Fayetteville Today

The Fayetteville City Council convened a meeting on December 11, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting commenced with a prayer led by Dr. Lionel Cartwright from First Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Mitch Colvin.

During the meeting, several announcements and recognitions were made by the Council. Council Member Davis informed the attendees about the upcoming Ugly Christmas Sweater Networking Event hosted by the Fayetteville NEXT Commission, while Mayor Pro Tem Jensen highlighted the Wreaths Across America event taking place at Sandhills Veteran Cemetery and the Lafayette Cemetery. Council Member Haire wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

The City Council then presented Keys to the City to Fire Chief Michael Hill and Airport Director Dr. Toney Coleman in recognition of their dedicated service to the citizens of Fayetteville.

In the Manager's Report, Mr. Douglas J. Hewett expressed gratitude on behalf of the City Council for the service of Chief Hill and Dr. Coleman. He also encouraged the audience to sign up for the City Manager Report on the City website and reminded them about the ongoing lightshow at Segra Stadium and the upcoming New Year's Eve Celebration at Festival Park.

During the meeting, a motion was made to approve the agenda with the addition of a settlement and release for Gina Hawkins. The motion passed with a super majority, with Council Members Benavente and Hondros in opposition.

The Consent Agenda, which includes routine items passed with a single motion and vote, was also approved by the Council. Council Member Haire moved to approve the consent agenda, with separate votes for items 7.01 and 7.07. The motion passed with Council Members Benavente and Hondros in opposition.

The City Council addressed various items during the meeting, including the adoption of capital project ordinances, a professional service contract execution recommendation, a bid recommendation and resolution of tentative award, and a first responder grant award. Additionally, authorization was given to the City Manager to sign a settlement and release for Gina Hawkins.

Two items were pulled for a separate vote, including the approval of meeting minutes and the review and next steps for the Downtown Social District. Both items were approved, with Council Members Greene and Haire in opposition.

The Public Forum of the meeting provided an opportunity for residents to express their concerns and perspectives on various topics. Homelessness, property demolition, public safety, and the ongoing conflict in the Mediterranean were among the issues addressed by the speakers.

The meeting concluded at 8:02 p.m. The January Work Session is scheduled for January 2, 2024, at 5 p.m., and the next City Council Regular Meeting will take place on January 8, 2024, at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Council Chambers in City Hall and can be viewed live on Spectrum Channel 7, FayTV.net, and the FayTV app.

For more information about the Fayetteville City Council and to access meeting agendas, supporting documentation, and minutes, please visit fayettevillenc.gov/city-council.

To find out more, go to this link: https://www.fayettevillenc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/15238/397?seldept=7&selcat=157