2026-09-01 - City Council

Summary

Built from official minutes.

Regular meeting 6:30-8:54 PM; Mayor Saffo presiding; all seven council members present.
Proclamations for National Patriotism Week and Heritage Tree Awards.
Extended debate on Cape Fear Memorial Bridge Environmental Assessment Resolution with multiple amendments; final vote 7-0 opposing Alternative B design and requesting additional alternatives.
Living Hope Day Shelter continued discussion with approximately 15 public speakers (concerns and support); procedural clarification that no Council action required (by-right use).
Multiple ordinances approved: crime scene investigation equipment ($65.2K), speed limit reduction on Wrightsville Avenue, traffic safety overtime grant ($25K).
Council evaluation of City Manager, Clerk and Attorney; compensation approved.

Extended discussion of Environmental Assessment with two design alternatives and proposed staff comments.
Multiple amendments to Resolution Adopting Comments on Environmental Assessment.
Council discussed traffic impacts to Fifth Avenue, historic preservation concerns, environmental impacts, tolling opposition, federal funding gaps, and need for Section 216 Navigation Study.
Final vote: 7-0 (amended resolution opposing Alternative B, requesting additional alternatives exploration, no tolling).
Vote: 7-0

Approximately 15 public speakers addressed concerns about proposed location at 19 South 10th Street.
Concerns included: proximity to schools (four schools within 500 yards, 2,700 students), neighborhood safety, appropriate zoning use, community meeting process.
Support: Dave Ellegood (First Baptist Church) spoke in favor based on prior experience housing Living Hope.
Living Hope representative Tony Perez addressed project timeline and partnerships.
Councilmember Joyner requested clarification that Living Hope's by-right use determination means no Council action required; confirmed by City Manager and Director Painter.
No formal Council action taken.

Ordinance reducing speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph on portion between Military Cutoff Road and Eastwood Road.
Vote: 7-0

Resolution moving September 14-15 meetings to September 21-22 to avoid conflict with NCDOT bridge public hearings.
Vote: 7-0

Ordinance making supplemental appropriation of $25,000 from NC Governor's Highway Program Grant for WPD overtime (speed, alcohol, seatbelt enforcement).
Vote: 7-0

Council Evaluation Committee reported all three appointed officials (City Manager Becky Hawke, City Clerk Penelope Spicer-Sidbury, City Attorney Meredith Everhart) met or exceeded expectations.
Base annual compensation approved: $288,400.32 (Manager), $121,303.78 (Clerk), $215,083.70 (Attorney).
Vote: 7-0