Mount Airy council swears in two members, re-elects council president and appoints board members

The Mount Airy Town Council on May 19 administered oaths to two council members, re-elected the council president for a two‑year term, named a council secretary and approved two appointments to the Board of Appeals during a special meeting called by Mayor Larry Husher.

The actions at the brief meeting centered on ceremonial swearing‑in and internal leadership and commission assignments that will shape the council’s membership and liaison responsibilities through the coming term.

Mayor Larry Husher opened the meeting and administered the oath of office to returning council member Stephen Demoter and newly elected council member Shawn Kelly. After the oath, the council moved into the special meeting for the business of electing leadership and making appointments.

Council President Tim Washbaugh was nominated to continue as council president and was confirmed by voice vote. “I appreciate the vote of confidence and support and look forward to another 2 years of getting things done,” Washbaugh said after the vote.

Councilmember Jason Evans was nominated and confirmed as council secretary for a two‑year term.

Mayor Husher announced liaison assignments for council members. The assignments named Washbaugh to Parks and Recreation and Sustainability; Evans to Economic Development and Recycling and Sanitation; Demoter to the Water and Sewer Commission and the Beautification Commission; another council member to Streets and Roads; the Commission on Aging and Livability and the Flatiron Task Force were also paired with council liaisons. Mayor Husher said one task force remained to be created and asked for a volunteer for the town’s semi‑quincentennial celebration (a 250th anniversary event), and Councilmember Demoter volunteered.

The council acted on two commission appointments. Mayor Husher recommended moving Amy Woodard, currently an alternate on the Board of Appeals, to a full member. A motion to appoint Amy Woodard (the motion transcript later referenced the name “Amy Witter”) passed by voice vote. The council also appointed former Councilmember Lynn Galletti to the Board of Appeals; that appointment likewise was approved by voice vote.

No formal roll‑call vote tallies were recorded in the meeting minutes; each of the nominations and appointments was confirmed by the customary “all in favor” voice vote with no recorded objections. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The meeting addressed internal organization and appointments only; there were no ordinances, budgets, land‑use decisions or contracts discussed or voted on at this session.

Items to watch: the mayor indicated one task force still needed creation and requested a volunteer for the town’s semi‑quincentennial celebration. The council also assigned liaisons to several standing commissions and to the Flatiron Task Force, matters that will channel future council oversight and reports.