To: Honorable Mayor and Members of Town Council
From: Lisa Anderson, Town Clerk
Title
Proclamation: Cornerstone Tribute Award to Gerald “Jerry” F. Potter
Body
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Background and Outline of the Program
In 2007, Town Council approved the creation of the Cornerstone Tribute to give public recognition to individuals and organizations that help the Town reach the goals of the four Cornerstones established as part of the Vision 2020 Statement: Town Identity, Community Planning, Community Services and Local Economy.
Nominations are submitted to the Town Clerk; and a panel, chaired by the Mayor, reviews the nominations to determine if the nominee meets at least one of the Cornerstones. The panel is made up of residents from the areas of Education, Business, Youth and a Resident-at-Large.
If the nomination is approved, they are to be recognized with a formal Proclamation presented during a Town Council meeting, and a permanent Cornerstone Tribute sign will be placed in a location approved by the Parks and Recreation department.
Nomination for the Cornerstone Tribute
The family of Gerald “Jerry” F. Potter submitted a nomination outlining a long list of contributions that he made to the Town of Castle Rock. (Attachment B).
In summary, Jerry moved his family to Castle Rock in 1963 and started his business “Jerry’s Sheet Metal” at 310 4th Street. He purchased their home at 521 3rd Street (known as “The Doctor’s House”). Jerry and his wife Arlette raised their children and provided foster care to numerous young boys.
Jerry was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for 11 years from 1964-1975 where he served as Secretary, President, Chairman of the Improvement and Recreation Committee, received the Outstanding Community Achievement Award, was elected to serve on the Board of Directors, and donated his time to ensure the success of numerous community events including the Starlighting Ceremony.
Jerry was a member of the Castle Rock Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years from 1964-1986 serving as Fire Chief, educating children on fire prevention and fighting numerous fires to protect the community.
Jerry, along with Dan Burgess a previous Cornerstone Tribute recipient, were instrumental in establishing Centennial Park.
Panel Review and Recommendation
A panel was made up of four individuals: Business Owner of Flying Horse Catering: Jim DeLay, Retired Douglas County School District Superintendent: Rick O’Connell; Resident: Terry Wilson; Douglas County Youth Initiative: Marsha Alston.
The Mayor and Town Clerk met with the panel on October 29, 2019; and it was unanimously agreed to award Jerry Potter the Cornerstone Tribute. A summary of their comments consisted of because of Jerry and others like him there is a foundation of where we are today, and giving boys a wonderful home to stay in to get them through a tough time and that “all are welcome in the Potter home” is a wonderful thing to be known for. We need to make sure we are able to thank them.
The Mayor would like to present the family with a Proclamation recognizing Jerry for his service to the community and recipient of the Cornerstone Tribute (Attachment A).
A ceremony for the installation of the sign will be scheduled at a later date.
Attachments
Attachment A: Proclamation
Attachment B: Nomination