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.
The remainder of the consent agenda (items C1-C4) passed unanimously.
Public comment period lasted 30 minutes with 10 registered speakers. Several spoke in opposition to the proposed camping ordinance (O1):
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.
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).
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.
Call the meeting order of the Wilmington City Council, like to welcome all those who are with us here this evening and all those who are watching us at home. Thank you for taking an 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 to please give us our invocation. If everyone will stand and remain standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of the city for the people to serve it. Tonight we ask for wisdom for our council members, wisdom to listen, decide fairly and serve selfishly, help our community preserve together, each doing their part for the greater good, working together to build something strong and everlasting. Bless every neighborhood, every public servant, and every resident. And uh at this time we love to swear you in. Not swear at you, but swear you in. And I would like to ask for the entire city council. This is a big moment for our community. If uh you all join me down here and Penny Sidberry would administer the oath, place your left hand raise your right hand. Okay, for sure. I Ryan M. Zudama. I Ryan M. Zudama. Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear that I will alert. I will be alert. That I will be alert and vigilant. And vigilant. To enforce the criminal laws. The criminal laws of this state. That I will not be influenced. In any matter. On account. On account. Of personal bias. Of personal bias. Or prejudice. Or prejudice. That I will support. That I will support and maintain. And maintain the Constitution. The Constitution and laws. And laws. Of the United States. And the Constitution and laws. Not inconsistent therewith. Not inconsistent therewith. And that I will faithfully discharge. Discharge. And execute. And execute. The duties of my office. The duties of my office. As police chief. As police chief.