Hampton council says farewell to Mayor Wood

Hampton Mayor Russell Wood presided over his final city council meeting on Thursday, April 28.

At the meeting, the council approved an amendment for the proposal from SVPA Architects Design Services for the city hall remodeling project. The amendment will cover additional design costs amounting to a total of $14,700.

The council plans to award a contract for the project during the May 12 meeting.

In other business, the council held the third and final reading of an ordinance that would install a four-way stop sign at the intersection of 1st Avenue NW and 3rd St. NW, on the northeast corner of Fareway. After discussing observations that had been made at the intersection and acknowledging public feedback, the council approved the final reading of the ordinance, authorizing the installation of the stop signs.

In employee reports, Public Works Director Doug Tarr reported on the city's recent clean-up event, noting that the city collected 400 loads of waste from the community to be disposed of. Tarr was pleased with the amount of community participation in the clean-up and went over some of the logistical issues that will need to be addressed in the future.

"It was a learning curve for everybody because we hadn't had one for so long," said Tarr.

Tarr said that they may look at arranging for a similar monthly collection, possibly opening the program up to county residents if collaboration with the county can be made.

Finally, the council bid farewell to Mayor Wood, who has resigned his position due to the demands on his time and energy from his regular job. The council will appoint a new mayor during the next regular meeting on May 12. In the meantime, council member Steve Birdsall will serve as Mayor Pro-Tem.

While all of the council members shared their appreciation of Wood, council member Patrick Palmer offered a prepared speech to send Wood off with.

In a tongue-in-cheek roasting of the mayor, Palmer noted Wood's failure to stop strong winds from blowing in the city along with his lack of progress in surrounding Hampton in either a giant dome or a moat during his term.

"Instead, while being Mayor, here’s what has happened," said Palmer. "While you were getting your wheels under you, we had a pandemic. You asked us to mask up to set an example for others in our community, so I did and many others of us did. During one of the worst economic times, more than 20 new businesses or business expansions happened. From a new grocery store, to main street businesses, to home-based businesses, Hampton held strong and stood on her own."

Wood himself thanked the council and city staff for their support over the years, acknowledging the time and energy that everybody puts into their roles. He also encouraged the council and his eventual successor to stay positive and actively consider thinking outside the box to address the city's issues.

"I really have enjoyed this time," said Wood. "Thank you very much for tolerating me tonight and throughout the past three years."