I need to run out of the math just in case they have the other.

This meeting is being transcribed and summarized.

Seven fourteen PM on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026, calling the Kent County Levy Court business meeting to order.

Five five five Bay Road, Dover Delaware, or in the Levy Court Chambers.

And I will turn it over to County Administrator Kevin Sippel.

Thank you, Madam President.

This meeting is being held in person in five five five Bay Road Dover Delaware and the Levy Court Chambers.

We're also making it available via the internet through WebEx.

Participants can join us by phone or by computer during the meeting.

There will be opportunities for public comments for those attending in person or online.

When the President opens a public comment period, those attending in person may step forward to one of the two podiums and be recognized.

If you're joining us by phone and wish to comment, please press star three, which will raise your electronic hand.

Please use those at the appropriate times.

One at the beginning of the meeting for agenda items and one near the end of the meeting for general comments.

Commissioner Hall.

Moment of silence for our troops and first responders.

Commissioner Sweeney.

Make important decisions for your land.

Please guide us to make the right decisions that are pleasing to you and to our constituents.

Liberty justice raw.

Detective Randy Hopper from the Tulane County Sheriff's Office in California.

Deputy Sheriff Landon Faulkner from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office in Tennessee.

Agent Eddie Santiago Renta from the Puerto Rico Police Department.

Also, tonight, we're very sad that we have lost one of our best friends to Kent County Levy Court this past week, Loretta Wooten, the ex-clerk of the peace and longtime county employee passed away.

So please keep Brenda and Donna and their families in your thoughts and prayers as well.

Thank you.

Ms.

Tanako, roll call.

Mr.

Angel.

Mr.

Angel.

Mr.

Angel is online.

I think he he just uh logged off, so he's probably just trying to get his uh equipment set up if you can come back to him.

Mr.

Hall?

Here.

Mr.

Hertz?

Here.

Mr.

Pepper?

Here.

Mr.

Scott?

Here.

Mr.

Sweeney?

Here.

Mrs.

Maston?

Here.

Mr.

Angel.

Madam President.

Roll call reveals six.

Present.

Thank you.

We do have a quorum.

Next item on the agenda is a motion to adopt the agenda.

So move, Madam President.

Second.

We have a motion by Vice President Scott, second by Commissioner Pepper to ask questions.

I don't hear I'm holding down the mute button, but I don't hear anything.

Okay.

We have reach out and hear it.

I'll take a couple minutes.

Okay.

Roll call on the adoption of the agenda.

Mr.

Angel.

Mr.

Angel, can you hear me?

Mr.

Hall?

Yes.

Mr.

Hertz?

Yes.

Mr.

Pepper?

Yes.

Mr.

Scott?

Yes.

Mr.

Sweeney?

Yes.

Mrs.

Maston?

Yes.

Madam President roll call reveals six years.

And one we what do I call what do I say?

One.

At this point, we open up the agenda.

Does anyone in the public here have any comments on agenda items?

Mr.

Kennedy.

For our guests joining us online.

If you would like to make public comments at this time, please indicate by raising electronic hand or pressing star three if you're joining us by phone.

I see no hands raised online.

At this time, Commissioner Angel, if you can hear us, if you can just raise your hand.

Okay, it appears that Commissioner Angel might be having some technical difficulties.

Our staff will be reaching out to him.

Thank you.

Motion to accept consent agenda 2606.

So moved.

Second.

Motion by Commissioner Pepper, second by Vice President Scott.

Any questions?

Roll call.

Mr.

Angel.

Mr.

Hall.

Yes.

Mr.

Hertz?

Yes.

Mr.

Pepper?

Yes.

Mr.

Scott?

Yes.

Mr.

Sweeney?

Yes.

Mr.

Angel, one more time.

Well, I couldn't hear.

I had no sound, so I don't know what we're voting on.

I'm sorry.

You're voting on the consent agenda.

Okay, that's the first I've heard it.

I had no sound.

Yes.

Mr.

Angel, yes.

Mrs.

Maston.

Yes.

Madam President, roll call reviews, seven years.

Let the record show seven years for the consent agenda.

The next item we have is presentation, Commissioner Pepper.

The next item on the agenda and presentations is resolutions 4153, Kent Conservation District Stewardship Week 2026.

I have a document resolution in front of me.

I'd like to read it.

And once I read it, we'll have to take a vote to approve it.

It's resolution 4153 declared in April 26th through May 3rd, 2026 as recognizing National Association of Conservation Districts 2026 Stewardship Week in Kent County, Delaware.

Whereas the National Association of Conservation District has designated April 26th through May 3rd, 2026 as stewardship week, encouraging communities nationwide to celebrate and protect natural resources.

And whereas the 2026 theme, soil, where it all begins, highlights soil as the foundation for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities.

And whereas healthy soil stores water, cycles nutrients, supports billions of living organisms, and strengthens both rural and urban landscapes essential to Kent County's environmental and community well-being.

And whereas conservation districts, including the Kent Conservation District, provide education, technical assistance, and community partnerships that promote soil health and inspire stewardship across all ages.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Kent County Levy Court hereby recognizes April 26th through May 3rd, 2026 as stewardship week in Kent County and encourages residents, schools, and community organizations to participate in activities that promote soil health and conservation awareness.

And be it further resolved that this resolution be incorporated into the official minutes of the April 14th, 2026 meeting of the King County Levy Court and is signed by all seven levy court commissioners.

Do we have a motion to approve resolution 4153?

I make the motion to approve resolution 4153.

Second.

A motion by Commissioner Pepper, second by Vice President Scott.

Any questions?

Roll calls?

Mr.

Strangel.

Yes.

Mr.

Hall?

Yes.

Mr.

Hertz?

Yes.

Mr.

Pepper?

Yes.

Mr.

Scott?

Yes.

Mr.

Sweeney?

Yes.

Mrs.

Maston?

Yes.

Adam President Roll Call reveals 78th.

Let the record show seven years for resolution 4153.

Thank you.

And Mr.

Cartanza.

Paul Cartanza Jr.

is here to accept this resolution for the Kent Conservation District.

And he is a board on a member of the board supervisors for the Kent Conservation District.

So we can all go down front and we can do the presentation.

And do we have someone there's uh our picture taker back there?

I don't want to be in the way.

Paul, thank you for being here tonight to accept this resolution from the Levy Court.

Uh take it back to the conservation district and present to them.

And I don't know if all of you know or not, but Monday, I believe at 11 a.m., the Governor's Conservation Awards will be presented at the uh Ag Museum, uh, followed by lunch, you're all invited to.

So thank you for all you do, all your support for the conservation district, and you being a farmer, you're especially uh uh benefit from people taking care of the land, and we know that you do.

So thank you.

Yeah, congratulations.

Um I actually uh got a meeting with Jared on uh Friday to uh give my development into the stormwater management program.

So uh congratulations.

Yeah, thanks so much for all you do, really appreciate it for Kent County.

Congratulations on this award.

Agriculture is a big big component of Kent County.

Thank you for all that you do.

Congratulations, Paul.

It's well deserved, and we appreciate everything that Kent Conservation does.

Well, I guess some next to last everybody's already said it.

So Paul, congratulations, and uh you can't thank uh Kent Conservation enough for for everything that they do and all the farming as well.

So, Paul, how long have you been on the Kent Conservation District?

Two years, so little man on Totembol, probably.

That's why you're here.

Found told.

So just know that this recognizes our um value that we put on the Kent Conservation District, and you represent them very well.

Thank you very much.

I appreciate all of your comments and I appreciate the award on behalf of all the people at Conservation District.

Now you really got to understand that Paul really wanted to be here.

Because you never see Paul without his hat on.

And he's here without his hat.

So he didn't even bring it in.

So we we know that he really wants to be here to really accept this award.

Mr.

Angel.

Well, I'm sorry I couldn't be there to be to be part of this because uh the farmers are my closest to my heart of everything I have done since I've been elected.

So congratulations and well deserved and continue to fight for what we what you're doing.

Thank you.

Are you good?

Okay.

Three.

Thank you.

Why you're all still here.

Thank you so much, sir.

I get out of here.

Yes, you do.

I need that.

Thanks, Paul.

A couple of weeks ago, uh Robert Scott was honored by the Houston Fire Company for their president's award, and uh we were there.

And due to some communication issues, Kent County didn't have a uh presentation to make to him.

So we made it a point when we came back to make sure this was done.

And it reads as follows.

Kent County Levy Court tribute honoring Robert Scott, recipient of the Houston Fire Company's president award.

Robert Scott has devoted decades of distinguished service to the residents of Kent County through his long and active involvement with the Houston Fire Company.

Over the years, he has held numerous leadership positions, including fire chief, president, deputy chief, vice president, EMS chair, and other essential operational administrative roles that have strengthened emergency responses capabilities and supported the safety of the Houston community.

Throughout his tenure, Mr.

Scott has earned the respect of his peers for his reliability, leadership, and unwavering commitment to volunteer service.

His steady presence, technical knowledge, and dedication to the mission of the fire service have made him a trusted and valued member of the organization.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Mr.

Scott was honored with the president's award by the Houston Fire Company.

This distinction is traditionally presented to a member whose dedication, support, and service have significantly advanced the mission and effectiveness of the organization.

His receipt of this award reflects the high regard in which he has held and the meaningful impact of his work.

The Kent County Levy Court extends its sincerest congratulations to Robert Scott on this well-deserved honor and expresses its deep appreciation for his many years of exemplary service, leadership, and commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.

It's signed by myself as well as the other six members of our five members of Kent County Levy Court.

Congratulations on this award.

Job well done, as always, and thank you for your service to the community.

Thank you, Bob.

All those years that you spent away from home, your wife was probably happy you were gone, but um, seriously.

You know, it it takes a lot of dedication to give as much to the fire company that you and your family have given to the fire company.

Um we certainly appreciate it.

Our communities couldn't survive without folks like as yourself uh standing up and taking a leadership role.

And uh, you know, and when you're in the fire company, I know that you've got as many different opinions as you have members.

And to be able to bring all that together uh says a lot for you.

So thank you for all you've done for your community for the county and for the fire service.

Thank you.

Yeah, Bob.

Uh over the last couple of years we've become really good close friends.

You've become an ally and you've helped me out a lot understanding the fire service and uh really appreciate your dedication.

I can't think of a better person to do this.

Thank you.

So, Bob, you've been busy.

Really appreciate everything that you've done for this county and our communities.

I can't express my gratitude enough.

Thank you very much.

Congratulations, Bobby Scott.

Myself and Bobby have gone back a long way.

This gentleman's got a full-time, two full-time jobs.

Pours his heart and soul into being the vice president of the levy court and still has time to volunteer for his local fire department.

Definitely well deserved.

Congratulations.

Commissioner Scott, congratulations for your peers to recognize you with this is something to be very much appreciated.

So congratulations.

Mr.

Angel or Commissioner Angel.

Thank you.

Yes, Bobby.

I'm sorry I couldn't be there.

Shake your hand and cheer you on too because we've become very close now.

And uh we got to know each other uh very good in the last couple of years.

And when we do have those long lengthy discussions, my my ending saying is are you Catholic?

Because it sounds like we get we are so much in touch, even though we come from different worlds.

But we work well together.

And it shows here that the community really appreciates what you do, and I do too.

Thank you.

I'll keep it short and sweet.

Thank all of you for the recognition.

They uh kind of blindsided me.

I've been with the fire company 35 years, and I don't think I've ever been surprised, but I will say a couple of weeks ago I was, and then tonight President Maston threw another surprise.

So either I'm getting old or I'm slipping.

One of the two.

You're not getting old.

Are you done with us?

Three.

Commissioner Angel, do you have any old business?

No, it's just time, Madam President.

Thank you.

Uh new business.

Commissioner Hall.

Thank you, Madam President.

Uh Introduction of Ordinance LC twenty-six TAC 03, water supply facilities, an ordinance to Chapter 187, Subdivision and Land Development as amended by revising Article 10.

Required improvements, Section 187-53, minimum requirements, item C water supply facilities in order to align the provisions of table X-1, water supply facilities with Table X-2, Sanitary Sewer Requirements, and require Central Water Service with fire protection for all major subdivisions with 11 or more lots for public hearing on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7 p.m.

Thank you, Commissioner Hall.

Uh Commissioner Hertz.

Good evening, Madam President, Vice President, and Commissioners.

The item before you is um for the engineering project manager uh two position.

The county engineer recently announced her retirement and started terminal leave on April 1st, 2026 with a separation date of May 31st, 2026.

The assistant public works director has assumed the county engineer position on an acting basis and will transition to be permanent effective June 1st, 2026.

Staff recommends opening recruitment to fill the vacant position.

In the past, the engineering division recruited for an engineering project manager three position.

However, um there was a lack of qualified candidates, and um it resulted in closing and defunding the position.

Staff recommends opening the recruitment for an engineering project manager two after levy court approves this.

This would allow for future growth and succession planning of the engineering project manager series.

In addition, there is a larger candidate pool for this position.

Recruitment for this position for this position would start May um mid-April 2026, and candidate interviews will be in May of uh of this of this year.

Currently, the position is not funded for the remainder of the fiscal year.

There is funding in the public works department salary budget line to cover the fiscal year 26 personal costs for this position, and the position is funded in uh 2027.

Staff recommends Lively Court to start recruiting for this position and fund it from the public work salary budget line.

Any questions?

Commissioner Angel.

I'm fine, thank you.

Good.

No other questions?

Back to you, Mr.

Commissioner Hertz.

I make a motion to authorize the human resources office to start recruitment for the engineering project manager to position and approve utilizing public works department salary budget line to cover the FY 2026 personnel costs of the engineering project manager to position.

Second.

Motion by uh Commissioner Hertz, second by Vice President Scott.

Any questions?

Roll call.

Mr.

Angel.

Yes.

Mr.

Hall?

Yes.

Mr.

Hertz?

Yes.

Mr.

Pepper?

Yes.

Mr.

Scott?

Yes.

Mr.

Sweeney?

Yes.

Mrs.

Maston?

Yes.

Madam President roll call reveals seven years.

Let the record show seven years.

Back to you, Commissioner Hertz.

Number two is a proposed contract user state of Delaware, Dem Rec Division of Fish and Wildlife, Little Creek Wildlife Area Property.

Um C S D D 1 slash Little Creek area.

Turn it over to you, Sam.

Yes.

Thank you, Commissioner.

The engineering division received a request for county sanitary sewer service from the State of Delaware Denk Division of Fish and Wildlife for their property located at 1318 Bayside Drive, south of the town of Little Creek.

The proposal is for institutional and governmental uses.

The proposal was approved by the sewer advisory board in July 2025.

The proposed sewer system will require gravity mains, grinder pump stations, a small diameter of forest mains connecting to the existing gravity main at the closest manhole in Little Creek.

The existing downstream pump station, which is pump station number 29A, will need improvements to the pumps and controls at the state's expense as aid in construction fees.

The flows from the Kent County Little Creek area discharge to the City of Dover sewer system at their Lafferty Lane area.

The City of Dover has indicated that the proposed additional flows will have a minimal impact on their sewer system.

The applicant has accepted these requirements and findings.

Questions.

Mr.

Angel, any questions?

Looking at the map here, in the sense it's my district too and carries.

Is it any annual reason this is Denrect needs for a special wildlife area?

And that's all it's for.

The building is for it's institutional.

It's also kind of educational in use.

Okay.

I'm having a hard time placing it, even though I got the map in front of me because it's in a fairly secure secure area.

If I if I look at this right, so I just want to make sure.

Okay, thank you.

Any other questions?

Back to you, Commissioner Hertz.

I move to approve the contract user agreement for the State of Delaware, Demrec Division of Fish and Wildlife for the County to provide sewer services to the department.

Correction to Delaware Bay Side Byway Little Creek Land Development Property and authorize the President of the Levy Court to execute the contract user agreement.

Second.

Second the motion.

Motion by Commissioner Hertz, second by Vice President Scott.

Any questions?

Roll call.

Mr.

Angel.

Yes, I thought I seconded that, but okay.

Thank you.

Mr.

Hall?

Yes.

Mr.

Hertz.

I abstain.

Mr.

Pepper?

Yes.

Mr.

Scott?

Yes.

Mr.

Sweeney?

Yes.

Mrs.

Maston?

Yes.

Madam President roll call reveals six G's, one abstaining.

Let the rector chose six shades and one abstain.

Back to you, Commissioner Hertz.

All right, number three, biosolids capacity expansion project, contract two, change order number four, M2 construction.

Yes, Commissioner.

Staff is requesting approval of change order number four under contract two for the biosolids capacity expansion project.

The change order is for additional storm drainage piping, grading, and roof drain piping and associated restoration costs for better stormwater management on the site.

The cost for this portion is 120,817.04 cents.

In addition, the exterior walls of the control and electrical building will be changed from brick um brick and cement block walls to colored split face architectural block to match the adjacent uh maintenance garage exterior.

This is resulting in a credit of 63,300.

So the uh overall change order is in the amount of $57,517.

There are sufficient funds in the project budget available for this change order, and staff recommends its approval.

Any questions?

Commissioner Angel.

Fine, thank you.

Good.

Back to you, Mr.

Commissioner Hertz.

I move to authorize Levy Court to approve change order number four for the biosolids capacity expansion projects, contract two with M2 construction and amount of $57,517, and authorize the President of Levy Court to sign a change order documents.

Okay, we have a motion.

Do we have a second?

Second.

Motion by Commissioner Hertz, second by Commissioner Pepper.

Any questions?

Roll call.

Mr.

Angel.

Yes.

Mr.

Hall?

Yes.

Mr.

Hertz?

Yes.

Mr.

Pepper?

Yes.

Mr.

Scott?

Mr.

Sweeney?

Yes.

Mrs.

Maston?

Yes.

Madam President, roll call reveal seven years.

Let the record show.

Back to you, Commissioner Hertz.

Last but not least, award of residential trash collection services contract FY26 to FY29.

Thank you again, Commissioner.

Weekly garbage and recycling collection services provided for all county formed garbage collection districts.

Certain districts also have weekly yard waste collection.

Yard waste collection has traditionally been provided seasonally from the from the first full week of April through the last full week of December, plus Christmas tree collection in January.

The services for two zones are currently provided under contracts with Casella and Republic.

The existing contracts were extended to May 31st, 2026.

With the contract close to expire.

Close to close to expiring.

An invitation to bid for the trash collection services, June 1st, 2026 to May 31st, 2029 contract was publicly advertised in the Delaware State News on February 20th and 25th, 2026.

On March 4th, there was a mandatory pre-bid meeting and was attended by the two haulers, Casella and Republic.

And we received bids on March 23rd.

Each bidder provided unit prices, unit bid prices for each contract year for the list of services as well as the three-year total bid price based on the estimated number of customer pickups and service types.

Based on the some bid uh submitted bids and current operations, Casell will retain the same zone and Republic will retain what we call zone B.

There is growth in the county, and the numbers in both zones will increase.

Typically, yard waste collection occurs in certain districts for 42 weeks.

However, during the winter month, yard waste is suspended.

It was brought to staff's attention that during the winter storms, additional yard waste, such as broken tree limbs and leaves are generated.

It was recommended that a week in January and a week in February be designated for yard waste pickup with special advanced notice to be provided to our customers.

Staff proposes that yard waste collection to begin from the middle of March to the middle of December of each year and include one pickup in January and one pickup in February in this new contract.

Staff recommends Levy Corps to award the fiscal year 20 2026 to 2029 trash collection service contract from June 1st, 2026 to May 31st, 2029, with up to 44 weeks of yard waste collection to waste industries of Delaware, Inc.

uh doing business at Catilla, and BFI waste services, LLC doing business as Republic Services with two one-year renewal options.

And with that I can answer any of your questions.

Any questions?

Yes, I have a question.

I'm sorry, Commissioner Hall.

Commissioner Angel.

Uh yes, sorry.

Um so with the extra week that they have to put out their three limbs and and waste.

Um I know the area I live at, um cities across the street, they have weekly pickup every week, and there's lots.

And during this last one, uh I would say it took up all all the road on the opposite side that we're only one car could get down.

So what size waste will you be picking up?

Is there is there a maximum size for yard waste then?

Or is it they can put anything out there, then we'll just take it.

It's the um it would be the bin that is provided by the county.

So it would be that size bin.

You say a bin?

The uh the green waste bin.

But broken branches sometimes have to be they're so big you can't break them.

They have to be sawed.

They would be sawed and that's correct, uh, Commissioner.

It would have to be um, you know, part of the uh requirements as stated on the um uh we send out a flyer that shows how to bundle your broken um branches.

So they would uh customers would have to comply with that requirement.

So no tree stumps or anything like that then.

No.

Okay.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other questions here?

Commissioner Hall?

Thanks, Madam President.

Um I suggested this uh to Sam based on feedback from my communities who said that it's there's a need for some yard waste pickup in the winter months.

And um, you know, going from November to February is just too much.

So, you know, and as Sam said, there's some flexibility here.

And um, I applaud him looking into that, and I certainly uh support this.

Any other questions?

Yes, Madam President, I'd like to add on to that too, please.

Um during the tornado season, we were where the county provided dumpsters for the people so they could get their waste there, and we were out helping.

I know Commissioner Sweeney, uh Pepper and myself, we were trying to help the people during that time frame.

And all I can say is I wish we could do something where we could during the winter months, we have a weekly pickup of yard waste because it takes time for them to cut, get it ready.

And usually when you're storing that stuff around your house, you're actually damaging your your own yard and and grass and stuff.

I know it sounds silly, but uh having dealt with it for many years and watched it, uh I think we're really missing the boat when when the people need that extra pickup during the winter months.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Commissioner Hall.

Um just to echo Commissioner Angel's comments.

Um I'm not sure there's actually a week where many of our residents couldn't appreciate an extra yard waste pickup.

So the folks I talked with asked for at least a once a month, if not twice a month.

I could go once a month.

I I don't know what the cost would be.

But uh I support his comments.

Any other comments?

Yes one more, please.

And I I thank uh Commissioner Hall for that.

But even if we do on a recycling day every two weeks.

So we have a a uniform time frame, recycling and yard trash.

Something that would people could remember that by easily if we if we can't do it weekly, just as as uh another way of throwing something out there.

Any other comments?

I move to award the FY 2026 to FY2029 Trash Collection Services contract from June 1st, 2026 to May 31st, June 29, with up to 44 weeks of yard waste collection to waste industries of Delaware Incorporated, DVA Casella, and BFI Waste Services, LLC, DBA Republic Services Incorporated, with two one-year renewal options and authorized further contract negotiations by the public works director as necessary, and authorize the President of the Levy Court to sign the associated contract documents subject to the county attorney's concurrence.

We have a motion.

Do we have a second?

Second.

Second.

Motion by Commissioner Hertz, second by Vice President Scott.

Any questions?

Roll call.

Mr.

Angel.

Yes.

Mr.

Hall?

Yes.

Mr.

Hertz?

Yes.

Mr.

Pepper?

Yes.

Mr.

Scott.

Yes.

Mr.

Sweeney?

Yes.

Mrs.

Maston.

Yes.

Madam President, roll call.

Reveal seven years.

Let the record shows seven years.

Do we have any information items?

Mr.

Angel, any information items?

We have our DAC meetings at uh this week at uh Roma's at 5 30.

Maybe not.

Commissioner Angel, I think that may be subjective to change.

Oh.

I was not aware.

Am I correct, Commissioner Sweeney?

That's correct.

Tracy sent an email today saying that they didn't have a quorum, so it might be switched to a virtual meeting.

Okay.

Commissioner Sweeney.

Um this point in time we open it up for public comment.

Anyone here like to comment?

For our guests joining us online, if you would like to make public comments at this time, please indicate by raising electronic hand or pressing star three if you're joining us by phone.

I see no hands raised online for public comment at this time, Madam President.

Any commissioner comments?

Commissioner Angel.

Yes, ma'am.

Have any Commissioner comments?

Just glad to be there.

Thank you.

We don't have an executive session this evening.

Do we have a motion to adjourn?

Motion moved.

All in favor?

Aye.

Motions adjourned.

Meetings adjourned.