Council Names New Park in Honor of White

by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Aug. 26 meeting of the Sewanee Community Council, council members recognized Phil White for his ongoing efforts on behalf of the Sewanee dog park. The council also took up a number of procedural and appointment changes. This was the first meeting of the academic year.

Phil White began promoting the cause of the dog park in 2010 and worked tirelessly to see his dream realized. The dog park opened just a few weeks ago. Naming the dog park in White’s honor, the council presented him with a sign that will be posted at the site. The sign reads, “Phil White Dog Park.”

White thanked the University for providing the land and water service to the site. The steering committee continues to raise money for operational expenses and amenities, White said. Donations may be made at Southern Community Bank.

Vice-Chancellor John McCardell announced the appointment of Frank Gladu to the council to fill the seat vacated by John Vineyard. Gladu recently assumed the office of vice president for administrative services at the University.

In May, the council approved meeting dates for the coming year. Provost John Swallow proposed the June 2014 meeting be changed from June 23 to June 30 to accommodate council member absences. The council agreed to the change.

Swallow also proposed by-laws and constitution changes to address a change in procedures. At the April meeting, the council decided to appoint someone who did not serve on the council to take minutes, since several council members who had served as secretary expressed regret that they could not participate fully in the meeting when taking notes. Swallow recommended removing all references to “secretary” from the by-laws and amending the constitution to read, “a secretary designated by the council shall keep a record of all meetings and conduct routine correspondence of the council.” Amendments to the constitution must be considered at the previous meetings before a vote is taken. The council will vote on the amendment change at the September meeting.

The policies of the University Lease Committee call for two council members to serve as representatives. The council approved the nomination of council members Pam Byerly and Dennis Meeks to serve on the Lease Committee.

Vice Chancellor McCardell announced the appointment of community member Adam Tucker to the Lease Committee to fill the seat vacated by John Vineyard.

Gladu introduced the new manager of the Sewanee Market, Misty Patel. The Market recently opened for business, Patel said, and plans to be fully stocked by Sept. 10. There will be a formal opening and ribbon-cutting when renovations are complete.

In response to a question from a council member, Police Chief Marie Eldridge explained that the weather alert siren only sounds for tornado warnings, not for tornado watches and severe thunderstorms. In the past, the siren sounded to announce tornado watches, but the police received complaints about the frequency of the alerts, and residents tended to ignore the siren.

The Sewanee Community Council meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Community Center unless otherwise announced. The meetings are open to the public.