Wilmington swears in mayor and three new council members; honors departing officials

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Wilmington’s City Council held its organizational meeting Dec. 2, certifying November’s municipal election results, administering oaths to re-elected Mayor Bill Saffo and three newly elected council members, honoring three departing council members and approving routine appointments and internal leadership.

Mayor Bill Saffo opened the session with remarks praising city staff and outlining recent projects the council has completed. Reading the county canvass delivered by the New Hanover County Board of Elections, City Clerk Penelope Spicer Sidbury reported the certified returns and announced that Bill Saffo received 12,190 votes and was duly re-elected mayor; JC Lyle, Cassidy Sanaguito and Chekema Clinton Quintana were certified as members of the city council.

The Hon. James H. Fason III, District Court judge, administered the oath to Saffo, who pledged to support the U.S. and state constitutions and to faithfully discharge the duties of his office under the council–manager form of government. In his remarks, Saffo thanked family, campaign staff and city employees and cited recent initiatives including the Skyline Center purchase and downtown revitalization; he noted that, beginning with the new members sworn in this evening, a majority of the council will be women.

State Rep. Deb Butler administered oaths to the three newly elected council members. JC Lyle (sworn in) thanked campaign volunteers and city staff and noted his planning commission experience; Chekema Clinton Quintana (sworn in) pledged a focus on fairness, equity and opportunity; Cassidy Sanaguito (sworn in) thanked family and supporters and said she would work collaboratively with staff and colleagues.

The council formally read and approved three resolutions recognizing outgoing members Charles H. Rivenbark Jr., Clifford D. Barnett Sr. and Luke Waddell for their years of service. Each resolution was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote. The honored members offered brief remarks thanking families, staff and fellow elected officials.

Councilmember David Joyner nominated Kevin Spears as mayor pro tem; the nomination was seconded and approved unanimously. The council then approved the consent agenda (items 1–2) without separate discussion.

On personnel and administrative business, the council voted to appoint Penelope Spicer Sidbury as city clerk and Meredith T. Everhart as city attorney; both took the oath of office following their appointments. The council also approved its report of appointments to boards and committees and adjourned to a reception in the lobby.

Votes at a glance - Resolution honoring Charles H. Rivenbark Jr. — approved (voice vote) - Resolution honoring Clifford D. Barnett Sr. — approved (voice vote) - Resolution honoring Luke Waddell — approved (voice vote) - Appointment of Penelope Spicer Sidbury as city clerk — approved (voice vote) - Appointment of Meredith T. Everhart as city attorney — approved (voice vote) - Mayor pro tem selection (Kevin Spears) — approved (voice vote)

What’s next The council recessed for a reception immediately after the meeting. No contested policy votes or new ordinances were taken at the organizational meeting; routine administrative appointments and leadership selection were the principal outcomes.

Representative quotes “Tonight is historic, to say the least. For the first time in the city's history, the majority of the council will be women,” Mayor Bill Saffo said after the swearing-in.

“We commit ourselves to a cleaner, safer, more prosperous Wilmington,” outgoing Councilmember Luke Waddell said in his farewell remarks.

“I'm committed to being the councilwoman that listens, one who learns and one who leads with compassion,” Councilmember Chekema Clinton Quintana said after taking the oath.

(Article compiled from the Wilmington City Council organizational meeting transcript.)