Elon Town Council swore in new member Steve Exum during their meeting on Dec. 9. Returning council member Randy Orwig and Mayor Emily Sharpe were resworn into their current positions, with Monti Allison being resworn in as Mayor Pro Tem.
Steve Exum thanked his family for their support and talked about what he is looking forward to accomplishing as a member of the town council.
“I do want to be a bridge builder, a teammate, a lister,” Exum said towards the end of the meeting. “I want to help Elon grow wisely, with opportunity for all and with heart.”
Exum, Orwig and Sharpe were elected on Nov. 4.
Ordinances and Resolutions
The council discussed a new implementation of golf carts owned by citizens being used on the road. The amendment would require an annual registration and inspection of golf carts. According to Town of Elon Police Chief Kelly Blackwelder amending the current ordinance would make sure golf carts have the required safety equipment and are in good working condition. This was the first meeting for the ordinance and the council will hear public comments and have further discussion at future meetings.
Blackwelder also asked the council to amend regulations in parking downtown to state that no vehicle shall stop with its left side to the curb except on one-way streets, where vehicles shall stop headed in the direction of traffic. The changing of the position of a vehicle, within the same block, shall be deemed one continuous parking period. The council voted to approve Blackwelder’s request to amend the ordinance.
New Business
Following the council's last meeting, the capital improvement plan was updated to include estimates for the purchase and renovation of the Labcorp building that will serve as the new town hall, and some changes have been made to the Town of Elon Fire Department building expenses. The plan goes over the budget for the next 10 years.The estimate for the town’s new projects will be $900,000 for four years within the ten year cycle. The members voted to approve the plan.
Other Items
In her closing remarks Stephanie Bourland, who has served on the Town Council for four years but did not run for reelection, reflected on her time on the council.
“I just want to say that this has been a very humbling experience in the sense that I have been so honored and so privileged to serve the citizens in the town of Elon for the past four years,” Bourland said.
Bourland praised the other members of the council.
“They are not only extremely humble and talented and smart, but I am so grateful that I have been able to get to know them as people, but also have the chance to work with them,” Bourland said. “These are the most selfless people you will ever meet in your life.”
On Dec. 14 at 5 p.m. there will be a Hanukkah Menorah Lighting in the downtown plaza. Town council members praised the Hometown Christmas celebration on Dec 6.
“Hometown Christmas was larger this year. It was better and I really enjoyed it,” Council member Michael Wood said during the meeting.
Next Meeting
The next town council meeting will be held Jan 13.