2026-09-22 - City Council

Summary

Built from official minutes.

Regular meeting 6:30-9:35 PM; Mayor Saffo presiding; all seven council members present.
Proclamation recognizing Sister Cities International Day (40th anniversary).
Starway Village housing notes reissuance approved with minor revisions ($23.5M Phase I, $13.6M Phase II).
Public comment period focused on Living Hope Day Shelter location concerns (approximately 15 speakers); City clarified shelter is by-right use not requiring Council approval; Staff exploring zoning code amendments.
Extended public hearing and Council action on 501 Swann Street property: dilapidated dwelling approved for vacate/close/repair/demolish with direction to secure property and temporary fencing.
Thalian Hall renovation project approved: $2.95M City portion for critical infrastructure including fire suppression, portico repairs, and elevator replacement; major 168-year-old historic theater expansion.
Infrastructure approvals: Vehicle mitigation barriers ($1.6M for 560 barriers and trailers); Eastport/Riverlights streets acceptance; Kerr Avenue Trail grant ($2.68M NCDOT grant with local match).

No formal Council action; public information/testimony only.
Approximately 15 speakers addressed concerns about shelter location at 19 South 10th Street (near four schools, 2,700 students within 500 yards).
Concerns included neighborhood safety, zoning appropriateness, property values, parking, and lack of overnight housing plan.
City Manager and Planning Director clarified: Living Hope pursuing independently; classified as community center (by-right use); no City action required; City exploring code amendments to distinguish day shelters from traditional community centers.
Public speakers included school representatives, residents, Living Hope representatives, and school superintendent.

Dilapidated single-family home built 1920, vacant, severely deteriorated.
Owner Norma Jean Williams (heir) addressed Council explaining difficulty handling water bill debt and coordinating with multiple heirs.
Council directed Staff to secure property immediately, remove trespasser, install no-trespassing signs, and provide temporary fencing as cost passed to property owner.
Owner given opportunity to repair or demolish within timeframe; after 90 days City authorized to proceed with demolition costs as lien.
Vote: 7-0

CEO Shane Fernando reported $11M raised (44% of $25M campaign goal); match challenge exceeded one year ahead of schedule.
Deputy City Manager Mary Vigue detailed City costs: fire suppression ($1.9M), Princess Street portico ($700K), elevator ($450K), 3rd Street portico improvements.
Project timeline: all City work complete by early 2028; phased work to keep facility operational.
Both Resolution and Ordinance approved unanimously.
Vote: 7-0 on each

Deputy City Manager Thom Moton presented 560 barriers and 7 trailers for $1.635M.
Lightweight (53 lbs), rapidly deployable (10-15 seconds), open design (visibility and no concealment).
Intended to replace trash truck use for street closures.
Financing: parking fund, MSD, general fund.
Both Ordinance and Resolution approved unanimously.
Vote: 7-0 on each

Resolution accepting public streets and storm drainage in Eastport (Swain Way) and Riverlights Del Webb Phases 4 and 5 (1.84 miles total).
Speed limits established: 25 MPH on Swain Way, 20 MPH on various streets in Riverlights.
Vote: 7-0 (Councilmember Lyle not seated when vote taken)

Senior Project Engineer Kim Gordon presented 0.7-mile multi-use path from UNCW campus to commercial areas north of Market Street.
$2.68M NCDOT grant with $670K local match (20% required).
Acquisition phase 78% complete; utility relocation May 2027; construction August 2027.
Both Resolution and Ordinance approved unanimously.
Vote: 7-0 on each

Walk-on item: Letter to Federal Delegation approved requesting updated navigational needs assessment and federal assistance.
Mayor Saffo emphasized federal grant deadline (October 2027) while advocating for comprehensive assessment.
Vote: 7-0