SUMMARY MINUTES OF AN ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
OF THE CHAPEL HILL TOWN COUNCIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2001, 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, 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 Bill Stockard, and Town Clerk Joyce Smith.
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 Chapel Hill as a Council member for the past eight years. He praised the Town staff and employees for their sense of loyalty and professionalism and for their willingness to "put up with" the Town Council as together they try to run the Town. Mayor pro tem Pavão also thanked Mayor Waldorf for being such an effective Mayor. He said that he would miss collaborating with her and with his other colleagues on the Council. Mayor pro tem Pavão added he wished the new Council all the best and joked that he would be keeping an eye on them.
· Council Member Joyce Brown said that she had considered it an honor to serve the people of Chapel Hill on the Town Council. She explained that it never occurred to her during her first grassroots campaign that she would ultimately serve for twelve years. Council Member Brown praised all of the citizens who had worked together to protect their neighborhoods. She applauded those who have spoken out on issues in which they strongly believe and who have petition the Council. She stated that citizens who dig in and work hard to present intelligent and well-informed points of view have her highest regard, and she gave the UNC neighborhoods as a recent example. Council Member Brown thanked those who have lived up to the highest expectations of citizenship and who have helped her as a Council member. She also thanked the staff throughout the Town for the help they had given her over the years "with unfailing kindness."
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 North Carolina's citizens should develop a greater sensitivity and response to the land and learn to live in intimate relationship to it. She recommended taking Father Berry's words to heart and incorporating the environment into all of the Town's documents as its most serious concern. Council Member Brown suggested developing a list of environmental principles to incorporate into every aspect of the Town's Development Ordinance.
· 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, Alice kept me encouraged, scheduled and informed, and did her best to keep me organized. She was a bulwark during difficult stretches, and a wise advisory. I especially thank Alice for her outstanding work with citizens. She was patient, friendly, reassuring, polite, engaging, and diligent in getting information or results. She worked exceedingly well with staff and various councils, and would be a leading candidate for the Miss Congeniality Award, if we had such a thing.
:The attorney and the top management team here – Ralph, Cal, Sonna and Flo – are top-notch professionals and great human beings. Their dedication to service and unswerving commitment to professional ethics deserve explicit public commendation. I thank them profoundly for all the times they kept me out of trouble. I will miss walking into Ralph’s office and saying, “May we have an attorney client moment?” and seeing the look of paranoia cross his face. Cal’s loyalty to the Mayor and Council as a governing body is exemplary. And to the extent that I have been effective I must give huge credit to Cal for his advice and help.
“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 Carol Abernethy, with her touch of class, and Bill Stockard, with his winning manner, make helping us look easy, though it is not.
“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 Kathryn Spatz, with their high consumer service standards; Pat Thomas, with her great concern for employees, soon to leave the town, thanks to you all.
“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 Chapel Hill owes a thank you to outgoing Durham Mayor Nick Tennyson. His energy and advocacy secured serious consideration for bus rapid transit for our region, and established a 15-501 transit corridor. And I’m delighted that the new Mayor is committed to pursuing regional transportation solutions. We can’t let Chapel Hill be excluded from meaningful regional transit.
“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 Cal you all so many times. I owe you many pies and casseroles. If you have a choice, ask for a pie.
“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 3 o’clock this morning, and Gary was pleasant about it.
“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 Chapel Hill who let me have a go at this.
“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 Orange Community Housing and Land Trust. Allison Weiner, Chair, read a resolution expressing the Land Trust's thanks and appreciation to Mayor Waldorf and the Town Council for efforts which had "resulted in the approval of unprecedented numbers of truly affordable housing that will be built in our community." Ms. Weiner predicted that this Council's leadership would inspire the continuation of significant efforts by elected leaders to create and sustain a diverse stock of affordable housing for all residents and workers in the community.
Ms. Weiner expressed appreciation to the Town Manager and staff. She noted that OCHC had recently sold the last four homes on Milton Avenue for between $120,000-$130,000, adding that these homes are all in the Land Trust and will remain affordable. Ms. Weiner concluded by announcing that the townhomes at Meadowmont would be called "Rosemary Place at Meadowmont" as a tribute to Mayor Rosemary Waldorf.
· 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 Chapel Hill community."
· 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 Chapel Hill. He noted that Joyce Brown had "brought her conscience to the Chamber Board," through her dedication to the environment, through protection of historic districts, and through addressing noise, water and other forms of pollution. Mr. Nelson noted her contributions toward affordable housing and sustainable development, and said that her efforts and energy come from the deep affection and commitment she feels for the community of Chapel Hill.
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 Senior Center and his support for parks and greenspace in particular. He pointed out that the community could always count on Mayor pro tem Pavao to weigh both sides of an argument, to reach a compromise, and to build consensus. Mr. Nelson described Mayor pro tem Pavao as a man of principle, honor, and integrity.
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 Chapel Hill, said that it was a personal honor to be asked to do this. He then administered the oath of office to each of the four Council members.
· 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 Chapel Hill"
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
North Carolina Transportation Coalition
Noise Ordinance Study Committee
Land Trust Implementation Task Force
Shaping Orange County's Future Task Force Steering Committee
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 Chapel Hill will be missed; and
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 Chapel Hill that the Council hereby honors and praises
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 Chapel Hill."
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 Chapel Hill Senior Center and the Ronald McDonald House; and
WHEREAS, Lee served the community and the Town Council with his participation on the following work groups, as well as in many other ways:
Chapel Hill Senior Center
County-wide Recreation Planning Committee
Durham-Chapel Hill Work Group
Founding Member, Chapel Hill Museum Board
Library Board of Trustees
Library Foundation Board
Mayor's Liaison on Town-University Discussions
Orange County School and Land Use Council
Orange County Parks and Recreation Work Group
Orange County Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors
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 Chapel Hill that the Council hereby honors and praises
LEE PAVÃO
For his outstanding service to the people of Chapel, Hill and Orange County and his loving dedication to the betterment of the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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 Chapel Hill."
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
North Carolina Metropolitan Coalition
Mayor's Committee on the UNC Master Plan
Mayor's Orange County Water and Sewer Committee
Orange-Chatham Work Group Policy
Oversight Committee for the US 15-501 Major Investment Study
Public Housing Special Needs Committee
Shaping Orange County's Future Task Force Steering Committee
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 Chapel Hill that the Council hereby honors and praises
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 Chapel Hill had been well and faithfully served and that the people of the entire region had enjoyed the benefits of having Rosemary Waldorf serve as mayor of Chapel Hill.
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
Chapel Hill Museum.................................................................................................. Dorothy Verkerk
Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission........................................................................ Mark Kleinschmidt
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 County Soccer Symposium Task Force.................................................................... Jim Ward
Orange County Visitor's Bureau Board of Directors................................................................................................... Pat Evans
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
Weaver Dairy Road Traffic Safety Committee.................................................................... Ed Harrison
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 Chapel Hill. He also thanked the citizens who had participated in the election, but noted that Council members are elected to represent all of the Town's citizens. Council Member Harrison expressed gratitude to his campaign workers and thanked individual Durham County and Orange County commissioners. He also thanked his wife and his parents. Council Member Harrison quoted Chapel Hill resident Pearson Stewart's description of him as one whose advice has consistently been "based on thorough knowledge and a reasonable appreciation of alternatives." He said that he intended to maintain that high standard as a member of the Town Council.
· 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 Chapel Hill. Mayor Foy predicted that the primary issue the Town would confront over the next two years would be growth, adding that the Council would ultimately be judged by how they manage that growth.
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 United States is engaged in a war that threatens many of the things its citizens take for granted. "We have to treasure our civil liberties," said Mayor Foy. "We have to exercise our rights as citizens. We must guard the constitution for the benefit not just of all Americans but for its aspirations for all humanity."
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.