[1:21] Would like to recognize. Also, our school board member from our school board member from New Hanover County School New Hanover County School System, Mr. Tim Marek, is with System, Mr. Tim Marek, is with us today. Tim, welcome. Thank us today. Tim, welcome. Thank you. We have two presentations you. We have two presentations this evening.

[1:35] Our first this evening. Our first presentation. I'd like to presentation. I'd like to recognize Susan Abbas, who is recognize Susan Abbas, who is the executive director for the the executive director for the Family and Association Family and Association Community Theater, and she's Community Theater, and she's going to report to us. going to report to us.

[1:46] Athenians Art Association, the Athenians Art Association, the Community arts center. Susan, Community arts center. Susan, welcome. welcome. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor Thank you. Good evening, Mayor Saffo. Mayor Pro Tem Spears and Saffo. Mayor Pro Tem Spears and council members. Um, I am here council members.

[1:56] Um, I am here on behalf of the Alien on behalf of the Alien Association Community Theater. Association Community Theater. And we thank you for the And we thank you for the privilege of managing the Hanna privilege of managing the Hanna Block historic USO Community Block historic USO Community Arts Center on behalf of the Arts Center on behalf of the city.

[2:08] Since 1994, this iconic city. Since 1994, this iconic building is not only an building is not only an important historic site, but important historic site, but it's a vibrant center for the it's a vibrant center for the arts, education, culture, and arts, education, culture, and community in Wilmington. And community in Wilmington.

[2:21] And these are exciting times at the these are exciting times at the Community Arts Center. Building Community Arts Center. Building usage has reached a new record usage has reached a new record since a 2008 renovation last since a 2008 renovation last year. 67,202 people attended year.

[2:36] 67,202 people attended events in the building, and the events in the building, and the Community Arts Center was open Community Arts Center was open for 6975 hours. Many residents for 6975 hours.

[2:49] Many residents and visitors enjoy our lobby and visitors enjoy our lobby museum, which features World museum, which features World War II exhibits and serves as War II exhibits and serves as an important center for World an important center for World War II history and preservation War II history and preservation in Wilmington. Among the most in Wilmington.

[2:59] Among the most popular exhibits are the 1940s popular exhibits are the 1940s era phone booth, the Liberty era phone booth, the Liberty Bell, and our Aviation Display. Bell, and our Aviation Display. The historic USO building also The historic USO building also played an important role in played an important role in Wilmington, receiving its Wilmington, receiving its designation as America's First designation as America's First World War II Heritage City.

[3:12] The World War II Heritage City. The Community Arts Center is truly Community Arts Center is truly a multi-use venue. Our old a multi-use venue. Our old tagline was the Best kept tagline was the Best kept secret in Town. Well, the secret in Town. Well, the secret is out.

[3:24] Last year, 35 secret is out. Last year, 35 nonprofit organizations held nonprofit organizations held meetings or rehearsed in the meetings or rehearsed in the building at no charge. We also building at no charge.

[3:36] We also hosted 206 classes, an average hosted 206 classes, an average of 17 classes every month from of 17 classes every month from meetings and rehearsals to meetings and rehearsals to classes, performances, exhibits, classes, performances, exhibits, and special events. The and special events. The building is in constant use. building is in constant use.

[3:50] The building is synonymous with The building is synonymous with youth arts education and is youth arts education and is known as the home of Thalia and known as the home of Thalia and Youth Theater. Each year, five Youth Theater. Each year, five fully realized productions fully realized productions provide approximately 30 public provide approximately 30 public performances, along with ten performances, along with ten free school shows, including free school shows, including sensory friendly performances. sensory friendly performances.

[4:05] Each season also includes a Each season also includes a rookie production specifically rookie production specifically for children who have never for children who have never appeared in Italian. Show and appeared in Italian. Show and all public performances are all public performances are free. We believe that youth free.

[4:16] We believe that youth theater should be accessible to theater should be accessible to every family during the school every family during the school year. The Academy provides year. The Academy provides afterschool theater arts afterschool theater arts classes, and every summer, classes, and every summer, Creative Arts Camp provides Creative Arts Camp provides affordable visual and affordable visual and performing arts education.

[4:28] performing arts education. Safety is also a top priority. Safety is also a top priority. Our staff and summer counselors Our staff and summer counselors are trained through partners are trained through partners and prevention to recognize and prevention to recognize signs of abuse, and everyone is signs of abuse, and everyone is CPR certified.

[4:44] Visual arts also CPR certified. Visual arts also thrive throughout the year. The thrive throughout the year. The Community Gallery provides free Community Gallery provides free exhibition space for local exhibition space for local artists. We host Art fall for artists. We host Art fall for emerging and established emerging and established artists.

[4:55] On street pottery artists. On street pottery classes and education, and classes and education, and exhibits. Orange Street Arts exhibits. Orange Street Arts Fest. The Waa Azalea Festival Fest. The Waa Azalea Festival official juried art show and official juried art show and the Azalea Festival youth art the Azalea Festival youth art context.

[5:08] The Community Arts context. The Community Arts Center has a special connection Center has a special connection to the Azalea Festival. The to the Azalea Festival.

[5:17] The very first festival Queen was very first festival Queen was introduced to the community on introduced to the community on the steps of the building in the steps of the building in 1948. We are also expanding 1948. We are also expanding opportunities for older adults opportunities for older adults through Let's Take the Stage, a through Let's Take the Stage, a theater program for adults 55 theater program for adults 55 and over.

[5:29] The program includes and over. The program includes free monthly dance and audition free monthly dance and audition workshops and productions workshops and productions specifically adapted for older specifically adapted for older actors with accessible scripts. actors with accessible scripts. Longer rehearsal periods and Longer rehearsal periods and shorter performance runs. Our shorter performance runs.

[5:43] Our first production, Guys and first production, Guys and Dolls Senior, was sold out. The Dolls Senior, was sold out. The historic USO building has also historic USO building has also been an important venue for been an important venue for Wilmington's America 250 Wilmington's America 250 programming, in partnership programming, in partnership with Captain Wilbur Jones and

[6:00] with Captain Wilbur Jones and the Wilmington World War two the Wilmington World War two Homefront Heritage Coalition. Homefront Heritage Coalition. Events included recognition of Events included recognition of the 80th anniversary of the end the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with 25 World of World War II with 25 World War Two veterans in attendance.

[6:13] War Two veterans in attendance. History. Presentations of Rosie History. Presentations of Rosie the Riveter live theater the Riveter live theater performance, and World War Two performance, and World War Two era jazz with Benny Hill. era jazz with Benny Hill.

[6:26] Throughout the year, the Throughout the year, the building also hosts free and building also hosts free and affordable events for the affordable events for the community. Just a few examples community. Just a few examples include our July 4th open House include our July 4th open House Veterans Day weekend, USO show, Veterans Day weekend, USO show, and dance. Pearl Harbor and dance. Pearl Harbor commemoration.

[6:37] The Voices commemoration. The Voices Workshop Christmas Concert, and Workshop Christmas Concert, and Orange Street Pottery Holiday Orange Street Pottery Holiday Sale. These events help ensure Sale. These events help ensure that the Community Arts Center that the Community Arts Center is accessible to everyone. The is accessible to everyone.

[6:50] The impact of the building extends impact of the building extends far beyond the arts. The far beyond the arts. The Community Arts Center is proud Community Arts Center is proud to partner with the Wilmington to partner with the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Career and Chamber of Commerce.

[7:00] Career and Development Academy, providing Development Academy, providing career guidance for New Hanover career guidance for New Hanover County Schools. Seventh grade County Schools. Seventh grade students. The building also students. The building also serves as a site for New serves as a site for New Hanover County Schools Hanover County Schools Transition program for young Transition program for young adults, helping students adults, helping students develop real world work

[7:11] develop real world work experience and independent experience and independent living skills. And through our living skills. And through our Creative Arts Camp partnership Creative Arts Camp partnership with Voyage of Wilmington's with Voyage of Wilmington's Summer employment program. Summer employment program.

[7:25] Young people age 14 to 21 who Young people age 14 to 21 who face barriers to employment, face barriers to employment, gain valuable workplace gain valuable workplace experience. We are also experience. We are also committed to maintaining and committed to maintaining and preserving this historic preserving this historic facility. A $1 preservation fee facility.

[7:39] A $1 preservation fee is added to every ticketed is added to every ticketed event in the building, event in the building, generating revenue for the generating revenue for the preservation fund. Proceeds preservation fund. Proceeds from our annual Veterans Day from our annual Veterans Day USO Show and Dance also benefit USO Show and Dance also benefit the fund. The annual Lighting the fund.

[7:50] The annual Lighting the Way Christmas Tree auction the Way Christmas Tree auction supports designated building supports designated building needs. These funds have helped needs. These funds have helped provide improvements, including provide improvements, including the LED lighting system for the the LED lighting system for the Second Street stage. The Second Street stage.

[8:03] The Dorothy Gillespie Art Dorothy Gillespie Art installation Sound system installation Sound system upgrades, and outdoor lighting. upgrades, and outdoor lighting. And finally, the Alien And finally, the Alien Association Community Theater Association Community Theater is proud to be part of the City is proud to be part of the City of Wilmington, providing cost of Wilmington, providing cost effective programming for our

[8:15] effective programming for our citizens. A safe and welcoming citizens. A safe and welcoming space for family, education and space for family, education and recreation, and support for recreation, and support for area nonprofits through free area nonprofits through free space and paid programs. The space and paid programs.

[8:28] The Hanna Block Historic USO Hanna Block Historic USO Community Arts Center is truly Community Arts Center is truly a building with big community a building with big community impact. Now, I'd like to impact. Now, I'd like to introduce you to the person who introduce you to the person who makes this possible every day. makes this possible every day.

[8:39] Our amazing community art Our amazing community art center and creative Arts Camp center and creative Arts Camp Director Stacy Smith, who is Director Stacy Smith, who is responsible for daily oversight responsible for daily oversight of the building. of the building. Thank you. Thank you.

[8:51] And thank you to our city And thank you to our city liaison, Andrea Talley, Davina liaison, Andrea Talley, Davina Bell, and of course, Amy Beatty Bell, and of course, Amy Beatty for their support, partnership for their support, partnership and collaboration. And thank and collaboration. And thank you all for everything you do you all for everything you do to support the Community Arts to support the Community Arts Center. Thank you.

[9:11] Center. Thank you. Next presentation is Next presentation is presentation for the Wilmington presentation for the Wilmington Urban Metropolitan Planning Urban Metropolitan Planning Organization. The annual Organization. The annual report. This time, I like to report. This time, I like to recognize Mr. Mike Kozlowski. recognize Mr. Mike Kozlowski. Mike. Welcome, everybody. Mike. Welcome, everybody. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[9:23] Members Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Members of the council. I appreciate of the council. I appreciate the opportunity to be before the opportunity to be before you this evening to present on you this evening to present on our annual report. The city our annual report.

[9:31] The city serves as the lead planning serves as the lead planning agency for the Wilmington MPO, agency for the Wilmington MPO, and we appreciate the and we appreciate the relationship that we have with relationship that we have with the city and the staff. Um, per the city and the staff.

[9:40] Um, per the lead planning agency the lead planning agency agreement that we have with the agreement that we have with the city. Uh, I'm coming before you city. Uh, I'm coming before you to present our annual report. to present our annual report. Um, our fiscal year runs from Um, our fiscal year runs from July 1st to June 30th.

[9:50] So July 1st to June 30th. So that's what I'm going to focus that's what I'm going to focus on for this presentation. But on for this presentation.

[10:00] But beyond, on behalf of the beyond, on behalf of the organization and the 13 member organization and the 13 member staff, I'm pleased to be before staff, I'm pleased to be before you to present this report you to present this report tonight and the great work that tonight and the great work that the organization does in this the organization does in this community. So before I get into community.

[10:10] So before I get into our, uh, our annual report, I our, uh, our annual report, I did want to provide a little did want to provide a little bit of an overview of the bit of an overview of the Metropolitan Planning Metropolitan Planning Organization. And so, uh, Organization.

[10:19] And so, uh, collaborative transportation collaborative transportation planning all started out of the planning all started out of the Federal Highway Act of 1962. Federal Highway Act of 1962. And in 1973, uh, the Federal And in 1973, uh, the Federal Highway Act that was approved Highway Act that was approved in that year actually formed in that year actually formed metropolitan planning metropolitan planning organizations.

[10:33] And so MPOs are organizations. And so MPOs are created for any urbanized area created for any urbanized area of 50,000 or greater in of 50,000 or greater in population. Uh, and then once population.

[10:43] Uh, and then once you reach a threshold of you reach a threshold of 200,000 in population, you go 200,000 in population, you go to what's called a to what's called a transportation management area. transportation management area. So we were designated as a TMA So we were designated as a TMA in 2012 based on the 2010 in 2012 based on the 2010 decennial census. We are the. decennial census. We are the.

[11:00] Entity that provides for Entity that provides for regional collaboration amongst regional collaboration amongst our members. We also have a our members. We also have a number of federal requirements. number of federal requirements. Um, and I'll talk a little bit Um, and I'll talk a little bit about those in a second. Uh, about those in a second.

[11:11] Uh, we're also required to, uh, we're also required to, uh, implement the three C planning implement the three C planning process, which is continuing process, which is continuing cooperative and comprehensive cooperative and comprehensive for the the region. So, um, as for the the region. So, um, as I mentioned, MPOs were created I mentioned, MPOs were created in 1973.

[11:23] We were actually in 1973. We were actually established in late 73, early established in late 73, early 74. We provide transportation 74. We provide transportation planning services for a planning services for a population of about 300,000 population of about 300,000 people in a 494 square mile people in a 494 square mile area.

[11:38] We serve seven area. We serve seven municipalities in all or municipalities in all or portions of three counties. Uh, portions of three counties.

[11:48] Uh, we do have a 13 member board, we do have a 13 member board, as you can see on this slide, as you can see on this slide, uh, from the city council, we uh, from the city council, we have Mayor Pro Tem Spears, uh, have Mayor Pro Tem Spears, uh, and Councilwoman Santa Guido and Councilwoman Santa Guido that serve as our board that serve as our board members. And then we have members.

[11:56] And then we have Councilwoman Lyle that serves Councilwoman Lyle that serves as our alternate. So I said, we as our alternate. So I said, we we have a number of federal we have a number of federal responsibilities, so we're responsibilities, so we're required to one, develop our required to one, develop our metropolitan transportation metropolitan transportation plan.

[12:07] This is the blueprint and plan. This is the blueprint and the foundation for our the foundation for our transportation network. This is transportation network. This is across all modes of across all modes of transportation. Uh, this plan transportation.

[12:16] Uh, this plan is required to be fiscally is required to be fiscally constrained and have a minimum constrained and have a minimum of 20 year planning horizon. We of 20 year planning horizon. We are required to mutually adopt are required to mutually adopt the state and MPO the state and MPO transportation improvement transportation improvement program. What that is, is program.

[12:25] What that is, is that's the ten year funding that's the ten year funding program, uh, from the state. program, uh, from the state. Uh, and then we're also Uh, and then we're also required to develop a required to develop a congestion management process. congestion management process.

[12:35] What that process does is it What that process does is it looks at 33 of our major looks at 33 of our major corridors in the community. It corridors in the community. It provides recommendations. Uh, provides recommendations. Uh, and then those recommendations and then those recommendations are folded into our long range are folded into our long range plan. We also adopt the federal plan.

[12:46] We also adopt the federal functional classification functional classification network, which we approved last network, which we approved last year. And that's where federal year. And that's where federal monies can be spent for monies can be spent for transportation infrastructure. transportation infrastructure. We also administer what's We also administer what's called our direct attributable called our direct attributable program.

[13:00] We get between 5 and program. We get between 5 and $6 million annually to disperse $6 million annually to disperse through our members, through through our members, through competitive process. We also competitive process.

[13:09] We also coordinate with our members, coordinate with our members, and then we also provide and then we also provide additional services above and additional services above and beyond those federal beyond those federal requirements. And so those requirements.

[13:20] And so those include traffic impact analysis include traffic impact analysis or Tia coordination development or Tia coordination development review, as well as we have an review, as well as we have an annual traffic count program in annual traffic count program in which we collect annual as well which we collect annual as well as special counts. Uh, and then as special counts. Uh, and then those are posted on MPOs data those are posted on MPOs data hub. In addition, we, uh, we hub.

[13:31] In addition, we, uh, we administer the Go coast TDM administer the Go coast TDM program. And what that is, is program. And what that is, is it's a program that is intended it's a program that is intended to try to get people out of to try to get people out of their single occupancy their single occupancy vehicles. So promoting vehicles.

[13:41] So promoting carpooling, walking, biking, carpooling, walking, biking, van pooling, etc.. Uh, so now van pooling, etc.. Uh, so now to dig into the annual report, to dig into the annual report, and this is really, uh, as you and this is really, uh, as you can see, and you should have can see, and you should have received a copy of this.

[13:52] Uh, received a copy of this. Uh, it's entitled Behind the it's entitled Behind the Scenes. Uh, and that's really a Scenes. Uh, and that's really a nod. Uh, that theme is really a nod. Uh, that theme is really a nod to the film industry in nod to the film industry in Wilmington.

[14:03] And so we wanted to Wilmington. And so we wanted to to use that theme throughout to use that theme throughout the document, but we're going the document, but we're going to focus on, uh, board action, to focus on, uh, board action, funding, planning, technical funding, planning, technical services, community engagement, services, community engagement, and then some other initiatives

[14:14] and then some other initiatives that we undertook last year. that we undertook last year. And so the first is board And so the first is board action. So, uh, and the first action. So, uh, and the first thing I'm going to talk about thing I'm going to talk about is our legislative agenda.

[14:23] And is our legislative agenda. And so one of the priorities of our so one of the priorities of our board was to, uh, classify and board was to, uh, classify and allow local regulation of allow local regulation of e-bikes. Uh, and so we did work e-bikes.

[14:33] Uh, and so we did work with Senator Lee's office to with Senator Lee's office to have a bill introduced in the have a bill introduced in the long, as well as a short long, as well as a short session, uh, to classify and session, uh, to classify and regulate, uh, e-bikes. Uh, this regulate, uh, e-bikes.

[14:45] Uh, this language that was actually then language that was actually then put into House Bill 1094, which put into House Bill 1094, which is Dot's agency bill, as well is Dot's agency bill, as well as a ferry audit bill. Uh, and as a ferry audit bill.

[14:55] Uh, and that did become law in early that did become law in early July, federal surface July, federal surface transportation reauthorization. transportation reauthorization. So the Infrastructure and So the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act, um, Investment Jobs Act, um, expires on September 30th of expires on September 30th of this year. And so I have been this year.

[15:08] And so I have been spending some time in DC, along spending some time in DC, along with the Association of MPOs, with the Association of MPOs, uh, to educate our uh, to educate our congressional delegation, congressional delegation, congressional staff, uh, staff congressional staff, uh, staff from the Federal Highway from the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Transit Administration, and even the

[15:19] Administration, and even the white House staff, uh, on the white House staff, uh, on the priorities of AMP as well as priorities of AMP as well as the MPO board, independence the MPO board, independence Boulevard extension, this Boulevard extension, this board, uh, requested that, uh, board, uh, requested that, uh, Independence Boulevard

[15:32] Independence Boulevard extension be removed from the extension be removed from the uh, 2026 to 2035 state and MPO uh, 2026 to 2035 state and MPO Transportation Improvement Transportation Improvement Program. The board did, uh, Program. The board did, uh, remove that project from the remove that project from the Stip.

[15:47] However, the board did Stip. However, the board did keep that project in our long keep that project in our long range plan to signify the range plan to signify the importance of that North-South importance of that North-South connectivity. Uh, we're going connectivity.

[16:00] Uh, we're going to explore a partnership with to explore a partnership with the city Dot County to look at the city Dot County to look at what other, uh, feasible what other, uh, feasible options there are to provide options there are to provide North-South connectivity. And I North-South connectivity. And I was on a phone call this was on a phone call this morning just about that, uh, morning just about that, uh, alternative funding.

[16:09] So we did alternative funding. So we did have a subcommittee that was have a subcommittee that was established to evaluate the established to evaluate the alternative funding options alternative funding options that were identified in Cape that were identified in Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050, Fear Navigating Change 2050, which is our long range plan.

[16:20] which is our long range plan. Uh, that alternative Uh, that alternative subcommittee recommended that subcommittee recommended that we look at, uh, and continue to we look at, uh, and continue to explore a local option sales explore a local option sales tax. Uh, and then finally tax.

[16:32] Uh, and then finally continued efforts to replace continued efforts to replace the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. Um, our our board has Um, our our board has identified that they want to identified that they want to continue to explore all continue to explore all potential funding options to potential funding options to replace the bridge.

[16:44] The NCDOT replace the bridge. The NCDOT in February received an in February received an unsolicited proposal, uh, from unsolicited proposal, uh, from a private entity to look at a private entity to look at replacing the bridge. The MPO replacing the bridge.

[16:55] The MPO in March provided written in March provided written authorization to review the authorization to review the proposal. Uh, during the period proposal. Uh, during the period of time, which we're talking, of time, which we're talking, we did work with NCDOT on we did work with NCDOT on reviewing that proposal. But, reviewing that proposal.

[17:07] But, uh, we ultimately decided that uh, we ultimately decided that that proposal was not that proposal was not beneficial. It was not beneficial. It was not indifferent than what was in indifferent than what was in the state Transportation the state Transportation improvement program. And the improvement program. And the terms were not beneficial, uh, terms were not beneficial, uh, for the department. Talking for the department. Talking more about funding.

[17:20] So, uh, in more about funding. So, uh, in July of last year, uh, the MPO July of last year, uh, the MPO board adopted the state and MPO board adopted the state and MPO Transportation Improvement Transportation Improvement Program for 2026 to 2035. There Program for 2026 to 2035.

[17:33] There were two projects that were were two projects that were included in that the included in that the replacement of the Cape Fear replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, as well as Memorial Bridge, as well as some improvements along 17, uh, some improvements along 17, uh, in Pender County. Uh, and in Pender County.

[17:42] Uh, and developing the state and MPO developing the state and MPO Transportation Improvement Transportation Improvement Program is a two year process. Program is a two year process.

[17:54] Uh, and so the adoption of the Uh, and so the adoption of the 2026 to 2035 step and MPO tip 2026 to 2035 step and MPO tip was the culmination of was the culmination of prioritization 7.0. And then as prioritization 7.0. And then as soon as you finish 7.0, you soon as you finish 7.0, you move into 8.0. Uh, and so with move into 8.0. Uh, and so with prioritization 8.0. Uh, last prioritization 8.0.

[18:05] Uh, last year we we submitted the year we we submitted the projects for consideration. Uh, projects for consideration. Uh, there were 42 projects there were 42 projects submitted across six modes of submitted across six modes of transportation. Uh, and then transportation.

[18:18] Uh, and then finally, in the funding um, finally, in the funding um, category to talk about our category to talk about our locally administered projects locally administered projects program. Uh, we we used to have program. Uh, we we used to have a one year call for projects. a one year call for projects.

[18:27] The board had identified a The board had identified a desire to move to a five year desire to move to a five year call. Uh, so we issued a call call. Uh, so we issued a call for projects. We received ten for projects. We received ten applications. We actually applications. We actually funded five projects. Out of funded five projects.

[18:39] Out of those ten applications over a those ten applications over a three year period. We've just three year period. We've just initiated another call, which initiated another call, which will the final applications will the final applications will be due in September. But will be due in September.

[18:49] But in the last call, I wanted to in the last call, I wanted to highlight that the city was highlight that the city was successful in receiving successful in receiving approximately $2.7 million from approximately $2.7 million from the MPO for the Kerr Avenue the MPO for the Kerr Avenue Trail.

[19:01] Uh, in addition to the Trail. Uh, in addition to the funding in the last call, the funding in the last call, the city has also been very city has also been very successful in utilizing our successful in utilizing our direct attributable funds for direct attributable funds for projects like the Hawk signal. projects like the Hawk signal.

[19:13] They're at 21st and market the They're at 21st and market the signal preemption phase one. signal preemption phase one. The city is also moving forward The city is also moving forward now with construction of, the now with construction of, the preemption phase two. Uh, also preemption phase two.

[19:25] Uh, also downtown trail phase one to downtown trail phase one to design was funded through this design was funded through this initiative. The traffic signals initiative. The traffic signals that are coming at third and that are coming at third and and third and orange were also and third and orange were also part of this program.

[19:36] So the part of this program. So the city has been very successful city has been very successful in applying for and receiving in applying for and receiving our direct attributable funds our direct attributable funds for infrastructure improvements for infrastructure improvements in the city. Uh, moving to in the city. Uh, moving to planning.

[19:47] So, uh, Cape Fear planning. So, uh, Cape Fear navigating change is our navigating change is our current metropolitan current metropolitan transportation plan. Uh, as I transportation plan. Uh, as I talked about previously, a talked about previously, a metropolitan transportation metropolitan transportation plan is required to be fiscally plan is required to be fiscally constrained, updated every five

[20:01] constrained, updated every five years, and have a 20 year years, and have a 20 year minimum planning horizon. Um, minimum planning horizon. Um, Cape Fear navigating change. Cape Fear navigating change. Uh, we developed. It takes Uh, we developed.

[20:13] It takes approximately 2 to 3 years to approximately 2 to 3 years to develop this plan before develop this plan before adoption. And so, as I adoption. And so, as I mentioned earlier, it's the mentioned earlier, it's the blueprint and the foundation blueprint and the foundation for our transportation network. for our transportation network. And so that was adopted by our And so that was adopted by our board in October of 2025.

[20:26] We board in October of 2025. We also developed a regional. It's also developed a regional. It's an intelligent transportation an intelligent transportation systems strategic deployment systems strategic deployment plan. Uh, and so uh, the its plan.

[20:39] Uh, and so uh, the its plan, the last plan that we plan, the last plan that we had, uh, was developed in the had, uh, was developed in the early 2000, and we go through a early 2000, and we go through a certification review by federal certification review by federal highways and the Federal highways and the Federal Transit Administration. Uh, no Transit Administration. Uh, no less than every four years. And less than every four years.

[20:49] And with that certification review, with that certification review, they had identified a need to they had identified a need to update the its plan. Uh, so we update the its plan. Uh, so we did work with Kimberly Horn and did work with Kimberly Horn and Associates, which was our Associates, which was our consultant.

[20:57] We partnered with consultant. We partnered with Ddot, uh, and uh, developed Ddot, uh, and uh, developed that plan, which was also that plan, which was also adopted by our board in October adopted by our board in October of 2025. Uh, we also updated of 2025.

[21:09] Uh, we also updated our public participation plan, our public participation plan, uh, in May of 2026, which uh, in May of 2026, which helped, uh, to update the plan helped, uh, to update the plan and also enforce the need for and also enforce the need for engagement and how we engage engagement and how we engage the community.

[21:21] And then the community. And then finally, the MPO strategic finally, the MPO strategic plan. Uh, we worked with WSP to plan. Uh, we worked with WSP to develop our strategic plan, uh, develop our strategic plan, uh, for 2026 to 2031. This for 2026 to 2031.

[21:34] This strategic plan was adopted in strategic plan was adopted in June. It outlines focus areas June. It outlines focus areas and key strategies, uh, as well and key strategies, uh, as well as our top funded and unfunded as our top funded and unfunded transportation priorities in transportation priorities in the region. Uh, and then the region.

[21:46] Uh, and then finally, another plan that finally, another plan that we've worked on, but has not we've worked on, but has not been adopted yet is our streets been adopted yet is our streets and roads for all plan. Uh, and roads for all plan. Uh, this is a safety action plan. this is a safety action plan.

[21:54] Uh, we did receive federal Uh, we did receive federal funding for this plan. We've funding for this plan. We've also received some state also received some state funding to assist with the plan funding to assist with the plan development. Uh, and so we are development.

[22:06] Uh, and so we are currently wrapping up that currently wrapping up that plan, and we anticipate plan, and we anticipate approval in September. Um, approval in September. Um, technical services. So we do technical services. So we do have three staff in our have three staff in our technical services division. technical services division.

[22:19] Uh, and they really focus on Uh, and they really focus on development review, our tire development review, our tire review and our traffic counts. review and our traffic counts. And so we sit on the technical And so we sit on the technical review committee for our review committee for our members. And so over the course members.

[22:29] And so over the course of the past year, uh, staff has of the past year, uh, staff has reviewed 439 development plans. reviewed 439 development plans. Um, we also, for any Um, we also, for any development that generates 100 development that generates 100 Am or PM peak hour trips is Am or PM peak hour trips is required to complete a traffic

[22:39] required to complete a traffic impact analysis. Uh, we impact analysis. Uh, we coordinate the review of that coordinate the review of that analysis with the Department of analysis with the Department of Transportation and our members. Transportation and our members.

[22:50] Uh, and so we reviewed 83 Tias Uh, and so we reviewed 83 Tias over that period. And then also over that period. And then also we collect, as I mentioned we collect, as I mentioned earlier, uh, annual and special earlier, uh, annual and special traffic counts. Uh, and so last traffic counts. Uh, and so last year, we collected 444 of those.

[23:02] year, we collected 444 of those. Uh, community engagement. So we Uh, community engagement. So we have a newsletter that we have a newsletter that we publish. Uh, and I think that publish.

[23:13] Uh, and I think that this is, uh, that we should this is, uh, that we should applaud NPS staff for the applaud NPS staff for the number of people on our contact number of people on our contact list. So our newsletter goes list. So our newsletter goes out to over 12,000 people in out to over 12,000 people in this community. We also utilize this community. We also utilize social media.

[23:24] Uh, and then we social media. Uh, and then we also have two unique websites. also have two unique websites. The W MPO website, as well as The W MPO website, as well as the Go Coast website. We also the Go Coast website.

[23:34] We also engage the community through engage the community through community events such as the community events such as the Commuter Challenge, the River Commuter Challenge, the River to Sea Ride. Unfortunately, the to Sea Ride. Unfortunately, the ride didn't happen. Last year ride didn't happen.

[23:45] Last year it was rained out, but we also it was rained out, but we also had an inaugural expo in which had an inaugural expo in which we had a number of people come we had a number of people come out. Uh, and then we educate, out. Uh, and then we educate, uh, we've moved to educating. uh, we've moved to educating.

[23:54] We've heard a lot from our We've heard a lot from our board and a desire for board and a desire for additional trainings. And so we additional trainings. And so we implemented a NPO 101 training. implemented a NPO 101 training. We've also worked to train We've also worked to train implement trainings for our implement trainings for our active Transportation Advisory active Transportation Advisory Committee.

[24:07] Uh, a training on Committee. Uh, a training on our locally administered our locally administered projects program. And finally, projects program. And finally, a traffic impact analysis a traffic impact analysis training. And then finally, two training.

[24:18] And then finally, two initiatives that I did want to initiatives that I did want to highlight the Go Coast TDM highlight the Go Coast TDM program. Uh, this is the program. Uh, this is the program, again, that focuses on program, again, that focuses on trying to get people out of trying to get people out of their single occupancy their single occupancy vehicles. Uh, we've we've vehicles.

[24:27] Uh, we've we've attended a number of community attended a number of community events. We were successful in events. We were successful in receiving an NCDOT helmet receiving an NCDOT helmet program. Uh, and, and so what program. Uh, and, and so what helmet grant. And so what we do helmet grant.

[24:39] And so what we do with those helmets is we with those helmets is we distribute those helmets to low distribute those helmets to low income communities. And so last income communities. And so last year, we distributed 68 year, we distributed 68 helmets. Uh, we also have the helmets.

[24:50] Uh, we also have the commuter challenge, which we commuter challenge, which we and the get their greener and the get their greener challenge, which are trying to challenge, which are trying to reduce emissions. And then reduce emissions. And then finally, our Cape Fear Trails finally, our Cape Fear Trails program. Uh, we prepared a program.

[25:02] Uh, we prepared a signage guide and a trail signage guide and a trail etiquette toolkit that launched etiquette toolkit that launched in April of of 2026. And so I in April of of 2026. And so I just want to say thank you for just want to say thank you for the opportunity to present our the opportunity to present our annual report, and I'd be happy annual report, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.

[25:12] to answer any questions. Any questions from Mike. Any questions from Mike. Okay. Okay. Thanks, Mike. I just I just Thanks, Mike. I just I just want to add I'm sorry. want to add I'm sorry. Go ahead. Miss Andrews. First. Go ahead. Miss Andrews. First. Miss. Miss. Yeah. Thank you so much.

[25:28] Um, so Yeah. Thank you so much. Um, so back to the 439 development back to the 439 development reviews and 83 Tia's. You reviews and 83 Tia's. You touched on this a little bit, touched on this a little bit, but just for the. I get this but just for the. I get this question a lot.

[25:40] Um, could you question a lot. Um, could you explain what triggers a traffic explain what triggers a traffic impact analysis? And if a impact analysis? And if a project doesn't meet that project doesn't meet that threshold, what kind of traffic threshold, what kind of traffic analysis is done? Or if there analysis is done? Or if there is any?

[25:53] is any? So there is so any development So there is so any development that generates 100 a m or pm that generates 100 a m or pm peak hour trips would meet the peak hour trips would meet the trigger for a traffic impact trigger for a traffic impact analysis.

[26:07] Um, if a Tia is not analysis. Um, if a Tia is not required, there's still an required, there's still an analysis that's performed analysis that's performed because typically you have to because typically you have to get a driveway permit, whether get a driveway permit, whether that be through the city or that be through the city or Ddot.

[26:17] And so they would look at Ddot. And so they would look at that development when they were that development when they were issuing that permit. issuing that permit. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Slow. Slow. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I just Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[26:30] I just want to add that when we talked want to add that when we talked about the education about the education opportunities for board opportunities for board members, we also wanted to members, we also wanted to invite, um, the members of our invite, um, the members of our other governing bodies. So, um, other governing bodies.

[26:41] So, um, folks that we could get all, folks that we could get all, um, educated about what the MPA um, educated about what the MPA is doing. And so instead of is doing. And so instead of relying just on us coming back relying just on us coming back and sharing things. So that and sharing things.

[26:48] So that was, um, one thing that I took was, um, one thing that I took away from some of our, our away from some of our, our communications. So thanks for communications. So thanks for taking time to present this to taking time to present this to us, Mike. us, Mike. Well, thank. Well, thank. You. You. Mister Joiner. Mister Joiner. Hey, Mike. Are you. Um, I'm Hey, Mike. Are you.

[26:59] Um, I'm sure you are familiar with the sure you are familiar with the resolution that we passed at resolution that we passed at our last meeting related to the our last meeting related to the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and Cape Fear Memorial Bridge and the additional studies that we the additional studies that we were wanting to participate in. were wanting to participate in. Yes.

[27:06] Yes. So at that meeting, I asked So at that meeting, I asked city staff, who is our bridge city staff, who is our bridge czar? Who's your bridge czar? czar? Who's your bridge czar? We coordinate with NCDOT. Um, I We coordinate with NCDOT.

[27:16] Um, I would think that we're very would think that we're very knowledgeable about the bridge. knowledgeable about the bridge. Um, but we do coordinate. If Um, but we do coordinate. If you're asking for a direct you're asking for a direct person who's probably the most person who's probably the most knowledgeable within our knowledgeable within our organization, I'd say myself. organization, I'd say myself. Okay.

[27:28] Okay. Um, how do we get that bridge Um, how do we get that bridge without us all? without us all? That is a challenge. Um, the. That is a challenge. Um, the.

[27:38] So if you look at the cost of So if you look at the cost of the bridge and you look at the the bridge and you look at the funding that is available. Um, funding that is available. Um, whether that be through the whether that be through the federal grant or through the federal grant or through the Stip process. The cost is over Stip process. The cost is over a billion.

[27:50] The, um, the funding a billion. The, um, the funding that's available is about $327 that's available is about $327 million. So there needs to be million. So there needs to be some other funding source that some other funding source that would fill the gap. Absent a would fill the gap. Absent a toll.

[28:04] And so if if you look at toll. And so if if you look at the MPO Alternative funding the MPO Alternative funding subcommittee, oh, we did look subcommittee, oh, we did look at, um, and evaluate the at, um, and evaluate the options that were identified in options that were identified in Cape Fear Navigating Change Cape Fear Navigating Change 2050.

[28:19] The only real option that 2050. The only real option that moves the needle would be a moves the needle would be a local option sales tax. Uh, and local option sales tax. Uh, and so. so. And that would require a And that would require a referendum. Local voters would referendum.

[28:27] Local voters would decide whether or not they were decide whether or not they were willing to add that number to willing to add that number to their, their sales tax bill. their, their sales tax bill. That's correct. And so, you That's correct.

[28:41] And so, you know, if the alternative know, if the alternative funding subcommittee looked at funding subcommittee looked at a three county, uh, initiative a three county, uh, initiative that would partner with New that would partner with New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender, Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender, um, we did ask as part of that um, we did ask as part of that process for them to go back and process for them to go back and evaluate and determine if their

[28:51] evaluate and determine if their counties would be interested. counties would be interested. They did come back and express They did come back and express some interest, although I do some interest, although I do know that it wasn't unanimous. know that it wasn't unanimous.

[28:59] Uh, from each of the counties, Uh, from each of the counties, but there was some support for but there was some support for for an alternative funding for an alternative funding method. So it really comes down method.

[29:10] So it really comes down to how do we fill the gap? Um, to how do we fill the gap? Um, on the on those funds and on the on those funds and looking at alternative funding looking at alternative funding sources to do that. sources to do that. Okay. And I'm going to look Okay. And I'm going to look over at Miss Spencer. Kara. I over at Miss Spencer. Kara.

[29:19] I don't know if she's in the don't know if she's in the room, but I'm just curious room, but I'm just curious about whether or not. Hey. about whether or not. Hey. Sorry. Um, just thoughtful Sorry.

[29:27] Um, just thoughtful about our legislative agenda about our legislative agenda and the different things that and the different things that we've been asking for at the we've been asking for at the General Assembly. This would General Assembly. This would have to come from the General have to come from the General Assembly to put it on that Assembly to put it on that ballot. On the ballot. Correct? ballot. On the ballot. Correct? Yeah. All right. Thank you. Yeah. All right. Thank you. Guido.

[29:38] Guido. Thank you. Um, while we're Thank you. Um, while we're talking about the bridge, uh, I talking about the bridge, uh, I just I want to share with folks just I want to share with folks that the public hearing for the that the public hearing for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge

[29:50] Cape Fear Memorial Bridge project. Um, from NCDOT, the project. Um, from NCDOT, the Wilmington hearing will be on Wilmington hearing will be on September 14th at 430 at Cape September 14th at 430 at Cape Fear Community College. And Fear Community College.

[30:02] And then the Leland meeting will be then the Leland meeting will be on September 15th at 430 at the on September 15th at 430 at the Leland Cultural Arts Center. Leland Cultural Arts Center. Um, but members of the public Um, but members of the public can attend one or both of those can attend one or both of those meetings.

[30:12] They don't have to meetings. They don't have to live in Wilmington or Leland to live in Wilmington or Leland to attend one of those. Correct? attend one of those. Correct? That's correct. And at that That's correct. And at that meeting, NCDOT is going to meeting, NCDOT is going to share details about the share details about the project.

[30:22] Um, leading like project. Um, leading like there's like an open house there's like an open house leading up to public comment leading up to public comment and then folks can share public and then folks can share public comment either in that meeting comment either in that meeting or submit it online. or submit it online. That's correct. That's correct. Okay.

[30:31] Okay. They can they can share it They can they can share it during that meeting online. Or during that meeting online. Or they can mail their comments to they can mail their comments to Dot. Dot. Okay. I just want to bring that Okay.

[30:40] I just want to bring that up because everybody that I up because everybody that I talk to these days asks me talk to these days asks me about the bridge. Uh, if you about the bridge.

[30:47] Uh, if you have opinions and I hope you have opinions and I hope you do, that is the time to make do, that is the time to make sure that they are heard. I sure that they are heard. I hope you show up and share hope you show up and share them. Thank you. them. Thank you. Mike. Um, thank you for Mike. Um, thank you for everything you've done.

[30:55] You've everything you've done. You've been at this job for a long been at this job for a long time, and I know that you know time, and I know that you know the history about the bridge the history about the bridge better than anybody. We've been better than anybody.

[31:02] We've been involved in several meetings, involved in several meetings, especially on that side. The especially on that side. The only thing that I will I'm only thing that I will I'm going to make a comment here. going to make a comment here.

[31:10] Um, and no disrespect to Um, and no disrespect to anybody, but I would hope that anybody, but I would hope that the city of Wilmington and this the city of Wilmington and this community gets the same respect community gets the same respect that the other side of the that the other side of the river did. And I'm talking river did.

[31:19] And I'm talking about specific about about specific about neighborhoods over there, like neighborhoods over there, like Snee Farm and Brunswick Forest Snee Farm and Brunswick Forest that were concerned about this. that were concerned about this. And this. We moved everything And this. We moved everything in the world to try to make in the world to try to make that happen.

[31:31] And for one reason that happen. And for one reason or another, it was not going to or another, it was not going to happen over there. But I would happen over there. But I would hope that the neighbors and the hope that the neighbors and the citizens in this community get citizens in this community get heard as much as anybody else.

[31:39] heard as much as anybody else. I want to put that out. Not for I want to put that out. Not for you specifically, but there's you specifically, but there's people that are in the MPO that people that are in the MPO that are voting on this toll issue

[31:46] are voting on this toll issue that don't not even really that don't not even really being impacted by this. People being impacted by this. People in Pender County and people in Pender County and people that are ten miles away from that are ten miles away from this.

[31:54] And I just think it's this. And I just think it's with the amount of calls and with the amount of calls and concerns that people have, concerns that people have, especially in the historic area especially in the historic area and especially in that area and especially in that area there along Dawson and Wooster,

[32:04] there along Dawson and Wooster, which is going to really hit which is going to really hit that area pretty hard. And the that area pretty hard.

[32:13] And the possibility of some of that possibility of some of that traffic being rerouted down traffic being rerouted down third and fifth Street, I would third and fifth Street, I would hope that we get the same hope that we get the same respect that those folks on the respect that those folks on the other side of the river did, other side of the river did, because if they if we don't, we because if they if we don't, we our community should be

[32:22] our community should be outraged because of it. And I'm outraged because of it. And I'm just going to put that out just going to put that out there because this is this there because this is this project is moving very fast and project is moving very fast and Dot's not making the decision

[32:29] Dot's not making the decision on the tolls. They're making on the tolls. They're making the local people make that the local people make that decision. I know what's decision. I know what's happening. And if they want happening.

[32:36] And if they want this bridge, they just need to this bridge, they just need to tell the people. We're going to tell the people. We're going to tell them no matter what. But tell them no matter what.

[32:43] But they're making the local people they're making the local people take some very tough votes on take some very tough votes on this thing, because you're this thing, because you're either going to get it or either going to get it or you're not. I know how this you're not.

[32:49] I know how this this issue is being played, and this issue is being played, and I just I just want to make I just I just want to make certain that we get a fair certain that we get a fair shake like everybody else. shake like everybody else.

[32:59] And, mayor, if I may just add And, mayor, if I may just add that, you know, our board has that, you know, our board has said that they want to continue said that they want to continue to explore all potential to explore all potential funding options. And so we're funding options. And so we're we're taking that to heart. we're taking that to heart. We're continuing to look under We're continuing to look under every rock to see if we can every rock to see if we can find any money.

[33:08] Uh, you know, find any money. Uh, you know, we reviewed the unsolicited we reviewed the unsolicited proposal. It was not dissimilar proposal. It was not dissimilar to the the what's funded in the to the the what's funded in the Stip. And the terms weren't, Stip. And the terms weren't, weren't beneficial. So we're weren't beneficial.

[33:19] So we're continuing to explore all continuing to explore all potential funding. potential funding. I know you are, and I I know you are, and I appreciate you, Mike. And I appreciate you, Mike. And I mean that because you've been mean that because you've been here a long time.

[33:24] You've done a here a long time. You've done a heck of a job. And I just this heck of a job. And I just this is just a sentiment that I've is just a sentiment that I've seen that has played out over seen that has played out over the years on this bridge.

[33:31] And I the years on this bridge. And I just I just want to make sure just I just want to make sure that we get the fair the same that we get the fair the same thing. The other question I thing.

[33:36] The other question I want to ask real quick, I know want to ask real quick, I know several years ago and this has several years ago and this has gone way back, you probably gone way back, you probably know that you probably know the know that you probably know the date better than anybody. Uh, date better than anybody.

[33:43] Uh, when we did the traffic light when we did the traffic light synchronization and we upgraded synchronization and we upgraded that system, that was a that system, that was a partnership between the city partnership between the city and the state, because the and the state, because the majority of the of the lights majority of the of the lights on the major thoroughfares are

[33:53] on the major thoroughfares are the states, although we the states, although we maintain them. But we did a maintain them. But we did a partnership, I think it was partnership, I think it was about $10 million at the time. about $10 million at the time.

[34:00] We went from a dollar system to We went from a dollar system to analog. It was something crazy, analog. It was something crazy, but are we still is the state but are we still is the state still interested in those still interested in those partnerships? If we come up and partnerships? If we come up and we want to accelerate some of

[34:09] we want to accelerate some of these projects, that if we these projects, that if we could find the money and could find the money and participate? Yeah. participate? Yeah. They're in street law there, They're in street law there, there is the opportunity for there is the opportunity for local participation.

[34:20] And so the local participation. And so the the state is interested in the state is interested in that. If there's if there's that. If there's if there's local participation. local participation. Okay. Good. Okay. Okay. Good. Okay. Good report. Thank you. thank Good report. Thank you. thank you. you. Appreciate it. Appreciate it.

[34:31] That brings us to our next item That brings us to our next item business which is our consent business which is our consent agenda items one through eight. agenda items one through eight.

[34:37] Are there any items that any Are there any items that any council member would like to council member would like to hear separately? If not, what hear separately? If not, what are the wishes of council? Uh. are the wishes of council? Uh. Mr. Mayor? Yes, ma'am. Miss Mr. Mayor? Yes, ma'am. Miss Andrews. Andrews. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'd like to pull c1. I'd like to pull c1. C-1. Okay. Anybody else? Okay. C-1. Okay. Anybody else? Okay.

[34:50] We have a motion to accept the We have a motion to accept the consent agenda once. No, two consent agenda once. No, two through eight, excluding C-1, through eight, excluding C-1, we have a motion by Mayor Pro we have a motion by Mayor Pro Tem Spears. Second by Tem Spears. Second by Councilmember Santa Guido. Any Councilmember Santa Guido.

[35:02] Any further discussion? All in further discussion? All in favor of that motion, please favor of that motion, please indicate by saying aye. Aye. indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Item passes Any opposed? Item passes unanimously. At this time, I'm unanimously. At this time, I'm going to recognize Council going to recognize Council Member Colette Andrews. Member Colette Andrews. Miss Andrews.

[35:12] Miss Andrews. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So I, I Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So I, I had asked some questions about had asked some questions about this item yesterday. Um, uh, this item yesterday.

[35:24] Um, uh, and I don't really have any and I don't really have any problem with the the problem with the the qualifications, you know, qualifications, you know, selecting the firm based on the selecting the firm based on the qualifications before qualifications before negotiating the fee. But my negotiating the fee.

[35:34] But my question is, um, what financial question is, um, what financial limit applies after the council limit applies after the council approves this? Because, you approves this? Because, you know, I get it that it's coming know, I get it that it's coming to us because it exceeds a to us because it exceeds a certain amount of money that certain amount of money that the that the manager can the that the manager can negotiate.

[35:43] But I just want to negotiate. But I just want to know what the limits are before know what the limits are before it has to come back. it has to come back. Miss Hawk. Miss Hawk. Does anybody. Does anybody. Can we. Can we.

[35:52] We're just looking at staff to We're just looking at staff to see who would be the best see who would be the best person to answer that. I in person to answer that. I in general, there's going to be a general, there's going to be a dollar amount that is part of dollar amount that is part of the approved FY 27 budget.

[36:01] Um, the approved FY 27 budget. Um, that would be part of this. So that would be part of this. So that would be certainly a that would be certainly a guidepost that we would have to guidepost that we would have to to go by.

[36:06] But Sally, are you to go by. But Sally, are you able to discuss the process any able to discuss the process any more than that or what we're more than that or what we're expecting out of this? Sure. expecting out of this? Sure. Good evening. We did receive Good evening.

[36:16] We did receive quotes from, um, a firm that quotes from, um, a firm that was in the $40,000 per year was in the $40,000 per year range, and that was our range, and that was our benchmark that we were using benchmark that we were using when we went out for the RFQ. when we went out for the RFQ. Okay.

[36:25] So when we go back for Okay. So when we go back for our scoping fee, expecting it our scoping fee, expecting it to be in that range. to be in that range. Okay, I think that's fine. Okay, I think that's fine. Okay. I'd like to move them. Okay. I'd like to move them. Up. Up.

[36:35] So we have a motion to approve So we have a motion to approve item C-1 by Councilmember item C-1 by Councilmember Andrews. Second by Andrews. Second by Councilmember Clinton Quintana. Councilmember Clinton Quintana. Any further discussion? All in Any further discussion? All in favor of that motion, please favor of that motion, please indicate by saying aye. Any indicate by saying aye.

[36:47] Any opposed? Item passes opposed? Item passes unanimously. That brings us to unanimously. That brings us to our next item of business, our next item of business, which is our public information which is our public information segment. We have six speakers segment.

[36:55] We have six speakers that have signed up to speak to that have signed up to speak to us this evening. Each speaker us this evening. Each speaker will be allotted three minutes. will be allotted three minutes. There's a timer there, so There's a timer there, so you'll be able to see it. Our you'll be able to see it. Our first speaker is Mr.

[37:02] David first speaker is Mr. David Braga, who is a city resident Braga, who is a city resident who wants to talk to us about who wants to talk to us about city bus stop, benches. city bus stop, benches. Hello. I'm here. Hello. I'm here.

[37:12] Because I wanted to clarify the Because I wanted to clarify the timeline of events relating to timeline of events relating to the DSA bus Stop Bench project the DSA bus Stop Bench project and the city's response to it, and the city's response to it, in the hopes that a deal can in the hopes that a deal can still be found throughout July.

[37:21] still be found throughout July. Representatives from Wilmington Representatives from Wilmington DSA had been meeting with city DSA had been meeting with city councilors and speaking with councilors and speaking with Wave to help resolve the bus Wave to help resolve the bus bench issue in a manner that bench issue in a manner that would ensure seating for the

[37:29] would ensure seating for the transit riders of Wilmington. transit riders of Wilmington. Specifically, we want to thank Specifically, we want to thank council members Clinton council members Clinton Quintana, Santa Guido Lyle and Quintana, Santa Guido Lyle and Mayor Pro Tem speakers, who are Mayor Pro Tem speakers, who are all very open minded and

[37:37] all very open minded and helpful at various points in helpful at various points in this process, as well as those this process, as well as those at Wave who spoke with us. at Wave who spoke with us.

[37:45] Eager to improve public transit Eager to improve public transit in the city, we received our in the city, we received our first city encroachment first city encroachment agreement on Saturday, August agreement on Saturday, August 1st, and an email from Attorney 1st, and an email from Attorney Everhart and Council Member Everhart and Council Member Andrews. By Sunday, we had Andrews.

[37:54] By Sunday, we had requested time to review it, requested time to review it, but on Monday afternoon, we but on Monday afternoon, we were told by Mrs. Everhart that were told by Mrs. Everhart that we had to respond by that we had to respond by that Wednesday at noon. That is only Wednesday at noon.

[38:01] That is only two and a half days to figure two and a half days to figure out liability timelines and out liability timelines and obtain legal advice for several obtain legal advice for several unclear items. The council, the unclear items.

[38:11] The council, the counters and compromises we counters and compromises we sent Tuesday were almost sent Tuesday were almost immediately rejected, and this immediately rejected, and this rejection was presented as a rejection was presented as a United City agreement by Miss United City agreement by Miss Everhart. However, that same Everhart. However, that same night, we learned several night, we learned several council members had not even council members had not even had the time to read this deal.

[38:20] had the time to read this deal. One council member emailed the One council member emailed the city attorney their concerns city attorney their concerns about the inflexible nature of about the inflexible nature of the agreement. Those concerns the agreement.

[38:28] Those concerns were not addressed in any were not addressed in any manner that we could see, and manner that we could see, and the timeline was not changed. the timeline was not changed. Another council member who I Another council member who I will not name for the sake of will not name for the sake of decorum, given that they were decorum, given that they were trying to be helpful, told us

[38:36] trying to be helpful, told us that attempting to negotiate a that attempting to negotiate a better deal with the city better deal with the city attorney was never going to attorney was never going to bear fruit. There were several bear fruit.

[38:43] There were several items of contention in the items of contention in the negotiations, but one I want to negotiations, but one I want to highlight most is the idea that highlight most is the idea that the benches were removed for the benches were removed for the benefit of public safety. the benefit of public safety.

[38:50] We know of no single instance We know of no single instance of an individual being harmed of an individual being harmed or coming to harm by way of or coming to harm by way of bench, and many of them were up bench, and many of them were up for well over a year.

[38:57] Right for well over a year. Right now, the city is in the midst now, the city is in the midst of a brutal heat wave and high of a brutal heat wave and high humidity. Standing at a bus humidity.

[39:03] Standing at a bus stop without a place to sit is stop without a place to sit is a public safety issue. Sitting a public safety issue. Sitting on a curb while traffic passes on a curb while traffic passes or in a transformer box during or in a transformer box during on and off thunderstorms is a on and off thunderstorms is a public safety issue.

[39:13] It does public safety issue. It does not matter if this deal fell not matter if this deal fell apart because it was being apart because it was being negotiated in poor faith or negotiated in poor faith or genuine miscommunication. The genuine miscommunication.

[39:22] The lesson we took is clear Council lesson we took is clear Council and management are not on the and management are not on the same page, and the inability to same page, and the inability to work together created a work together created a situation where we could not situation where we could not functionally agree to a deal.

[39:28] functionally agree to a deal. Many of us wanted to make work. Many of us wanted to make work. We still want it to work. Given We still want it to work.

[39:35] Given that the total cost of that the total cost of replacing these benches with replacing these benches with permanent wave approved permanent wave approved structures would be $150,000. structures would be $150,000. If city and management is truly If city and management is truly concerned about public safety, concerned about public safety, it should install permanent it should install permanent benches immediately. Many benches immediately.

[39:47] Many members of this council and members of this council and management are on the wave management are on the wave board. This can be attacked board. This can be attacked from multiple angles. We are from multiple angles. We are not negotiating global nuclear not negotiating global nuclear disarmament. We are talking disarmament. We are talking about benches. In the meantime, about benches.

[39:57] In the meantime, maintaining temporary benches maintaining temporary benches should be done. It can be done, should be done. It can be done, but we need to work together in but we need to work together in good faith to make that happen. good faith to make that happen.

[40:05] And our last email to Attorney And our last email to Attorney Everhart, we stated very Everhart, we stated very clearly that we were still clearly that we were still hopeful of getting all relevant hopeful of getting all relevant parties together in a room to parties together in a room to solve this issue. It has been solve this issue. It has been two weeks. As of now.

[40:11] We have two weeks. As of now. We have received no response. Please received no response. Please get back to us. Thank you. get back to us. Thank you. Next speaker is Mr. Joel Mario, Next speaker is Mr. Joel Mario, who will also be speaking. City who will also be speaking.

[40:23] City resident who will also be resident who will also be speaking to us about benches. speaking to us about benches. Hello. Thank you for your time. Hello. Thank you for your time. I'm a member of Wilmington DSA I'm a member of Wilmington DSA here to talk about our bus stop here to talk about our bus stop benches.

[40:36] I was saddened to see benches. I was saddened to see our 30 or so benches removed our 30 or so benches removed recently removed from across recently removed from across town. But as many of you know, town.

[40:43] But as many of you know, we didn't have the proper we didn't have the proper authorization to install our authorization to install our benches and on the state and benches and on the state and local roads, so we always knew local roads, so we always knew that was a possibility. We that was a possibility.

[40:51] We chose to make those benches chose to make those benches because of the over 400 bus because of the over 400 bus stops across Wilmington. Less stops across Wilmington. Less than 10% of them have benches than 10% of them have benches or shelters, each with each or shelters, each with each which costs taxpayers between which costs taxpayers between five 5000 to $20,000 each. So five 5000 to $20,000 each.

[41:05] So it's unfortunate that some it's unfortunate that some residents felt offended by some residents felt offended by some of the messages on the benches of the messages on the benches of love and unity and mutual of love and unity and mutual support of one another. That support of one another.

[41:13] That led to the benches becoming a led to the benches becoming a cultural flashpoint and cultural flashpoint and eventually leading to their eventually leading to their expedient removal. Again. We expedient removal. Again. We always knew this was a always knew this was a possibility, and we don't possibility, and we don't regret the choices we made.

[41:21] We regret the choices we made. We saw a crucial need from the saw a crucial need from the community that our local community that our local government wasn't able to government wasn't able to provide adequate aid for, and provide adequate aid for, and took the initiative to both took the initiative to both push for a solution and further

[41:30] push for a solution and further spotlight this issue until it spotlight this issue until it was unendurable. And I want to was unendurable. And I want to thank the members of the thank the members of the council that have responded to council that have responded to both the messages and emails

[41:38] both the messages and emails from the DSA and members of our from the DSA and members of our community, and some of you have community, and some of you have even met with us and spoke with even met with us and spoke with us directly. I really us directly. I really appreciate that.

[41:45] But since our appreciate that. But since our benches were removed, we've benches were removed, we've seen multiple photos of seen multiple photos of community members having to community members having to find other areas to sit where find other areas to sit where our benches used to be, and the our benches used to be, and the DSA is still committed to

[41:53] DSA is still committed to finding a compromise and finding a compromise and resolution to this issue. With resolution to this issue. With wave in the city in order to wave in the city in order to help and benefit as many of our help and benefit as many of our community members as possible.

[42:00] community members as possible. There are many members of the There are many members of the wave board in this room, and I wave board in this room, and I implore each of you to implore each of you to empathize with those who would empathize with those who would most benefit from having as

[42:06] most benefit from having as many benches across town as many benches across town as possible. I personally do love possible. I personally do love wave Wave's benches and wave Wave's benches and especially their shelters, but especially their shelters, but there are high costs and the there are high costs and the lengthy amount of time it takes

[42:17] lengthy amount of time it takes to implement them across our to implement them across our community leaves our most community leaves our most vulnerable Wilmington residents vulnerable Wilmington residents on the wayside. If there's a on the wayside.

[42:25] If there's a way that we can work together way that we can work together to make life slightly better to make life slightly better for those who most rely on our for those who most rely on our public services, then let's try public services, then let's try to come together and find a to come together and find a solution that benefits all of solution that benefits all of us.

[42:33] That's it and thank you for us. That's it and thank you for your time. your time. Thank you sir. Thank you sir. Next speaker is Mr. Jordan Next speaker is Mr. Jordan Reed. We'll also be speaking to Reed. We'll also be speaking to us city residents. Also be us city residents. Also be talking to us about bus benches.

[42:47] talking to us about bus benches. Thank you so much. Council members and Mayor Saffo, for members and Mayor Saffo, for this opportunity to speak to this opportunity to speak to you today. Just a moment. My you today. Just a moment. My name is Jordan Reed.

[43:08] I am a name is Jordan Reed. I am a happy resident of Wilmington, happy resident of Wilmington, have been for a long time. I'm have been for a long time. I'm a nurse. I'm a homeowner. Um, I a nurse. I'm a homeowner. Um, I love this city. Um, our bus love this city.

[43:19] Um, our bus system is essential to system is essential to Wilmington's economy. Gets Wilmington's economy. Gets people to work, gets them to people to work, gets them to stores, and gets them to stores, and gets them to essential services. I'm essential services.

[43:29] I'm fortunate right now I don't fortunate right now I don't have to ride the bus, but have to ride the bus, but things can change on a dime. things can change on a dime. When gas prices rise. More of When gas prices rise. More of our neighbors depend on the our neighbors depend on the bus. Just like you. Take a bus. Just like you.

[43:40] Take a moment to imagine a moment to imagine a grandmother, your grandmother grandmother, your grandmother leaving Food Lion with two arm leaving Food Lion with two arm loads of groceries, no car in loads of groceries, no car in the summer. We've been having the summer. We've been having that, I'd like to think.

[43:50] Have that, I'd like to think. Have you think about her standing up you think about her standing up for an hour to take that load for an hour to take that load of groceries home to whoever of groceries home to whoever needs it.

[44:00] I see my neighbors on needs it. I see my neighbors on 17th Street doing exactly this 17th Street doing exactly this on a daily basis. Now, I'd like on a daily basis. Now, I'd like you to imagine another you to imagine another grandmother who is driving grandmother who is driving through Wilmington. Maybe she's through Wilmington. Maybe she's never been here before.

[44:12] She's never been here before. She's in a car. She has her in a car. She has her grandchildren with her. They grandchildren with her. They notice these benches. They read notice these benches. They read the messages, they look for the messages, they look for another. Maybe it becomes a another. Maybe it becomes a game.

[44:26] These benches are little game. These benches are little sparks of positivity all over sparks of positivity all over our town. I first noticed the our town. I first noticed the bench outside Costco that says bench outside Costco that says you are loved. I don't need you are loved.

[44:37] I don't need that bench to sit on, but that bench to sit on, but sometimes I do need its message. sometimes I do need its message. These benches cost the city These benches cost the city nothing, but they provide nothing, but they provide dignity, kindness, grace and dignity, kindness, grace and mercy to our citizens.

[44:51] They say mercy to our citizens. They say we see you, you matter. We've we see you, you matter. We've got your back. Bus riders are got your back. Bus riders are not them. They are our not them. They are our neighbors. There is no us and neighbors. There is no us and them here. There is only us.

[45:06] them here. There is only us. Please, let's give our Please, let's give our neighbors a place to sit. Thank neighbors a place to sit. Thank you for your time. you for your time. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker is Miss Diana Next speaker is Miss Diana Hill.

[45:18] City resident will be Hill. City resident will be speaking to us. Speaking to us speaking to us. Speaking to us about the College Road Wawa gas about the College Road Wawa gas station. See? station. See? You're welcome. You're welcome. Good evening, Mayor Saffo. Good evening, Mayor Saffo.

[45:32] Mayor Pro tem beers and city Mayor Pro tem beers and city council. I'm coming here to council. I'm coming here to talk about something. If it's talk about something. If it's not a dead horse, it's not a dead horse, it's certainly very sick. Um, I certainly very sick.

[45:45] Um, I watched the public hearing watched the public hearing about the Wawa gas station on about the Wawa gas station on College Road, and I was really College Road, and I was really unpleasantly surprised that the unpleasantly surprised that the majority of you voted for this. majority of you voted for this.

[45:56] Um, I don't know how much you Um, I don't know how much you know about was, um, maybe know about was, um, maybe you're from new Jersey or or you're from new Jersey or or drive to new Jersey. You see drive to new Jersey.

[46:07] You see them a lot, but walls have them a lot, but walls have between 1500 and 2500 people a between 1500 and 2500 people a day coming into their gas day coming into their gas station. Um, they on College station. Um, they on College Road now at that area in UNSW, Road now at that area in UNSW, there are 80,000 cars currently there are 80,000 cars currently passing that that where that passing that that where that gas station may be.

[46:22] Um, I gas station may be. Um, I watched I've watched the public watched I've watched the public the adjustment board, I've the adjustment board, I've watched the planning commission, watched the planning commission, and I was really surprised and I was really surprised because, um, the, the candidate because, um, the, the candidate said both here and there, that

[46:36] said both here and there, that the 43 parking spaces they the 43 parking spaces they need, which is twice as many as need, which is twice as many as are allowed, but it's another are allowed, but it's another variance was for their staff variance was for their staff changing.

[46:48] Well, I have to say changing. Well, I have to say that was number 11. They take that was number 11. They take people spend between 11 and 16 people spend between 11 and 16 minutes in a Wawa station minutes in a Wawa station because they go for food. 50% because they go for food.

[47:02] 50% of what was food or profit is of what was food or profit is from their food. That's why, from their food. That's why, and I know most of you have and I know most of you have been to the open houses and the been to the open houses and the that's why everybody's standing that's why everybody's standing around in a Wawa, because

[47:10] around in a Wawa, because they're all waiting for their they're all waiting for their food after they get their gas. food after they get their gas.

[47:21] So these 43 parking spaces So these 43 parking spaces aren't, are going to be for all aren't, are going to be for all those overflow people that are those overflow people that are coming in there to spend time coming in there to spend time in Wawa, a McDonald's people go in Wawa, a McDonald's people go through a McDonald's in 3 to 4 through a McDonald's in 3 to 4 minutes.

[47:33] In Wawa, it's 11 to 16 minutes. In Wawa, it's 11 to 16 minutes. So those people are minutes. So those people are going to be slowing down. Those going to be slowing down.

[47:43] Those 80,000 people driving down 80,000 people driving down College Road and stop, and then College Road and stop, and then hopefully if if they're smart hopefully if if they're smart enough or if there's enough enough or if there's enough signage to pass that one signage to pass that one entryway into the Wawa gas entryway into the Wawa gas station, they'll go to station, they'll go to University Drive, University University Drive, University Drive.

[47:55] Now, there was not Drive. Now, there was not enough, um, not enough cars enough, um, not enough cars right now to do a Tia on right now to do a Tia on University Drive. So what the University Drive.

[48:09] So what the applicant said is 4,040% of the applicant said is 4,040% of the people of the Wawa customers people of the Wawa customers will be using University Drive will be using University Drive with all the required with all the required improvements. Now, I may be improvements.

[48:24] Now, I may be wrong, but I think when wrong, but I think when required improvements to a city required improvements to a city street require require city street require require city money. So now we're going to go money. So now we're going to go from zero people going down to from zero people going down to University Drive to those 40%, University Drive to those 40%, which is between 600 and 40, which is between 600 and 40, and a thousand cars driving

[48:35] and a thousand cars driving down a university drive to take down a university drive to take the back entrance into Wawa. the back entrance into Wawa.

[48:45] They talked about trees, and They talked about trees, and they're hoping that they're they're hoping that they're hoping that they'll be able to hoping that they'll be able to move the trees. But I was sort move the trees. But I was sort of confused because I thought of confused because I thought those trees belonged to the those trees belonged to the dot. So if they can't relocate dot.

[48:55] So if they can't relocate them, is that going to change them, is that going to change the site plan? Because my the site plan? Because my understanding that this is a understanding that this is a conditional thing that they conditional thing that they have to they have to live by have to they have to live by this plan for it to be

[49:05] this plan for it to be approved. So what's going to approved. So what's going to happen to those trees? Are they happen to those trees? Are they going to say, oh, those three going to say, oh, those three scrub trees, crape myrtles are scrub trees, crape myrtles are going to stop this whole

[49:13] going to stop this whole project? I'm really I'm really project? I'm really I'm really surprised that it got so many surprised that it got so many variances. They got to take. variances. They got to take.

[49:27] They, um, they were supposed to They, um, they were supposed to have a setback at 200ft, but have a setback at 200ft, but they got a setback of 138ft. they got a setback of 138ft. Supposed to have 22 parking Supposed to have 22 parking spaces. They got 43 parking spaces. They got 43 parking spaces. Not supposed to knock spaces. Not supposed to knock down the specimen tree.

[49:37] They're down the specimen tree. They're knocking down a specimen tree. knocking down a specimen tree. No one. No, tire. Because No one. No, tire. Because there's not enough traffic for there's not enough traffic for a Tia. But there should be on a Tia.

[49:47] But there should be on College Road to see how much College Road to see how much impact there's going to be. One impact there's going to be. One access into the the the gas access into the the the gas station and one access out. I station and one access out.

[49:57] I have to say that I don't think have to say that I don't think this was ready to be brought this was ready to be brought before you. I'm. I have every before you. I'm.

[50:07] I have every respect in the world for city respect in the world for city staff, but there were too many staff, but there were too many questions. I know you all ask a questions. I know you all ask a lot of questions and some of lot of questions and some of you ask questions. One of you, you ask questions.

[50:17] One of you, uh, Miss Clinton Caetano, uh, Miss Clinton Caetano, asked, did they have a survey? asked, did they have a survey? Well, who are they going to Well, who are they going to survey? There is no there is survey? There is no there is only transit people and only transit people and commercial people. I'm getting commercial people. I'm getting ready to go. Oh, no.

[50:25] And, um, ready to go. Oh, no. And, um, so the only people they could so the only people they could survey that is really impacted survey that is really impacted by this is those 80,000 drivers by this is those 80,000 drivers driving down College Road. And driving down College Road.

[50:36] And they and that isn't going to they and that isn't going to happen. I really feel like you happen. I really feel like you guys were a little sleeping at guys were a little sleeping at the switch this time. And I the switch this time.

[50:47] And I hope that you're really going hope that you're really going to pay attention to the to pay attention to the technical review, because technical review, because that's I believe that's our that's I believe that's our last great span stand. So I last great span stand. So I know I'll be paying attention. know I'll be paying attention. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. Next speaker is Mr.

[51:00] Rod Next speaker is Mr. Rod Roderick Bell. He'll be Roderick Bell. He'll be speaking to us about the speaking to us about the Wilmington Riverfest layout for Wilmington Riverfest layout for 2026. 2026. Uh, good evening. My name is Uh, good evening. My name is Roderick Bell. I'm the Roderick Bell.

[51:16] I'm the president of Wilmington president of Wilmington Riverfest. Um, I've been a part Riverfest. Um, I've been a part of Wilmington Riverfest since of Wilmington Riverfest since 2010. I was the guy that 2010.

[51:26] I was the guy that started on the gate with the started on the gate with the orange vest, eventually moving orange vest, eventually moving up to logistics, eventually up to logistics, eventually becoming president of becoming president of Wilmington Riverfest. Um, the Wilmington Riverfest.

[51:36] Um, the history of Riverfest started in history of Riverfest started in 1979, and that was to bring 1979, and that was to bring people back down to downtown people back down to downtown Wilmington, because, again, the Wilmington, because, again, the mall was built. So people were mall was built. So people were going out there and really going out there and really wasn't coming back downtown. So wasn't coming back downtown.

[51:44] So the reason I'm here today is the reason I'm here today is because, uh, the proposed because, uh, the proposed location that we gave the city location that we gave the city versus what they gave us back, versus what they gave us back, the proposed location I gave the proposed location I gave them was, hey, can we have them was, hey, can we have between Red Cross on Front

[51:55] between Red Cross on Front Street, between Red Cross and Street, between Red Cross and Princess? And the reason Princess? And the reason because of that is the because of that is the construction of the bridge is construction of the bridge is supposed to be happening.

[52:02] So we supposed to be happening. So we can no longer go up towards can no longer go up towards Cape Fear Community College is Cape Fear Community College is what we were told. They then what we were told.

[52:10] They then came back and said that this is came back and said that this is over a couple of months and over a couple of months and says, hey, as of last week, says, hey, as of last week, this is where we're going to this is where we're going to put you. Um, so again, put you.

[52:17] Um, so again, Riverfest went from being on Riverfest went from being on the river, but they had the the river, but they had the construction on there, so we construction on there, so we lost 24ft in width, which now lost 24ft in width, which now doesn't make it safe to have doesn't make it safe to have Wilmington Riverfest on the Wilmington Riverfest on the river.

[52:26] We then moved to Front river. We then moved to Front Street. Now we're on Front Street. Now we're on Front Street. We've been there for a Street. We've been there for a couple of years now. They're couple of years now.

[52:37] They're saying, hey, um, what I was saying, hey, um, what I was told was there is a proposal to told was there is a proposal to stop all festivals from along stop all festivals from along Front Street. And because Front Street. And because business were complaining, business were complaining, complaining, and some complaining, and some residents. So they said, hey, residents.

[52:46] So they said, hey, this is where we're going to this is where we're going to put you. So we went from the put you. So we went from the river to Front Street, now to a river to Front Street, now to a parking lot, and that parking parking lot, and that parking lot is at the corner of Nut and

[52:56] lot is at the corner of Nut and Brunswick. The why that doesn't Brunswick. The why that doesn't work for us and part of Cape work for us and part of Cape Fear Community College, I will Fear Community College, I will say that that parking lot, but

[53:03] say that that parking lot, but why that doesn't work for us is why that doesn't work for us is because it creates safety because it creates safety concerns from the Ada. There's concerns from the Ada.

[53:13] There's one way in and one way out, and one way in and one way out, and it's a logistical nightmare to it's a logistical nightmare to put, uh, all those vendors put, uh, all those vendors within that parking lot along within that parking lot along the street. Now, Wilmington the street.

[53:24] Now, Wilmington Riverfest along two weeks along Riverfest along two weeks along that weekend brings basically that weekend brings basically anywhere to 30 to 40,000 people anywhere to 30 to 40,000 people over the course of the weekend. over the course of the weekend.

[53:32] So again, we would like to say So again, we would like to say we would like to go back with we would like to go back with the proposed solution of being the proposed solution of being on Front Street between Red on Front Street between Red cross and, um, princes and have cross and, um, princes and have it there. The impact of where it there.

[53:43] The impact of where we are currently or where we are currently or where they're trying to places is they're trying to places is vendors are now going to start vendors are now going to start to pull out, and I've already to pull out, and I've already been communicated sponsors who been communicated sponsors who read the pen basically to help read the pen basically to help run the Riverfest, have now

[53:50] run the Riverfest, have now told us if y'all are going to told us if y'all are going to put us in that parking lot, we put us in that parking lot, we want our money back, because want our money back, because that's not what we signed up

[53:55] that's not what we signed up for. Right. Again, we go from for. Right. Again, we go from being on the river, on the being on the river, on the front street into a parking front street into a parking lot. Yes, I posted something on lot.

[54:04] Yes, I posted something on Facebook to kind of get the Facebook to kind of get the feel of what people were feel of what people were thinking, and they said that, thinking, and they said that, well, okay, well, we're not well, okay, well, we're not coming if it's going to be in coming if it's going to be in that parking lot.

[54:10] I don't want that parking lot. I don't want to be in that small area. Um, to be in that small area. Um, that, that was presented. So that, that was presented. So again, we're trying to come up again, we're trying to come up with a better solution. Now, I with a better solution.

[54:19] Now, I do have a meeting tomorrow with do have a meeting tomorrow with services and special events. I services and special events. I am meeting with Laura and Kayla am meeting with Laura and Kayla again to say, hey, can we get again to say, hey, can we get on Front Street between on Front Street between Prince's and Red cross when we

[54:28] Prince's and Red cross when we hope to come up with a better hope to come up with a better solution? Um, again, I hope we solution? Um, again, I hope we can do that. But again, right can do that.

[54:36] But again, right now it's starting to lose the now it's starting to lose the feel of what Wilmington feel of what Wilmington Riverfest was, was for. And Riverfest was, was for. And again, thank you very much. And again, thank you very much. And I hope we can come to a better I hope we can come to a better resolution. resolution. Thank you. Thank you sir. Thank you. Thank you sir.

[54:47] And the last speaker this And the last speaker this evening is Miss Chapman, who'll evening is Miss Chapman, who'll be speaking to us about the be speaking to us about the benches. benches. How are y'all doing? How are y'all doing? Good. Good. Um. Um. Whoa. Whoa. Sorry. Sorry. We can hear you. We can hear you. So I've.

[55:03] So I've. Listened to all the feedback Listened to all the feedback from the comrades at the Isle, from the comrades at the Isle, and I'm going to balance that and I'm going to balance that out, because when a out, because when a conversation is one sided, as conversation is one sided, as the result of the continuance

[55:15] the result of the continuance of what I would refer to as a of what I would refer to as a permission structure that has permission structure that has been allowed, because there's been allowed, because there's been no pushback, then you need been no pushback, then you need another voice that's going to

[55:22] another voice that's going to provide, I guess, what we could provide, I guess, what we could refer to as viewpoint refer to as viewpoint discrimination. The viewpoint discrimination.

[55:32] The viewpoint discrimination here is that we discrimination here is that we should not be allowing a should not be allowing a political organization to have political organization to have this much ability to leverage this much ability to leverage their soft power influence their soft power influence within our community, with our within our community, with our elected officials. I saw in a elected officials.

[55:49] I saw in a Facebook response from Facebook response from Councilwoman Santa to someone Councilwoman Santa to someone from the DSA reached out to me. from the DSA reached out to me. I've scheduled the meeting. We I've scheduled the meeting. We have the meeting on the have the meeting on the calendar. Okay, well, when do calendar.

[56:00] Okay, well, when do the rest of the taxpaying the rest of the taxpaying citizens get to have input on citizens get to have input on this? I agree with the this? I agree with the Democratic Socialists of Democratic Socialists of America that the bus stop bench America that the bus stop bench situation is operating at a

[56:09] situation is operating at a deficit. I also am of the deficit. I also am of the opinion that if they were so opinion that if they were so concerned about the well-being, concerned about the well-being, wouldn't they have consulted wouldn't they have consulted with you first in order to make

[56:19] with you first in order to make sure that the benches were Ada sure that the benches were Ada compliant? Or is it somewhat compliant? Or is it somewhat ableist to just run right by ableist to just run right by that and go on about your that and go on about your business and install them

[56:27] business and install them without getting proper without getting proper permission first? Just a permission first? Just a question. I also want to speak question. I also want to speak to the issue that whether they to the issue that whether they want to admit this or not, want to admit this or not, reality dictates.

[56:38] And just so reality dictates. And just so everyone knows, I've been everyone knows, I've been infiltrating the DSA with infiltrating the DSA with Carlin Bosco for over four Carlin Bosco for over four years. Stu Smith from City years. Stu Smith from City Journal is also a friend of Journal is also a friend of mine.

[56:46] I know exactly what the mine. I know exactly what the message is on those benches message is on those benches mean. And in fact, the mean. And in fact, the everything for everyone bench. everything for everyone bench.

[56:55] I would be very curious to know I would be very curious to know the demographics of the the demographics of the particular neighborhood where particular neighborhood where that bench was placed. that bench was placed. Everything for everyone is a Everything for everyone is a book written by a trans book written by a trans identifying very Caucasian, identifying very Caucasian, pale, um, queer, communist, pale, um, queer, communist, family, abolitionist. The book family, abolitionist.

[57:09] The book everything for everyone was everything for everyone was co-written with Abdullah Al co-written with Abdullah Al Sayeed. Michigan Senate Sayeed. Michigan Senate candidates. Half sister. Her candidates. Half sister.

[57:20] Her other book is called capitalism other book is called capitalism and the Communism of Care, and and the Communism of Care, and it states that the nuclear it states that the nuclear family must be abolished in family must be abolished in order to abolish capitalism. I order to abolish capitalism.

[57:31] I don't find that to be an don't find that to be an uplifting message, and I uplifting message, and I apologize to them that they apologize to them that they assumed that no one else in our assumed that no one else in our community would understand what community would understand what everything for everyone was. I everything for everyone was.

[57:38] I also don't appreciate the bench also don't appreciate the bench that said, capital on it had that said, capital on it had the word crossed out with Karl the word crossed out with Karl Marx quotes. Marx quotes. So I don't want to hear it. I So I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear the Davo. I don't want to hear the Davo.

[57:44] I don't want to hear the don't want to hear the gaslighting. And I don't think gaslighting. And I don't think we need to allow the we need to allow the continuance of a passive continuance of a passive permission structure. Its permission structure. Its influence peddling. Those influence peddling. Those benches were serving as passive benches were serving as passive political messaging proxies.

[57:56] We political messaging proxies. We are in an election season. This are in an election season. This is not cool. Not acceptable. is not cool. Not acceptable. It's not prudent. Okay. You It's not prudent. Okay. You were elected to govern. Don't were elected to govern.

[58:08] Don't engage in this level of of engage in this level of of nepotism if you want to even nepotism if you want to even call it that. Also to Braga has call it that. Also to Braga has in the past said that he wants in the past said that he wants to agitate. I think I've made to agitate. I think I've made myself clear.

[58:16] myself clear. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We have one last speaker that We have one last speaker that is signed up. Who is Jade, who is signed up.

[58:26] Who is Jade, who is a city resident who will be is a city resident who will be speaking to us about Ada speaking to us about Ada requirements for city bus requirements for city bus benches. benches. Right here. Right here. Hello, my name is Jade. Um, I'm Hello, my name is Jade.

[58:41] Um, I'm here speaking as a citizen of here speaking as a citizen of Wilmington with friends and Wilmington with friends and loved ones who are members of loved ones who are members of our local disability community. our local disability community. Since the city is obviously Since the city is obviously concerned about the Ada concerned about the Ada requirements as they pertain to requirements as they pertain to the free bus benches that the the free bus benches that the DSA has provided, I would like

[58:52] DSA has provided, I would like to take this opportunity to to take this opportunity to address some other pertinent address some other pertinent Ada concerns in Wilmington. Ada concerns in Wilmington.

[59:01] Many wheelchair users have Many wheelchair users have found it difficult to access found it difficult to access municipal buildings, namely the municipal buildings, namely the old courthouse in downtown, old courthouse in downtown, since many citations require since many citations require citizens to attend their citizens to attend their hearings and pay their fines in hearings and pay their fines in person, there is currently no person, there is currently no clear way to access the

[59:10] clear way to access the building from the street, so building from the street, so wheelchair users and those who wheelchair users and those who cannot climb stairs are forced cannot climb stairs are forced to walk very far out of their to walk very far out of their way in order to access an

[59:17] way in order to access an elevator to get into the elevator to get into the building. This is not even building. This is not even taking into account that taking into account that accessible parking is already accessible parking is already difficult to find when difficult to find when available on the street for

[59:26] available on the street for free, and it's at a premium free, and it's at a premium when access to the city's when access to the city's parking decks. Finally, while parking decks.

[59:34] Finally, while it is the responsibility of it is the responsibility of local businesses to make their local businesses to make their premises accessible to clients premises accessible to clients from the disability community, from the disability community, there are countless barriers to there are countless barriers to those clients. Since many those clients. Since many buildings downtown are buildings downtown are grandfathered into the Ada grandfathered into the Ada because they were built long because they were built long before its passing.

[59:44] I bring before its passing. I bring these concerns as someone who these concerns as someone who cares for other humans in their cares for other humans in their life, but I also ask the city life, but I also ask the city to address them as a tourism to address them as a tourism concern.

[59:52] If cities such as concern. If cities such as Savannah and Charleston can Savannah and Charleston can address these issues to attract address these issues to attract more tourism, why can't we? I more tourism, why can't we? I can appreciate the city's can appreciate the city's concern for Ada access and concern for Ada access and regulation when it comes to bus

[59:59] regulation when it comes to bus stop benches, but I would stop benches, but I would question its motives in these question its motives in these endeavors since many of the endeavors since many of the above mentioned issues remain above mentioned issues remain unaddressed. As a citizen who unaddressed.

[1:00:07] As a citizen who pays attention and taxes, I pays attention and taxes, I would urge the city to open a would urge the city to open a dialogue with the local dialogue with the local disability community about what disability community about what their most urgent needs are to their most urgent needs are to ensure that all Ada concerns

[1:00:14] ensure that all Ada concerns are addressed equally and are addressed equally and fairly. Thank you. fairly. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. And I believe we had another And I believe we had another speaker, Mr. Jack Pollock. He's speaker, Mr. Jack Pollock. He's speaking about the Navy. speaking about the Navy. Oh, yeah? Yeah.

[1:00:31] Oh, yeah? Yeah. I had to remind you. I had to remind you. Huh? You did? Thank you. Yeah. Huh? You did? Thank you. Yeah. Real quick update. Real quick update. And number one. Thank you for And number one. Thank you for support on the council. City support on the council. City manager, chief of staff.

[1:00:44] As of manager, chief of staff. As of August 3rd, Wilmington will be August 3rd, Wilmington will be a Navy Week. City officially, a Navy Week. City officially, uh, next year. So, um, that is uh, next year.

[1:00:55] So, um, that is a big accomplishment because a big accomplishment because the the assets that they will the the assets that they will bring to the Azalea Festival bring to the Azalea Festival are just huge. We met with are just huge. We met with Melissa today trying to, you Melissa today trying to, you know, to lock and load on what know, to lock and load on what her expectations are.

[1:01:04] So, you her expectations are. So, you know, it was it was a lot of know, it was it was a lot of work getting them here. And now work getting them here. And now the fun really starts. But I the fun really starts.

[1:01:09] But I just wanted to make you all just wanted to make you all aware of it. Thank you for your aware of it. Thank you for your support and look forward to support and look forward to ongoing support, as I know we ongoing support, as I know we will need that. So to just will need that.

[1:01:17] So to just point of information, thank point of information, thank you. you. Thank you, thank you sir. Thank you, thank you sir. All right. This concludes this All right. This concludes this portion of the agenda. Our next portion of the agenda. Our next item of business. Is that we item of business. Is that we have several ordinances.

[1:01:30] Item have several ordinances. Item oh one A is an ordinance oh one A is an ordinance appropriating $68,853 from the appropriating $68,853 from the sale of the assets to the sale of the assets to the disabled UAS program, and that disabled UAS program, and that accompanies that with a accompanies that with a resolution item oh one B, which

[1:01:45] resolution item oh one B, which is a resolution declaring is a resolution declaring certain Sable helicopter certain Sable helicopter equipment as surplus property equipment as surplus property to be donated to the Brunswick to be donated to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office. At County Sheriff's Office.

[1:01:54] At this time, I like to recognize this time, I like to recognize our city Manager. This is. our city Manager. This is. Our. Our. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Pro Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:02:04] Mayor Pro Tem, members of council, uh, Tem, members of council, uh, chief Zuma will be speaking on chief Zuma will be speaking on this item as well as the next this item as well as the next item. item. Mr. mayor. Mr. mayor. Mayor pro tem, members of Mayor pro tem, members of council, the first item in council, the first item in front of you, uh, is just front of you, uh, is just literally, uh, moving revenue literally, uh, moving revenue that's already been realized

[1:02:25] that's already been realized from one account to another. from one account to another. Uh, this is excess parts that Uh, this is excess parts that we had sold from the old we had sold from the old helicopter program. They're no helicopter program. They're no longer needed. It'll be longer needed.

[1:02:34] It'll be appropriating it back into our appropriating it back into our UAS program to support what is UAS program to support what is basically replaced, the basically replaced, the helicopter program, which is helicopter program, which is the drone program. Be happy to the drone program. Be happy to answer any questions you have. answer any questions you have.

[1:02:44] Any questions for the chief? Any questions for the chief? Okay. Okay. Miss Andrews. Miss Andrews. Is it okay to ask one about the Is it okay to ask one about the oh one be. Yeah. Okay. Um, so I oh one be. Yeah. Okay.

[1:02:56] Um, so I support cooperation with our support cooperation with our neighboring agencies, but, um, neighboring agencies, but, um, since the preceding the oh one since the preceding the oh one A uses proceeds from selling A uses proceeds from selling other Sable assets to fund the other Sable assets to fund the UAS program. Can you explain UAS program.

[1:03:05] Can you explain why this donation is a better why this donation is a better disposition for these disposition for these particular assets? And do we particular assets? And do we know, um, what we could I know know, um, what we could I know what the market value is what the market value is estimated at, but do we really

[1:03:15] estimated at, but do we really know what we could know what we could realistically expect to receive realistically expect to receive if we sold them? if we sold them? Yeah. So to answer that, first, Yeah.

[1:03:24] So to answer that, first, uh, the real realization of uh, the real realization of moving that equipment to moving that equipment to Brunswick County is that the Brunswick County is that the city will still receive a city will still receive a benefit from that. They have a benefit from that. They have a helicopter currently that can helicopter currently that can use these parts.

[1:03:32] Um, and just use these parts. Um, and just recently, there was an incident recently, there was an incident at UNC, uh, not too long ago at UNC, uh, not too long ago that, uh, that helicopter was that, uh, that helicopter was used for that helicopter. If we used for that helicopter.

[1:03:41] If we need, uh, we can call on need, uh, we can call on Brunswick County and they will Brunswick County and they will provide that, uh, assist us provide that, uh, assist us with whatever the operation may with whatever the operation may be or critical incident, be or critical incident, emergency, hurricane relief, emergency, hurricane relief, whatever that may be.

[1:03:50] So that's whatever that may be. So that's the reason why that, you know, the reason why that, you know, 100 and roughly $91,000. To 100 and roughly $91,000.

[1:03:58] To answer your question on what we answer your question on what we would actually get if we went would actually get if we went to market, um, it goes to gov to market, um, it goes to gov deals, which is where we sell deals, which is where we sell that stuff. It's really hard to that stuff. It's really hard to say. Could we get all 190, 1000 say. Could we get all 190, 1000 maybe. There's also some hidden maybe.

[1:04:06] There's also some hidden costs there, like the the costs there, like the the largest item you see on there, largest item you see on there, the Churchill mapping systems the Churchill mapping systems at 111 and change. Um, that at 111 and change.

[1:04:18] Um, that requires almost $20,000 requires almost $20,000 additional just to get that, additional just to get that, uh, software in that technology uh, software in that technology updated to be able to use it updated to be able to use it again. So there's some again. So there's some additional costs that would additional costs that would come with this, and we just come with this, and we just have no use for it.

[1:04:25] We thought have no use for it. We thought that obviously we try and take that obviously we try and take a regional approach to a lot of a regional approach to a lot of what we do here from a law what we do here from a law enforcement standpoint, and we enforcement standpoint, and we have a good relationship with

[1:04:31] have a good relationship with Brunswick County that will help Brunswick County that will help us with, uh, using these parts us with, uh, using these parts on a current helicopter. on a current helicopter. They have. They have. Great. Great. Thank you. Yes. Thank you. Yes. Ma'am. Ma'am.

[1:04:41] So anybody else? So we have a So anybody else? So we have a motion by Council member motion by Council member Clayton Quintana, second by Clayton Quintana, second by Mayor Pro Tem Spears, in Mayor Pro Tem Spears, in respect to item oh one A, which respect to item oh one A, which is the ordinance one wishes

[1:04:50] is the ordinance one wishes Council in favor of that Council in favor of that motion. Please indicate by motion. Please indicate by saying aye. saying aye. Aye, aye. Aye, aye. Any opposed? Item passed Any opposed? Item passed unanimously on first reading. unanimously on first reading.

[1:04:58] Is there a motion to waive Is there a motion to waive second reading? Motion made by second reading? Motion made by Councilmember Clayton Quintana. Councilmember Clayton Quintana. Second by Councilmember Second by Councilmember Andrews, and further Andrews, and further discussion. All in favor of discussion. All in favor of that motion, please indicate by that motion, please indicate by saying aye.

[1:05:08] saying aye. Aye aye. Any opposed? Aye aye. Any opposed? I got you. Uh, that passes I got you. Uh, that passes unanimously on first as well as unanimously on first as well as second reading. Now we'll go to second reading.

[1:05:15] Now we'll go to item oh one B, which is the item oh one B, which is the resolution which I've already resolution which I've already read into the record, whether read into the record, whether the wishes of council and the wishes of council and respect to item oh one B, we respect to item oh one B, we have a motion to approve by

[1:05:22] have a motion to approve by Councilmember Santa Guido, Councilmember Santa Guido, second by Councilmember Lore second by Councilmember Lore any further discussion. All in any further discussion. All in favor of that motion, please favor of that motion, please indicate by. indicate by. Saying aye. Aye aye. Saying aye. Aye aye.

[1:05:32] Any opposed? Item passes Any opposed? Item passes unanimously. Okay. That brings unanimously. Okay. That brings us to our next item business, us to our next item business, which is resolutions. Item R1 which is resolutions.

[1:05:40] Item R1 is a resolution authorizing the is a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into an city manager to enter into an agreement with Brad for Dawson agreement with Brad for Dawson Lofts, two apartments, LLC, for Lofts, two apartments, LLC, for gap financing for a new gap financing for a new affordable housing development affordable housing development utilizing 1.5 million of the utilizing 1.5 million of the affordable Housing Fund.

[1:05:54] At affordable Housing Fund. At this time, I'd like to this time, I'd like to recognize our city Manager, recognize our city Manager, Miss Hawkins Hall. Miss Hawkins Hall. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Pro Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Pro tem, members of council. This tem, members of council.

[1:06:02] This item will be presented by our item will be presented by our Director of Community Building, Director of Community Building, Rachel Shuler. Rachel Shuler. Good evening. Mayor. Mayor pro Good evening. Mayor.

[1:06:16] Mayor pro tem, members of council, the tem, members of council, the resolution before you tonight resolution before you tonight is to authorize the manager to is to authorize the manager to enter an agreement with Brad. A enter an agreement with Brad. A Dawson lofts, two apartments Dawson lofts, two apartments for gap financing to develop for gap financing to develop new affordable housing units. new affordable housing units.

[1:06:25] The development team is made up The development team is made up of Blue Ridge, Cascade and the of Blue Ridge, Cascade and the Wilmington Housing Authority. Wilmington Housing Authority. Brad for applied to the city Brad for applied to the city for funding to support Dawson for funding to support Dawson Lofts.

[1:06:37] Two at Gervais, an 86 Lofts. Two at Gervais, an 86 unit affordable tax credit unit affordable tax credit development. This development development. This development is part of that overall is part of that overall Wilmington Housing Authority Wilmington Housing Authority redevelopment plan that we've redevelopment plan that we've heard about, and will include heard about, and will include tearing down the old Darby

[1:06:48] tearing down the old Darby complex that sustained damage complex that sustained damage during Hurricane Florence. This during Hurricane Florence. This project is a mix of units project is a mix of units affordable to folks, earning up affordable to folks, earning up to 80% of the area median to 80% of the area median income, as shown here.

[1:07:00] Rents income, as shown here. Rents will range depending on bedroom will range depending on bedroom size and incomes. A majority of size and incomes. A majority of the units will also be the units will also be supported by project based supported by project based vouchers issued by the vouchers issued by the Wilmington Housing Authority.

[1:07:09] Wilmington Housing Authority. The project did not require The project did not require rezoning, but the preliminary rezoning, but the preliminary plans are shown here and were plans are shown here and were provided to yesterday. provided to yesterday. Following the agenda review. Following the agenda review.

[1:07:18] Just for some background on Just for some background on these types of projects through these types of projects through the annual Action Plan the annual Action Plan presented to Council annually presented to Council annually in April prior to submission to in April prior to submission to HUD, which is shown here, staff HUD, which is shown here, staff budgets, federal and local

[1:07:29] budgets, federal and local funding for all of the programs funding for all of the programs offered by the City of offered by the City of Wilmington. Shown here are the Wilmington. Shown here are the buckets, if you will, of buckets, if you will, of funding for each program. These funding for each program.

[1:07:39] These funds included Community funds included Community Development Block Grant, CDBG, Development Block Grant, CDBG, Home Investment Partnerships, Home Investment Partnerships, home and general funds from the home and general funds from the Affordable Housing Fund, and Affordable Housing Fund, and any carryover or program income any carryover or program income that is received from the

[1:07:50] that is received from the previous year. Since most of previous year. Since most of our city programs, including our city programs, including gap financing, are loan gap financing, are loan programs, the. As these loans programs, the.

[1:08:01] As these loans are repaid, the money becomes are repaid, the money becomes available to be invested into available to be invested into future programs and projects. future programs and projects. So applications are received So applications are received for gap financing. Staff from for gap financing.

[1:08:12] Staff from both community building and both community building and finance conduct a thorough finance conduct a thorough review outlined in the memo review outlined in the memo included in your agenda packet. included in your agenda packet. Based on the information Based on the information provided, scoring of the provided, scoring of the project, availability of funds project, availability of funds and consideration of other and consideration of other council priorities. Staff council priorities.

[1:08:22] Staff review and recommends the review and recommends the funding amounts as far as funding amounts as far as current funding, including. In current funding, including. In this request, there's this request, there's approximately $3 million in approximately $3 million in general funds based off of general funds based off of prior obligations and other prior obligations and other initiatives that are ongoing.

[1:08:34] initiatives that are ongoing. Those dollars in that gap Those dollars in that gap financing bucket would be financing bucket would be available to support other tax available to support other tax credit projects, which, due to credit projects, which, due to North Carolina Housing Finance North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, are typically received

[1:08:46] Agency, are typically received in the winter or spring. These in the winter or spring. These funds could also support funds could also support homeless service initiatives, homeless service initiatives, given HUD's public service given HUD's public service service limits on federal service limits on federal funding.

[1:08:55] So for our CDBG funding. So for our CDBG dollars, we're only able to dollars, we're only able to allocate a certain percentage allocate a certain percentage to support homeless services. to support homeless services. So we typically use these So we typically use these general funds to help support general funds to help support that as well.

[1:09:06] Shown here are that as well. Shown here are the former funding for a the former funding for a variety of projects that we've variety of projects that we've done over the past probably done over the past probably five years. That totals around five years.

[1:09:16] That totals around $25 million, in addition to the $25 million, in addition to the usual entitlement and general usual entitlement and general funds, there's also some one funds, there's also some one time Arpa funds and also a time Arpa funds and also a grant from the North Carolina grant from the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Office of Recovery and Resiliency for Community

[1:09:26] Resiliency for Community Development Block Grant Development Block Grant disaster relief dollars that we disaster relief dollars that we applied for to support Stairway applied for to support Stairway Villages. The other so the Villages.

[1:09:38] The other so the investment per unit varies investment per unit varies depending on the project, with depending on the project, with permanent supportive housing permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless for chronically homeless persons being at the higher persons being at the higher end. Some projects are also end. Some projects are also unique, like the block by Block unique, like the block by Block rehabilitation by Cape Fear rehabilitation by Cape Fear Collective.

[1:09:47] So you'll see that Collective. So you'll see that one's about 117,000 per unit. one's about 117,000 per unit. That's because we're doing That's because we're doing whole house renovations. whole house renovations.

[1:09:59] They're all of the rent or They're all of the rent or sales of the those homes are sales of the those homes are then being reinvested through then being reinvested through Cape Fear Collective to Cape Fear Collective to continue to work through their continue to work through their portfolio of homes. Uh, another portfolio of homes.

[1:10:13] Uh, another unique one is the Wilmington unique one is the Wilmington Housing Authority, which was a Housing Authority, which was a loan of 660, $660,000 that has loan of 660, $660,000 that has since been repaid. So there's since been repaid. So there's no official policy. But as you no official policy.

[1:10:22] But as you can see, the average amount per can see, the average amount per unit for most tax credit unit for most tax credit projects ranges from about 20 projects ranges from about 20 to $25,000 per unit for this to $25,000 per unit for this project, Brad WA requested $2.5 project, Brad WA requested $2.5 million in funding this spring million in funding this spring because of the $660,000 already because of the $660,000 already committed to the project.

[1:10:36] As committed to the project. As part of that previous part of that previous arrangement with a and other arrangement with a and other considerations, staff prepared considerations, staff prepared the memo in your packet with a the memo in your packet with a recommendation of 1.5 million recommendation of 1.

[1:10:44] 5 million at the time, with both at the time, with both investments that worked out to investments that worked out to about 25,000 per unit as the about 25,000 per unit as the applicant worked through some applicant worked through some required documentation, WA did required documentation, WA did repay the initial loan during repay the initial loan during that time.

[1:10:55] Equity credits have that time. Equity credits have changed. Interest rates have changed. Interest rates have increased, and construction increased, and construction costs have risen as well. Staff costs have risen as well. Staff is currently recommending the is currently recommending the passage of the resolution and passage of the resolution and providing 1.

[1:11:05] 5 million to providing 1.5 million to support this project. The support this project. The applicant team, Sam Walden and applicant team, Sam Walden and Tyrone Garrett, are here to Tyrone Garrett, are here to provide any additional provide any additional information or answer any information or answer any questions that you may have. questions that you may have. Thank you. Rachel. Um.

[1:11:17] Thank you. Rachel. Um. And it ties back there. I say, And it ties back there. I say, um, on the 86 units, those are um, on the 86 units, those are the those units are going to the those units are going to replace the ones that have been replace the ones that have been up since Hurricane Florence

[1:11:27] up since Hurricane Florence damaged them. damaged them. Yes. That's correct. Yes. Yes. That's correct. Yes. And they're going to be taken And they're going to be taken down. So these so the money down. So these so the money that we're spending tonight is that we're spending tonight is for those 86 units, correct.

[1:11:37] for those 86 units, correct. It's 18. It's 18. Right. Right. I have one saying yes. The I have one saying yes. The other one's saying no. other one's saying no. Come up. Come up. To the microphone. To the microphone. Could you, could you come up to Could you, could you come up to the podium. the podium. Please.

[1:11:44] Please. Just because there was a Just because there was a there's another piece in the there's another piece in the front. And I think that was front.

[1:11:52] And I think that was part of the 660 to purchase the part of the 660 to purchase the front of that property along front of that property along Dawson. There was some Dawson. There was some additional acreage there. additional acreage there. Ty I don't know the answer to Ty I don't know the answer to that. that. Or maybe I'm confused on it. Or maybe I'm confused on it. I'll tell you. Straighten me I'll tell you. Straighten me out here, buddy.

[1:12:01] out here, buddy. Good evening everyone. Um, no, Good evening everyone. Um, no, the 660 we went to the overall the 660 we went to the overall survey purchase. Okay. It survey purchase. Okay. It wasn't the front. The front wasn't the front. The front part.

[1:12:10] That's by Dawson Lofts part. That's by Dawson Lofts now was already owned by ATO now was already owned by ATO and so. and so. Okay, okay. That clarifies that Okay, okay. That clarifies that okay. okay. So so all of it now is owned by So so all of it now is owned by the. correct okay.

[1:12:21] And so this the. correct okay. And so this section here this 86 units is section here this 86 units is tearing down that old section tearing down that old section there and replacing them with there and replacing them with the 86 units. the 86 units. Yes okay. Yes okay.

[1:12:32] Gotcha I'm saying that's a net Gotcha I'm saying that's a net remember. That's about a net 70 remember. That's about a net 70 units because the 818 are units because the 818 are coming down in 86 are going up. coming down in 86 are going up. Correct. Okay. Correct. I'm Correct. Okay. Correct. I'm sorry. sorry.

[1:12:39] Councilmember I mean, I'm a Councilmember I mean, I'm a mayor Pro tem, sir. Sorry. mayor Pro tem, sir. Sorry. Mr. Garrett, a couple questions Mr. Garrett, a couple questions here. How much? Does the here. How much? Does the percentage of. Am I impact the percentage of.

[1:12:59] Am I impact the number of units like for for 30 number of units like for for 30 you have 1750. You have 2360. you have 1750. You have 2360. You have 31 and 80 you have 15. You have 31 and 80 you have 15. So how how does that formula So how how does that formula affect those units.

[1:13:11] Because affect those units. Because could we not have could we not could we not have could we not have 20 at 30%? Am I and 50 at have 20 at 30%? Am I and 50 at 20 at 50%. And could we not 20 at 50%. And could we not have.

[1:13:24] Well, let's go from have. Well, let's go from there. I'll let you answer. there. I'll let you answer. Okay. Okay. At that point you going okay. At that point you going okay. Yeah. We're both we're going to Yeah. We're both we're going to tag team this one.

[1:13:28] But I just tag team this one. But I just want to say the lower you when want to say the lower you when you push the am I or the you push the am I or the increase the count of units for increase the count of units for the lower am I.

[1:13:37] We need more the lower am I. We need more subsidy. That's the best way to subsidy. That's the best way to describe it. So then we describe it. So then we actually start to increase our actually start to increase our gap. Um, so for the funding gap.

[1:13:46] Um, so for the funding sources that we have in place sources that we have in place right now, this is the best right now, this is the best percentage that allows us to percentage that allows us to operate the property or the operate the property or the project itself without running project itself without running a deficit. a deficit. So so it's profit driven.

[1:13:57] So so it's profit driven. Yeah. No no no. Yeah. No no no. No no no no no no no. No no no no no no no. We don't make a profit in that We don't make a profit in that manner like other private manner like other private developers.

[1:14:05] This is to maintain developers. This is to maintain the project itself. Remember, the project itself. Remember, we have to be able to utilize we have to be able to utilize operating costs on a monthly operating costs on a monthly basis to sustain the project. basis to sustain the project.

[1:14:14] So I wouldn't consider it to be So I wouldn't consider it to be profit. I would consider it to profit. I would consider it to be operational. be operational.

[1:14:23] And I would just say to as a And I would just say to as a financing piece of it, the the financing piece of it, the the deal itself is an income deal itself is an income average project, which is a average project, which is a layer of complexity that you layer of complexity that you submit to the agency. So you submit to the agency.

[1:14:35] So you have to hover around the 60% have to hover around the 60% Ami and it goes into a Ami and it goes into a calculation, which is what calculation, which is what drives where you pick, you drives where you pick, you know, you're 30%, you're 50, know, you're 30%, you're 50, you're 60 and you're 80. It you're 60 and you're 80. It drives that overall, uh, drives that overall, uh, calculation as well.

[1:14:44] That's a calculation as well. That's a factor in it. factor in it. Okay. And how many units I had Okay. And how many units I had Jerry Ray right now? Jerry Ray right now? Uh, actually 83 I believe that Uh, actually 83 I believe that are in actual. are in actual.

[1:14:59] That people are living in right That people are living in right now. And what is what is the now. And what is what is the current am I right now? current am I right now? I would have to check. I'm I would have to check.

[1:15:05] I'm going to have to say, based on going to have to say, based on our project based vouchers that our project based vouchers that we have in there, I'm going to we have in there, I'm going to say the Am. I probably is below say the Am. I probably is below 60%. 60%.

[1:15:17] So are you saying 3050? The 30 So are you saying 3050? The 30 and 50. and 50. Is the average income is Is the average income is probably going to be below 30, probably going to be below 30, below 60%. Am I at survey of below 60%.

[1:15:28] Am I at survey of current residents of current of current residents of current of current residents? Yeah, 60% or current residents? Yeah, 60% or below. Okay, we're really not below.

[1:15:37] Okay, we're really not going to have any money in our going to have any money in our our overall portfolio averages our overall portfolio averages about 85% of the overall about 85% of the overall portfolio of the housing portfolio of the housing authority. Um, it's probably authority. Um, it's probably pushing 50% or below in terms pushing 50% or below in terms of am I across the board? So. of am I across the board? So. Okay, that's all I got for now.

[1:15:47] Okay, that's all I got for now. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Miss Andrews. Okay. Miss Andrews. I am very pleased to support I am very pleased to support this. Um, I just think anything this.

[1:15:58] Um, I just think anything that we can get in the 50% and that we can get in the 50% and below, we get very little of below, we get very little of that that comes across our, our that that comes across our, our plate. And I'm very, very glad plate. And I'm very, very glad that we're that we're that we're that we're supporting units at this level.

[1:16:07] supporting units at this level. I had a question for Miss I had a question for Miss Shuler about the, um, the 1.5 Shuler about the, um, the 1.5 million. I think I know the million.

[1:16:16] I think I know the answer, but just to make this answer, but just to make this clear to the public, if the clear to the public, if the rest of that funding doesn't rest of that funding doesn't come through, if the project come through, if the project doesn't go forward, then the doesn't go forward, then the 1.5 million is not spent. Is 1.5 million is not spent. Is that correct? that correct? Correct. Yeah.

[1:16:26] So what happens Correct. Yeah. So what happens typically and I'll let them add typically and I'll let them add to it if they want to talk to it if they want to talk since they deal with some of since they deal with some of that. But what happens is when that.

[1:16:33] But what happens is when you are approving this, it's you are approving this, it's sort of on hold until a certain sort of on hold until a certain point. Maybe, um, during the point. Maybe, um, during the construction process, it may be construction process, it may be when they convert to that. But when they convert to that.

[1:16:40] But yeah, all of this is contingent yeah, all of this is contingent on tax credits and the project on tax credits and the project moving forward. moving forward. Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[1:16:49] Yeah I did I just add part of Yeah I did I just add part of the reason, uh, Tyrone and I the reason, uh, Tyrone and I are I, we didn't really know if are I, we didn't really know if we're going to be able to talk we're going to be able to talk tonight or not, but we tonight or not, but we appreciate this is we're we appreciate this is we're we have requested the initial

[1:16:57] have requested the initial request was 2.5 million. Um, request was 2.5 million. Um, the latest request was 2 the latest request was 2 million. So we're going to million. So we're going to propose that this one five propose that this one five actually be $2 million.

[1:17:10] Um, and actually be $2 million. Um, and there's there's two reasons for there's there's two reasons for that, largely. And Rachel hit that, largely. And Rachel hit on that, um, is one is rates on that, um, is one is rates have gone up due to the current have gone up due to the current market.

[1:17:20] What's going on in the market. What's going on in the country, the Middle East agency country, the Middle East agency debt is going up. Uh, and we debt is going up. Uh, and we have zero control over it. The have zero control over it. The second is credit pricing is second is credit pricing is going down.

[1:17:32] Um, we're seeing it going down. Um, we're seeing it monthly. It's impacting a lot monthly. It's impacting a lot of our deals. Um, so those two of our deals.

[1:17:41] Um, so those two drivers, which are huge for drivers, which are huge for these projects to get across these projects to get across the finish line, um, we are the finish line, um, we are being this this new being this this new construction project is being construction project is being impacted by. impacted by. So when you say credit So when you say credit financing, you're talking about financing, you're talking about they want more money into the they want more money into the deal.

[1:17:48] deal. The tax credit pricing that an The tax credit pricing that an institutional investor will pay institutional investor will pay for this project. That number for this project. That number is going down. That equity is going down. That equity number is going down. Okay. number is going down. Okay. Gotcha. Yes, sir. Gotcha. Yes, sir.

[1:18:00] All right, All right, Mr. Guido. Mr. Guido. Thank you. Um, I'm also Thank you. Um, I'm also supportive of this. I think supportive of this. I think this is a great way for the the this is a great way for the the city to contribute in this way.

[1:18:10] city to contribute in this way. I, um, my question is, are you I, um, my question is, are you anticipating needing any anticipating needing any rezoning or are you doing rezoning or are you doing anticipate any variance anticipate any variance requests for this project? requests for this project? No, we do not.

[1:18:23] No, we do not. If if you do find yourself in a If if you do find yourself in a situation where you request situation where you request rezoning or you're going to rezoning or you're going to request a variance, is that request a variance, is that something that you will work

[1:18:33] something that you will work with the city on? Considering with the city on? Considering our contributions to this our contributions to this project? project? Absolutely. But I will tell you Absolutely. But I will tell you that this project, um, has that this project, um, has already been submitted to NQF.

[1:18:45] already been submitted to NQF. And with that, we would have And with that, we would have had our zoning in place prior had our zoning in place prior to that. Okay, so we have the to that.

[1:18:53] Okay, so we have the answer is yes, but we have zero answer is yes, but we have zero intention of any rezoning here intention of any rezoning here or variances. or variances. Well, you know, so intentions Well, you know, so intentions and reality sometimes differ. and reality sometimes differ.

[1:19:02] So I just want to make sure So I just want to make sure that if, if that does come that if, if that does come about that that's something about that that's something that will consult on. that will consult on. Together 100%. Together 100%. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Mr. Joyner. Okay. Mr. Joyner. Yeah. My question is for Mr. Yeah. My question is for Mr. Garrett.

[1:19:15] This is just sort of a Garrett. This is just sort of a structural better understanding structural better understanding finances at Wilmington Housing finances at Wilmington Housing Authority. So you have you have Authority. So you have you have a wait list for to get into a wait list for to get into Wilmington Housing Authority, Wilmington Housing Authority, correct? Correct.

[1:19:26] And and like correct? Correct. And and like the wait list is so long that the wait list is so long that it's closed and it's not just it's closed and it's not just our community that's like this, our community that's like this, but I'm sort of setting the but I'm sort of setting the stage.

[1:19:32] The the wait list is stage. The the wait list is quite long. It's closed quite long. It's closed periodically and only, you periodically and only, you know, every so often when know, every so often when people get moved into that people get moved into that waitlist, opened back up for waitlist, opened back up for new housing or for new

[1:19:39] new housing or for new applicants. Correct? applicants. Correct? Correct. It has to be a Correct. It has to be a significant shift, though. significant shift, though.

[1:19:46] And so I guess what I'm getting And so I guess what I'm getting at is what would what would at is what would what would what could we do as a community what could we do as a community or as a council to, to create or as a council to, to create that significant shift, build that significant shift, build more units, right. And so what more units, right.

[1:19:58] And so what I'm getting at is when projects I'm getting at is when projects like this come on, mind build like this come on, mind build into the project. Is your into the project. Is your staffing capacity to run the staffing capacity to run the facility. Correct? Correct. facility. Correct? Correct. Okay. I just wanted to make Okay.

[1:20:07] I just wanted to make sure that it's not your staff sure that it's not your staff is going to be stretched more is going to be stretched more thin because they are more thin because they are more units. I wanted to make sure units. I wanted to make sure that that's all built in and that that's all built in and put in place here.

[1:20:13] put in place here. Yes, but we take into Yes, but we take into consideration shifts from our consideration shifts from our other development projects that other development projects that are coming up that are going to are coming up that are going to be newer, um, that will operate

[1:20:20] be newer, um, that will operate more efficiently. Um, so that more efficiently. Um, so that helps us, um, we can take helps us, um, we can take manpower in and woman power and manpower in and woman power and shift it in different shift it in different directions that can accommodate

[1:20:29] directions that can accommodate whatever our, um, increase in whatever our, um, increase in production looks like. production looks like. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. Yeah. Miss Lowe. Miss Lowe. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:20:44] Um, having been involved in trying having been involved in trying to push these projects related to push these projects related projects forward in my projects forward in my professional life, I'm a little professional life, I'm a little concerned about, um, you not concerned about, um, you not having all of the funds in having all of the funds in place. If we are just place.

[1:20:56] If we are just contributing or loaning, sorry, contributing or loaning, sorry, loaning you 1.5 million. So we loaning you 1.5 million. So we have a in our memo, we have a have a in our memo, we have a list of some of the non city list of some of the non city funds and um loans.

[1:21:07] Are you if, funds and um loans. Are you if, if our, if our loan is 1.5 if our, if our loan is 1.5 million. Is there anybody else million. Is there anybody else locally that you're going to be locally that you're going to be turning to that you're looking turning to that you're looking at the these um it's no

[1:21:17] at the these um it's no accident that you're standing accident that you're standing here. These low tech is here. These low tech is designed to have local support. designed to have local support. Like that's the only way it Like that's the only way it works.

[1:21:25] So just tell me a little works. So just tell me a little bit more about your, um, bit more about your, um, journey. Um, with getting local journey. Um, with getting local support. support. Uh, so, um, New Hanover County Uh, so, um, New Hanover County and the endowment are two other and the endowment are two other options.

[1:21:44] Uh, the endowment, I options. Uh, the endowment, I we've experienced firsthand we've experienced firsthand that housing is really not a that housing is really not a priority right now with the priority right now with the endowment. Um, New Hanover endowment. Um, New Hanover County has been, um, I guess County has been, um, I guess maybe one off.

[1:21:59] Uh, investing maybe one off. Uh, investing into a deal that has a small into a deal that has a small percentage of workforce percentage of workforce housing. Um, that is the only housing. Um, that is the only other option and is not lost on other option and is not lost on me.

[1:22:09] Uh, we've done a few deals me. Uh, we've done a few deals with the city now, and Rachel with the city now, and Rachel and her team do a phenomenal and her team do a phenomenal job. Uh, that the city is, um, job.

[1:22:19] Uh, that the city is, um, been true and true to the last been true and true to the last few of our projects here few of our projects here locally. Um, but that would be locally. Um, but that would be the only other two options. And the only other two options. And the answer on, um, in short, the answer on, um, in short, was is not right now. Um, so..

[1:22:32] was is not right now. Um, so.. And what's your, um, timeline? And what's your, um, timeline? I know you've already submitted I know you've already submitted to Nyfa. Um, tell tell the to Nyfa. Um, tell tell the council a little bit about that council a little bit about that timeline and your deadlines.

[1:22:42] timeline and your deadlines. Yeah. So this deal is been Yeah. So this deal is been submitted to, uh, for its submitted to, uh, for its sitting, uh, waiting to go to sitting, uh, waiting to go to the board meeting. The last the board meeting.

[1:22:53] The last piece we were waiting on is piece we were waiting on is this commitment letter, which this commitment letter, which they won't move forward without they won't move forward without that. Um, at that point, we that.

[1:23:04] Um, at that point, we actually have a meeting actually have a meeting tomorrow to release full tomorrow to release full design, and we are targeting a design, and we are targeting a closing at the end of Q1 2027. closing at the end of Q1 2027. Construction start. Construction start., construction start. at Q1 , construction start. at Q1 2027. 2027. But yeah, end of Q1 2027. And But yeah, end of Q1 2027.

[1:23:21] And then the totally separate the then the totally separate the rehabilitation for Gervais will rehabilitation for Gervais will be directly after that. be directly after that. So we've, um, waited a long So we've, um, waited a long time for some activity over time for some activity over there in that particular spot.

[1:23:31] there in that particular spot. So um, and I saw on your site So um, and I saw on your site plan the intention to save some plan the intention to save some of those trees there in that, of those trees there in that, um, courtyard and create.

[1:23:40] I um, courtyard and create. I thought that might be in our thought that might be in our presentation tonight. The, um, presentation tonight. The, um, courtyard around in the front courtyard around in the front there where there's some there where there's some already some existing trees. already some existing trees. There is.

[1:23:49] Yeah, there's There is. Yeah, there's there's, um, there's a there's, um, there's a beautiful live oak. It's right beautiful live oak. It's right here in the middle. I don't here in the middle. I don't have a pointer. Um, of these, have a pointer.

[1:23:58] Um, of these, uh, right here on Dawson uh, right here on Dawson Street, which is the furthest Street, which is the furthest thing to the north. Um, there's thing to the north. Um, there's a pretty live oak here that a pretty live oak here that we're actually designing this we're actually designing this courtyard around. Um, so.

[1:24:06] Yes, courtyard around. Um, so. Yes, it is, uh, trees are, I it is, uh, trees are, I understand, and I know it's a understand, and I know it's a sensitive topic having grown up sensitive topic having grown up here, and we take that very here, and we take that very seriously. Um, so, yeah.

[1:24:16] seriously. Um, so, yeah. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. Mayor Pro. Mayor Pro. Tem. Tem. You guys almost got off the You guys almost got off the hook with me asking for more hook with me asking for more units, more affordable units. units, more affordable units.

[1:24:29] But then you asked for more But then you asked for more money. So now I'm going to ask money. So now I'm going to ask for more units, or I'm going to for more units, or I'm going to ask for a higher percentage ask for a higher percentage interest rate. We're for $2 interest rate.

[1:24:45] We're for $2 million because, I mean, what million because, I mean, what we have in our notes is 1.5 we have in our notes is 1.5 million as a loan. And you're million as a loan. And you're asking for two. And pretty much asking for two.

[1:24:57] And pretty much what what we provide makes this what what we provide makes this deal go correct, right? You deal go correct, right? You have. have. No that is correct. No that is correct. No. Standing without us, with No. Standing without us, with anybody else. anybody else. Sure. Yeah. That's correct. Sure. Yeah. That's correct. Right. So for $2 million and Right.

[1:25:09] So for $2 million and that's just me, I don't know that's just me, I don't know what what anybody else will what what anybody else will think or do, but it's just me. think or do, but it's just me. And I've been doing this for And I've been doing this for quite a while. You know that. quite a while. You know that. You know, I do.

[1:25:16] You know, I do. Not know what to anticipate Not know what to anticipate when you come up here with a when you come up here with a project like this. And I'm project like this.

[1:25:25] And I'm sitting here, um, so we have 17 sitting here, um, so we have 17 at 30%. Am I 23 at 50, 31 at 60 at 30%. Am I 23 at 50, 31 at 60 and 15 at 80. So if if we're and 15 at 80.

[1:25:36] So if if we're even thinking about giving a even thinking about giving a half a million more dollars, half a million more dollars, I'm thinking 25%, 25 units at I'm thinking 25%, 25 units at 30%, am I? We can keep the 23 30%, am I? We can keep the 23 at 50%. Am I the 31 at 60 and at 50%. Am I the 31 at 60 and ten at 80.

[1:25:51] ten at 80. So I will, um, we just first So I will, um, we just first up, I would love to add more up, I would love to add more units here, but we're tapped units here, but we're tapped out on all of our space.

[1:26:02] So we out on all of our space. So we have tried to utilize as much have tried to utilize as much space as we have. Uh, also space as we have. Uh, also meeting the requirements to meeting the requirements to address the total unit count. address the total unit count. It's the same number. Um.

[1:26:11] It's the same number. Um. It's the same number of units. It's the same number of units. No, I know, I'm saying you want No, I know, I'm saying you want to see more units? to see more units? No, I want to see.

[1:26:16] I want to No, I want to see. I want to see more. 30% Army units. And I see more. 30% Army units. And I want to see less 80% Army want to see less 80% Army units. So it's the same total units. So it's the same total of units.

[1:26:26] It's just you're just of units. It's just you're just recalculating the percentages. recalculating the percentages. Okay, I see what you're saying. Okay, I see what you're saying.

[1:26:36] Um, you know, I would have to I Um, you know, I would have to I would tell you right now that would tell you right now that this, since this project is this, since this project is already been submitted to for already been submitted to for that would have a ripple effect that would have a ripple effect on quite a bit of what we've on quite a bit of what we've done thus far to get to where

[1:26:45] done thus far to get to where we are. Um, I think we would be we are. Um, I think we would be willing to look at a, a 2% willing to look at a, a 2% interest rate instead of a 1% interest rate instead of a 1% interest rate versus.

[1:26:56] Versus interest rate versus. Versus what? Uh, shuffling, you know, what? Uh, shuffling, you know, shifting the, the unit count. shifting the, the unit count. I'll take the 2%. So I'll take I'll take the 2%. So I'll take the 2% interest. the 2% interest. Rate. Rate.

[1:27:09] But I would I would propose But I would I would propose that the the 2 million at 1%, that the the 2 million at 1%, um, is what we, what we're um, is what we, what we're asking for. But if that's what asking for.

[1:27:17] But if that's what we, uh, we need to do to get we, uh, we need to do to get this across the finish line, this across the finish line, which I think everybody here, which I think everybody here, whether you lived here for a whether you lived here for a week, a year or before week, a year or before Hurricane Florence, you've

[1:27:26] Hurricane Florence, you've driven down Dawson Street and driven down Dawson Street and these families deserve better. these families deserve better. And we know that. And that's And we know that. And that's why we're we're here in why we're we're here in partnering with W. partnering with W. Yeah. Yeah.

[1:27:39] I agree I want to help the I agree I want to help the city. We kind of recoup some of city. We kind of recoup some of this money we're spending. this money we're spending. Just so you know I mean we are Just so you know I mean we are it's a we're repaying.

[1:27:45] it's a we're repaying. And I know, I know, I know, I'm And I know, I know, I know, I'm not just talking about you. I'm not just talking about you. I'm just saying in general, we're just saying in general, we're spending a lot of money. spending a lot of money. Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember Andrews.

[1:27:56] Councilmember Andrews. Yeah. Um, thank you for Yeah. Um, thank you for mentioning the county and other mentioning the county and other funding sources. Um, funding sources. Um, Councilmember Lyle, um, I also Councilmember Lyle, um, I also I'm going to put in a shameless I'm going to put in a shameless plug.

[1:28:09] I, I, I wanted to I am plug. I, I, I wanted to I am going to mention this in the going to mention this in the later part of the, um, the later part of the, um, the agenda under reports. But since agenda under reports.

[1:28:19] But since you're here, Mister Garrett, I you're here, Mister Garrett, I wanted to put in a plug for wanted to put in a plug for our, um, Wilmington housing our, um, Wilmington housing Affordability Advisory Affordability Advisory Committee. As you know, we used Committee. As you know, we used to have a joint city county to have a joint city county committee that the county committee that the county pulled out of.

[1:28:29] And so we formed pulled out of. And so we formed our own. And we intentionally, our own. And we intentionally, as a council, took that, um, as a council, took that, um, not just to mean workforce not just to mean workforce housing, but housing housing, but housing affordability, all levels. affordability, all levels.

[1:28:42] We're still seeking two members We're still seeking two members on that commission, on that on that commission, on that committee. And one is committee. And one is designated as an appointee from designated as an appointee from Wilmington Housing Authority, Wilmington Housing Authority, and another is a vacancy for a and another is a vacancy for a resident of a designated

[1:28:53] resident of a designated affordable housing unit. And I affordable housing unit. And I would dearly appreciate your would dearly appreciate your help in trying to fill those help in trying to fill those last two positions on that last two positions on that committee. committee. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Okay.

[1:29:04] Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Okay. Anybody else? Okay. So, um. Anybody else? Okay. So, um. What's the deal? I guess we're What's the deal? I guess we're over here trying to make a over here trying to make a deal. Is it 2% for 2 million, deal. Is it 2% for 2 million, or is it 2% for 1.

[1:29:19] 5 million? or is it 2% for 1.5 million? What what what what. What what what what. What. What. What's the, um what what does What's the, um what what does everybody want to do here? Or everybody want to do here? Or do you want to just leave it do you want to just leave it the way it is?

[1:29:30] the way it is? Um. Um. We have 2% for 2 million. Is We have 2% for 2 million. Is this I'm hearing this is a this I'm hearing this is a consensus. consensus. I haven't, I. I haven't, I. Remember Miss Loud. Remember Miss Loud. Go ahead. Yes. Go ahead. Yes.

[1:29:46] Uh, did the applicant have a Uh, did the applicant have a response? response? No, I'm. I'm just thinking No, I'm. I'm just thinking we're we're we're we're I mean, we're we're we're we're I mean, you're you're throwing a little you're you're throwing a little curveball at me here. curveball at me here. Well. Well.

[1:29:55] We can give you a five minute We can give you a five minute recess. recess. Good. Good. Just read your performer real Just read your performer real quick. quick. Yeah. If you need a. Yeah. If you need a. Phone, you need a phone, a Phone, you need a phone, a friend. friend. I wouldn't. I wouldn't.

[1:30:02] I wouldn't push you to that I wouldn't push you to that particular. particular. Position. Position. Table it, move on to the next Table it, move on to the next item and come. item and come. Back to that. Back to that. No. Um, it was not interested No. Um, it was not interested in doing that actually.

[1:30:12] Um, one in doing that actually. Um, one of the when I was on planning of the when I was on planning commission, we were, um, we had commission, we were, um, we had an affordable housing, um, an affordable housing, um, proposal in front of us, and we proposal in front of us, and we were deliberating and kicking

[1:30:21] were deliberating and kicking ideas around and we weren't ideas around and we weren't sure, and this and that. And sure, and this and that.

[1:30:32] And one of the, um, executive one of the, um, executive directors of the of a local directors of the of a local homeless group, and it's in the homeless group, and it's in the housing coalition came up and housing coalition came up and said, we have to admit, we have said, we have to admit, we have to look and behave as if our to look and behave as if our community is in is desperate community is in is desperate for affordable housing.

[1:30:42] We're for affordable housing. We're desperate for affordable desperate for affordable housing. And we have people housing. And we have people standing here willing to do it. standing here willing to do it.

[1:30:52] And so to, um, to jack up the And so to, um, to jack up the interest rate, which is okay, interest rate, which is okay, going to impact the rents, going to impact the rents, because that's just the way the because that's just the way the math works. I just don't think math works. I just don't think that's right. that's right. He jacked up the the asking He jacked up the the asking price.

[1:31:00] price. No, he they came down. It was No, he they came down. It was 2.5 million. They came down to. 2.5 million. They came down to. Two in the plug. He just he Two in the plug. He just he just said, well we're going to just said, well we're going to ask for 2 million.

[1:31:08] I mean we ask for 2 million. I mean we got 1.5 in front of us. So got 1.5 in front of us. So that. that. Was I'm selling. I'm telling Was I'm selling. I'm telling you, that's what happens. you, that's what happens. That's thank you. Thank you for That's thank you. Thank you for telling me.

[1:31:15] But I'm I'm telling telling me. But I'm I'm telling you what I'm saying. And my you what I'm saying. And my reason for doing that. So. reason for doing that. So. So, Mayor Pro Tem, you've made So, Mayor Pro Tem, you've made a you've made a motion. Uh, a you've made a motion. Uh, what is the motion in specific.

[1:31:25] what is the motion in specific. So the motion is for a $2 So the motion is for a $2 million loan that a 2% interest million loan that a 2% interest rate. rate. I have a question about that. I have a question about that. Before we take a vote.

[1:31:40] Is that Before we take a vote. Is that is that going to work for you? is that going to work for you? Is that something you're that Is that something you're that is going to work for your is going to work for your project? I mean, I, I, I project? I mean, I, I, I understand the argument for

[1:31:47] understand the argument for this, but what I'm interested this, but what I'm interested in is getting you something in is getting you something that you can work with so we that you can work with so we can get this project done. And can get this project done.

[1:31:56] And if 2 million at 2% isn't going if 2 million at 2% isn't going to work, if 1.5 million and 1% to work, if 1.5 million and 1% is going to make it work like I is going to make it work like I want, I think I need to want, I think I need to understand what is going to

[1:32:03] understand what is going to make the project work. make the project work. Sure. Yeah. Um. Sure. Yeah. Um. I. I. I will tell you that, uh, 2 I will tell you that, uh, 2 million at even 1.5% would million at even 1.5% would probably work.

[1:32:18] Um, the, the, probably work. Um, the, the, the one and a half is, is just the one and a half is, is just doesn't get us there with the doesn't get us there with the impacts that we've had over the impacts that we've had over the last 4 or 5 months.

[1:32:26] Um, so, so last 4 or 5 months. Um, so, so that that was that was the gist that that was that was the gist there. But I, I do think the 2% there. But I, I do think the 2% could potentially have an could potentially have an impact on, um, on this project.

[1:32:36] impact on, um, on this project. So we really I mean, I think we So we really I mean, I think we could settle at 2 million at could settle at 2 million at 1.5%. 1.5%.

[1:32:46] I have a procedural question I have a procedural question now, um, if we if we take a now, um, if we if we take a vote at 2,000,002% and it vote at 2,000,002% and it doesn't pass, are we able to doesn't pass, are we able to take a vote on a different take a vote on a different option, or is this like a. option, or is this like a. Well, first of all, we'd need.

[1:32:54] Well, first of all, we'd need. For somebody to. For somebody to. Second. Second. Um, Mayor Pro. Um, Mayor Pro. Tem. Tem. It has been seconded. Okay. It has been seconded. Okay. Then you. would need to take a Then you. would need to take a vote. If it doesn't. vote. If it doesn't. Pass, then somebody.

[1:33:01] Pass, then somebody. Else can make another motion. Else can make another motion. Okay. Okay. Okay. Can't wait. Wait a Okay. Can't wait. Wait a minute. Councilmember Andrews. minute. Councilmember Andrews. Um, Mayor Pro Tem Spears, would Um, Mayor Pro Tem Spears, would you accept a friendly amendment you accept a friendly amendment to at, uh, 2 million at 1.

[1:33:20] 5%? to at, uh, 2 million at 1.5%? No. Let's take the vote as it No. Let's take the vote as it is. is. Okay. Okay. So right now we have a motion So right now we have a motion on the floor to allocate $2 on the floor to allocate $2 million.

[1:33:35] I mean, um, yeah, $2 million. I mean, um, yeah, $2 million at 2% for 86 units. million at 2% for 86 units. Correct? Okay. All in favor of Correct? Okay. All in favor of that motion, please indicate by that motion, please indicate by saying I. saying I. I. I. I. And we have a I voted for it.

[1:33:56] I. And we have a I voted for it. Or three. Okay. Past $2 Or three. Okay. Past $2 million. million. Okay. Okay. Thank you all. Thank you all. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. That brings us to All right.

[1:34:11] That brings us to our next item, which is item our next item, which is item R2, which is a resolution R2, which is a resolution awarding a construction awarding a construction contract in the amount of contract in the amount of $2,430,217 to Highland Paving $2,430,217 to Highland Paving Company, LLC for the Company, LLC for the construction of phase two of

[1:34:25] construction of phase two of the Eastwood Road Access the Eastwood Road Access Management Project. This talent Management Project. This talent recognizes our city manager, recognizes our city manager, Miss Arkansas. Miss Arkansas. I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. We just I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor. We just have a procedural question. have a procedural question.

[1:34:34] Just I understand we we voted Just I understand we we voted on the amendment, but we're on the amendment, but we're also voting on the motion also voting on the motion itself. itself. Mr. mayor, Pro Tem Spears made Mr. mayor, Pro Tem Spears made a motion to allocate $2 a motion to allocate $2 million. million. Okay. Okay.

[1:34:46] 30% second by Councilmember 30% second by Councilmember Clinton Quintana. That goes up Clinton Quintana. That goes up for a vote if there was a for a vote if there was a substitute motion to that, substitute motion to that, then. then. So that was substituting what So that was substituting what we. we.

[1:34:54] Had to vote on that motion Had to vote on that motion first. So it's that motion first. So it's that motion carried with only one vote, carried with only one vote, which is what was needed as a which is what was needed as a resolution. resolution. It passed. Thank you. Thank It passed. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, ma'am.

[1:35:01] you, Mr. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. I just wanted to say it wasn't I just wanted to say it wasn't a substitute motion. I was a substitute motion. I was asking for a friendly amendment asking for a friendly amendment that. that. Was rejected. Was rejected. So. So. Yeah. Gotcha. Yeah. Gotcha. Okay.

[1:35:11] Just to recognize our Okay. Just to recognize our city manager, Miss Hawk. city manager, Miss Hawk. Miss Hall. Miss Hall. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Pro Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:35:19] Mayor Pro tem, members of council, this tem, members of council, this item will be presented by Kyle item will be presented by Kyle Burton, our project manager, Burton, our project manager, and our design and construction and our design and construction group. group. Good evening, Mr. Mayor. Mayor Good evening, Mr. Mayor.

[1:35:32] Mayor pro tem and members of council pro tem and members of council for you tonight as a resolution for you tonight as a resolution to award a construction to award a construction contract for phase two of the contract for phase two of the Eastwood Road Access Management Eastwood Road Access Management Project. Under this resolution, Project.

[1:35:43] Under this resolution, the contract will be awarded to the contract will be awarded to Highland Paving Company LLC of Highland Paving Company LLC of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fayetteville, North Carolina, in the amount of $2,430,216.60. in the amount of $2,430,216.60. We received a total of two We received a total of two bids, and they were the lowest bids, and they were the lowest responsible, responsive bidder. responsible, responsive bidder.

[1:35:58] This project includes the This project includes the addition of a center landscaped addition of a center landscaped median on Eastwood Road, signal median on Eastwood Road, signal and pedestrian improvements, as and pedestrian improvements, as well as the resurfacing of well as the resurfacing of Eastwood Road from Rogersville Eastwood Road from Rogersville Road to Cavalier Drive through Road to Cavalier Drive through a previously executed

[1:36:07] a previously executed agreement. Lidl US has agreement. Lidl US has contributed $1,281,500 for the contributed $1,281,500 for the construction of this project, construction of this project, as required by their as required by their development approval for their development approval for their store at 1451 Eastwood Road. store at 1451 Eastwood Road.

[1:36:21] The contract duration for this The contract duration for this project is five months. Passage project is five months. Passage of this resolution is of this resolution is recommended. I'm happy to recommended. I'm happy to answer any questions that you answer any questions that you may have. may have. So. So the original I guess.

[1:36:31] So. So the original I guess. Thing with Lido was Lido was Thing with Lido was Lido was going to do make this going to do make this improvement to begin with. improvement to begin with. Yes, that is correct. Yes, that is correct.

[1:36:39] They and for some reason they They and for some reason they couldn't do it or they had couldn't do it or they had troubles. They had issues. troubles. They had issues. Yes. Their their reasoning, uh, Yes. Their their reasoning, uh, Mr. Mayor, was that by the time Mr.

[1:36:51] Mayor, was that by the time they were ready to go forward they were ready to go forward and move forward doing the and move forward doing the roadway improvements, they'd roadway improvements, they'd already completed their store already completed their store and they no longer had the and they no longer had the capacity. And they also cited capacity.

[1:37:01] And they also cited that they had tried to take the that they had tried to take the project to bid and build project to bid and build themselves. But it was a failed themselves. But it was a failed bid and they didn't receive any bid and they didn't receive any bidders. bidders. So. So they contributed 1.5 So. So they contributed 1.

[1:37:09] 5 million to the to the overall million to the to the overall cost. cost. Of this one. Uh, it's 1,000,281 Of this one. Uh, it's 1,000,281 1,000,200. 1,000,200. Okay. I'm sorry. And then the Okay. I'm sorry. And then the rest. rest. The rest the rest is is our The rest the rest is is our responsibility.

[1:37:19] Um, and in our responsibility. Um, and in our contract agreement with them, contract agreement with them, they are responsible for they are responsible for covering their portion of the covering their portion of the cost, regardless of what cost, regardless of what they've already contributed. they've already contributed. Um, but we are moving forward.

[1:37:29] Um, but we are moving forward. Isn't Eastwood a state road? Isn't Eastwood a state road? Eastwood is a state road. Eastwood is a state road. Which state isn't contributing? Which state isn't contributing? No. This is this is all our No. This is this is all our responsibility. responsibility. Council member Santa Guido.

[1:37:39] Council member Santa Guido. Thank you, Mister Mayor. My Thank you, Mister Mayor. My question is, um, if we approve question is, um, if we approve this tonight, what is the this tonight, what is the timeline for this project? So timeline for this project? So start and finish. start and finish.

[1:37:52] So to get an executed So to get an executed construction contract in place, construction contract in place, we'd be looking at probably we'd be looking at probably around 2 to 3 months to get around 2 to 3 months to get that into construction start. that into construction start.

[1:38:04] Um, and then from there, a five Um, and then from there, a five month construction duration. month construction duration. Okay. Okay. Thanks. Thanks. Anybody else? Okay. What are Anybody else? Okay.

[1:38:15] What are the wishes of council in the wishes of council in respect to the resolution? We respect to the resolution? We have a motion to approve by have a motion to approve by Councilmember Santa Guido, Councilmember Santa Guido, seconded by Councilmember seconded by Councilmember Andrews. Any further Andrews. Any further discussion? All in favor of discussion? All in favor of that motion, please indicate that motion, please indicate saying aye. saying aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Item passes Any opposed? Item passes unanimously. unanimously. Okay.

[1:38:28] Okay. That brings us to our next That brings us to our next item, which is item R3, which item, which is item R3, which is a resolution awarding a is a resolution awarding a construction contract in the construction contract in the amount of $4,378,734 to King amount of $4,378,734 to King Asphalt Incorporated and

[1:38:41] Asphalt Incorporated and approving the associated approving the associated contingency fund for the Dawson contingency fund for the Dawson and Wooster Street Improvement and Wooster Street Improvement Project. Um, again, I'm going Project. Um, again, I'm going to recognize City Manager Miss to recognize City Manager Miss Hawk. Miss. Hawk. Miss. Oh. Oh. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:38:52] And Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And again, Mr. Burton. again, Mr. Burton. I sound like a broken record. I sound like a broken record. Uh, good evening, Mr. Mayor. Uh, good evening, Mr. Mayor.

[1:39:02] Mayor pro tem and members of Mayor pro tem and members of council before you tonight is a council before you tonight is a resolution to award a resolution to award a construction contract for the construction contract for the Dawson Western Streetscape Dawson Western Streetscape Improvements Project. Under Improvements Project.

[1:39:14] Under this resolution, the this resolution, the construction contract will be construction contract will be awarded to King Asphalt awarded to King Asphalt Incorporated of Liberty, South Incorporated of Liberty, South Carolina, and the amount of Carolina, and the amount of $4,378,733.95. We received a $4,378,733.95. We received a total of two bids, and they total of two bids, and they were the lowest responsible, were the lowest responsible, responsible bidder. And the responsible bidder.

[1:39:29] And the figure at the bottom of your figure at the bottom of your screen, that's the approximate screen, that's the approximate project limits. This project project limits. This project was partially funded by NCDOT, was partially funded by NCDOT, includes filling and sidewalk includes filling and sidewalk gaps, installing curb bump gaps, installing curb bump outs, improving pedestrian outs, improving pedestrian access, improving Ada access,

[1:39:41] access, improving Ada access, and resurfacing of Dawson and and resurfacing of Dawson and Wooster Street between third Wooster Street between third and 17th Street. The contract and 17th Street.

[1:39:48] The contract duration for this project is duration for this project is one year, and we expect to have one year, and we expect to have it completed before the end of it completed before the end of calendar year 2027. Uh, the calendar year 2027.

[1:39:57] Uh, the photo to your right is a photo to your right is a rendering done in house that rendering done in house that represents the, uh, the represents the, uh, the proposed curb bump outs and proposed curb bump outs and improved on street parking. In improved on street parking.

[1:40:10] In addition to awarding and addition to awarding and construction contract passage, construction contract passage, this resolution will authorize this resolution will authorize city staff to establish a city staff to establish a construction contingency fund construction contingency fund for the Dawson and Wooster for the Dawson and Wooster Streetscape Project. The Streetscape Project. The appropriate contingency amount, appropriate contingency amount, determined by staff, is 15% of determined by staff, is 15% of the contract amount, which the contract amount, which equals $656,850. Passage of equals $656,850. Passage of this resolution is recommended.

[1:40:26] this resolution is recommended. I'm happy to answer any I'm happy to answer any questions that. questions that. You have. I have a, question You have. I have a, question here. Councilmember Santa here. Councilmember Santa Guido. Guido. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um. Am I Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um.

[1:40:33] Am I remembering correctly? This is remembering correctly? This is a project that had to be rebid. a project that had to be rebid. Is that right? Or is it? That Is that right? Or is it? That is everyone? Yes. is everyone? Yes. That is correct. Did have to be That is correct.

[1:40:39] Did have to be rebid because there was a rebid because there was a defect in the bidding process defect in the bidding process with the original. with the original. Um, I did not do my homework on Um, I did not do my homework on this. How does this amount this.

[1:40:46] How does this amount differ from what was initially differ from what was initially approved for this project? approved for this project? Uh, this this bid came in Uh, this this bid came in significantly lower than the significantly lower than the original bend. I think it's original bend. I think it's around in the ball.

[1:40:57] I'd have to around in the ball. I'd have to get the exact number. Um, but get the exact number. Um, but it's in the ballpark of about it's in the ballpark of about $1.2 million. $1.2 million. Lower. Lower. So actually saving 1.2 million So actually saving 1.2 million with this bid. with this bid. Yeah. Again, I.

[1:41:07] Yeah. Again, I. Would have to get the exact Would have to get the exact number. number. Okay. I would love to see that Okay. I would love to see that exact number. Absolutely. Um, exact number. Absolutely. Um, because, you know. because, you know. Yeah. Yeah.

[1:41:14] It's always good to come out It's always good to come out ahead in this situation. ahead in this situation. Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember Andrews. Councilmember Andrews. Yeah. So yesterday during our, Yeah.

[1:41:27] So yesterday during our, um, agenda review, um, Council um, agenda review, um, Council Member Clinton Quintana brought Member Clinton Quintana brought up a issue about the flooding up a issue about the flooding on in the same area. And I know on in the same area. And I know that that's being addressed by that that's being addressed by our stormwater folks. Um, um, our stormwater folks.

[1:41:39] Um, um, so given that, uh, is this so given that, uh, is this project being coordinated? So, project being coordinated? So, you know, with, with our you know, with, with our stormwater folks to make sure stormwater folks to make sure are there, are there drainage are there, are there drainage improvements being put in along improvements being put in along with this project? with this project? Yeah.

[1:41:48] So anytime we we do we're Yeah. So anytime we we do we're adding sidewalks through here. adding sidewalks through here. Um, we are changing the curb Um, we are changing the curb line in some areas. That's part line in some areas.

[1:41:58] That's part of our design process is to of our design process is to ensure that that we have proper ensure that that we have proper drainage, where achieving drainage, where achieving positive drainage throughout positive drainage throughout the roadway, no matter how the roadway, no matter how we're modifying it, um, in any. we're modifying it, um, in any. Way, um, okay. Way, um, okay. Councilmember Lyle. Councilmember Lyle. Thank you, Mister mayor.

[1:42:09] Uh, my Thank you, Mister mayor. Uh, my question was I saw that we have question was I saw that we have a prior agreement with NCDOT a prior agreement with NCDOT that they're going to that they're going to contribute. So what's contribute.

[1:42:19] So what's approximately what's the what's approximately what's the what's the amount or the percentage of the amount or the percentage of the project that is being taken the project that is being taken care of? Uh. care of? Uh. So they are, um, they're So they are, um, they're covering the cost of all the covering the cost of all the resurfacing work for the resurfacing work for the project.

[1:42:29] Um, because they project. Um, because they because they were going to be because they were going to be there, um, doing the work as there, um, doing the work as well. So in order for it to be well.

[1:42:36] So in order for it to be less impact to the public, we less impact to the public, we agreed to also do that as part agreed to also do that as part of our project. Um, so they're of our project. Um, so they're under this contract, their under this contract, their contribution, their guaranteed contribution, their guaranteed contribution is about 1.7 contribution is about 1.7 million.

[1:42:49] Um, but that million. Um, but that contribution can go up to 2.165 contribution can go up to 2.165 million. Um, if there's any million. Um, if there's any overruns for the resurfacing overruns for the resurfacing portion of the project. portion of the project. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Okay.

[1:43:01] Any other questions? Not what Any other questions? Not what are the wishes of council in are the wishes of council in respect to the resolution? We respect to the resolution? We have a motion to approve by have a motion to approve by council Member Clinton council Member Clinton Quintana. Second by council Quintana. Second by council Santa Guido.

[1:43:10] Any further Santa Guido. Any further discussion? All in favor of discussion? All in favor of that motion, please indicate by that motion, please indicate by saying aye. saying aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Passes Any opposed? Passes unanimously. Okay. That brings unanimously. Okay.

[1:43:20] That brings us to our next and last item of us to our next and last item of business, which is item one business, which is item one report of Council's report of Council's appointments committees for appointments committees for boards, commissions and boards, commissions and committees. At this time, I'd committees.

[1:43:31] At this time, I'd like to recognize Council like to recognize Council member Celeste Andrews, who is member Celeste Andrews, who is the chairperson of the the chairperson of the Appointments Committee for Appointments Committee for boards, Commissions and boards, Commissions and Committees to present the Committees to present the recommendations. recommendations.

[1:43:44] Yes, and I believe Madam Clerk Yes, and I believe Madam Clerk is handing out the revised is handing out the revised appointments. Thank you. Um, appointments. Thank you. Um, but before I get to those, I but before I get to those, I wanted to switch things up a wanted to switch things up a bit and talk about our openings bit and talk about our openings that we're going to be

[1:43:51] that we're going to be discussing on August 31st, discussing on August 31st, because that's always coming up because that's always coming up before we know it. Um, and we before we know it.

[1:44:02] Um, and we are going to have an opening on are going to have an opening on the Board of Adjustment, um, the Board of Adjustment, um, that we will be looking for that we will be looking for candidates for. Um, we're going candidates for.

[1:44:12] Um, we're going we still have those two, um, we still have those two, um, openings that I mentioned on openings that I mentioned on the Wilmington Housing the Wilmington Housing Affordability Advisory Affordability Advisory Committee, one from the air and Committee, one from the air and one a resident of a designated one a resident of a designated affordable housing unit. Um, affordable housing unit.

[1:44:23] Um, we're going to have, uh, we we're going to have, uh, we need a member from the need a member from the residents of Old Wilmington for residents of Old Wilmington for the Downtown Parking Advisory the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee. Um, the Municipal Committee. Um, the Municipal Service District MSD. We need Service District MSD.

[1:44:36] We need two members, one a property two members, one a property owner of greater than $2 owner of greater than $2 million. And another property million. And another property or real estate agent. Um, in or real estate agent. Um, in that same in the Municipal that same in the Municipal services district. Um, in the services district. Um, in the our new northern Riverfront our new northern Riverfront Development Committee.

[1:44:51] We need Development Committee. We need a non city district property a non city district property owner. We need two of those. owner. We need two of those. And we also need a local And we also need a local architect. Um, we're going to architect.

[1:45:00] Um, we're going to need a member on the planning need a member on the planning board. So that's another board. So that's another opening. We're going to have opening. We're going to have um, on the Wilmington, New um, on the Wilmington, New Hanover County Port Waterway Hanover County Port Waterway and Beach Commission. We have and Beach Commission.

[1:45:11] We have an opening for an at large an opening for an at large position. Um, the sister city position. Um, the sister city commission and at large commission and at large position and, uh, oh, I already position and, uh, oh, I already mentioned the Board of mentioned the Board of Adjustment. Um, and that's it. Adjustment. Um, and that's it.

[1:45:24] So if you're interested in So if you're interested in applying, please go to, um. I applying, please go to, um. I think it's now under contact. think it's now under contact.

[1:45:36] How do I contact? And, uh, How do I contact? And, uh, there should be a listing under there should be a listing under Boards and Commissions where Boards and Commissions where you can find the application if you can find the application if you're interested. And also you you're interested.

[1:45:43] And also you can find the listings for all, can find the listings for all, all of our boards and all of our boards and commissions to find out if commissions to find out if that's something that you might that's something that you might be interested in. Okay. So as be interested in. Okay. So as to our meeting of August 3rd, to our meeting of August 3rd, we had all of our members, um, we had all of our members, um, present.

[1:45:53] I was I'm the chair present. I was I'm the chair and Mayor Saffo is a member and and Mayor Saffo is a member and council member. Lyle is a council member. Lyle is a member. And we make the member. And we make the following recommendations for following recommendations for the council's consideration. the council's consideration.

[1:46:04] Um, we recommend appointing Um, we recommend appointing Natalie English, uh, as the Natalie English, uh, as the Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce representative to the City of representative to the City of Wilmington Housing Wilmington Housing Affordability Advisory Affordability Advisory Committee. Um, to the Committee. Um, to the convention Center advisory convention Center advisory committee.

[1:46:15] We recommend committee. We recommend appointing Chandler Davis, um appointing Chandler Davis, um to the At-Large position to the to the At-Large position to the Loan Review Board. Those are Loan Review Board. Those are both. Reappointment of Jay both. Reappointment of Jay Lassiter and Cathy Cathy Lassiter and Cathy Cathy Heslin.

[1:46:30] Um, to the city of Heslin. Um, to the city of Wilmington, new Hanover County Wilmington, new Hanover County Commission for women. Uh, we Commission for women. Uh, we recommend appointing Ashley recommend appointing Ashley Graham to the Downtown Parking Graham to the Downtown Parking Advisory Committee. Uh, that's Advisory Committee. Uh, that's a reappointment of Troy DeMars.

[1:46:42] a reappointment of Troy DeMars. Um, the Municipal Services Um, the Municipal Services District. We, uh, voted to District. We, uh, voted to remove two members for, um, remove two members for, um, lack of attendance. And that lack of attendance.

[1:46:55] And that those were the members of the those were the members of the openings that I mentioned openings that I mentioned earlier that were looking for, earlier that were looking for, um, next month, at the end of um, next month, at the end of this month, actually, uh, to this month, actually, uh, to the Parks and Recreation the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, we recommend Advisory Board, we recommend appointing Robin Morgan, Mitch

[1:47:09] appointing Robin Morgan, Mitch Bernstein and Lloyd Singleton, Bernstein and Lloyd Singleton, uh, to fill those positions. uh, to fill those positions. Um, to the Planning Commission. Um, to the Planning Commission.

[1:47:22] We are reappointing Richard We are reappointing Richard Collier, recommending the Collier, recommending the reappointment of Richard reappointment of Richard Collier and the appointment of Collier and the appointment of Chris Bauer and Stephanie Chris Bauer and Stephanie Lanier to the sister city Lanier to the sister city commission, um, appoint commission, um, appoint Stephanie Ayers as a Stephanie Ayers as a representative of the North representative of the North Carolina state ports. Um Carolina state ports.

[1:47:36] Um reappoint Jim Clark as the reappoint Jim Clark as the representative for Cape Fear representative for Cape Fear Community College, reappoint Community College, reappoint Kristen Peebles for the Kristen Peebles for the chamber. Uh, reappoint Jennifer chamber. Uh, reappoint Jennifer Fernando Vila for uncW. Fernando Vila for uncW.

[1:47:50] Reappoint Valerie Robinson to Reappoint Valerie Robinson to the At-Large position and the At-Large position and reappoint Lindsay McKoy to the reappoint Lindsay McKoy to the at large position. And with at large position. And with that, I would like to move that that, I would like to move that slate for the council's slate for the council's consideration. consideration.

[1:48:00] We have a motion to approve a, We have a motion to approve a, um, Councilmember Andrews. Yes. um, Councilmember Andrews. Yes. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Mr. Pierce. Mr. Pierce. Madam clerk, I got a question. Madam clerk, I got a question.

[1:48:20] Is there an uptick in Is there an uptick in applications to our boards and applications to our boards and committees? committees? I'm sorry, I didn't. I'm sorry, I didn't. Hear you. Hear you. What you said. Is there an What you said. Is there an uptick in applications for our uptick in applications for our boards and committees? boards and committees? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. It is? It is? Yes. Yes. Okay. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Councilmember Joyner.

[1:48:34] Councilmember Joyner. Um, I guess this is also for Um, I guess this is also for the clerk. We, um, the clerk's the clerk. We, um, the clerk's office processes residential office processes residential confirmation for appointments confirmation for appointments that require city residents. I that require city residents. I see you shaking your head.

[1:48:44] see you shaking your head. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Yes, sir. Okay. Yes, sir. Okay. We have a motion to approve by We have a motion to approve by Councilmember Andrews. Second Councilmember Andrews. Second by Councilmember Santa Guido. by Councilmember Santa Guido.

[1:48:57] Any further discussion? All in Any further discussion? All in favor of that motion, please favor of that motion, please indicate saying I. indicate saying I. I. I. Any opposed? Item passes Any opposed? Item passes unanimously. This concludes our unanimously. This concludes our regular agenda. Then the items regular agenda. Then the items be brought forward by our city be brought forward by our city attorney. attorney. Yes, sir.

[1:49:11] We do have a closed Yes, sir. We do have a closed session at the appropriate session at the appropriate time. time. Okay. Uh, city manager? Okay. Uh, city manager? No, sir. No, sir. Okay, madam. Clerk. Okay, madam. Clerk. No, sir. No, sir. Okay. Okay. Councilmember Santa Guido. Councilmember Santa Guido. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

[1:49:25] Um, it is Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, it is back to school season, so I back to school season, so I just want to wish a great just want to wish a great school year to all of our school year to all of our students, teachers and family students, teachers and family members.

[1:49:34] Um, my kiddos started members. Um, my kiddos started school this morning. It was, school this morning. It was, uh, quite hectic, uh, but very uh, quite hectic, uh, but very exciting. So good luck to exciting. So good luck to everybody. Um, and I know I everybody.

[1:49:41] Um, and I know I mentioned this earlier in the mentioned this earlier in the meeting, but I think it it's, meeting, but I think it it's, it bears repeating, um, public it bears repeating, um, public hearings for the Cape Fear hearings for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge project are Memorial Bridge project are going to be held by NCDOT on

[1:49:50] going to be held by NCDOT on Monday, September 14th in Monday, September 14th in Wilmington. And on Tuesday, Wilmington. And on Tuesday, September 15th in Leland. I September 15th in Leland.

[1:49:57] I would encourage members of the would encourage members of the public to come out and make public to come out and make sure their voices are heard on sure their voices are heard on that project. Thanks. that project. Thanks. Thank you, Councilmember Thank you, Councilmember Sanders. Sanders.

[1:50:06] Yes, I wanted to share some Yes, I wanted to share some very good news tonight from the very good news tonight from the Making Waves Foundation, which Making Waves Foundation, which I currently chair. Um, at our I currently chair. Um, at our board meeting last week, we board meeting last week, we approved ten grants to local approved ten grants to local nonprofit organizations for nonprofit organizations for free and discounted wave free and discounted wave transit bus passes.

[1:50:16] And transit bus passes. And altogether, we're providing altogether, we're providing with with this grant cycle, we with with this grant cycle, we provided $6,500 in funding, provided $6,500 in funding, which is actually $12,800 in which is actually $12,800 in transportation assistance. And transportation assistance.

[1:50:31] And the organizations that that, the organizations that that, um, were granted were the um, were granted were the Healing Place Family Promise of Healing Place Family Promise of the Lower Cape Fear, the the Lower Cape Fear, the Salvation Army, the Help Hub at Salvation Army, the Help Hub at Harrison Center, the Sister Harrison Center, the Sister Isaac Center Rescue Mission of Isaac Center Rescue Mission of Cape Fear Link, Inc.

[1:50:42] , Coastal Cape Fear Link, Inc., Coastal Horizons, a safe place, and Horizons, a safe place, and Catholic Charities and all of Catholic Charities and all of these organizations serve these organizations serve people who, um, need this people who, um, need this assistance to get to work, to assistance to get to work, to get to medical appointments,

[1:50:52] get to medical appointments, recovery programs and other recovery programs and other essential um, destinations. And essential um, destinations. And so I'm really pleased that so I'm really pleased that we're able to help them in this we're able to help them in this way. And we received another way.

[1:51:06] And we received another really good piece of news last really good piece of news last week, the Landfall Foundation week, the Landfall Foundation awarded Making Waves a $10,000 awarded Making Waves a $10,000 grant. Um, which was the limit grant. Um, which was the limit of what they were awarding. So of what they were awarding.

[1:51:16] So we're very fortunate that we we're very fortunate that we got that. And we also found and got that. And we also found and this is very timely, um, that, this is very timely, um, that, uh, the wave staff had already uh, the wave staff had already come up with a program for

[1:51:27] come up with a program for adopt a stop and adopt an adopt a stop and adopt an amenity. And these allow amenity. And these allow organizations, I believe they organizations, I believe they had previously gotten donations had previously gotten donations from, um, an Eagle Scout from, um, an Eagle Scout project and a Rotary Club.

[1:51:41] And project and a Rotary Club. And for for bus stop amenities. But for for bus stop amenities. But they also had an adopt a stop they also had an adopt a stop program so that if an program so that if an organization maybe didn't want organization maybe didn't want to make a monetary

[1:51:50] to make a monetary contribution, they could also, contribution, they could also, um, you know, make sure that um, you know, make sure that the trash was picked up and the trash was picked up and that the and that any that the and that any maintenance issues were brought maintenance issues were brought to waves. Um, attention.

[1:52:02] And so to waves. Um, attention. And so the full wave board is going to the full wave board is going to be discussing both of those be discussing both of those programs next week. So I, you programs next week.

[1:52:10] So I, you know, I know that we're all know, I know that we're all very interested in public very interested in public transit and um, and to making transit and um, and to making sure that, that our riders, uh, sure that, that our riders, uh, can, can ride the bus and, and can, can ride the bus and, and can, um, wait safely for the can, um, wait safely for the bus.

[1:52:21] And so very excited about bus. And so very excited about these grants. these grants. Thank you. Mayor Pro tem. Thank you. Mayor Pro tem. No, I'm good. No, I'm good. Okay. Okay. Council member Clinton Quintana. Council member Clinton Quintana. Don't shoot the messenger. All benches matter. benches matter. Councilmember love. Councilmember love. No, sir. No, sir. Councilmember Joyner. Councilmember Joyner. No.

[1:52:44] No. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Okay. So now I'm going to read into So now I'm going to read into the records and hopefully have the records and hopefully have a motion, um, to enter into a a motion, um, to enter into a closed session pursuant to the closed session pursuant to the provisions of North Carolina

[1:52:55] provisions of North Carolina General Statute Section 143, General Statute Section 143, Dash three, 18.11 A and four Dash three, 18.11 A and four and A and six. In order for the and A and six.

[1:53:10] In order for the city Council to one discuss city Council to one discuss potential economic development potential economic development initiatives and tentative initiatives and tentative economic development incentives economic development incentives that may be offered by City that may be offered by City Council in negotiations, and Council in negotiations, and two, to consider the two, to consider the qualifications, competence, qualifications, competence, performance, character, performance, character, fitness, conditions of fitness, conditions of appointment or Conditions of

[1:53:22] appointment or Conditions of initial employment of initial employment of prospective public officers or prospective public officers or employees. The closed session employees.

[1:53:32] The closed session will be held in the Charlie will be held in the Charlie Reichenbach Room behind council Reichenbach Room behind council chambers at the end of the chambers at the end of the closed session. Council will closed session. Council will reopen its public session and reopen its public session and adjourn at that time in that in adjourn at that time in that in this location. So what are the this location.

[1:53:41] So what are the wishes of Council in to the wishes of Council in to the closed session? We have a closed session? We have a motion made by Council Member motion made by Council Member Andrews, seconded by Andrews, seconded by Councilmember Clinton Quintana. Councilmember Clinton Quintana.

[1:53:48] Any further discussion? All in Any further discussion? All in favor of that motion, please favor of that motion, please indicate by saying aye. Aye. indicate by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Item passes Any opposed? Item passes unanimously. We will now go unanimously. We will now go into closed session.

City Council August 18, 2026

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