Title
Resolution in Recognition of Terry P. O'Neill
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
To approve the resolution in recognition of Terry P. O'Neill.
Recommendation:
Rec
To approve the resolution in recognition of Terry P. O'Neill.
Body
WHEREAS, Terry P. O’Neill moved to Hampton, Virginia, at an early age, graduating from Hampton High School;
WHEREAS, he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in 1980 and studied City Planning and Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology;
WHEREAS, in the early 1980s, he worked for architectural firms Cooper Carry Associates and Forrest Coile Associates;
WHEREAS, Mr. O’Neill began his career with the City of Hampton in 1983, excelling in every position he attained from City Planner, Senior Planner, Assistant Director and Director of Planning, and later as the Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services;
WHEREAS, during his time with the City, he continued his education and graduated from the University of Virginia’s Management Excellence Program and the Senior Executive Institute;
WHEREAS, in 2010, Mr. O’Neill was chosen to direct the Community Development Department which provides planning, zoning, building, codes compliance, permitting and neighborhood services for the City;
WHEREAS, he was instrumental in making Hampton an international model of participatory engagement of neighborhoods and youth in strategic planning; advocated for youth leadership and decision making for issues that impact the future of the City, most notably through the Youth Planner Program; and patiently explained policies, plans and strategies to residents and community leaders, providing them with the knowledge needed to participate in civic dialogue;
WHEREAS, Mr. O’Neill received a number of awards in recognition of his hard work and dedication, including the City’s Director of the Year Award and the Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association’s Planning Leadership Award;
WHEREAS, Mr. O'Neill served in an advisory role to many boards and commissions over his career with the City, including but not limited to the Board of Zoning Appeals, Neighborhood Commission, Wetlands Board, Youth Commission, Economic Development Authority and Secretary to the Planning Commission. In the mid-90s, Mr. O'Neill was instrumental in forming the Regional Planning Commissioners’ Forum, and in holding joint work sessions of the Planning Commission with the City Council and other boards and commissions;
WHEREAS, in his leisure time, Mr. O’Neill enjoys spending time in the outdoors. He is an accomplished runner, swimmer, and cyclist, and often participates in two to three triathlons each year;
WHEREAS, Mr. O’Neill is known for being devoted to the City and its citizens. He has spent countless hours promoting sound land use policies for the City, being a cheerleader for Hampton and cheering on the Hampton Crabbers; and
WHEREAS, on July 1, 2023, Terry P. O’Neill will retire from his position as Director of the Community Development Department after 40 years of dedicated service in the City of Hampton.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Hampton, Virginia, that Terry P. O’Neill be, and hereby is, recognized and commended for his commitment to the City of Hampton, its staff and its citizens.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the May 10, 2023, City Council meeting of the City of Hampton, Virginia, and that an appropriate copy be signed by the Mayor, attested by the Clerk, and presented to Terry P. O’Neill.