Wilmington City Council approves repairs to Kenan Fountain and framework for social districts

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Wilmington City Council will discuss repairs to the Kenan Fountain, an over $3 million contract for the Greenville Loop Trail, and more at their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 15.

Council started off the meeting by swearing in new City Manager Rebecca Hawke and Interim Police Chief Ralph Evangelous.

There was a recognition of the Wilmington 101 Class of 2025, where 23 community members attended six sessions exploring the city, covering recreation and urban forestry, public safety, planning and transportation, sustainability and emergency operations, affordable housing, and community advocacy.

A presentation was heard recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month to honor the city employees who maintain the parks, trails, and city facilities with various community programs.

Framework for Social Districts

The city council approved a resolution to establish a framework for social districts.

The vote was 5-2 to allow the city manager to set standards on the social district and how future applications will work.

In February, the city implemented its first-ever open container pilot program. The program allowed people to carry open drinks on part of North Fourth Street in the Brooklyn Arts District on Saturday afternoons.

The resolution would also start a social district advisory committee. Citizens will have a chance to voice their concerns at the city council’s public hearing on August 19.

Fossil Fuel-free Investment Policy amendments

City staff have drafted amendments to the current Investment Policy to pursue fossil fuel-free investment strategies.

The amendments were drafted to safeguard the long-term interests of locals while reaching their sustainability goals.

The council’s Audit Committee met in June to consider the amendments to the production of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

If approved, staff would proceed with fossil fuel-free investment strategies.

Greenville Loop Trail Section 2 $3,864,253.74 Contract

$3,864,253.74 could potentially be awarded to Wells Brothers Construction Co., Inc. for the second section of the Greenville Loop Trail.

The Turkey, North Carolina-based company, would start construction on the section of the multi-use path trail that would span 1.6 miles from Pine Grove Drive to Old Military Road.

Improvements include a new 8- to 10-foot wide asphalt trail, accessible ramps, a new traffic signal, and pedestrian features at the Bradley Creek Elementary intersection, utility coordination, drainage, multiple commercial driveways, signage, and pavement markings.

Currently, the one-mile first section from South College to Pine Grove Drive, along Holly Tree Road, is complete.

Improvements to the Riverwalk Visitors Information Center

Council approved appropriating $42,900 to improve the Riverwalk Visitors Information Center at Market Street.

The New Hanover Tourism Authority requested the city to install an HVAC system as well as insulation in the walls and ceiling, flood vents, and functional windows.

Kenan Fountain Repair Project

Council also approved appropriating $176,264 in funding to the capital project for Kenan Fountain.

A North Carolina Department of Transportation contractor previously damaged the fountain during street resurfacing work.

Staff have hired an engineering firm to design repairs and filed an insurance claim to recover the cost.

$98,571 has been received by the city, but based on recent bids, repairs are estimated to cost $285,500.

An additional $77,693 from the Capital Balances interest earnings to cover the cost of the fountain repair contract will be appropriated.