ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

0F THE 1999-2001 CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL

DECEMBER 6, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M.

 

 

Mayor Rosemary Waldorf called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

Council Members present were Flicka Bateman, Joyce Brown, Joe Capowski, Pat Evans, Kevin Foy, Julie McClintock, Lee Pavăo, and Edith Wiggins.  Council Members-elect Bill Strom and Jim Ward were also present.

 

Staff Members present were Town Manager Cal Horton, Assistant Town Managers Sonna Loewenthal and Florentine Miller, Town Attorney Ralph Karpinos, and Town Clerk Joyce Smith.

 

Welcome by Mayor Waldorf

 

Mayor Waldorf said that the meeting would be short on business, moderately short on ceremony, and long on a good time at the reception scheduled to begin at the end of tonight’s meeting.  She then called on retiring Council Members McClintock and Capowski to speak.

 

Comments by Members of the 1997-99 Council.

 

Council Member Julie McClintock

 

Council Member Julie McClintock, noting that she had served for twelve years on the Town Council and two years as Chair of the OWASA Board of Directors, thanked the citizens of Chapel Hill for placing their faith and trust in her. She said that she had derived great pleasure from working with colleagues to solve problems that directly affect people’s lives and noted that any problem that affects a citizen deserves careful attention from the Council. 

 

Council Member McClintock pointed out that the Chapel Hill land designated for urban development had nearly been filled.  She added that the population may double in the next 25 years, bringing more traffic and pollution to a region which is rapidly becoming one large city.  She said that the Town’s problems are becoming “inextricably linked” to its neighbors’ problems, and that the area must find progressive regional solutions, which she believes will be conservation and transit. 

 

Council Member McClintock urged the new Council to focus on the following points:  find ways to grow without destroying water, air and wildlife; re-examine and reposition the current Regional Transportation Authority transit plan, which does not provide transit to Raleigh-Durham Airport or RTP; continue to work collaboratively with UNC to protect neighborhoods that surround central campus; finalize zoning for the Horace Williams tract and give certainty and protection to Chapel Hill’s northern neighborhoods;  continue to be attentive to the livability of every neighborhood; and, involve more citizens in Town government. 

 

Council Member McClintock said that it had been an honor and a privilege to serve the Town, and noted that she would continue to contribute to the community as a private citizen.  She welcomed new Council Members Bill Strom and Jim Ward and wished the Mayor, Town Council and staff her heartfelt best wishes for a productive new term.

 

Mayor pro tem Capowski stated that eight years of Town service had provided him with a marvelous but mixed education.  He pointed out that a certain amount of tedium comes with experience and explained that he had decided in June not to run again for Town Council because citizens deserve Council Members’ fresh attention.  He expressed confidence that his successors would make wise decisions. 

 

Mayor pro tem Joe Capowski

 

Mayor pro tem Capowski praised the local media, adding that citizens had been well and accurately informed.  Noting that Chapel Hill is a center of international renown for education and health care — with its primary attractions of UNC, UNC hospitals, and the public education system — he stated that the Town must resist increasing pressures to become something that it is not and to devote too many resources to the automobile, which might destroy resources and the environment.

 

Mayor pro tem Capowski praised the people of Chapel Hill, adding that they give him the confidence that the Town’s future is bright.  He said that the list of people to thank was too long to mention tonight, but praised Council Member Flicka Bateman and Bill Davis in particular for their hard work as his campaign managers.  Pointing out that his goal eight years ago had been to give something back to a town that had given him so much, Mayor pro tem Capowski said that he would always be grateful to those who had had the confidence to elect him twice.  He then offered his best wishes to the new and remaining Town Council Members and to the staff, and noted that he was leaving office as a more educated and fulfilled human being.

 

3.  Recess

 

During the recess, Council Members McClintock and Capowski vacated their Council seats and joined the audience.  Council Members then took their newly-assigned seats.

 

4.      Oaths of Office for Mayor-elect and Council Members-elect

 

Judge Charles Anderson administered the oath of office to Mayor Waldorf, Council Member-elect Bateman, Council Member-elect Evans, Council Member-elect Strom, and Council Member-elect Ward.

 

5.      Seating of New Council Members

 

Council Members Strom and Ward took their seats at the Council table.

 

6.  Election of Mayor pro tempore

 

COUNCIL MEMBER EDITH WIGGINS MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ELECT BY ACCLAMATION COUNCIL MEMBER LEE PAVAO AS MAYOR PRO TEM.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Council Member Pavăo thanked his colleagues.  Noting that election by acclamation meant that the vote was unanimous, he expressed hope that it would set a precedent for lots of unanimous votes by the Council in the future. 

 

7.  Resolutions of Appreciation for Former Mayor pro tem Joe Capowski

and Former Council Member Julie McClintock

 

Former Council Member Julie McClintock

 

Mayor Waldorf said that Julie McClintock had defined an area in Chapel Hill government and politics in a very special way.  She noted that it was appropriate to honor Ms. McClintock and to give serious recognition to her 12 years of service on the Town Council and two years of very hard work on the OWASA Board of Directors.  Mayor Waldorf read the resolution honoring Ms. McClintock’s service to the community from December 1985 through December 1999 and praising her efforts to bring cutting edge growth management ideas to the Council table. 

 

Mayor Waldorf noted that Ms. McClintock’s contributions to the Town included the following: options in 1996 to preserve open space and wildlife habitats; a zone to promote walking, bicycling and transit; a new mixed-use zone that would combine residential with small scale retail; storm water management improvements; a model for monitoring air quality; and, policies for the fiscal, social and environmental impacts of development on the Town, schools and natural resources.

 

Mayor Waldorf pointed out that Ms. McClintock had called for Council action to conduct transportation studies for neighborhoods affected by large-scale development.  She explained that this had resulted in the Town hiring a transportation planner to evaluate present practices and to recommend improvements.  She noted that Ms. McClintock had monitored activities in the region including sponsoring resolutions to protect Eno River State Park and to oppose the Durham Southpoint rezoning request. 

 

Mayor Waldorf stated that Ms. McClintock also had lead the way to a progressive County-wide utility service area agreement, represented the Town on the Schools and Land Use Task Force, advocated for reforms benefiting the environment, and been a voice for fair treatment of Town employees.  She read that the Town Council honors and praises Julie Anderson McClintock for her outstanding service to the people of Chapel Hill and Orange County and her loving dedication to the betterment of the Town.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FOY, TO ADOPT BY ACCLAMATION THE RESOLUTION HONORING JULIE ANDRESON MCCLINTOCK.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE OF

JULIE ANDRESEN MCCLINTOCK

TO THE CHAPEL HILLCOMMUNITY

 

WHEREAS, Julie Andresen McClintock served on the Chapel Hill Town Council from December 1985 through December 1993, and December 1995 through December 1999, for a total of twelve years; and

 

WHEREAS, Julie over the last four years has led efforts to bring cutting-edge growth management ideas to the Council table; and

 

WHEREAS, in 1996 she and Council Member Joyce Brown brought growth management options to the Council to preserve open space and preserve wildlife habitats, a zone to promote walking, bicycling and transit, a new mixed use zone that would combine residential with small scale retail, stormwater management improvements, a model for monitoring air quality, and analyses for the fiscal, social and environmental impacts of development on the Town, schools, and natural resources; and

 

WHEREAS, Julie called for Council action to conduct transportation studies for neighborhoods affected by large-scale developments, which resulted in the Town hiring a transportation planner to evaluate present practices and to recommend improvements; and

 

WHEREAS, Julie has monitored activities in the region, including sponsoring resolutions to protect Eno River State Park and to oppose the Durham Southpoint rezoning request; and

 

WHEREAS, Julie has led the way to plan with Orange County, first as Chair of the Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board of Directors, and then as a Council Member along with Joe Capowski, to negotiate a progressive County-wide utility service area agreement to provide more security for mutually adopted land use policies when endorsed by all parties to the negotiation; and

 

WHEREAS, Julie represented the Town on the Schools and Land Use Task Force where, she recommended that all participating County Boards adopt concurrency agreements to pace development to school capacity; and

 

WHEREAS, Julie has advocated reforms benefiting the environment, including analysis of the Resource Conservation District that protects in-Town rivers, streams and low-lying areas, which led the Council to reduce the amount of impervious surface allowed in sensitive areas, thus protecting wildlife, the rate of stormwater runoff, and water quality in downstream reservoirs; and

 

WHEREAS, Julie has been a voice for fair treatment of Town employees, an advocate for a new pay and merit system for Town employees, raising lower-paid worker salaries, and making the system understandable to all employees;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council hereby honors and praises

 


 

JULIE ANDRESEN MCCLINTOCK

 

for her outstanding service to the people of Chapel Hill and Orange County and her loving dedication to the betterment of the Town.

 

This the 6th day of December, 1999.

 

 

Former Mayor pro tem Joe Capowski

 

Art Werner said that he had known Joe Capowski since 1984 when they and others started the Alliance of Neighborhoods.  Mr. Werner then noted that Mayor pro tem Capowski had served on the Town Council from December 1991 to December 1999 and as Mayor pro tem from 1997-1999.  He said that Mr. Capowski had proposed the formation of the Citizens Technology Company, had been the Council’s liaison to the [?] Advisory Board, and had labored for many years as the Council’s cable television negotiator.

 

Mr. Werner added that Mr. Capowski also had co-chaired the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Annexation Boundary Workgroup, the Horace Williams Work Group, and had served the community and the Town Council with his participation on the following committees: Transportation Board, Durham/Chapel Hill Workgroup, Committee on Police Computers, Water/Sewer Boundary Agreement Committee, Sewer Subsidy Sub-committee, Horace Williams Workgroup, Coordination and Consultation Committee, Orange/Chatham Work Group, The Chapel Hill Planning Panel, and the Public Private Partnership.

 

Mr. Werner pointed out that Mr. Capowski’s record of support for environmental protection and public safety includes his votes and other actions on behalf of bicycle and pedestrian issues, public transportation, watershed protection, air quality, and his thoughtful decisions regarding proposed developments.  He said that Mr. Capowski had demonstrated excellent skills in mediating conflicts and helping the Council find solutions to problems that address a variety of perspectives and policy values.  Mr. Werner added that Mr. Capowski’s sense of humor and compassion will be missed, adding that he is dear to hundreds of citizens of Chapel Hill for his unstinting devotion to neighborhood protection. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVAO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EVANS, TO ADOPT BY ACCLAMATION THE RESOLUTION HONORING JOE CAPOWSKI.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).        

 

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE OF

JOSEPH CAPOWSKI TO THE CHAPEL HILL COMMUNITY

 

WHEREAS, Joseph Capowski served the Chapel Hill community on the Chapel Hill Town Council from December 2, 1991 to December 6, 1999; and

 

WHEREAS, Joe served for two years as Mayor pro tem, from 1997 to 1999; and

 

WHEREAS, Joe proposed the formation of the Citizens Technology Committee and served as the Council’s liaison to that advisory board; and

 

WHEREAS, Joe labored for many years as the Council’s cable television negotiator; and

 

WHEREAS, Joe co-chaired the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Annexation Boundary Work Group and co-chaired the Horace Williams Work Group; and

 

WHEREAS, Joe served the community and the Town Council with his participation on the following:

 

     Liaison to the Transportation Board               Horace Williams Work Group

     Durham-Chapel Hill Work Group                              Coordination and Consultation Committee

     Committee on Police Computers                                Orange-Chatham Work Group

     Water-Sewer Boundary Agreement Committee            UNC/Chapel Hill Planning Panel

     Sewer Subsidy Subcommittee                           Public Private Partnership

 

WHEREAS, Joe’s record of support for environmental protection and public safety includes his votes and other actions on behalf of bicycle and pedestrian issues, public transportation, watershed protection, air quality and his thoughtful decisions regarding proposed developments; and

 

WHEREAS, Joe 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, Joe's sense of humor and his compassion and caring for people will be missed; and

 

WHEREAS, Joe is dear to hundreds of citizens of Chapel Hill for his unstinting devotion to neighborhood protection; and

 

WHEREAS, Joe has decided to leave his seat on the Town Council in order to devote more time to 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

 

JOSEPH   CAPOWSKI

 

for his outstanding service to the people of Chapel Hill and Orange County and his loving dedication to the betterment of the Town.

 

This the 6th day of December, 1999.

 

 

 

8.  Appointment of Council Liaisons and Representatives

 

Mayor Waldorf suggested approving the slate of appointees by acclamation, with the addition of Lee Pavăo and Edith Wiggins on the Schools and Land Use Council. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER WARD, TO ADOPT THE SLATE BY ACCLAMATION.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Council Liaison and Committee Assignments

 

Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board........ Jim Ward

Board of Adjustment Flicka Bateman

Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission....... Kevin Foy

Coalition for Public Transportation Mayor Waldorf

Community Design Commission Bill Strom

Consultation and Coordination Committee............. Mayor Waldorf, Jim Ward

Durham-Chapel Hill Work Group Joyce Brown, Jim Ward

(Alternate) Bill Strom

Firefighters’ Relief Fund Mayor Waldorf

Greenways Commission Bill Strom

Historic District Commission... Joyce Brown

Housing and Community Development Advisory Board...... Edith Wiggins

Human Services Advisory Board.... Flicka Bateman

Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action (JOCCA) Edith Wiggins

Library Board of Trustees Lee Pavăo

Library Foundation Board........ Lee Pavăo

Noise Committee... Joyce Brown

Orange-Chatham Work Group........ Pat Evans, Kevin Foy, Jim Ward

        (Alternate) Mayor Waldorf

Orange County Soccer Symposium Task Force Jim Ward

Orange County Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors... Lee Pavăo

Orange Water and Sewer Authority Flicka Bateman, Joyce Brown

         Bill Strom

Pay As You Throw Advisory Group.... Joyce Brown, Kevin Foy

Parks and Recreation Commission Flicka Bateman

Planning Board........ Pat Evans

Schools and Land Use Council...... Lee Pavăo, Edith Wiggins

Technology Committee....... Kevin Foy

Transportation Advisory Committee for the........ Mayor Waldorf

  Durham-Chapel Hill Urbanized Area (Alternate) Jim Ward

Transportation Board........ Lee Pavăo

Triangle J Council of Governments........ Pat Evans

(Alternate) Lee Pavăo

 

 

9.  Closing Comments by Mayor and Council Members

 

Council Member Bill Strom

 

Council Member Bill Strom thanked his wife, Jennifer, for lessons in loyalty and trust and for her wit and humor, which he said kept him going through tough times.  He also thanked his son, Aaron, for being a good sport, his mother and step-dad for supporting his efforts, and the dozens of people who had helped with his campaign, Barry Katz in particular. 

 

Mr. Strom said that he recently had heard designer and architect William McDonough speak at the Friday Center.  Mr. McDonough, Mr. Strom explained, had received the presidential award for sustainable development and was one of Time Magazine’s heroes of the century.  Council Member Strom said that Mr. McDonough’s comments had been positive, optimistic and uplifting.  He explained that Mr. McDonough had noted that human beings are capable of designing systems and solutions which meet exceptional goals.

 

Mr. Strom pointed out that the goal when designing a community should be to do the absolute right thing as opposed to the less bad thing.  “It’s possible and therefore it should be our goal,” he said.  “It’s more ethical, more interesting and a lot more fun to design and plan for the children of all species forever.”  He added said that the Town could be balanced from an ethical, economic and social point of view, and pledged to bring this perspective to the table and to enact policies that will enable the community to pass on a vibrant, sustainable and healthy Town to its children and the many generations beyond them.  Mr. Strom thanked Chapel Hill voters for giving him the opportunity to serve.

 

Council Member Jim Ward

 

Council Member Jim Ward thanked Joe Capowski and Julie McClintock for their dedicated and thoughtful leadership.  He remarked that Chapel Hill was a better place because of their involvement.  Council Member Ward said that he was deeply honored to have an opportunity to represent the best interests of the community and looked forward to working with Mayor Waldorf, the Council, the staff and the citizens of Chapel Hill.  He expressed appreciation to the hundreds who had helped with his campaign, particularly thanking his campaign chairman, his wife, his two sons and his brother for their support.

 

 

Council Member Flicka Bateman

 

Council Member Bateman thanked Joe Capowski and Julie McClintock for their service.  She also thanked the voters, her campaign team headed by Jill Edens and Lisa Stucky, and her husband, Louis.  Council Member Bateman noted that she had decided not to run again because of the discomfort associated with being the “swing vote,” but changed her mind when she realized what a privilege it was to hold public office and how lucky she was to live in a democracy where divergent viewpoints can be expressed.  She then read a poem which she had written:

 

Once upon a June night cheery, as I walked our dogs—so deary

Suddenly, a car beside me slowed its motor, then stood still.

Soon I saw with jubilation that the driver and his maiden were the Edens from the hill.

“We beseech you, we cajole you, we support you, we implore—

 Run for Council.  Serve four more.”

 

“ ‘Tis no fun this swing vote being, I’m so often called with plea-ing,

‘You’re a bad one if you do not vote the way I ask you to.’

A few folks preaching, a rare one screeching, I feel so pulled –this seat I rue.

I want respite; I seek solace, only this and nothing more.”

Quoth the Edens, “Give four more.”

 

A few days later we went walking, and the Edens did more talking

About the candidates who’d said that a Council seat was dear.

“It’s reason, balance, and a listener that the Town needs, not a Ms. or Mister

Who’ll tell us what we want to hear.

We will help you to attain this, if Lisa Stuckey you will enlist as you near the campaign

       door

 Then quoth Lisa, “Go for four.”

 

Now flattery can be insidious, and if you’re not careful also hideous.

It turns your head and blinds your eyes so you believe that fancy stuff.

“Search your heart, your head, your being,” a still voice asked, “What are you seeing?

Will you hide because it’s tough?

You’ve worked in Butner, peace-corpsed in Turkey, fought for all things clear-not

       murkey.

Where’s your spirit?  Where’s your spunk?

Run for Council.  And fluff debunk.”

 

So as a good swing vote I dallied, while the pros and cons I tallied.

“Should I? Could I serve four more?

Think on the good side.  Things get better.  You’re a go-er; you’re a getter

Not a wimp near exit’s door.

Maybe I will try for four.”

 

“E pluribus unum” tells us clearly that democracy’s more merely

Than groups of like-minded people nodding all in one accord.

Sit down with factions and work toward actions. This will produce a true reward.

So I have run and hold my head high.  I’ll give my best—an honest try.

And now elected, gladly I will serve four more. 

 

 

Council Member Pat Evans

 

Council Member Evans thanked the citizens of Chapel Hill for allowing her to serve four more years on the Council.

 

Mayor Rosemary Waldorf

 

Mayor Waldorf thanked the people who had helped her and who had come to the reception. She said that when she had been sworn into office four years ago she had tried to set a tone of optimism, civility, and forthrightness for the Council.   Mayor Waldorf pointed out that those had been very good values, but added that she had forgotten how important it was to have a sense of humor.  She added that she also had not known how important it was to have a deep appreciation for “how lucky we are to live in this community and how we can politely and deferentially offer to other communities.”  She noted that all of tonight’s speakers had expressed a feeling of gratitude for being privileged to serve. 

 

COUNCIL MEMBER PAVĂO MOVED, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER STROM, TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY (9-0).

 

Mayor Waldorf invited guests to attend the reception in the Chamber foyer.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.