HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-16-99Minutes of the Special Town Council meeting held December 16, 1999 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Municipal Building.
There were present: John A. Johnston, Mayor
Council Members: James M. Neblett, Lane R. Penn, Jeffrey S. Worrell
W. Edgar Hale, Joseph L. Weddle, Pauline G. Mitchell
Absent/Excused: Bettye H. Steger, Charles W. Stewart
Staff: John J. Hawley, Acting Town Manager
Randolph D. Eley, Jr., Town Attorney
David N. Quesenberry, Asst. to the Town Manager
Patricia Pendergrast, Clerk
Also Present: Heather Fetrow, Press
Paul Dellinger, Press
Robert Dye, Economic Development
Herb Cooley, Police Chief
Mayor Johnston called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Councilman Penn led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilman Neblett gave the Invocation.
Following roll call, Mayor Johnston advised that before Council was a public hearing regarding proposed Charter amendments.
Randy Eley, Town Attorney, advised that before Council was three options for Ordinance 99-13 regarding Charter changes. Section 3.04 addresses reducing the number of Council members
from eight to six. Section 3.05 states that 3 Council members shall be elected on the first Tuesday in May, 2000, and every four years thereafter. The other three Council members shall
be elected on the first Tuesday in May 2002, and every four years thereafter. The term of office for all Council members shall begin on July 1 next following their election and each
shall serve a term of four years or until his successor shall have been elected and qualified. Council members may succeed themselves as often as the voters may choose. Section 3.10
addresses filling vacancies on Council if the number of Council members is reduced to three for any reason. Council could adopt any or all three points of the Ordinance.
Mayor Johnston inquired whether any of the public present desired to address Council regarding this matter. Receiving no comments from the public, he closed the Public Hearing at 6:48
p.m.
After discussion, Councilman Neblett made a motion to adopt Ordinance 99-13 regarding changes to the Charter, as written, which included sections 3.04, 3.05 and 3.10 of the Town Charter,
seconded by Councilman Penn and carried on the following recorded vote:
James M. Neblett - Aye W. Edgar Hale - Aye
Lane R. Penn - Aye Joseph L. Weddle - Aye Jeffrey S. Worrell - Aye Pauline G. Mitchell - Aye
Bettye H. Steger - Absent Charles W. Stewart, Jr. - Absent
Next, Council discussed the possibility of changing the rules for compensation for Council. With no motion forthcoming, rules for compensation remain the same.
There being no further business, Councilman Penn made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Councilman Hale and so carried.