Durham City Council was welcomed by a larger-than-usual crowd Monday night, as new and returning members were sworn into the organization.
Representatives also discussed referendums regarding the proposed 20-year land lease agreement of Old North Durham Park, the annexation of Highway 54 retail area and technical changes to regulations for building alarm systems.
District Court Judge Elaine Bushfan ushered in re-elected Mayor Bill Bell, returning Council members Howard Clement and Cora Cole-McFadden and new Council member and Duke employee Mike Woodard.
"Durham, with all of it's bad press and issues, is a great city," Bushfan said. "I count it as a joy to watch this new era come to town."
After being sworn in, Bell moved to reelect Cole-McFadden as mayor pro-tempore, a motion that the Council approved unanimously.
Upon his affirmation to the Council, Woodard was joined by several family members. After being sworn in, he was congratulated by outgoing Council member John Best, who lost his seat to Woodard after the November elections.
"Some have wondered if Durham's best days are behind us," Woodard said. "I have seen what lies within us, [which is] the enduring resolve to confront challenges and seize opportunities. I declare that Durham's best days are ahead of us."
Best, who addressed those in attendance before officially stepping down as a member of the Council, told the crowd he looks forward to relaxing and joked about his future job opportunities, including acting as a tour guide for the Durham County Jail.
"There are times in everyone's life where something constructive is born out of adversity," he said. "I refuse to dwell on yesterday's disappointments."
Council and community members raised questions regarding the proposed lease agreement of Old North Durham Park to Triangle Residential Options for Substance Abusers, Inc. According to the referendum, TROSA would be allowed to lease the property for 20 years for the total sum of $1, while allowing the City of Durham limited rights to the property.
"I didn't see the rationale for giving this property away," said Council member Thomas Stith, suggesting instead to allow for an easement of the land.
After a city official informed the Council that the City of Durham cannot allow an easement, however, the motion was passed 6-1.
Council members also debated a referendum that included changes to the administrative structure of the finance department, which helps to oversee the regulations for police and fire alarm systems for the city. They moved to dismiss that section of the referendum and will reconsider it at their Dec. 19 meeting.
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