David Cheek’s tenure as city manager came to a close Monday; city councilmen commended Cheek for his service.
Former mayor Glendel Stephenson, who retired last year, was on hand, as well.
In addition to praising Cheek’s time at Mebane’s helm, Stephenson announced that Gov. Roy Cooper has awarded Cheek the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian honor that North Carolina’s governor can issue.
Previous recipients include both Stephenson and councilman Tim Bradley.
Several members lamented that the coronavirus pandemic had caused Cheek’s last city council meeting to be held by the Zoom teleconferencing platform rather than in person, a phenomenon that council member Jill Auditor said made the online event saying goodbyes to Cheek seem “inadequate.”
Council member Patty Philipps praised Cheek for embodying “the positivity and charm” of Mebane. Hooks praised Cheek for having brought a lot of professionalism to the city through his hires in “putting together a great staff.”
