OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Wilmington City Council Meeting July 21, 2026: Medal of Honor Recognition, Wayfinding Plan, and Funding Debates for CJSC and Film Partnership

City Council & Planning Commission — Tuesday, July 21, 2026
BodyWilmington, North Carolina
SessionCity Council & Planning Commission
DateTuesday, July 21, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:54:44

Transcript — Verbatim
0:00

I'd like to introduce former Mayor Pro Tim Clifford Barnett Sr., pastor of Warner Temple, AME Zion Church.

0:06

If you'll please come forward and give our invocation, and I would like everybody to remain standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance.

0:15

Good evening, Mayor and Mayor Pro Tim.

0:19

I asked Nasir to help me with this invocation because for the last couple of weeks, we've been watching some fantastic soccer games.

0:30

And yet one of the neat things about the soccer game is before they do the Pledge of Allegiance or the Anthem, they walk up, and they have a Nasir on their side.

0:42

And the reason for that is because they believe that every child wants to grow up to become a professional soccer player.

0:51

And my prayer tonight is that the work that we do is that our prayer is as Nasea grows up, we do the right things for him.

1:04

Every vote that we make, every discussion, every argument, every heated debate, everything that we do in this sacred space will be so that Nasser gets the opportunity to grow and become a mayor or soccer player or even a good looking pastor like me.

1:27

Let's pray.

1:28

God, we thank you for Nasir.

1:31

And we thank you, God, because he reminds us why we do what we do.

1:45

And we thank you for Major Capers, who was willing to sacrifice his life so that we could go to soccer games and we could do the things that we do.

1:56

So we asked you, God, to remind us as we do the things that we do tonight, may they help others to grow to become what you destined them to be.

2:07

But in his name we pray.

2:09

Amen.

2:12

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the United States.

2:17

To the Republic for which it stands.

2:20

One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

3:17

Well, it is a true honor this evening to have Major James Capers Jr.

3:25

with us this evening, a true American hero, who has just received the Congressional Medal of Honor by the President of the United States in the East Room.

3:38

And I think it's very important that everyone here at least hears the citation that was delivered in the White House before Major Capers received the Medal of Honor.

3:54

And let me read it for the record, please.

3:57

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a team leader with Third Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 March to 3rd April 1967.

4:17

Tasked to locate a North Vietnamese regimental base camp, southwest of Fu Locke, and provide observation for the flank of Company M, 3rd Battalion 26 Marines, 2nd Lieutenant Capers maneuvered his nine-man team on a four-day patrol through rugged enemy territory.

4:38

The team had contacted with 20 enemy soldiers on the first day of patrol and two additional contacts on the second day, resulting in one severely wounded team member.

4:51

Despite being outnumbered by enemy forces, Second Lieutenant Capers relentlessly pursued his vigilant and tenacious adversary and called for fire on an enemy base camp to thwart an impending attack on Company M.

5:07

On the last day of the patrol, his team was engaged by numerically superior enemy force with an initial attack from Claymore Mines, coupled with direct and indirect fire, despite severe pain and blood loss caused by multiple fragmentation and gunshot wounds he sustained, Second Lieutenant Capers bravely continued to lead his team and maintain the initiative.

5:35

Even after being administered morphine, he continued to coordinate supporting fire and his team's movements to a helicopter extraction site.

5:46

While struggling to maintain consciousness and still under enemy attack, Second Lieutenant Capers maintained command of the situation to ensure all of his Marines were evacuated before he, barely able to stand, finally boarded the helicopter.

6:04

By his bold leadership, undaunted courage and complete dedication to duty, Second Lieutenant Capers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.

6:20

Well done, sir.

6:21

Thank you and God bless you.

6:37

This time I'd like to recognize Jack Pollock, who's going to deliver a few comments.

6:42

And Jack was very instrumental in allowing the city council to move forward with a resolution in support of Major Capers receiving the Medal of Honor.

6:54

Thank you, Mr.

6:55

Mayor.

6:56

Mayor Sappho, members of council, city staff, distinguished guests, and members of the Wilmington community here tonight, we're gathered to take a moment to honor a distinguished former Marine for his service to our country.

7:09

As a backdrop, the United States instituted in 1861 the Congressional Medal of Honor to recognize members of the various branches of our military for conspicuous actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving our country.

7:25

Since its inception, over 40 million individuals have served in the various branches of our military services.

7:34

So significant is this award that only 3,538 individuals have received the recognition for their actions in service to our country, and only 300 of those have been Marines.

7:48

So another fact that is extremely important as this is the highest honor to be bestowed on any member of the military when a Medal of Honor recipient enters the room, all members of the military, including the President of the United States' commander-in-chief, are required to stand and render the appropriate salute and recognition as at that point that individual is regarded as the highest ranking individual in the room.

8:14

Tonight we are here to honor the 3,536th recipient.

8:20

So at this point, I would ask the mayor and city council to please come down in front of in front of the day as to be joined by Major Capers for the reading of a proclamation.

8:31

And I would also like to recognize we do have several elected leaders and former elected leaders.

8:35

I know former mayor of Ham Hicks is here with us, also a Marine.

8:38

We also have Judge Faison.

8:41

Happy birthday, Judge Faison, by the way, and also Judge Hotchin's Hawkinson in the back right there.

8:46

Thank you for being here this evening.

8:48

So let's read this proclamation.

9:24

I'm going to read the proclamation.

9:26

You bet.

9:28

I'm going to get right here next to the major.

10:00

And whereas he was the first African American to serve in the elite reconnaissance community, the first to complete diver training as the top of his class, and the first African American to receive a battlefield commission.

10:13

And whereas Major James Capers Jr.

10:16

was severely wounded in the Battle of Fu Locke, Vietnam, receiving 17 wounds and willing to give his life to rescue his team broadminded.

10:25

And whereas after a year of recovering from his wounds, he became the first African American featured on a Marine Corps recruiting poster, and you did look great, by the way.

10:35

I saw it.

10:36

Whereas after service to the United States, Major Capers retired, taking employment with Jefferson Pollard Insurance in Wilmington, North Carolina, as an African American vice president, and whereas Major Capers then became the first African American in 1983 to purchase a radio station known as WWIL, fourteen ninety AM in Wilmington, North Carolina.

10:58

Now therefore, let it be known that the city of Wilmington recognizes Major James Capers Jr.

11:04

for being awarded on June eighteenth, twenty twenty-six by the President of the United States the military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, being the first African American Marine Corps Commission officer to receive such and continuing to affect positive change for our nation.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████████████27%
Economic Development██████████████████18%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Parks and Recreation██████6%
Zoning And Land Use██████6%
Budget Equity Analysis█████5%
Community Engagement█████5%
Public Engagement████4%
Historic Preservation████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Wilmington City Council Meeting July 21, 2026: Medal of Honor Recognition, Wayfinding Plan, and Funding Debates for CJSC and Film Partnership

The Wilmington City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall (Skyline Center). The meeting included a Medal of Honor recognition, a downtown wayfinding presentation, public comments on multiple topics, a public hearing for a rezoning, a continuation request for a special use permit, approval of routine consent items, and an extended discussion on funding requests from the Community Justice Center and the Film Partnership of North Carolina. The council also approved a walk-on resolution for a port security grant and held a closed session. The meeting adjourned at 11:59 PM.

Consent Calendar

  • C1: Resolution awarding on-call contracts to five firms for professional engineering design services – approved.
  • C2: Resolution authorizing agreement with LeadsOnline, LLC for Ballistics IQ equipment and software – pulled for discussion (correction on fiscal year funding: funds are for FY27, FY28, FY29; software is same as currently used under a new vendor); approved 7-0.
  • C3: Resolution authorizing lease amendment with Tova Wealth Management, LLC for seventh floor of Skyline Center – approved.
  • C4: Resolution authorizing new lease with U.S. Senator Ted Budd for fourth floor of Skyline Center – approved.
  • C5: Resolution authorizing contract amendment #4 with LITG, Inc. for landscape maintenance – approved.
  • C6: Resolution authorizing contract with Brady Trane Service Inc. for $168,400 for HVAC repairs at Wilmington Convention Center – approved.
  • C7: Resolution approving multifamily housing facility financing via multifamily housing revenue bonds not to exceed $20,000,000 – approved.
  • C8: Approval of minutes from previous meetings – approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Malik Shabazz (city resident, executive director of Navigational Studios) expressed concern about youth development on the Northside, citing a closed splashpad for weeks and lack of community events. He requested partnership and support for grassroots organizations.
  • Joan Keston (member of Historic Preservation Commission) spoke on behalf of the Commission regarding the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement. She recommended selecting the lift bridge option over the fixed bridge to minimize harm to historic districts, opposed tolls due to traffic and economic impacts, and requested council pass resolutions supporting these positions.
  • Ian Cassidy (city resident) spoke against AI-powered surveillance tools (Flock cameras), arguing they foster fear and threaten Fourth Amendment rights. He urged council to resist authoritarian overreach.
  • Dr. Katie Randall (member of Immigrant Allies Forum) encouraged council to reintroduce a resolution affirming city compliance with federal immigration law, citing fears among immigrants and detentions of U.S. citizens. She emphasized that WPD does not enforce immigration law.
  • Latonia Johnson (owner of Little Journey's Childcare Center) requested amending the city's family childcare home ordinance to allow 24-hour operation, noting the county does not have the 12-hour limit. She highlighted benefits for shift workers, healthcare workers, and military personnel.
  • Christopher Johnson (film student) spoke in support of funding for the Film Partnership of North Carolina, describing how the RIDE program helped him gain industry connections and an internship. He noted that recent students joined the union and worked on the new Superman sequel.
  • David Hendrickson (city resident) urged council to pressure NCDOT to perform a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) instead of a mid-tier Environmental Assessment (EA) for the $1.2–$1.3 billion Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement project, citing 10 adverse environmental conditions not addressable by an EA.

Discussion Items

  • Downtown Wayfinding Presentation: Planning Director Linda Painter and Guide Studio President Cathy Formet presented a downtown gateway and wayfinding plan, part of the Greater Downtown Plan implementation. The project aims to create cohesive signage for vehicles and pedestrians, improve parking identification, and reinforce the Riverwalk as a primary spine. Council asked about sign durability, maintenance, and potential expansion citywide. The presentation noted that ARPA-funded signs are under fabrication for installation by September 2026.

  • Public Hearing PH1 – Rezoning at 320 Military Cutoff Road: Planner Hillary Taylor presented staff recommendation to rezone 6.69 acres from split O&I (CD) and RB to O&I (Office and Institutional). The applicant, Cindy Wolf representing Peace Baptist Church, stated the parcels were combined. No public comments. Council approved 7-0 on first reading and waived second reading.

  • Public Hearing PH2 – Special Use Permit Modification for Private Recreation Facility: Attorney Corrie Faith Lee requested a continuance because their sound expert witness was unavailable and discussions with staff were ongoing regarding conditions. Councilmember Joyner expressed frustration about the timing and burden on the community. Motion to continue to August 4, 2026, passed 5-2 (Joyner and Clinton-Quintana opposed).

  • Ordinance O1 – Supplemental Appropriation for Bike Rides: Associate Planner Carolyn Caggia presented a $1,837 appropriation from merchandise sales and sponsorships to fund future River to Sea and Brunswick Heritage Riverside bike rides. Approved 7-0 on first reading, second reading waived.

  • Resolution R1 – Northern Riverfront Development District Committee: City Manager Becky Hawke explained the committee would ensure compliance with covenants on properties in the district. Membership includes all council members, two non-city property owners, and ex-officio staff. Councilmember Joyner asked about community outreach and the status of RFQs for placemaking. Approved unanimously (5-0 per minutes, unanimous per transcript).

  • Budget Work Session Follow-up – Funding Requests for Community Justice Center and Film Partnership of North Carolina:

    • Presentation: City Manager Hawke outlined options. For the Community Justice Center (CJC): direct to human services grant, lease agreement (~$13,385/year for police space), or use of council contingency ($100,000). For the Film Partnership: direct to economic development grant (but funds committed through FY29) or use of contingency/economic development contingency ($135,000). Each had pros and cons.
    • Council Positions:
      • Councilmember Andrews opposed using contingency for recurring costs; supported CJC lease agreement and sending Film Partnership to economic development process.
      • Mayor Pro-Tem Spears wanted data and proper application processes.
      • Councilmember Santaguida wanted written requests, metrics, and information on other funding sources before deciding.
      • Councilmember Joyner supported budget amendments providing $100,000 to each organization, arguing council has discretion and the organizations have provided information.
      • Councilmember Lyle supported funding both through budget amendments, noting the history and reporting.
      • Councilmember Clinton-Quintana wanted data to avoid favoritism.
    • Comments from Organizations:
      • Susi Hamilton (President, Film Partnership) stated the organization created over 450 jobs (239 in New Hanover County), provided weekly reporting on ARPA funds, and has a three-year county contract. She stressed the existential nature of the funding.
      • Ben David (CEO, CJC) explained the center serves victims and co-locates justice officials and nonprofits. He requested pro-rata lease and operating support ($100,000 total), noting county ($300,000) and state ($200,000) commitments. He emphasized the endowment grant ends December 31, 2026.
    • Next Steps: Council requested written data and metrics from both organizations. City Manager will prepare information; council will consider resolutions at a future meeting.

  • Walk-on Resolution – Port Security Grant: City Manager Hawke requested waiver of rules to consider a resolution authorizing application for a 2026 DHS Port Security Grant of $468,758 with a $117,190 local match. The grant would fund a SWAT robot replacement and communications technology. Council waived rules and approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda approved (C2 pulled, discussed, and approved 7-0).
  • PH1 – Rezoning approved 7-0 on first reading; second reading waived.
  • PH2 – Continued to August 4, 2026 (vote 5-2).
  • O1 – Supplemental appropriation approved 7-0; second reading waived.
  • R1 – Northern Riverfront Development District Committee established unanimously.
  • Walk-on resolution for Port Security Grant approved unanimously.
  • No final decision on CJC and Film Partnership funding; council requested additional written information and will consider at a later meeting.
  • Closed session held to discuss real property acquisition and personnel; no action reported.

Councilmember Comments

  • Councilmember Santaguida welcomed back from break.
  • Councilmember Andrews praised the “Ask an Arborist” session for educating residents about tree removal.
  • Mayor Pro-Tem Spears noted his son Asher's birthday.
  • Councilmember Clinton-Quintana mentioned her upcoming birthday and family health challenges, emphasizing positivity.
  • Councilmember Lyle celebrated City Manager Becky Hawke’s one-year anniversary, noting her patient leadership and staff satisfaction.
  • Councilmember Joyner provided a litigation update on CFPUA vs. Chemours; he will submit a letter to DOJ objecting to a settlement that does not prioritize North Carolina. He also raised concerns about tree removals, asking for a reprieve until better public education is in place. City Manager Hawke said staff will gather information on communication processes.
  • Mayor Saffo requested a detailed tree removal communication plan for neighborhoods.

Meeting Transcript

I'd like to introduce former Mayor Pro Tim Clifford Barnett Sr., pastor of Warner Temple, AME Zion Church. If you'll please come forward and give our invocation, and I would like everybody to remain standing afterwards for the Pledge of Allegiance. Good evening, Mayor and Mayor Pro Tim. I asked Nasir to help me with this invocation because for the last couple of weeks, we've been watching some fantastic soccer games. And yet one of the neat things about the soccer game is before they do the Pledge of Allegiance or the Anthem, they walk up, and they have a Nasir on their side. And the reason for that is because they believe that every child wants to grow up to become a professional soccer player. And my prayer tonight is that the work that we do is that our prayer is as Nasea grows up, we do the right things for him. Every vote that we make, every discussion, every argument, every heated debate, everything that we do in this sacred space will be so that Nasser gets the opportunity to grow and become a mayor or soccer player or even a good looking pastor like me. Let's pray. God, we thank you for Nasir. And we thank you, God, because he reminds us why we do what we do. And we thank you for Major Capers, who was willing to sacrifice his life so that we could go to soccer games and we could do the things that we do. So we asked you, God, to remind us as we do the things that we do tonight, may they help others to grow to become what you destined them to be. But in his name we pray. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the United States. To the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Well, it is a true honor this evening to have Major James Capers Jr. with us this evening, a true American hero, who has just received the Congressional Medal of Honor by the President of the United States in the East Room. And I think it's very important that everyone here at least hears the citation that was delivered in the White House before Major Capers received the Medal of Honor. And let me read it for the record, please. For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as a team leader with Third Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in the Republic of Vietnam from 31 March to 3rd April 1967. Tasked to locate a North Vietnamese regimental base camp, southwest of Fu Locke, and provide observation for the flank of Company M, 3rd Battalion 26 Marines, 2nd Lieutenant Capers maneuvered his nine-man team on a four-day patrol through rugged enemy territory. The team had contacted with 20 enemy soldiers on the first day of patrol and two additional contacts on the second day, resulting in one severely wounded team member. Despite being outnumbered by enemy forces, Second Lieutenant Capers relentlessly pursued his vigilant and tenacious adversary and called for fire on an enemy base camp to thwart an impending attack on Company M. On the last day of the patrol, his team was engaged by numerically superior enemy force with an initial attack from Claymore Mines, coupled with direct and indirect fire, despite severe pain and blood loss caused by multiple fragmentation and gunshot wounds he sustained, Second Lieutenant Capers bravely continued to lead his team and maintain the initiative. Even after being administered morphine, he continued to coordinate supporting fire and his team's movements to a helicopter extraction site. While struggling to maintain consciousness and still under enemy attack, Second Lieutenant Capers maintained command of the situation to ensure all of his Marines were evacuated before he, barely able to stand, finally boarded the helicopter. By his bold leadership, undaunted courage and complete dedication to duty, Second Lieutenant Capers reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. Well done, sir. Thank you and God bless you. This time I'd like to recognize Jack Pollock, who's going to deliver a few comments. And Jack was very instrumental in allowing the city council to move forward with a resolution in support of Major Capers receiving the Medal of Honor. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Sappho, members of council, city staff, distinguished guests, and members of the Wilmington community here tonight, we're gathered to take a moment to honor a distinguished former Marine for his service to our country. As a backdrop, the United States instituted in 1861 the Congressional Medal of Honor to recognize members of the various branches of our military for conspicuous actions above and beyond the call of duty while serving our country. Since its inception, over 40 million individuals have served in the various branches of our military services. So significant is this award that only 3,538 individuals have received the recognition for their actions in service to our country, and only 300 of those have been Marines. So another fact that is extremely important as this is the highest honor to be bestowed on any member of the military when a Medal of Honor recipient enters the room, all members of the military, including the President of the United States' commander-in-chief, are required to stand and render the appropriate salute and recognition as at that point that individual is regarded as the highest ranking individual in the room. Tonight we are here to honor the 3,536th recipient. So at this point, I would ask the mayor and city council to please come down in front of in front of the day as to be joined by Major Capers for the reading of a proclamation. And I would also like to recognize we do have several elected leaders and former elected leaders. I know former mayor of Ham Hicks is here with us, also a Marine. We also have Judge Faison. Happy birthday, Judge Faison, by the way, and also Judge Hotchin's Hawkinson in the back right there. Thank you for being here this evening. So let's read this proclamation. I'm going to read the proclamation.

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