Wilmington City Council Regular Meeting – June 3, 2025
Wilmington City Council Regular Meeting – June 3, 2025
The Wilmington City Council met on June 3, 2025, at 6:30 PM to consider a consent agenda, public hearings, ordinances, resolutions, and additional items. The meeting included a proclamation for Global Running Day, approval of a 79-unit and a 65-unit townhome development, a continuation of the special use permit elimination item, and adoption of the FY2026 budget ordinances. Several infrastructure and policy resolutions were approved, and council authorized a closed session to settle a workers' compensation claim.
Consent Calendar
- Approved minutes for May 19 and May 20, 2025.
- Awarded contract for yard waste processing services to Diversified Biomass Company.
- Extended interlocal agreement with New Hanover County for recyclable materials processing.
- Authorized new lease for the 7th floor of Skyline Center.
- Renewed contract with Info-Tech Research Group for consulting and training ($106,869).
- Authorized agreement with SHI International for cloud storage for GIS data (up to $328,000).
- Amended military leave policy for city employees.
- Authorized amendment to agreement with Thalian Association to manage the Hannah Block USO/Community Arts Center.
- Rejected bid for Pine Grove Drive intersection improvements project.
- Utilized $25,000 from council contingency fund for a project commemorating the American Revolution.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Four speakers were scheduled but none appeared: Joshua Saillor (traffic cameras), Eric Plummer (city park desert), Barbara Miller (trafficking), and Shaily P (parking petition).
Discussion Items
PH1 – 79-Unit Townhome Development at North Kerr Avenue
- Staff presented a rezoning of 11.23 acres to MD-10(CD) for 79 townhomes. Applicant Matt Nichols and engineer Allison Engebretson described the project, noting it would connect Azalea Landing Drive to Marjoram Way and preserve specimen trees. Drake Joyce, Vice President of Cornerstone Condominiums HOA, expressed 100% support, citing safety improvements. Councilmember Spears asked if units would be affordable; Nichols replied it is a for-sale product and would not meet affordable housing definitions but would provide a lower price point. The request was consistent with the comprehensive plan. Approved 7-0; second reading waived.
PH2 – 65-Unit Townhome Development at Covil Avenue
- Staff recommended conditional approval for a rezoning of 5.44 acres from R-15 to MD-17(CD). Applicant Sam Franck and planner Cindee Wolf explained the design, which sets buildings back to preserve trees. A bus stop improvement was committed. Councilmember Spears inquired about left-turn traffic issues; the applicant noted driveway permits may require improvements. Clayton Held asked about Covil Avenue expansion; MPO staff said the project is only funded for preliminary engineering. Nicholas Preston submitted a comment in favor. Approved 7-0; second reading waived.
PH3 – Elimination of Special Use Permits (Continued)
- Staff proposed replacing special use permits with conditional zoning to increase public participation. Councilmembers discussed narrowing the scope rather than full elimination. Mayor Saffo moved to continue the item to the August 5, 2025 meeting, with a work session between planning staff and the planning commission to refine the list. Motion carried 7-0. (Public hearing was not opened.)
PH4 & PH5 – Unfit Dwellings at 565 and 565-B Manly Avenue (Continued)
- Interim City Manager Moton reported that ownership had changed; staff recommended continuing to September 9, 2025 to allow notice to new owners. Councilmember Spears questioned why the items were not continued earlier. Staff explained the deed was filed Monday. The existing cases remain open. Motion to continue carried 7-0.
O1 – FY2026 General Fund Appropriations
- Budget Director Mortell outlined adjustments: $2.3 million for affordable housing, $10,000 to Downtown Business Alliance, $40,000 to Voyager Youth Development, and restoration of the Mounted Police Unit. The tax rate was set at 0.2825 (a $0.0015 increase from revenue-neutral 0.2810). Councilmember Waddell voted no, citing the tax increase. Passed 6-1. Second reading scheduled June 17.
O2, O3, O4 – Other Fund, Capital Project, and Fee Schedule Appropriations
- O2 (Other Funds): Approved 7-0. O3 (Capital Projects): Approved 7-0. O4 (Fee Schedule): Approved 7-0. All have second reading June 17.
O5 – Convention Center Supplemental Appropriation ($1,800,000)
- Finance Director Wayne reported excess event revenues funded increased expenses. Approved 7-0; second reading waived.
O6a/b – Downtown Trail Phase 1 Design ($431,200 from NCDOT)
- WMPO Deputy Director Lorenzo described the 1.7-mile trail from 3rd Street Bridge to Love Grove Bridge. Additional design elements were identified due to rail coordination. The city matched with $107,800 from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. Ordinance and resolution approved 7-0; second reading waived for the ordinance.
O7a/b – Roundabout at Independence Boulevard and River Road ($314,800)
- Project Manager Naklicki stated construction would begin in June 2025 and be completed by December. The developers (Riverlights and Watermark) contributed their share; no additional city funds were needed. Approved 7-0; second reading waived for the ordinance.
R1 – Parks and Recreation User Cost Recovery Policy
- Director Beatty presented a tiered fee structure to reduce taxpayer burden; includes a fee assistance program for low-income participants. Councilmember Spears asked about committed revenue and data privacy. Approved 7-0.
R2 – Rail Crossing Closure and Traffic Separation Agreement
- Public Works Director Mayes reviewed the study (2014-2017) covering 26 at-grade crossings. Agreement with NCDOT and CSX includes signal upgrades, roadway medians, and closure of crossings at Clay, 9th, Hooper, and Martin streets. Annual maintenance costs increase by $21,000. Approved 7-0.
R3 – Design-Build for 5th Floor Renovation at 115 N. 3rd Street
- Economic Development Director Parsley explained the method allows greater control for the tenant lease. Approved 7-0.
Additional Items
- Councilmember Rivenbark requested $15,000 from the council contingency fund for YMCA after-school scholarships (matching county's $31,500). Moton said it could be accommodated. Councilmember Andrews announced a free community market by Sokoto House (June 14-15). Councilmember Spears celebrated the MLK Gym expansion ribbon-cutting. Items to be brought by council members were approved 7-0.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
- PH1 (79 units): Approved 7-0, second reading waived.
- PH2 (65 units): Approved 7-0, second reading waived.
- PH3 (SUP elimination): Continued to August 5, 2025, by 7-0 vote.
- PH4/5 (Manly Ave): Continued to September 9, 2025, by 7-0 vote.
- O1 (General Fund): Approved 6-1 (Waddell no); second reading June 17.
- O2-O4: Approved 7-0; second reading June 17.
- O5 (Convention Center): Approved 7-0; second reading waived.
- O6a/b (Downtown Trail): Approved 7-0; second reading waived for ordinance.
- O7a/b (Roundabout): Approved 7-0; second reading waived for ordinance.
- R1-R3: Each approved 7-0.
- Council Member Items: Approved 7-0, including $15,000 for YMCA after-school scholarships from contingency.
- Closed Session: Council voted 7-0 to enter closed session to discuss the workers' compensation settlement of Shannon Provencher v. City of Wilmington (Industrial Commission File #23-027045). After reconvening, council voted 7-0 to authorize settlement for $225,000.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome everyone here this evening, and I want to welcome all those who are watching us at home. Thank you for taking interest in your government. This time, I'd like to introduce Captain Joe Michael James of the Wilmington Fire Department. If you'll please come forward and give our invocation if everyone will stand and stand afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance. City Wilmington North Columbia Proclamation reads whereas Global Running Day is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in June is a worldwide celebration of running that inspires people of all ages and abilities to embrace physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. Whereas running promotes individual well-being, fosters community spirit, and encourages the use and appreciation of Wilmington's parks, greenways, and public spaces. And whereas the Wilmington Roadrunners and the Wilmington Run Club, along with many local schools, fitness organizations, and individuals actively support and promote running throughout our city year round. And whereas the Roadrunners Club of America, better known as RRCA, has recognized Wilmington as an official runner-friendly community. A designation reflects our city's commitment to safe and accessible running infrastructure, active support from local government, and a strong local running culture. And whereas the Global Running Day Wilmington joins cities and runners around the globe in celebrating the power of running to connect people, improve health, and strengthen communities. Now, therefore, I'm Bill Sappho, mayor of the City of Wilmington, on behalf of the entire city council. Do hereby proclaim June 4th, 2025 as Global Running Day in the City of Wilmington, and encourage all residents to join the worldwide celebration by running, walking, or jogging in support of healthy living and community connection. In witness thereof, I've set my signature here. And I also just want to say thank you for everything you folks have done to promote our cross city trail throughout our community. It's been a uh wonder a wonderful addition, but we couldn't have done it without the support of advocacy groups such as yours. So we say thank you very much. I'm gonna turn this microphone over to you. I appreciate it. Last year, on behalf of the city of Wilmington, the Wilmington Roadrunners applied for the runner-friendly community designation. This designation is awarded by the Roadrunners Club of America, a national organization that supports local running clubs across the country. Each year, the organization awards the title to approximately five communities that have gone above and beyond to create an outstanding experience for the runners in their cities. To receive this designation, communities must excel in four domains. Community infrastructure, which includes having accessible trails, tracks, parks, and other running locations, community support, which includes having multiple running groups and runner-friendly businesses that support these groups, government support, which includes having a local government that works closely with the running community to offer safe, affordable running events and to encourage running across the city and additional support, which includes offering youth running programs, having willing volunteers to support running events, and having media that help promote these events. The Roadrunners Club of America determined that Wilmington met or exceeded all criteria in these domains, and Wilmington received the runner-friendly community designation in late 2024. As the Wilmington Roadrunner Club president, I just wanted to say thank you all for your commitment to public safety, to the infrastructure with over 40 parks, over 30 miles worth of trails in Wilmington. Um you all have done a great job in helping us promote running in the community with the Wilmington Marathon. We had a 15th marathon this year, which was our largest by far. And your commitment to infrastructure has helped us get some of the top runners, like the uh man who won Boston this year, is coming to the Wilmington Half Marathon this year. Um, so just your commitment and your dedication to running and the community as a whole has really helped us approve the clubs and improve the health of this community. So we thank you. Thank you so much. Oh, let's take a picture here with them. Thank you very much. Thank you so much. Thank you, everybody. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you so much. Are there any items that any council member would like to hear separately? If not, what are the wishes of this council? We have a motion approved by councilmember Ravenbach. Second by Councilmember Wadale. Any discussion? All favor of that motion, please indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? That item passes unanimously. That brings us to our next item of visit, which is our public information segment. We have four speakers that have signed up to speak with us this evening. Each speaker will be allotted five minutes.
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