Wilmington City Council Agenda Briefing Meeting – March 31, 2025

The Wilmington City Council held an Agenda Briefing meeting on March 31, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in City Hall Council Chambers to review items scheduled for the April 1, 2025, regular council meeting. The meeting included two detailed presentations: an update on the Brooklyn Arts District Social District Pilot Program and a status report on the Kenan Fountain repairs. No public comments were taken, and the consent agenda items were noted without discussion.

Consent Calendar

• The council reviewed the consent agenda for the April 1 meeting, including approval of minutes (C1), a lease amendment with TOVA Wealth Management (C2), a resolution for an annexation petition investigation (C3), and a resolution revising membership terms of the downtown municipal services district advisory committee (C4). No questions or discussion were raised, and the consent agenda was accepted.

Discussion Items

Social District Pilot Project Update

• Deputy City Manager Chad McEwen reported on the pilot social district program in the Brooklyn Arts District, held on the first three Saturdays of February 2025. Key points:
  • No additional city services or financial contributions were requested; Wilmington Downtown Inc. (WDI) provided supplemental services.
  • Feedback from business owners, residents, and attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many noting increased business for non-alcohol establishments and a “butterfly effect” drawing visitors to surrounding areas.
  • Few complaints (2–3 written) focused on residential parking and concerns about public intoxication/urination. No calls to police, fire, or Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) were made.
  • Lessons learned include the need for better parking signage (already improved by directing visitors to Skyline Deck), clearer boundary designations, and crowd management at participating alcohol establishments.
  • The Brooklyn Arts District Collective has submitted a draft request to make the social district permanent—every Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., within the same footprint. Staff is developing a framework to internally review such requests, aiming to bring a proposal to council within the next few months.
• Council discussion:
  • Councilmember Rivenbark asked about a mechanism for future social district requests; Mr. McEwen confirmed a structure is being created.
  • Mayor Pro-Tem Barnett questioned whether one pilot justifies permanence; staff said it would be case-by-case, noting that the pilot worked with minor, addressable issues.
  • Councilmember Andrews requested robust public notification (mailings to all residents within the footprint) before any permanent proposal comes to council.
  • Councilmember Joyner raised concerns about city staff capacity to monitor multiple future districts; staff acknowledged the need to limit time slots and rely on self-management by districts.
  • Councilmember Spears emphasized that many residents were not contacted and worried about fair representation; he also noted safety concerns about drinking and driving.
  • Mayor Saffo supported the application/permit process as a tool to address bad actors and protect neighborhoods.
  • Jane McDonald from Coastal Horizons (Cape Fear Coalition) offered to present best practices for social districts when the item returns.

Kenan Fountain Repairs Update

• Public Works Director Dave Mayes provided a status update on the Kenan Fountain, originally gifted in 1921 and damaged by an NCDOT paving accident that broke the bowl.
• Current repair costs and funding:
  • Contractor accident repairs: estimated $225,000, with $98,560 from a processed insurance claim (potential for additional funds pending bids).
  • Restoration (joints, stone, ornate features): $310,000; $138,736 budgeted.
  • Plumbing improvements to address safety/access issues: $65,000.
  • Bench repairs (south side, vehicle hit): $48,630; claim pending, full reimbursement expected.
  • Baluster repairs: east side $91,500, west side $68,850; no claims available for these damages.
  • Total estimated cost: $808,710; available funds/claims: $237,276; shortfall: $571,434.
• Recommendations:
  • Remove the balusters (most frequently damaged) to reduce costs by ~$160,000.
  • Fund bench repairs and file a claim for full reimbursement.
  • Fund plumbing improvements to eliminate confined-space safety issues.
• Bid process underway; pre-bid held last week, bids open April 22, target to bring a contract award resolution and appropriation ordinance to council on May 20, 2025. The proposed appropriation of $450,000 includes contingency and baluster removal; if balusters are kept, costs would increase.
• Council discussion:
  • Councilmember Rivenbark expressed frustration that the NCDOT contractor’s insurance only paid $98,560 of the $225,000 accident claim and requested the risk manager explain the shortfall.
  • Councilmember Joyner supported not reconstructing balusters and using landscape improvements instead.
  • Councilmember Andrews noted that 24 police-reported accidents (half DWI) have occurred at the fountain, underscoring safety concerns and the burden on taxpayers.
  • Councilmember Waddell suggested relocating the entire fountain and amenities to Waterfront Park; Mr. Mayes confirmed it is technically possible but expensive, and a historic review process would be needed.
  • Mayor Saffo noted ongoing traffic issues on Market Street and suggested a road diet to improve safety.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken at the briefing; these were informational presentations.
• Staff will bring a permanent social district proposal to council within the next few months, with enhanced public notification and a framework for future requests.
• For the Kenan Fountain, staff will proceed with the bid process and return to council on May 20 for a contract award and appropriation of $450,000 (including baluster removal). The risk manager will provide further details on the insurance claim to councilmembers.
• Council consensus leaned toward removing balusters (possibly preserving them for future use elsewhere) and prioritizing getting the fountain operational.