Fayetteville Today

(FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.) - The Fayetteville City Council met Dec. 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers to discuss matters relevant to the city to discuss matter relevant to Fayetteville residents. 

The meeting was called to order at 7:11 p.m., followed by a prayer offered by Dr. Lionel Cartwright from First Baptist Church, and then the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Mayor Mitch Colvin.  

There were several ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RECOGNITIONS made by the Council. 

• Council Member Davis stated the Fayetteville NEXT Commission will be hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Networking Event on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased on the Greater Fayetteville Chamber website. 
• Mayor Pro Tem Jensen stated Wreaths Across America will be held this weekend, Dec.  at Sandhills Veteran Cemetery and the Lafayette Cemetery. 
• Council Member Haire wished everyone Merry Christmas. 
• A Key to the City was presented to Fire Chief Michael Hill in grateful recognition of his devoted interest and untiring commitment to the citizens of Fayetteville while serving with the Fayetteville Fire Department Aug. 11, 1993 – Jan. 1, 2024. 
• A Key to the City was presented to Airport Director, Dr. Toney Coleman grateful recognition of his devoted interest and untiring commitment to the citizens of Fayetteville while serving with the Fayetteville Airport, April 21, 1993 – Dec. 31, 2023.  

During the MANAGER’S REPORT, Mr. Douglas J. Hewett thanked the City Council for their recognition and honor of Chief Hill and Dr. Coleman. He reminded the audience everyone is encouraged to sign up for the City Manager Report on the City website which is emailed out every Friday.  He also reiterated the lightshow is being held at Segra Stadium this season and hopes everyone attends the upcoming New Year’s Eve Celebration at Festival Park.  

A motion was made to APPROVE THE AGENDA by Council Member Courtney Banks-McLaughlin with the addition of Item 7.08, “Authorization for the City Manager to Sign a Settlement and Release for Gina Hawkins.” Council Member Derrick Thompson seconded the motion and it PASSED (8-2) with the required super majority needed to add an item to the existing agenda. Council Members Mario Benavente and Deno Hondros in opposition. 

Council Member Haire moved to APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA with separate vote for Items 7.01 and 7.07. The items pulled were voted on separately. 

The City Council acted on six CONSENT AGENDA items during this meeting. The Consent Agenda is a group of items that are considered routine whereby all items are passed with a single motion and vote. Members of City Council can remove items from the Consent Agenda for further discussion prior to voting. Council Member Haire moved to approve consent agenda with separate vote for Items 7.01 and 7.07 which was seconded by Council Member Greene. It PASSED (8-2) with Council Members Benavente and Hondros in opposition.  

• Adoption of Capital Project Ordinance 2024-10 and Capital Project Ordinance Amendment 2024-8 to Appropriate Grant Award for Wayland Drive Drainage Improvements. 
• Adoption of Budget Ordinance Amendment 2024-7 (Carryover of Encumbered, Assigned, and Donated Funds from Fiscal Year 2023 and Other Items). You can read more about this here.  
• Professional Service Contract Execution Recommendation – Phase 1 Watershed Study for Beaver Creek 1. 
• Bid Recommendation and Resolution of Tentative Award – Adam Street Drainage Improvements Project. 
• MOTIVA First Responder Grant Award – Fayetteville Police Department Project Ordinance 2023-4 for the FY24. 
• Authorization for the City Manager to Sign a Settlement and Release for Gina Hawkins.  

Items pulled for a separate vote: 

7.01       Approval of meeting Minutes: 

• November 6, 2023 – Work Session 
• November 13, 2023 - Discussion of Agenda Items 
• November 13, 2023 - Special 
• November 13, 2023 – Regular 
• November 27, 2023 – Discussion of Agenda Items 
• November 27, 2023 - Regular 
• Council Member Benavente moved to approved minutes, seconded by Council Member Hondros. The motion PASSED (9-1) with Council Member Lynne Greene in opposition. 

7.07       Downtown Social District Pilot Review and Next Steps 

• Council Member Benavente moved to approve the Next Steps for the Downtown Social District in perpetuity. Seconded by Council Member Banks-McLaughlin. The motion PASSED (9-1) with Council Member D.J. Haire in opposition. You can read more about this item here. 

The Fayetteville City Council meeting's PUBLIC FORUM covered a diverse range of topics, reflecting the concerns and perspectives of the community. Residents addressed issues such as homelessness and the demolition of a property. Public safety and the ongoing conflict in the Mediterranean emerged as a significant theme, with speakers expressing their thoughts on crime, safety measures, and the desire for a cease fire.  

The meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m. 

The January Work Session will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. The next City Council Regular Meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall. Meetings also air live on Spectrum Channel 7, at FayTV.net and on the FayTV app available on your streaming device. Meeting agendas, supporting documentation and minutes are publicly available here. For more information about the Fayetteville City Council, please visit fayettevillenc.gov/city-council. 

Original source can be found here.