Board of Commissioners - Regular Meeting

Now I would like to invite Pastor Albert Cocker to lead us in our pledge of allegiance and invocation. Please stand and join us in I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Let us pray. Father God in heaven, we thank you God for this occasion. We thank you God for this opportunity. We pray God that God the divine will shall be done in the service and that the spirit of unity shall flow within this community. We ask your blessing oh God as we end this year going into the new year that you shall lead and guide and instruct by your spirit. God, we ask your blessing to be upon this place and that your divine will be done and that the spirit of unity and oneness be within this place. Have your way Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen.

Amen.

Thank you so much. I would like to now invite Miss McCall to be our national anthem. I should not sit down. Please stand for action. Can you see the dawn early? What so proudly we at the twilight lasting? who stripes and bright stars through the per so and let me stream and the rockets. The BS were singing in gave proof through the

flag still there. Oh s our sple way for the land of the free and the home of Thank you so much. And before we move on with the agenda, I would like to recognize the elected officials veterans today. If you are elected, can you please stand and be recognized? You here and the elected officials. I like a motion. I make a motion to approve. I like to make a motion to add draft minutes of December 4, 2025 social media and regard commissioners. Thank you. I'll now enter a motion to approve the

agenda with the removal u commission remarks and the addition of draft from the December 4th 2025 special meeting motion made by commissioner second by Mary Cooper in session. All in favor motion carries. Now it's on to the fun part. Oh, not yet. We're looking too fast. Um, I will entertain a motion to approve the draft of August 11 close session of October October 13th, 2025 close session, November 10th, 2025 close session and November 24th 2025 close session. Motion made by Commission and second I discussion and thank you and is in the court meeting for action. Any discussion? All in favor? Motion carries. Now it's time for um and I am more it's bittersweet for me. I spent the last four years with these five people and so I am honored to have served in each of them. Oh my god. We through the razor basic what's what's been happening for um the past few years. We adhere it um a lot and through steadfast dedication and teamwork and selflessness and long hours and long meetings and you name it and send her board. We stood strong. We stood together. If you guys heard me speak anytime on hear me say you want to go fast, you want to go far

go. This has gone further than anybody ever thought we could. that I've done. I am going to um present some of these questions from our outcome. Commissioner C, you started first two years. We were luck and I thank you for your commitment to this board. I thank you for your dedication to this and I know this is the end. You will stay connected because she's on our economic development task force and I know she is. So she will stay connected to this community and she will continue to serve as she was before she took on this role. I thank you for what you did. The sacrifices you made with her. the sacrifices that you make. You should be very proud of your mother because she s out serving this community. She's a happy of myself and every citizen as Thomas. This award is present in recognition and s sincere appreciation to Robert County for your dedication and to the town's birthday citizens as a state commissioner from two uh December 2021 to December 2021. Thank you everybody.

to my fellow. As I close this chapter of my service as commissioner and former mayor Tim, I do so with the immense gratitude, pride, and unwavering commitment to the community that has shaped me. Serving Spring Lake has been one of the greatest honors of my life and together we have accomplished milestones that will continue to strengthen our town for years to come. During my term, we we restored the general fund invested for years, proving that fiscal responsibility and determination to overcome even the toughest challenges. We balance the difficult budget while keeping our priorities focused on the needs of our residents. And beyond finances, I'm proud of the work we did to inspire and motivate our youth, especially through strong industry programs that will empower the next generation to dream bigger and aim higher. This farewell is not easy. It is the beginning of the next chapter. While my while my official role may change, my dedication to Spring Lake remains steadfast. I will continue to stand shouldertosh shoulder with each of you working to ensure our community thrives, grows, and shines as we are placed um as a place we are proud to call home. I want to extend my deepest thanks to my family, friends, and those who love and encourage me, carry me through every challenge and triumph. To my fellow board members, I'm grateful for your partnership, your wisdom, and your shared vision for Spring Lake's future. Together, we have built the foundation of progress. We live in hope. As I step forward into what lies ahead, I do know with confidence that Spring Lake's best days are still before us. This community is strong because of its people and I will always make commit to serving you

in every way I can with gratitude, pride and hope for the future. I am still Robert. It's pretty easy. So when we first arrived, few of us had his name. So he sent us a text message that says Pali oat without without a soio. Oh my gosh, there's so much I can say about you. You are our backbone, especially when it comes to finances. You have been there committed and faithful and strong willed and strong minded. And if there's anybody I can argue with the most, it's probably and when I say argue, that's a very good thing because there's always been a an extreme level of respect among sis. We can disagree. As soon as the meeting is over, we're highing and making sure everything's widow and laughing and making sure babies are okay, checking out because we always dress alike. You will be missed. I am going to miss your inquisitive nature. The questions, the pressing of the questions people big apart and that's what you need. That's for making somebody who really cares about our community.

This is the interview. I know that. But to Alison and Levi, you got and thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for lending him to us for these past four years. Um, we said for hours going through the budget when we first took office. hours line by line, pencils and pens and paper clips were all assessed. And he sat there and he poured on that with diligence and faithfulness as if he was balancing the budget for his own personal account. He cares about this community in a way that I haven't seen his own action. So again, I thank you and I look forward to seeing you here hopefully sooner than later because your work is not done. I appreciate you, Mr. for even our present and recognition to their sincere appreciation class for your dedication and leadership to the town spring commissioner appoint December 2021 through December 2025. Of course, I got something to say.

Thank you, mayor. Thank you, uh, guests and neighbors that are out here today. We appreciate you guys showing up for spring tomorrow.

Can I write it down for you? You mean a lot to us. Thank you citizens for being here. Transfer of power is an important part of any government and today you recognize the local government who typically has more power and impact over your daily lives. These four years have truly shaped me as a person, me as a citizen, and me as a neighbor. They've helped me. They moved me. They made an impact on my life. I stepped into this role not entirely sure what I was getting underestimated big time what I was getting into big time. We knew that the state had come in took over the finances of the town. I mean it was drama. It was a lot of learning. It was drinking from a water hose rather than speak about that. It's It was difficult, but we've been able to roll up our sleeves, get things done, clean up the town, restore trust, build parks, paint murals, and push through challenges with resilience that I'm proud to have witnessed and been a part of up close. But the people I need to thank the most are my family. my incredible wife and my my beautiful wife stood here with me four years ago pregnant and is now here today with our three-year-old daughter and my son who sacrificed many nights with that so that I could serve this town. They supported me and never complained. They supported me, never complained. But it's only fair that I step back and give a little bit more time to them. And I'm asked often, why did you decide not to run? I stand here with confidence. Nobody can prove me wrong that if I ran,

I would win. We'll never know. We never know the answer to that, but I can I can daydream a little bit. Okay. And uh although I'm stepping away from this, I'm not stepping away from spring away. In January, I'll be launching a faith-based recovery program for those battling addictions that need help and need healing.

My reasons for leaving right now are because of that and because of my family. So, if anybody ever asks why did that joke leave, you have the answer. To my fellow commissioners, it's been an honor serving with you guys. You and I have been a rock. You have been steady. We've disagreed and we've respected each other. And that was huge for you. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. And I wouldn't allow you guys to treat me any other way either. The town staff has been incredible from John Rory to Jason Williams, Samantha Waver, Joe Dur. I mean the list goes on and on with people we had internally. Jason Williams was the most actionoriented person that ever ran this town for the time he had it. I would say that to the day I got. Thank you for being so I sent my final email to the town staff earlier today and I said everything I was going to say to them, but let me just be clear. John, thank you for being three steps ahead of everybody. We weren't thinking about things that you were thinking about and I appreciate that. You're capable. will get you qualified. I appreciate that. Uh the people of Spring Lake, thank you for trusting me. You my campaign signs just had my first name because I knew everybody was never going to remember my last name. Raul Palas. So I had Raul on everything was probably not something that I would recommend to anybody else, but it worked for me. So take that for what it is. A lot of things unconventional kind of works. And when you enter into government, I recommend you do things a little unconventional. So if you're not a part of any citizen committee here in Spring Lake or if you see something that needs some change,

let me tell you here, it's like I always say, be a part of it. You can do something. Tell me, does it look right? You can help us clean it up. Paint your own. We can get this thing thing taken together. take put together uh to the board that is being sworn in tonight. You have my support and I am rooting for you. I'll be asking questions still, but I'll be cheering you on, engaging, and doing my civic duty as any citizen should. Luckily, I get to step away on my own terms tonight, but my public service will not end. Thank you. This is so emotional. Commissioner Black, the best freshman on our board. And his beautiful ride just step out like this on a regular day. Commissioner Dr. My jokes deliver best dad jokes. 6:38 and I get a text of something hilarious not too late. What was the one from today? He got paid for the can on that work. Don't worry, it was a soft treat. I mean, what what can't I say about you? From being my brother in arms and bringing that type of discipline to our board, from you cleaning up how many

thousands of pounds of tons? I thought we 124,000 pounds of trash over the last four years. 385 volunteers around service on the weekends in the morning in the rain in the cold without anyone there. That is called commitment and dedication. He brought that to our community on his own before and continued that vainly. Anytime you called, you were there. Anything we asked for you, you committed. You made sure our veterans were taking care of our last person to me. I am an type of dedication to make sure our soldiers, veterans, and their families are cared for. You serve all that great bless. And I thank you for everything you do and we're going to make sure we keep all the style and flare and flesh. Keep back four months to show up just like I right now. So to you presented in recognition and sincere appreciation to Mark for your dedication and leadership to the spring lake and citizens as a spring commissioner from December 2021 to December 2025. Thank you sir. mayor. You know, I've always got something.

All right. I'm going to start off tonight with you never know the meaning of a moment until it becomes a memory. Tonight is my moment. Tonight as I look across the gymnasium at all the people that came out to see the changes of leadership here in Spring Lake. Four years ago, I sat on this stage ready for the challenges that went before us. I worked hard to serve the residents of Spring Lake. Spring Lake better off today because of the decision that you made four years ago. Mayor Anthony says, "Iron sharpens iron." Our iron was forged in fire within the last four years together. Through our commitment to Spring Lake, we sharpen each other. Commissioner Palasios, your fire was contagious and you made me work harder. Always trust your guts. Mayor Corten Cooper, Commissioner Chad and Thompson, thank you for the last four years. We made a difference. To our county leadership, Mr. Miss Autry, James Overington, Chief Char, every department head, every town employee. Your dedication to the residents continue to bring excellence to Spring Lake. Jason Williams, get back here. former interim town manager, current fire chief, public works director. You were the ember that ignited the fire on spring day. We are better off today

because of you, not because you just walked out of the room. Thank you. Doesn't seem to be enough. I am grateful that God put you into Spring Lake. Your talent and leadership has brought us out of our past. Look back. Don't go back. To my brothers and sisters of the military and veterans affairs of high school committee, I salute you for the vision and the hard work that you have put into this town and bettermenting for our military, our veterans, and their family members. Thank you to everyone else that has helped me over the last four years cleaning up Spring Lake one cleanup at a time. You made a difference and you continue to do so. I saved the best for last. My wife,

I can hear you.

Yes, they are. Thank you for your love, support, and encouragement during the last four years. I could not have done all these things without you. Baby, I'm all yours. I would now like to invite our county chairman chairman to the podium for a special special presentation for our outgoing board members.

Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Anthony. And I wanted to recognize my if I can move this as our team here. I want to recognize some other fellow commissioners that are here. Vice Chairman Jones here with me as well as commission. Mary, thank you for giving me a little bit of opportunity tonight. Um, you know, I do have to take a point of virtual privilege. I can never come into Spring Lake and not recognize the former dean of the delegation and just the dean of Spring Lake in so many ways, Representative Barbara Lucas. And people that are here tonight stand on your shoulders and this town is blessed to have you serve that you served it for so many years. So, thanks from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done for this community. I also find it interesting that four years ago, I was here when this incredible team swore in. I was in the state senate and I swore in a mayor at that point, but it was great to see. So, it's great to get to to see you uh leave and all the work that you've done over four years now as the chairman of your county commissioners. So, I want to I've got something for each of you. If you hadn't uh heard, I've started something. We started something when I took over as as the chair. Uh city counties don't have keys, but we have something very important. They're called crests and they're the heartbeat of who we are as a community that reminds you the biggest thing around our crest. It speaks about being together and that's who we are as a community. All municipalities make up one. Um, and I've strived and this board has strived to work together to make sure that uh collectively that all municipalities know they're part of this county. So, first I want to recognize

and I'm not going to mess up your name. Ro Palas, you know, I remember when you first uh were elected and on the trail uh and working on the campaign side and your commitment and your clear vision of what you wanted to do when you came on this board and you did that. This board was unique and you've heard a lot of the accolades from the mayor, but she championed different things across this community to make it better, to make it the quality of life in this community, whether it was murals or or just different things that you did to restore the pride and trust. And progress was made um along the way. And although you didn't seek re-election, don't ever let my wife hear that speech she just gave or I'd be in a lot of trouble. Um but uh although you didn't free election, you do it for the right reasons, and that's taking care of your family as well as taking care of the people in this community. So, I want to present you uh the Cumberland County Crest. We proudly present our county crest to our old Colossios, Spring Lake County Commissioner, in appreciation of your service and dedication to the town of Spring Lake and the county of Cumberland, North Carolina, 2021 through 2025. Thank you. And the next one there may I take a little best rep in Spring Lake. The next commissioner I'd like to recognize is Marvin Blackman. Here's

what I know about him and here's what I will remember him again. I watched them all come in and work together. Commissioner Lightman was always focused on the military and as a veteran I appreciate that. Always taking care of veterans, looking at what we can do, making sure they were in the every thought to the monuments and the park was down here. You always the veterans on the forefront and and that speaks to who you are. You were guided by three principles that I remember hearing you say. Is it legal? Is it ethical? And is it moral? Um and I will tell you this town is better because of people like you. Not only serving, but because you care about this community. So, I want to present you with the county press and remind you uh that there's still a lot of work to be done in this county and we need you. We proudly present our our county crest to Marvin Lton, Spring Lake town commissioner, in appreciation of your service and dedication to the county of Spring Lake in the county of Cumberland, North Carolina, 2021 through 2025. Congratulations. One more I'm sorry Rob.

Next I want to and I wanted to have the vice chairman come up as well and we can move down the floor here. Just want to again watch Commissioner Chadwick come aboard and just the the professionalism, the integrity, the deep commitment to uh public service through your four years. Uh you were that person that always talked about the people, the community. um and you work with the board uh to move in some very difficult times for this town and you help move it forward along with the the rest of the commissioners. Um I know you're going to remain committed to Spring Lake as the mayor as mayor Anthony said we haven't seen the last you're going to continue to do things within Spring Lake and across county. We want to present you the county press to we proudly present our county press to Robin Shadwick, Spring Lake town commissioner in appreciation of your service, dedication to the town of Spring Lake and the county served 2021 to 2025. Congratulations And mayor, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to do this. It's uh extremely important that we recognize our

Good afternoon. This is Dave N, your vice chairwoman, County Commission large. Always a pleasure to be in Springland as this is part of my territory. Haven't been here since for an Olympic like this since I swear in America in 2010. Just so glad to see you all. I want to thank everyone. Those that are coming in that will be sworn in tonight. And I definitely want to thank those that are going out. As we all stay in this room as leaders, we are all always public servants. So again, thank you for those that are going out. continue your journey to serve and I know that you will make your town spring proud and for those that are coming in continue to be the team that you are frame rate song.

Good evening everyone. We will start off with the administration of oath to Mayor Pia Anthony by the honorable Marvin Lucas for I apologize. Sherman Debier from County. Sorry about that, guys. This is where I So before I start um this is uh thank you for the honor first and foremost uh I was privileged to spring the very first time we took office 4 years ago. Seems like yesterday. Uh amazing amount of work and I'm honored to be your friend and swear again and have the opportunity and ability to swear again tonight. So I ask you to raise your right hand, place your hand on the Bible and repeat after me. I, Kia. Anthony

I, Kia. Anthony, do do solemnly affirm do solemnly affirm that I will that I will support and maintain support and maintain the Constitution the Constitution and laws and laws of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution and laws and laws of North Carolina North Carolina not inconsistent with not inconsistent there. and that and that I will faithfully I will faithfully discharge the duties discharge the duties of my office as mayor of my office as mayor. So help be God. So help me be God. Congratulations.

Thank you. Thank you chair for administering in my local office. Um, again, you were here when I first started. You were here before I started. And I thank you for being here again tonight. Um, it's an honor to be sworn in by a politician that my mom was after as well as a peer friend. To the members of the board of commissioners, Mr. Rory Carly, that's my heart. Our town staff, our state and county officials, our community leaders, and every resident has come out tonight. Thank you for being here. This isn't just our swearing, my swearing again. This is our moment together. I've taken the oath before. When I joined the army, I raised my right hand in sworn support and defend the Constitution. When I deployed twice, I was supporting defending the Constitution. I understand what taking the oath means. But this oath, this one is different because this time I'm swearing to serve

the place I've chosen to call home. A place where I build a life, where I walk the same streets and shop at the st same stores and sit in the same track as everyone else. Mistakes been personal in a way that they've never been before. So I don't take this lightly and I hope you don't either. For those of you who don't want to know me, let me tell you, standing in front of you is just a girl from Flint, Michigan, who grew up watching my own city show. I joined the military because I wanted to serve something bigger than myself. I came to Spring Lake as a soldier. I stayed as a neighbor and I ran for mayor as someone who looked around and thought, "We can do better than this." I'm a veteran who understands discipline, accountability, and mission focus. I'm a business owner who knows that what it takes to make payroll and keep the lights on. I'm a resident who drives the same roads and pays the same taxes and wants the same thing we want. A safe place to raise our families. A town that works and a future worth investing in.

Before I get to the work, I need to acknowledge some people. my parents who traveled all the way from Michigan for the first time. Thank you for showing me what service and sacrifice looks like. I wouldn't be standing without you. police, my wife, Nina, my daughter. God didn't just support me. You didn't just support me on this journey. You lift it. Thank you for every sacrifice, every late night. Y'all got this ring with me and I appreciate you for standing strong. You made a sacrifice so that I can serve and I thank you to my team. Honorable mention to my big sister Stephanie Anthony. Yes, you Zamir Green this whole table. Zamir Green mayor of Tony Cooper Dr. Ty Short Derek Mont who I saw in here. I don't know where it went, but I saw it. Charles Evans, the Spring Lake chapter of Five Signal Fraternity, and everyone who knocked doors, main cause, prayed, and believe that this moment belongs to you, too. My friend and campaign advisor party told me in my first term, someone has to fall in order to solidify your win. Real story. In my first term, my friend, Mr. Hem, my daughter Marshall fell harder. This time, I decided to take the dive

myself unintentionally. God bought a hoverboard. Now stay with me here. Okay. My brilliant plan was to revolutionize your mind from house to house like some sort of futuristic mayor. Okay. Very efficient, very modern, very very dumb. I work out right in my living room. God, I fell so hard. I was pretty sure I saw a light. My nephew stood over me and said, "Ti, are you dead?" I wasn't. Good news though, I won. Bad news, we're definitely finding a new strategy next time. Maybe just walking like a normal person. But that story is about board.

It's about spring 22 because it all gets boss. Four years ago, this town was on its knees. The state had financial control. We were at a deficit in our general fund. Trust was broken. Systems were broken. People were leaving. Businesses were faulting. A lot of folks had ripped us off. But we didn't stay down. We balanced budgets. We hired professional staff. We secured millions of dollars in infrastructure funding. We built a strategic plan with a real community input. We started addressing life. We brought stability back to town hall. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The ark of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." Spring Lake arc, it was long, painful. But today, standing here taking this oath again, I can tell you it is bending. And we're the ones bending it. So what does that mean? What am I committing to when I take this? I'm committed to four to our four strategic priorities that this community helped build. Not top down mandates, not my personal issues. These things are these are things that matter to you that you told us. Now I know in construction is but when your basement dilutes and water lines break and your sewer backs up, it becomes the only thing that matters.

Come on now.

We're continuing to fix decades of deferred maintenance. We're continuing to push for funding partners. We're continuing to build a capital plan that does not kick progress to the next generation. We are continuing to communicate clearly every step of the way. Streets, sidewalks, lighting properties that drag entire neighborhoods down. We're continuing to go after them systematically. We're using every tool we have. Legal action, strategic acquisition, partnerships, grants to turn these liabilities into access. I want neighborhoods that look cared for because they are cared for. Public safety is that's about relationship. It's not just about response time. Youth programs that give kids opportunities instead of dreads and falls in the cracks. Affordable housing so families can actually afford to live here. Mental health resources, parks for kids and play safety. partnership with schools, nonpartisans, Cumberland County, and for Bragg. This isn't optional. This foundation, this is the foundation of everything we're trying to build. We're trying to build a made alive, small businesses that thrive, jobs that pay enough to live on. We're launching economic development task force as commission to fill these empty stores to support local entrepreneurs and recruit businesses that respect this community as the gateway commissioner support bragg. We're continuing to make sure our veterans and soldiers and military families know that wage is a place that values their service and invests in their future. So, here's how I'm going to continue to lead this tur. I'm going to continue to be transparent. You'll know what we're

working on, what's going well and what's not. I'm not going to hide my problems or sugar coat them. I'm going to continue to be accountable. You can hold me to the promises I made today, just like you hold to the promises I made four years ago. And if I'm not delivering, tell me. Show up at the meeting, send an email, make certain noise. I work for you and you have every right to demand results. I'm going to continue to be collaborative because there's an African power that I live by and I've already said it once tonight. If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. We're like, we are going far, but I can't do it alone. I need staff to keep showing up as they have and doing excellent work as they have. I need the board of commissioners to keep pushing for progress even when it's hard. I need state and county partners to keep investing in us. I need four bride to see the community that we're becoming, not the one we used to be. And I need residents. Y'all hear me? I need residents to do your part. Show up at the meetings. Volunteer. Join boards and committees. Support local businesses. Look out for your neighbors. Vote, speak up, stay engaged. We move forward together or we don't move forward at all. When Chairman Dempir administered her oath a few minutes ago, I swore to faithfully discharge the duties of this office, and that's a serious commitment. It means I put first. It means I make decisions based on what's right, not what's easy. It means I show up every single day ready to work. But here's what I want you to understand. This oath isn't mine. Every time you choose to

participate in this democracy, you're taking an oath, too. An oath to stay engaged. An oath to hold leaders accountable to believe that small towns can come back from the edge. I came to Spring Lake as a soldier. I stayed as a neighbor. And I ran for mayor as someone who wanted that up for this community. And today, standing here as your mayor again because you believed we could keep going. So, let me make a promise. I promise to work every single day to be worthy of this office. I promise to tell you the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. I promise to fight for infrastructure investments, economic development, public safety, and community pride with everything I got. I promise you this. 4 years from now, when we look back on this moment, we're going to see progress. Real, measurable, visible progress. Not just promises, not just plans, results. Spring, thank you for this honor. Thank you for this trust. Thank you for believing that we are not done yet. Now, let's get back to work for I love you guys so much. Thank you. Now we will do the administration of votes to the board of commissioners starting with commissioner elect Tony Burgess. Okay.

No, not just I Tony Burgess do so that I support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not the consistent herewith and that I will faithfully discharge

discharge the duties of my office as commissioner.

So help me God. Next is Sonia L. Cooper. That will be administered by honorable Marvin W. Lucas, former NC House Representative District 42 and 10th mayor of the town of Spring Lake. Just prior to that minister, I'd like to just a moment of privilege because it reminds me of 1977 when I stood unable to receive the oath of office 1977 and I had the pleasure of God to serve 23 continuous years. Why is there going to rob you guys 24 years?

It's a mixed emotions, but I realized that I would be serving again,

but I will be contin to serve spring. This is normal. remember 1977 but so it's been 84 years and I will continue to ser as long as God is restrained so please know that the time has come a long way baby in 1977 we had to administer the old box in the old spring lake library that's now the police ads. But we have a modern building across the street and we now have a modern building here that we can administer in a modern fashion. So yes, mayor, the challenge to you and your to is to keep growing stronger and better. I, Simon Cooper,

I, Simon Cooper, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain that I will support and maintain the Constitution and the laws of the United States. the Constitution and the laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina. not inconsistent there with not inconsistent therew with and that I will faithfully discharge and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office the duties of my office as commissioner as commissioner

so help me God

so help me God First of all, I want to thank God for this opportunity. Um, I want to thank my beautiful daughters. We had to drive here in this crazy weather to support me. My god, Kesha and my dad, babies, uh, ride, my trainer, my uncle who has helped me um, more than I can say. He's my mom's brother and um, he's just been a lot of support. My beautiful aunt and um my brother expert and I tell you when I call him if somebody's messing with me and I tell them fine. So uh I love you like this all our lives. Uh it's it's an honor to serve. It's been an honor to serve with Commissioner Chry, Commissioner and our Commissioner. You all came in and you helped some of that by and hopefully we will continue to move this

town forward. And again, thank you so much Commissioner Jackie Jackson. Okay. Jackie Jackson I, Jackie Jackson,

doly swear do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States the Constitution and laws of the United States and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and the Constitutional Laws of North Carolina not inconsistent there with not inconsistent there and that I will faithfully discharge and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office the duties of my office as commissioner as commissioner. So help me God.

So help me God. I'm here with the grace of God and I give them all the glory. I want to thank everybody that supported me, family, friends, my mom who's always been there for me. Um, Angela, my children, my my cheerle. And I want to thank my apostles. They're here. Apostle Patrice Davis and Apostle Glenn Davis of Creative Center Ministry and just to say we don't have church. So I just want I am ready Thomas. I am ready. We have um we have some things that we have to do and I'm ready to do it. So thank you so much for allowing me to be your commissioner for the next four weeks. Commissioner Leo Southerntherland administered by Rita Perry Ferris.

Good afternoon. I, Southerntherland, I, Freeda Southerntherland, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I support and maintain that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States the Constitution and the laws of the United States. Constitution, laws and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not consistent with and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office as commissioner.

So help me God. I thought I said enough. But I do understand and I stand proud as a Spring Lake resident that's been here for 46 years, taxpayer and have invested in this great town of Spring Lake. But I stand as a winner because Spring Lake, you are the winners. You've upheld me 16 straight years as I stand on the should of the great Mayor Clark who served over 30 years. Anybody that can serve in municipalities and government, they are great and I stand on her shoulders. I have a proven past and a focused future.

I do stand. I stand in this recreation center. The under great Mary Clark, we built this recreation center. This old girl, our names, if you would like to see them when you walk out of here, they posted on the board. I thank you for serving with you. Mr. Larry Dobins. Reverend Larry Dobins, I thank you as being my brother in Christ that I serve with you. I thank you that we had sidewalks put in, traffic signals, for the safety, the so much so much so much. for the children, the splash pad, the tennis court, the basketball. So I as I I can go on and on and on the 16 years that I did serve and I do serve. I have a position that you all gave me and I appreciate the work. Four years ago, I said God was not pleasing me yet and he wasn't. As an ordained minister, my first love is preaching, respecting God, and respecting others.

So, I stand strong, honestly with integrity for all people. Now, if we're going to work together, we can't just be about it. We got to talk about it. That's what every position in the great town of Spring Lake, every leadership because every citizen is very important from all the way down as we continue to raise him up and build this great foundation. I want to thank my son who's been with me every time I ran this race. The man that he has become the strong leader and respected citizen of this great town. And I would be remiss if I didn't ask you some stand a retired veteran Michael. You allowed me to serve for 16 straight years. I thank you. I appreciate you. And I love you. It's a song I have four more years and I know you want to stand strong behind me. So boo. Thank you. Bonire grew up in the town of Spring Lake, the great town of Spring Lake. My son, she's served in the military in Hawaii for many years about 12 years. So, and still in the military. So, I thank them as well. They are concerned about their mother, but they know their mother loves Spring Lane. And I will stand where they carry and do the job. But we have to work together to do this job. We can't be about it. We can't just talk about it. We have to be

about it. I ask my family, my church family that supports me, my sister that stands on the end of the financial business owner, worked here for many years to please stand. I want to applaud you for your prayers. Please stand. Please stand. Please stand. Please, thank you so much for your service. It's over 50 years in a row. I thank you for lifting me up in prayer, keeping me grounded, and I ask you to continue to lift me up, keep me grounded for God to keep you the covering over me as I do the work that he's called me to do. So again, I thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to working with each one of you. So for that I am done. Matter of fact it's January 11 here a word from the Lord's over there.

To God be the Lord. I thank you my brother for always standing strong. I thank you that I was able to serve with you for many years. You threw your head back in and God is not finished with you yet. So for that we'll continue to lead and service the communities that God has chosen us to do. So thank you priest. Thank you. Commissioner Adrien Thompson, the Honorable Mike, District 42 in the House of Representatives. Good evening everyone. uh just prior to minister like to give a congratulations to Mayor Anthony and all of the commissioners on your your service to the community and thank you all for your leadership. I'd like to also give you this personal congratulations to your courage sacrifice service dedication to you. I

I Adrien Thompson Adrienne Thompson do do solemnly swear solemnly swear that I will that I will maintain maintain the Constitution the Constitution and laws and laws of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and the Constitution and laws and laws North Carolina of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith not inconsistent therewith and that I confer I will faithfully discharge and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office the duties of my office as commissioner as commissioner as help me God. So help me God.

Help me. Good evening. Amen.

It's an honor to stand with you all today and I'm going to honor the moment. But first and foremost, I'd like to thank him um to be sworn in as a commissioner again from the town of Spring. I want to begin by thanking the residents of our community for placing their trusty for the past four years and the four years to follow. I would like to thank thank the town manager um Carly the town clerk and all the department heads as well as our citizens. Um I will continue to live up to to the standards. I will look forward to continuing serving with my fellow commissioners as we continue to keep the town safe um have opportunities for all in a safe environment. My commitment is central to listen to lead with integrity to make decisions that reflect the needs and the voices of the county and for the people that call this camp home. Thank you to my family um two years ago my dad wasn't able to be here because he was going through cancer treatment. He has now transitioned but he's always here with me and he'll continue to watch over me and my family and like I would just like to thank citizen. I'd like to ask around all applause FOR OUR AND ASK FOR a business. I'll enter a motion to elect the mayor.

There are two motions on the floor. One has to go first. So, we'll take the motion to do the vote first. It's been moved to properly second. Is there any discussion? All in favor with raising hands. All right. That motion does not carry. I'm not entertain motion. I make a motion to Is there a second?

Any discussion? All in favor? The motion carries. Mayor President glory. This is for the office of William Pro. I, Frederick Southern,

I, Frederick Southern, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws the Constitution and laws of the United States of the United States and the Constitution and laws and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina of North Carolina. not inconsistent therewith not inconsistent therewith and I will faithfully discharge and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my office the duties of my office as mayor approach him as mayor pro so help me God so help me

congratulations Congratulations again to Mayor Pro. Now I would like to have a point of privilege. I wanted to open it up to a few of our elected officials if you wanted to come up and have very very brief remarks. Is there anyone who wanted to speak who must well I will now uh adjourn this meeting and there are some refreshments over here provided by bougie bites and boards and villain. I forgot by no.

Oh, I thought I was going to always miss them. weird. No, no, no.