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Page 1 of 1 Ogden City Council Meeting: February 21, 2017 RECOGNIZING COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILLIAM B. COOK Action: Adopt Joint Resolution Summary This is a request to recognize Ogden City Council Executive Director William B. Cook for his exemplary service to Ogden City during the past 15 years. Bill will be present to accept the recognition. It is anticipated that other family, friends and colleagues will also be in attendance. Council Staff Contact: Brittany Griffin, (801)629-8103 ---PAGE BREAK--- #2017-2 RECOGNIZING OGDEN CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WILLIAM B. COOK FOR HIS EXEMPLARY SERVICE TO OGDEN CITY WHEREAS, William B. Cook has undeniably changed Ogden for the better during his 15 years of service as Ogden City Council Executive Director. Bill has taken the lead on several unprecedented initiatives that have resulted in strong partnerships, a more welcoming community, and an improved city. Some of the highlights of his legacy include the College Town Coalition, the Diversity Charter and Commission, Ogden’s new brand, the Quality Neighborhoods Initiative, the Recreation Master Plan, the Civic Action Plan, and several initiatives to create a healthier community; and WHEREAS, During the past 15 years, Bill has experienced Ogden’s best of times and the worst of times, as the city has undergone a Renaissance. He began working for the Council on September 10, 2001, the day before the September 11th terrorist attacks. While the nation was in a state of shock, Ogden faced its own unique challenges, including the decision to tear down the old mall and the infamous gondola controversy. Bill guided the Council and community through these discussions and the many others that would follow with fairness, professionalism, and unparalleled Level-5 leadership; and WHEREAS, Prior to accepting the role of Council Executive Director, Bill worked as the Executive Office Administrator for Snohomish County, just north of Seattle, Washington. He was born in Rupert, Idaho, adopted at three days old, and raised on a farm outside of Pocatello, Idaho in a community called Tyhee. He served in the United States Marine Corps and later graduated from Idaho State University; and WHEREAS, Bill has had the opportunity to live in and visit many different communities, but Ogden has become home. He was not aware of any family connections to Ogden or Utah when he first moved here, but he has discovered that he has many ancestors who were born, lived, or died in Ogden. Those familial ties and the relationships he has built have made Ogden so much more than just an incredible place to live; and WHEREAS, During his retirement, Bill intends to remain in Ogden and spend more time with his family. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children and eight grandchildren. Bill plans to volunteer at Weber State University and continue wearing purple every day—a tradition he started more than four years ago as co-chair of the College Town Coalition. He will also do pro bono consulting with the International City Management Association to assist city managers around the world. His first assignment is to speak at two conferences in China; and WHEREAS, Bill’s influence on Council members, Council staff, and so many in our community is strongly felt. He has created an environment, both in the City Council Office and throughout the community, where people feel safe, valued, and understood. We will greatly miss his presence and guidance. However, we are confident that he will continue to build upon his legacy in a different capacity. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ogden City Council and Mayor Michael P. Caldwell hereby recognize William B. Cook for his countless contributions to the Ogden community. We are grateful for his powerful influence in shaping Ogden into what it is today and what it will become in the future. We wish him our best in all of his future endeavors. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of February 2017. Marcia L. White, Council Chair Michael P. Caldwell, Mayor ATTEST: Tracy Hansen, City Recorder