Wilmington City Council Regular Meeting – November 18, 2025
Wilmington City Council Regular Meeting – November 18, 2025
The Wilmington City Council held its regular meeting on November 18, 2025, at 6:30 PM in City Hall, Skyline Center, 929 N. Front Street. The meeting began with an invocation and pledge, followed by a presentation, consent agenda, public comments, public hearings, ordinances, resolutions, and councilmember announcements. All votes were unanimous (7-0 or 6-0). The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM.
Presentation
- Commission on African-American History Annual Report: Chair Evelyn Adger presented the report, detailing the commission's purpose, signature programs (Living Legends, 1898 Celebrations), collaborations with city and state entities, and its role in recognizing African-American history. She thanked council for their support.
Consent Calendar
- C1: Approved minutes of the November 3 and November 5, 2025 meetings.
- C2: Resolution authorizing a new lease of the 9th floor of Skyline Center to Anza Services, LLC.
- C3: Resolution authorizing a three-year agreement with ePlus Technology, Inc. for Varonis cybersecurity software ($510,344).
- C4: Resolution authorizing application for a Bulletproof Vest Partnership grant ($125,621 with $62,811 local match).
- All items adopted unanimously (6-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- Heather Hinson (Children’s Courtyard of Wilmington North): Requested that Darlington Avenue be officially designated a school zone, that her center receive shot spotter notifications (as was done in 2018), and that police presence be increased. She expressed concern over recent gunfire incidents, including a suspect jumping the playground fence on October 21. Council advised she should not have disclosed the shot spotter location.
- Neil Anderson (former councilmember): Expressed appreciation for outgoing councilmembers Clifford Barnett, Luke Waddell, and Charlie Rivenbark, describing each as dedicated, prepared, and passionate. He urged future council to bring forward ideas rather than wait for staff.
- Dr. Steve Zinder (parent of UNCW student): Presented data showing that WAVE Transit’s DART ADA service is not a next-day system; rides must be booked 4-7 days in advance with a 75% chance of denial if booked 4 days out. Of 40 scheduled trips, 52% arrived within the on-time window, three times arrived 90 minutes early, and three times did not show. He called for improvements. Councilmember Andrews invited him to present to the WAVE Transit board.
- Ty Greene (resident, 715 N 4th St): Opposed potential metering on North 4th Street, arguing it would reduce on-street parking for ~110 residents and affect property values (~$40 million estimated). He stressed that parking is the key to residential value in that area.
- Bridget Tarrant (activist): Asked for updates on the “Strategy to Address Unsheltered Homeless,” including financial requirements (from Cape Fear Homeless Continuum of Care), state resources, and evaluation of city-owned properties for a low-barrier shelter. She also inquired whether the city would make a public statement regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in Charlotte/Raleigh, and whether Wilmington Police would assist ICE. The mayor confirmed the county responded and will re-engage.
Public Hearings
- PH1 – R-3 Medium-High-Density Mixed Residential Zoning Amendment: Planning Director Linda Painter announced the application was withdrawn; staff will bring a revised, staff-initiated version in the coming weeks. No action taken.
- PH2 – Food Banks as a New Use: Zoning Administrator Kathryn Thruston explained the amendment establishes a separate definition for food banks (currently classified as warehousing/distribution) and expands allowable locations to RB, CBD by right, and UMX, CB, O&I by conditions. No public speakers. Motion to approve (7-0) with consistency statement by Councilmember Spears; second reading waived (7-0).
- PH3 – Wilmington Iron Works Building Historic Landmark: Historic Preservation Manager Ben Riggle detailed the history of the building (circa 1869 frame, reconstructed brick circa 1925) and its use by Wilmington Iron Works until 2000. Applicant Clayton Hamerski spoke on behalf of owner Justin Lanassa. Councilmember Joyner asked for tax valuation; staff reported the 50% tax deferral would be about $1,600 annually. No public speakers. Motion to approve (7-0); second reading waived (7-0).
- PH4 – 1964 Carolina Beach Road Unfit Dwelling: Chief Code Enforcement Officer Brian Renner presented the case: the property is vacant, dilapidated (173% cost-to-value ratio based on 2024 valuation), with collapsed floors, roof leaks, and water damage. Owner Charlotte Buckley, 72, testified she broke her leg, has recovered, and wishes to demolish but needs time to secure funds. She asked for more than 90 days. Councilmember Waddell noted that 2025 tax valuation (building value $86,900 vs. $51,400 in 2024) lowers the ratio to just over 100%, and requested future presentations include updated values. A written comment from neighbor Shannon Zucker expressed that Ms. Buckley maintains the property and is being unfairly targeted. Councilmember Waddell moved to amend the ordinance to allow 365 days (instead of 90). Motion to approve as amended (7-0); second reading waived (7-0).
Ordinances
- O1 – Live Oak Bank Pavilion & Riverfront Park Supplemental Appropriation ($98,000): Parks Director Amy Beatty explained funds from surcharges on events are used for maintenance (lawn care, playground replacement, water feature repair). Motion to approve (7-0); second reading waived (7-0).
- O2a – RiverLights Fire Station Appropriation ($66,603): Project Engineer Mike Naklicki briefed council on the new fire station (grand opening November 1). The appropriation comes from interest earnings to fund part of a change order. Motion to approve (7-0); second reading waived (7-0).
- O2b – Change Order to Samet Corporation ($250,677): Resolution authorizing the city manager to execute the change order for out-of-scope work (utility conflicts, coordination delays). Motion to approve (7-0).
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda: Adopted unanimously (6-0).
- Food Banks Ordinance: Approved with consistency finding (7-0); second reading waived.
- Wilmington Iron Works Historic Landmark: Approved (7-0); second reading waived.
- 1964 Carolina Beach Road: Ordinance approved with amendment extending compliance to 365 days (7-0); second reading waived.
- Live Oak Bank Pavilion/Riverfront Park Appropriation: Approved (7-0); second reading waived.
- RiverLights Fire Station Appropriation: Approved (7-0); second reading waived.
- Change Order for RiverLights Fire Station: Resolution adopted (7-0).
- Resolution Opposing Fuquay-Varina Interbasin Transfer: Approved (7-0), calling for an additional public hearing in New Hanover County.
Additional Updates
- City Manager Becky Hawke: Updated on evaluation of city-owned properties for a low-barrier homeless shelter. Work is ongoing; will be presented to the new council in January 2026.
- Councilmember Spears: Announced a turkey drive (November 22 at Creekwood, 2 PM) and Thanksgiving meal at Sportsman Club (1111 Castle Street).
- Councilmember Andrews: Announced WAVE Transit Authority’s reconstituted Making Waves Foundation seeking four board members with fundraising/grant-writing experience.
- Councilmember Joyner: Thanked staff for traffic calming community meetings; a virtual meeting will be held December 8 at 1 PM (wilmingtonnc.gov/trafficcoming).
- Mayor Pro-Tem Barnett: Reminded everyone to be kind and check on their strongest friends, referencing the suicide of NFL player Marshawn Kneeland.
- Councilmember Rivenbark: Made farewell remarks, noting this was his last business meeting after 24 years of service.
- Mayor Saffo: Wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving.
Meeting Transcript
Okay. There we go. Call the meeting to order the Wilmington City Council. I'd like to welcome all those who are with us here this evening and all those who are watching and watching us at home. Thank you for taking an interest in your government. This time I'll have to introduce Captain Joe Michael James of the Wilmington Fire Department for Imbarcation. I'll ask if everyone standing, remain standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance. Captain James. Let's bow our heads of reverence. Thank you for the gift for this city and the people who serve it. Tonight we ask for the wisdom, the wisdom to listen well, decide fairly and serve services of our community preserved together, East Doing our part for the greater good, working together to build something strong and everlasting. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. I do want to recognize that we have former Councilmember Neil Anderson with us here tonight. I know he's going to be speaking doing public information. So, Neil, welcome. This time I'd like to recognize Ms. Evelyn Adger, who's the chairperson of the Commission on African American History. We'll be doing a presentation of Wilmington's Commission on African American History on their annual report. Good evening. Can y'all hear me? Yes, we can. Wonderful. Uh, I'd like to invite my chair up with me if they'd like to. So this is the City of Wilmington's Commissioner on African American History, and I am Evelyn Adger, the chair of the City of Commission on African American History. The Commission was established December the 5th, 1989 with 15 members. May 17th, 2005, the council reduced the number of members from 15 to 9, as there was a problem recruiting prospective members and having a quorum. The commission was established because African Americans have played and continue to play a significant role in the historical development of the Wilmington community. The purpose of the Commission is to develop and implement programs to recognize African American history. The duties and responsibilities of the Commission are plan, develop, and implement special community projects to recognize and to increase awareness of the contribution of African Americans to Wilmington's history. Encourage and assist groups to develop their own projects on Wilmington's African American history, recognize sites in the community that are significant to African American history, and make periodic report to City Council regarding the Commission's program and activities. Two of our signature programs are the Living Legends Program for Adults. The purpose of that is to recognize accomplished Wilmington leaders with a keen vision to helping people succeed in life and a dedication to improving our community. Work with schools, churches, community boys and girls club, and other organizations. We have worked in collaboration with the city's historic preservation planners, planning development, and assist with updating a guide to Wilmington's African American American Heritage Brochure. We have collaborated with the state of North Carolina African American Heritage Commission in recognizing the North Carolina Civil Rights Trail along with other programs and naming of state highways, roads, and bridges. One of my favorites was naming the Metal Art Lemon Bridge and meeting his wife and the new Globetrotters. We continue to work with City Council's Name and Facilities Committee. When requested and received, our commission reviews and makes suggestions and recommendations. We work in collaboration with community churches regarding emancipation proclamation. These are only a few of the events and programming that our commission has been tasked to do. And although we may be small in numbers, I am grateful that our commission believes in our city and what it has to offer as we all serve as representatives of other boards and committees within the city, such as the Greater Downtown Steering Committee, the Juneteenth Committee, the Reverend Dot, the Martin Luther King Committee, and the City of Wilmington's Chamber of Commerce. On behalf of the City of Wimmonson's Commission on African American history, thank you for your continued support as we continue to fulfill our mission by acknowledging educating our community, visitors, tourists, and people worldwide on the wonderful contributions of our African American legacies. Thank you. Thank you so much, Evelyn. Thank you very much. Next item of business is our consent agenda. Items one through four. Motion to approve by Mayor Pro Tim Barnett, segment by council member joyner.
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