Dorothy Verkerk
Library Foundation Board..................................................................................................... Pat Evans
Metropolitan Coalition......................................................................................................... Kevin Foy
Million Solar Roofs Initiative Steering Committee..................................................... Mark Kleinschmidt
Orange-Chatham
Work Group............................................................................ Pat
Evans, Jim Ward
Orange
Orange
Orange Water and Sewer Authority Nominating Committee........................ Flicka Bateman, Bill Strom,
Jim Ward
Parks and Recreation Commission................................................................................ Flicka Bateman
Personnel Appeals Committee......................................................................................... Edith Wiggins
Planning Board..................................................................................................................... Pat Evans
Schools and Land Use Council......................................................................
Jim Ward, Edith Wiggins
Technology Committee........................................................................................................ VACANT
Transportation Advisory Committee for the...................................................... Kevin Foy, Ed Harrison
Durham-Chapel Hill Urbanized Area (Alternate) Jim Ward
Transportation Board.................................................................................................................................................... Ed
Harrison
Triangle J Council of Governments........................................................................................ Bill Strom
(Alternate) Jim Ward
Closing Comments by Mayor and Council
Members
·
Council Member
Mark Kleinschmidt thanked the many people who had helped him during his
campaign--co-workers, advisors, campaigners, canvassers and friends. He said that former Mayor Ken Broun and
former Council Member Joe Herzenberg had been role models for him.
·
Council Member
Dorothy Verkerk thanked those who had distributed flyers, written checks and
voted for her. She thanked her advisors and campaign workers, her husband, and
friends. Council Member Verkerk noted
her interest in neighborhood organization and said that she was looking forward
to serving the Town.
·
Council Member Ed
Harrison thanked the three retiring Council members, adding that they had each
taught him a great deal about
·
Council Member
Edith Wiggins thanked the citizens for returning her to the Council, and also
thanked members of her campaign committee and her husband.
Presentation to Joyce Brown by former Council Member
Julie McClintock.
Ms.
McClintock summarized a statement that Joyce Brown had made in 1997 regarding
the natural beauty of the school site at Meadowmont. Ms. Brown had commented in particular on the
beautiful lilies that flourished there.
Ms. McClintock then presented Ms. Brown with a framed photograph of
those lilies.
Remarks by Mayor Kevin Foy.
Mayor
Foy said that it was an honor for him to accept the responsibilities of the
office of mayor and the public trust that it represents. He stated that he looked forward to working
closely with the newly constituted Town Council on issues and initiatives that
would benefit all citizens of
Mayor
Foy reflected on the many riches the Town enjoys: its natural environment, its
vibrant and diverse population, and a University that presents an array of
opportunities to all. He pointed out
that the Town must strike a balance between sharing these riches and protecting
them, noting that the Town Council needs citizens' help to do this. Mayor Foy asked citizens to be vigilant and
thoughtful and to continue speaking out often and early. Referring to the principles enshrined in the
U. S. Constitution, he noted that the
The
meeting adjourned at