Boards and Commissions Subcommittee Meeting – February 17, 2026

The Boards and Commissions Subcommittee of the New Castle County Council met on February 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM (presumed) in council chambers, chaired by Councilwoman Dee Durham. The meeting focused on considering new appointments and reappointments to several county boards, including the Police Accountability Board, Board of Assessment Review, License Inspection and Review, and Public Arts Commission. Council members in attendance: Durham, Kineco, Smiley, Kilpatrick, Toole, Carter, Monique Johns, Hollins, and virtually Councilwoman George and Councilman Street. Councilmen Sheldon and Hackett were absent. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and featured presentations from nominees, debate on the appointment process, and a public comment.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous consent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rob Bullock, President of the Community Alliance Coalition, asked whether the council had received recommendations from the previous Police Accountability Board (PAB) and whether the addition of five new members would require the board to restart its work. No immediate response was given; the chair thanked him for his comment.

Discussion Items

• New Appointments to the Police Accountability Board (PAB):
  • David Perino – Nominee for the Board of Assessment Review (District 2). Perino expressed interest in addressing property assessment issues, citing recent county-wide assessment challenges. Council members praised his community involvement and noted the board’s pressing workload.
  • Matthew Kelly – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilwoman Kilpatrick). Kelly, a social worker, stated his goal to “bridge the gap between citizens and police.” Councilman Kineco asked about his background in criminal justice reform. Councilman Street raised concerns about the appointment process, revealing that a constituent in his district who regularly attends PAB meetings applied but received no response. Street called the process “mischief” and said he would not support any nominees. Councilwoman Kilpatrick assured Kelly the criticism was not personal.
  • Kerwin Gaines – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilman Kineco). Gaines highlighted his 23 years in intelligence work, prior service as a state police cadet, and experience on other state committees. He emphasized the need for research and training to understand police actions. Councilwoman Kilpatrick praised his integrity and compassion.
  • Kenneth Woods – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilman Hollins). Woods, a former county council member, said he wanted to help with police reform and noted the county police force is “superior.” He stated he would vote based on research, not pressure. Councilman Kineco asked about his background in criminal justice reform; Woods said he had none but observed national issues. Councilman Toole welcomed his research skills.
  • Aldean Story – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilman Hollins). Story, a 39-year IRS retiree, stressed he was new to the community and wanted to ensure the PAB does not become a “check the box” exercise. He asked for a system to measure success of recommendations. Council members Carter, Kineco, and Kilpatrick agreed with his concerns and encouraged him to bring that perspective. Councilman Carter noted the board is still developing performance metrics.
  • Kay Fitzgerald – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilwoman George, virtual). Fitzgerald, a project manager and graduate of the Citizens Police Academy, cited her skills in relationship building and compromise. She has degrees in political science and criminal justice. Councilwoman Monique Johns expressed excitement about appointing a woman to the board.
• Reappointments to the Police Accountability Board:
  • Kevin Evans – Councilman Street reiterated his opposition to the appointment process, stating he would not support any nominees. Councilman Toole noted Evans served as vice‑chair of the PAB and helped create its online repository.
  • Dr. Jenna DiLeturio – Several council members praised her work leading “Knowwood peace walks” and her contributions to police‑community relations. Councilman Kineco expressed support, and Councilman Cartier called her a model for building trust.
• Other Reappointments:
  • John Gryschaber to the Board of License Inspection and Review (District 2) – Approved without discussion.
  • James Rhodes to the Public Arts Commission (District of Councilman Toole) – Rhodes is executive director of the Christiana Cultural Arts Center. Council members Toole and Hollins voiced support.
  • Jarrett Harris to the Public Arts Commission (District of Councilman Sheldon) – Councilman Smiley noted a potential discrepancy in the agenda (listed as reappointment vs. appointment). A motion was made and seconded to allow the nomination to proceed for vote next week, subject to clarification. The motion passed with one opposed (Councilman Street).
• Procedural Discussion on Co‑sponsorships: – Several council members requested to be co‑sponsors of various appointments. Chair Durham initially deferred to the prime sponsors. After debate, it was agreed that co‑sponsorship requests would be handled via email to the prime sponsor, documented in writing.

Key Outcomes

• Vote Scheduled – All nominations and reappointments will be voted on by the full County Council at the next meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
• Motion on Harris Nomination – The committee voted (with one opposed) to forward the Jarrett Harris nomination for a vote next week, pending confirmation of whether it is a new appointment or reappointment.
• Public Comment Acknowledged – Rob Bullock’s question about PAB recommendations was noted but not resolved.
• Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.