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.