City of Greensboro

December 7, 2009
In This Issue
City Council Action Wrap-Up
City Selects Parks & Recreation Director
Festival of Lights
Community Input Sought on Downtown Greenway
New Snake Exhibit at Bur-Mil Park
 
Did You Know?
City Connections
The December episode of City Connections, Channel 13's monthly show that focuses on happenings in the City, is now available. This episode features information on the City's new stimulus Web site, holiday safety tips and much more. Watch the episode now.
 
Recycling in Greensboro
You can do your part to keep Greensboro 'green' by recycling. Learn about the importance of recycling, what happens to recycled materials and how Greensboro's recycling program works on Tuesday, December 8, from 6:30-7:30 pm at Bur-Mil Park, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd. The class is free and open to the public. Call 336-373-3802 for more information.
 
Zoning Commission Meeting
The Greensboro Zoning Commission will hold a meeting on Monday, December 14, at 2 pm in Council Chambers of the Melvin Municipal Office Building, 300 W. Washington St. The meeting is open to the public.
 
Free Computer Classes
The Greensboro Public Library offers free computer classes each month. Classes include Introduction to Computers, Introduction to Microsoft Word, Advanced Microsoft Word and much more. Visit the Library's events page for classes, dates and times.
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City Council Action Wrap-Up
Outgoing Council says yes to using Hotel-Motel tax to help fund aquatic center; new Council wants to take a second look.
At a special meeting on Tuesday, December 1, outgoing City Council members conducted a public hearing to consider funding options for an aquatic center at the Greensboro Coliseum. After hearing comments from the public, Council decided to move ahead with the project using revenues from the City's Hotel-Motel tax to make up the funding gap between the $12 million bond issue and the $18,875,000 cost of the proposed facility.

Following conclusion of the special meeting, outgoing Council members met for their regularly scheduled final meeting, which was largely ceremonial. Mayor Yvonne Johnson, Mayor Pro-Tem Sandra Anderson-Groat, Dr. Goldie Wells and Mike Barber concluded their terms. After a brief adjournment, the new City Council was sworn in and Nancy Vaughan was selected and sworn in as the new Mayor Pro Tem. Learn more about the new Council.

Once routine activities were concluded, the new Council decided to review the aquatic center issue at the December 15 City Council meeting.

To view the entire meeting or past meetings, visit City Council's video archive page.
City Selects Parks & Recreation Director
Park Operations & Athletic Services director for Mecklenburg County selected.
Jackson selected as new director of Greensboro Parks & Recreation.Gregory Jackson has been selected as the City's new director of Parks & Recreation. Jackson, who is currently director of Park Operations & Athletic Services for Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Department in Charlotte, NC, will oversee the City's Parks & Recreation Department's efforts to provide quality, diverse year-round leisure opportunities for residents and visitors of Greensboro.

Jackson brings more than 20 years of experience working in parks and recreation to his new role. Previous work experience includes serving as park district general manager for Mecklenburg Park & Recreation Department, facilities supervisor for Lee County Parks & Recreation Department in Ft. Myers, Fla., and assistant park program supervisor for Collier County Parks & Recreation Department in Naples, Fla. Read more about this appointment.
Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights

The 21st annual Festival of Lights was held Friday, December 4, in downtown Greensboro. Herds of residents and visitors hit the streets to celebrate the event, which included more than 200 performance groups, an appearance by 'Santa' and the lighting of a 38-foot Christmas tree.
Public Input Sought on Downtown Greenway
Your feedback can help make Greensboro more walkable.
Share your opinions about alternative designs for Phase 2 of the Downtown Greenway during one of two public comment sessions Tuesday, December 8, at the Central Library, 219 N. Church St. Attend either the 12 noon to 2 pm session or the 5-7 pm session, coordinated by the City's Transportation and Parks and Recreation departments and Action Greensboro. Learn more.
New Snake Exhibit at Bur-Mil Park
Exotic snakes make Greensboro home. 
Bur-Mil Park has added a new snake exhibit at the Frank Sharp Jr. Wildlife Education Center, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Rd. The two-level display features a Ball Python and Rainbow Boa Constrictor. The habitat closely simulates the natural environment of snakes with special attention given to factors such as proper temperature and humidity. The exhibit is open daily from 9 am-5 pm and admission is free of charge. Come out and see these exotic snakes and welcome them to their new home! For more information, contact Ben Boven, Bur-Mil Park program coordinator, at 336-373-3819.