Wilmington City Council was back in City Hall for its second March meeting.
The agenda was brief with the mayor and two councilmembers absent in Washington, DC on official city business.
We begin with two proclamations: the first, naming April 6-10 as North Carolina Azalea Festival season.
“I just wanted to thank the city for their continued support. Thanks everybody, we’re looking forward to a great festival April 6-10 and hope to see everybody there. Thanks again!” said John E. Russ, III, the president of the Azalea Festival.
The second proclamation, naming March 18th as Arbor Day in the City of Wilmington.
“Trees in our city increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community,” said Margaret Haynes, mayor pro tem.
Council also heard a presentation on the history of surfing in our area with Governor Roy Cooper declaring October as surfing month in our state.
“It’s incredibly important that the governor recognizes that because of the economy, the tourism, the wonderful things that are going to come out of that,” said Skipper Funderburg.
Finally, Council addressing additional funding needs for phase 1b of the multi-modal transportation center in downtown.
Council authorized the City to apply to the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Surface Transportation block grant program for more than $1.8 million with a City match of $165,793.
“Benefits for the reuse of this building are the building is a historic structure that was built in 1894, it’s in the historic district, it would be dedicated office space for the MPO and assist the city with other space needs, it would rehab a damaged building that was damaged during Hurricane Florence, and also be used for transportation purpose,” said Mike Kozlosky, the executive director of the WMPO.
For more on this meeting, you can head to Wilmingtonnc.gov.
City council will meet again on April 5th at 6:30 pm.