Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Windsor Town Clerk Terry Whitehead will retire from her longtime role at the end of the year.

James “Jay” Randolph, Windsor’s planning and zoning administrator, announced near the end of the Windsor Planning Commission’s Oct. 25 meeting after a decision to cancel the commission’s November meeting made the Oct. 25 session the Planning Commission’s final meeting of 2023.

Commissioners were preparing to adjourn the meeting when it was noted that the commission’s final regular meeting for the year, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 15, would conflict with a recognition dinner being held the same night in honor of former Windsor elected officials Kelly Blankenship, Durwood Scott, Glyn T. Willis and Greg Willis.

Wednesday, Nov. 29, was suggested as an alternative meeting date, but Commissioner Larissa Williams indicated that she would not be able to attend at that time.

“If it’s the desire of the commission, we can cancel the meeting,” Randolph said. “The only thing I have set for that (Nov.) 15th meeting date would be the next chapter of the Comprehensive Plan, so that’s something that certainly could be pushed back to January.”

He indicated that this change would give him more time to prepare.

“It’s a quick turnaround, even on the 15th, for putting the package together and getting that all to you,” he said.

Williams motioned to postpone the next Planning Commission meeting until January, and the commission voted 6-0 in approval. Commissioner LaTara Harris was not present for the meeting.

After the vote, Randolph said, “If I may have the ear of the commission here, seeing (as) we will not be meeting in November, if you could all thank Ms. Terry Whitehead for her wonderful service here to the town. She has announced her retirement effective Jan. 1, so that would make tonight’s meeting the last Planning Commission meeting for Ms. Whitehead.”

Commission members communicated their congratulations to Whitehead.

“You very well deserve it,” Commissioner Ricky Vaughan said.

“Thank you,” Whitehead replied.

Commissioner G. Devon Hewitt asked, “Who’s going to be stepping into your shoes?” For an answer, she directed him to Commissioner David Adams, who serves on the Windsor Town Council.

“We have interviews lined up, I think, for the second of November for a couple of candidates, so that’s in the works,” Adams said.

Windsor Town Manager William Saunders confirmed Wednesday, Nov. 1, that the interviews were set for Thursday, Nov. 2, and that a hire would come at a later date.

During the October commission meeting, Adams said, “Hopefully, we can give them a solid month turnover before Terry rides off into the sunset.”

This wording caught the attention of Williams, who had been allowing for the possibility that Whitehead might retain some duties, like those that involve her working up front in the office at Windsor Town Hall.

“So you’re totally retiring, you’re not going to be up front?” Williams said. “I’m not going to see your smiling face?”

“No,” Whitehead said with a smile.

“That’s terrible,” Williams said. “I mean, congratulations, but I’m going to miss you – seriously.”

“I’m going to miss you guys too,” Whitehead said.

Randolph said, “She’s worked for the town for over 18 years and I don’t know how many countless Planning Commission meetings and (Town) Council meetings.”

“Quite a few,” Commission Chairman Leonard L. Marshall said.

“Wonderful co-worker,” Randolph said in conclusion.