Garner — The Garner Town Council used its Dec. 2 organizational meeting to honor longtime council member Kathy Behringer, swear in newly elected members, adopt committee assignments and elect Damien Dellinger as mayor pro tem before moving into a closed session on litigation.

Mayor Buddy Gupton read a formal proclamation recognizing Behringer for 20 years of service, citing her leadership in downtown revitalization, creation of a Public Arts Advisory Board and the installation of the downtown sculpture Wings of Hope by local artist Jeff Turr. The proclamation also listed awards cited in council materials, including a 2011 North Carolina Department of Commerce Main Street recognition and Behringer’s receipt of the 2022 James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award and the 2025 Woman of the Year distinction at the She Achieves Garner Chamber Women’s Conference.

“Kathy, you have been a pleasure to work with through the years,” Council member Phil Matthews said during tributes that followed the proclamation. Behringer, who told the council she has lived in Garner more than 32 years and had previously served on the planning commission and local historic and downtown groups, thanked residents and colleagues for their support.

The council held simultaneous swearing-in ceremonies administered by state Rep. Abraham Jones. Calvin Stiles was sworn in by name; the meeting record shows a second newly sworn-in council member referred to in the proceedings as “Mr. Singleton.” Both affirmed the oath of office and were congratulated by colleagues.

A newly seated council member who introduced remarks at the meeting emphasized collaboration and three priorities — “affordability, accessibility, and accountability” — and urged the council to work with residents, staff and local partners to address growth and housing pressures.

On internal organization, Mayor Gupton described the informal process the council used for selecting a mayor pro tem and called on the outgoing mayor pro tem to describe the post. Council member Bass (outgoing mayor pro tem) spoke about the role’s responsibilities. Council member Elmo Vance moved that Damien Dellinger be selected as mayor pro tem; the motion was seconded and Dellinger was approved by a voice vote with no nays recorded.

Dellinger thanked his colleagues and said the council should be “data informed” while protecting Garner’s diversity and shaping how the town grows in the coming years.

Council business also included adopting the meeting agenda by voice vote and approving a slate of members for three standing committees (Human Resources; Law & Finance; and Public Works). The mayor presented the recommended committee assignments, which the council adopted without recorded opposition. Council members gave brief committee updates: the Veterans Advisory Committee plans a public meeting at White Deer Park, and the Affordable Housing Task Force is scheduled to bring formal recommendations to the council on Dec. 16.

Town Attorney Terry Jones reviewed the council’s Rules of Procedure (adopted in 2022 and modeled on guidance from the UNC School of Government) and discussed the municipal code of conduct and ethics, reminding members of state-required elements. Council member Damien Dellinger said he would submit written feedback on sections he believes raise First Amendment concerns so the attorney can draft revisions for later formal consideration.

The council then voted to enter closed session to consult with the town attorney about pending litigation and claims under state law. After returning to open session, the town attorney reported that the council had received an update on pending litigation and claims and that no official action or votes were taken during the closed session. With no further business, the council adjourned.

The council did not take votes on ordinances or budget items during the meeting. The next substantive items on the council calendar include the Affordable Housing Task Force recommendations on Dec. 16.