New Brevard police chief sworn in; city proclaims St. Philip's centennial and hears Sustainability Council plans

At its Jan. 5 meeting the Brevard City Council swore in Christy Wenzel as the city's new police chief, presented a proclamation recognizing the centennial of the St. Philip's Episcopal Church cornerstone and heard reports from the Brevard Sustainability Council.

Mayor Moren Copelof administered the oath of office to Christy Wenzel, who introduced family members in the council chamber following the ceremony. "So help me God," Chief Wenzel repeated as part of the oath.

The council then presented Proclamation 2026-TAX-01, recognizing St. Philip's Episcopal Church's 100-year milestone since laying the cornerstone in 1926 and proclaiming Feb. 8, 2026, as St. Philip's Episcopal Church Cornerstone Centennial Day in Brevard. The proclamation noted a year-long schedule of centennial events, including historical programming and community gatherings.

During public comment, Joe Ellen Reser (co-chair of the Brevard Sustainability Council) summarized BSC activities in 2025, including partnership talks with RiverLink for an Adopt-a-Drain program, native-plant planting boxes at Silvermont maintained by volunteers, social-media outreach, and fundraising via Brevard Rotary to accept tax-deductible donations. Dr. Destiny Pettit (BSC co-chair) outlined 2026 priorities: an adopt-a-stream event with Conserving Carolina, plastics and styrofoam reduction initiatives, a green-pledge program for residents, a green-business pledge, and a composting education effort.

The council welcomed the civic activity and thanked the sustainability volunteers. The proclamation and the oath were ceremonial actions; neither requires a council vote beyond the customary presentation.

Next steps: Centennial events for St. Philip's will be scheduled through 2026 and the Sustainability Council will continue outreach to council and the community.