Wilmington City Council Regular Meeting - September 23, 2025

The Wilmington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 6:30 PM at City Hall, Skyline Center, 929 N. Front Street. Mayor Bill Saffo presided, with all seven council members present. The meeting included the swearing-in of Police Chief Ryan Zuidema, life-saving awards presentations, consent agenda, public comment, public hearings on zoning and property conditions, a series of ordinances and resolutions, and concluded at 11:25 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of September 8 and September 9 meetings.
• Authorized a new lease on the seventh floor of Skyline Center to Synply, Inc.
• Authorized a contract for municipal golf course maintenance equipment with Smith Turf & Irrigation, LLC, total cost $696,075, leased through PNC Equipment Finance.
• Authorized renewal of a one-year agreement with Smartsheet, Inc., for $105,840.
• Item C5 (Resolution Authorizing 3rd Amendment to Interlocal Agreement with New Hanover County for Public Transportation Authority) was pulled for separate discussion. The amendment ensures that appointed members are elected officials. The motion passed 7-0.

The remainder of the consent agenda (items C1-C4) passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

Public comment period lasted 30 minutes with 10 registered speakers. Several spoke in opposition to the proposed camping ordinance (O1):

• Robert Carpenter (co-chair, Wilmington Chapter of Democratic Socialists of America) stated the ordinance criminalizes poverty and urged a "no" vote.
• Ellen Haragan argued that not having a home does not make someone a criminal and called the language vague.
• Bob Accordino stated the ordinance would make misfortune a crime and urged reconsideration.
• Trey Barefoot noted over 610 emails sent to council urging a "no" vote and asked for investment in social workers and shelter.
• Sarah Moxley listed recommended steps from service providers, including increasing affordable housing and consulting homeless individuals.
• Renegade Cherokee read from Matthew 25 and asked for humane treatment.
• Hunter Ford criticized reliance on NGOs and asked council members with real estate licenses to step down from boards.
• Ty Greene requested parking protections for North 4th Street residents.

Public Hearings

PH1: Rezoning 2929 Market Street (4.08 acres) from O&I to MD-17(CD) for a 120-unit workforce housing development (Blue Ridge Atlantic / Apex on Market). Staff and applicant presented. Rents range from $520 to $1,700, with units at 30% to 80% AMI, deed-restricted for 30 years. The project includes two four-story buildings, 48 one-bedroom, 42 two-bedroom, and 32 three-bedroom units. Public comment included support from the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and Cape Fear Housing Coalition, and opposition from neighbors concerned about traffic, school capacity, stormwater, and building height. After discussion, the motion to approve passed 6-1 (Councilmember Spears opposed). Second reading waived unanimously.

PH2: Rezoning 5320 and 5322 Wrightsville Avenue from R-15 to R-5(CD) for a residential development (two duplexes, 4 units, 16 bedrooms). Staff recommended approval. One public comment questioned affordability. Motion to approve passed 7-0. Second reading waived unanimously.

PH3: Ordinance to vacate, close, and repair or demolish the dwelling at 115 Giles Avenue (unfit for human habitation). Staff reported the property is vacant, owner unreachable, and no substantial effort made. No public comment. Motion to approve passed 7-0; second reading waived unanimously.

PH4: Ordinance to vacate, close, and repair or demolish the dwelling at 1308 Queen Street. Staff reported the property is vacant, an heir's property, and no action taken after a hearing. Heirs appeared requesting more time (two years) due to family losses and financial hardship. Councilmember Spears moved to amend the timeline to 180 days for substantial progress. Motion passed 7-0. Second reading waived unanimously.

PH5: Public Hearing on the City's FY25 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). Staff presented highlights, including 1,054,734 appropriation for multi-use paths and intersection improvements, and $3.848 million for Dawson-Wooster streetscape improvements. No public comment. No action taken.

Ordinances

O1: Ordinance Adding "Sec. 6-10. Certain Actions Prohibited on City Property" (2nd Reading). Councilmember Andrews moved to amend by removing the word "occupy". Councilmember Joyner added a friendly amendment to allow sleeping in lawfully parked vehicles in city surface lots. The amendment passed 6-1 (Spears opposed). The amended ordinance then passed 4-3 (Barnett, Spears, Andrews opposed). Second reading scheduled for October 7, 2025.

O2: Ordinance Amending FY26 Authorized Strength to Support Social Worker Co-Responder Model. City Manager Becky Hawke explained the hiring of four social workers embedded with police (cost ~$500,000/year). Motion to approve passed 6-0 (Rivenbark not voting). Second reading waived unanimously.

O3: Ordinance Authorizing Social District in Brooklyn Arts District. Deputy City Manager Chad McEwen presented the request for a permanent social district based on a successful pilot program. The advisory committee recommended Saturdays (first and third) from 12 PM to 5 PM for six months. Public comment included support from business owners and opposition from Bethesda Christian Life Church members and residents concerned about parking and alcohol. Councilmember Waddell moved approval as recommended; motion passed 5-2 (Spears and Andrews opposed). Second reading waived unanimously.

O4a: Ordinance Appropriating $1,054,734 for Hooker Road MUP, Hinton Avenue MUP, and Wrightsville Avenue/Greenville Avenue Intersection Improvements. Passed 7-0. Second reading waived unanimously.

O4b: Resolution Awarding Construction Contract to Wells Brothers Construction Co., Inc. for $4,297,914. Passed 7-0.

O5a: Ordinance Appropriating $3,848,752 for Dawson and Wooster Streetscape Improvements. Passed 7-0. Second reading waived unanimously.

O5b: Resolution Awarding Construction Contract to Highland Paving Company, LLC for $5,762,423. Passed 7-0.

O6a: Resolution Adopting Vision Zero Policy. Passed 6-1 (Rivenbark opposed).

O6b: Ordinance Amending FY26 Authorized Strength for Vision Zero Traffic Safety Program (two new positions: Transportation Planner and Transportation Project Engineer). Passed 6-0 (Rivenbark not voting). Second reading waived unanimously.

O6c: Resolution Accepting Traffic Calming Speed Hump Quick Response Project Plan (56 humps on 8 streets). Passed 6-1 (Rivenbark opposed).

Resolutions

R1: Resolution Authorizing City Manager to Enter into Gap Financing Agreement with Blue Ridge Atlantic Development, LLC for $1,000,000 from Affordable Housing Fund for the Apex on Market project. Passed 6-1 (Spears opposed). The total project cost is $40 million, leveraging $40 per $1 of city funds.

Key Outcomes

• The meeting approved multiple zoning changes for affordable housing developments (PH1, PH2), property condemnation actions with extended timelines for heirs (PH4), and the Vision Zero program including new staff and traffic calming.
• The controversial camping ordinance (O1) passed in an amended form (4-3) with a second reading required on October 7.
• The social district for Brooklyn Arts District was approved for a six-month trial period (first and third Saturdays) with a review mechanism.
• All other ordinances and resolutions passed with majority or unanimous support.
• Councilmember Spears invited an anonymous postcard sender to meet him for conversation.
• Councilmember Joyner requested an update on the police department shower trailer at the next agenda briefing.