By: Ivey Schofield, The News Reporter

The Whiteville City Council on Tuesday certified the annexation and rezoning petition for the potential apartment complex near Tractor Supply Company.

“This is just a formality, per general statute,” said Planning Director Robert Lewis.

The plot of land totals 6.33 acres on Love Mill Road, but the council will consider annexing 3.67 acres of that total after the public hearing scheduled for April 13.

In addition, the council appointed Vickie Pait as the alternate delegate for the Cape Fear Council of Governments, replacing Robert Leder.

“I would like to thank those of you who showed their confidence in me and voted for me to be Robert Leder’s replacement,” Pait said, referring to her nomination at the last regular meeting. “I know I will not ask as many questions as Robert Leder did, but I will try.”

City Manager Darren Currie also informed the council that the city will be receiving $1.55 million of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan from Congress. There will be two allocations of this money, with the first in 60-90 days.

“Of course, we’re going to need to decide how that’s going to be spent,” Currie said, asking the council to ponder their priorities.

In other news, the council went into a 30-minute closed session to discuss property acquisition with no action taken.