Wilmington City Council Special Meeting on Water Shutoff Veto Override - August 6, 2026
Wilmington City Council Special Meeting - August 6, 2026
This was a special meeting of the Wilmington City Council called to consider overriding Mayor John Carney's veto of a water shutoff protection ordinance (Ordinance 2517, substitute by Councilwoman Darby). However, only five of the thirteen council members were present, falling short of the required quorum of seven. As a result, the meeting was dissolved into a committee of the whole to hear public comments informally. No official vote could be taken on the override, which was the only opportunity within the 15-day window after the veto, meaning the veto stands.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Joe Connor (8th district): Expressed disappointment that three council members who voted for the ordinance did not attend to support the override. Called for justice for Kadir Skinner and an end to police violence. Asserted that water is a human right.
- Tony Sierzega (District 8, eviction defense attorney, Classy): Thanked Council President Congo, Councilwoman Darby, and Councilman Hackett for their support. Stated that Classy will continue to fight for the next round.
- Emily Van Vlack (virtual, person with disabilities): Shared personal experience of being unable to afford water and electricity. Urged the city to show grace and not shut off water, calling it an essential human right.
- Lena Jade (5th district, blind couple): Highlighted the difficulties of living without running water. Called water a basic human right and urged a yes vote.
- Laura Rivera (5th district, disabled): Expressed sadness at having to revisit the issue. Criticized absent council members and urged the override.
- Lynn Kilhorn (Tide Shift Justice Project): Advocated for fines and fees reform. Criticized the administration's arguments against the override, noting that protecting even a small number of vulnerable people is important and that other jurisdictions have not seen widespread nonpayment.
- Brandon Fletcher (virtual): Supported the override, citing city data: in 2024, 721 shutoff notices for $1.8 million in unpaid bills yielded only $135,000 in collections (7%), and only 57 customers were actually disconnected. Argued that shutoffs are not effective and urged payment plans and assistance instead.
- Unnamed speaker (virtual): Expressed disappointment at low attendance. Called Mayor Carney's veto cruel and criticized the administration's handling of the Kadir Skinner shooting and homeless encampments. Urged the override and an independent audit of the police.
- Christina Kelly (virtual): Submitted a prepared statement for the record. Expressed anger at empty chairs, stating that absent council members failed the community. Called the situation a disgrace.
- Jonathan Tate (5th generation, 1st ward): Urged the override. Highlighted public health impacts of water shutoffs, including disease spread. Alleged that the Buccini Pollen Group wants to push out poor residents and criticized the administration's response to Kadir Skinner's death. Called for standing up for vulnerable residents.
- Anna Abeleth (8th district, virtual): Thanked present council members. Urged the override, stating water is essential to life, health, and safety. Noted that physical violence is not the only form of violence.
Key Outcomes
- No quorum achieved: Only 5 of 13 council members were present (Council President Congo, Councilmembers Owens, Darby, Willower, and Hackett). Councilmembers Spadola, Field, Bracie, Harley, Oliver, Kibera, and McCoy were excused.
- Meeting dissolved to committee of the whole: No official business could be conducted; only public comment was heard.
- Veto stands: This was the only opportunity to override the mayor's veto within the 15-day window, so no further action is possible on this ordinance.
- Adjourned: The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously.
Meeting Transcript
The meeting will please come to order. At this time, we are going to have our opening prayer by Mary Alina Rivera. But before that, I want to welcome everyone who is in council chambers with us and everyone who's with us virtually. Today is Thursday, August the sixth. This is a special meeting of council. Heavenly Father, we have assembled to handle the affairs of our city. As we do so, we ask for your guidance and understanding. And now we will recite the pleasure of allegiance. Councilman Owens. Present. Councilwoman Darby. Present. Councilwoman Oliver. Councilwoman Harley. Councilwoman Willower. Present. Councilwoman McCoy. Councilman Johnson. Councilman Field. Councilman Hackett. Councilman Spadola. President Congo. Here. Five present and one of the eight absent. Okay, thank you. And because we do not have uh seven council members present, uh there is not a quorum of council members, so this will not be an official uh council meeting. Uh the attendance the attendance of at least seven council members is required to establish quorum for official meetings of city council. When quorum is not present on the initial roll call, council shall consider only the following motions. A fixed time to which adjourn, to adjourn, to recess, or to secure attendance of absent members, or to proceed as in as if in a committee of the whole for the purpose of considering informally and reporting to the council upon any matter on the agenda. This time I will accept a motion to dissolve and to a committee of the whole. Any opposed as a friendly remember uh as a final reminder, anyone who wants to give uh public comment, there is a Google form sign-up link in the chat. If you're virtual and also if you're in council chambers, you may sign up on the uh on the sign-up list, just be just in front of you. Has anyone signed up for public comment, either virtually or anyone in council chambers? All right, just give us a few moments, please. If I have you come forward. Yes, you may be excused. Thank you. Okay, we'll get started. I think we have if we have their names momentarily, we'll get started. Thank you. All right, starting off with those who are in council chambers. We have Ebony Broadway. Okay. Joseph Connor. After Mr. Connor, our next speaker in Council Chambers will be Tony Zierga. Sierzega. Sorry. Thank you for joining us. And please remember to introduce yourself.
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