Council appoints members to boards, creates tree task force and directs town attorney after executive session

After a closed executive session on legal and personnel matters during the July 8 meeting, Mount Pleasant Town Council reconvened and took multiple personnel actions and one direction to town counsel.

Council first moved to direct the town attorney "to proceed as discussed in executive session" on the legal and contractual matter listed on the agenda; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The executive-session agenda item listed litigation caption "JamesnDeerlinejunior@allandcom versus commission of public works town of Mount Pleasant" and other personnel matters related to board and commission appointments.

Council then confirmed multiple appointments that had been discussed in executive session. Appointees announced by motion or voice vote included:

- Sherwood Flowers: appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals (motion approved by voice vote). - Christine Edwards: appointment to the Historic District Preservation Commission (motion approved by voice vote). - Karen Smalls Horvak: appointment to the Cultural Arts and Pride Commission (motion approved by voice vote). - Timothy Kiel (reappointment) and Daniel Cruz (appointment): Commercial Design Review Board (motion approved by voice vote).

Finally, council approved appointments to the newly established Tree Task Force by a recorded voice vote of seven in favor and one opposed. The mayor read the appointments: David Quick (seat 1); Michelle Mansour (seat 2); Shana Harris (seat 3); James McKee (seat 4); Edward Oswald (seat 5); Deirdre Kennedy (seat 6); and George Grice (seat 7). One council member stated on the record, "Yes. I'm a no vote on this 1. It's not a reflection of of any 1 particular person, but I feel like we need a more balanced group, on the tree task force." The chair announced "Motion carries by a vote of 7 to 1."

Why it matters: the new tree task force and the commission appointments place residents and stakeholders in formal advisory roles for planning and preservation issues. The recorded 7'01 vote indicates some council concern about balance on the tree panel.

Actions recorded

- Direction to town attorney to proceed as discussed in executive session (motion approved by voice vote). - Appointments to multiple boards and commissions (approved by voice vote). - Tree Task Force: seven appointments approved; motion carried 7 to 1.

Next steps: appointees will serve on their respective boards and task force per the town's appointment rules; staff will publish membership lists and any upcoming meeting schedules for the tree task force.