Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Wilmington City Council met on October 20, 2026, at 6:30 PM at City Hall in Wilmington, North Carolina. The agenda included a proclamation for Diabetes Awareness Month, a continued rezoning request for the Barclay West development, a public hearing and unanimous vote approving an economic development incentive agreement for Project Pearl II (Corning), updates to the parking meter code, and approval of appointments to city boards and commissions.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0).
I parked it. I parked downstairs. We're ready down the line. Okay. Let's go ahead and get started. Call the meeting to order the Wilmington City Council. I'd like to welcome all those who are here with us this evening and all those who are watching us at home. Thank you for taking an interest in your government. At this time, I'd like to introduce Pastor Nikki Stevenson of the Divine Faith and Restoration Church for the invocation. Ask that everyone remain standing Pledge of Allegiance afterwards. Mr. Mayor, I believe we have Rabbi Rabbi Hyabender here today. Oh, I'm sorry, Rabbi. Rabbi, go ahead. Sorry. Thank you, Rabbi. Of course. Thank you. Thank you. Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Council members, city officials, all those in attendance as a teaching from the Jewish tradition. In the Jewish tradition, we've entered the Hebrew month of Heshvan. It is a month that follows a month that was filled with all of our holiest days of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, our days of prayer and celebration and reflection. And then suddenly we have a holiday with no months at all. And I always have found meaning in this as a Jewish person. We spend so much time reflecting on the kind of people we want to be and the kind of world we want to create, but then the real work happens when the holidays end. Because justice is not built through good intentions alone, and compassion requires action, and the strength of community is measured not simply by the values we profess, but how we live them, especially when the work is difficult. So as we gather this evening, may we be blessed with the wisdom to recognize what is needed, the humility to listen to perspectives different from our own, and the courage to do what is right even when it is not easy. May we remember that behind every policy, every budget, every decision are human beings, each deserving dignity, compassion, and care. And may this Jewish month without holidays remind us that the most sacred work often happens on the most ordinary days when we choose to take responsibility for one another and the community that we love and we share. And let us say Amen. Thank you. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which we stand one nation under God, individual with liberty and justice for us for all of the people. Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting more than 38 million Americans, including hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians. It remains a leading cause of heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, nerve damage, and other serious health complications, and whereas early detection, access to quality health care, diabetes self-management education, health nutrition, physical activity, and advances in diabetes technologies can significant significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with diabetes. And whereas National Diabetes Awareness Month offers an opportunity to increase public understandings of diabetes, reduce stigma, promote prevention and early screening, and recognize the dedication of individuals living with diabetes, their families and caregivers, health care professionals, researchers, educators, advocates, and community organizations working to improve diabetes care and outcomes. And whereas the North Carolina Diabetes Advisory Council collaborates with partners statewide to advance diabetes awareness, education, prevention, equitable access to care, and improved health outcomes for all North Carolinians. And whereas the City of Wilmington recognizes the importance of promoting public health, advancing health equity, supporting community partnerships, and encouraging residents to learn about diabetes preventions, management, and available resources. Now, therefore, on behalf of the entire Wilmington City Council, uh Bill Sapphire Mayor of the City of Wilmington, North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 2026 as National Diabetes Awareness Month in the City of Wilmington and say thank you to everything that you folks do day in and day out. Um this is a very important issue that faces the entire country. Obviously, it faces our community just like any other community around the nation because it is exploded for many years. So thank you for everything you folks do. Thank you. And we're turning this over to you.