Alison Kunitz, Charlotte Observer – Former City Council member Greg Phipps was appointed to fill a vacant at-large seat Monday night, replacing longtime Council member James “Smuggie” Mitchell. Mayor Vi Lyles cast the tie-breaking vote in a contentious appointment process after five Council members voted in favor of Phipps — and five voted against him.

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article248926499.html