Wilmington City Council Meeting – September 4, 2025
Wilmington City Council Meeting – September 4, 2025
City Council met in regular session on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6:31 p.m., with President Trippy Congo presiding. Ten members were present, three absent. The meeting included approval of prior minutes, a treasurer's report, resolutions, public comments, introduction of four ordinances, and community announcements.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes: Approved as written from the August 28, 2025 meeting.
- Treasurer's Report: Total investments $52,544,689.82; cash on hand $15,056,960.11; grand total $537,601,649.93. Received, recorded, and filed.
- Non-Legislative Business: Accepted en bloc.
- Recognition Resolutions: Katherine Ingram (author of It's In You, The World Is Waiting), Martha Morgan (46th anniversary of Morgan's of Delaware), and Monrovia Fashion Week USA 2025.
- Sympathy Resolutions: For Fred Pienny, John J. Mink, and John Dana Stant.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Deacon Earl E. Tate (in person): Described a dangerous drunk-driving incident on Jessup Street and urged the city to install speed bumps in certain areas to slow traffic and protect children and adults. Expressed strong support for traffic calming measures.
- Christina Kelly (virtual): Called for accountability regarding the January shooting of Calvin Warren by unmarked police vehicles. Urged the council to exercise oversight, demand transparency on unmarked vehicles, ensure clear identification protocols, and convene an independent review. Noted that the Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board has yet to meet and urged the council to activate it. Position: Strong support for police accountability and independent investigation.
Discussion Items
- Ordinance 25-049 (Councilmember Darby): To amend Chapter 48 of the city code to require applicants before the Zoning Board of Adjustment or the Design Review and Preservation Commission to notify neighborhood planning councils and/or civic associations. First and second reading given; referred to Community Development and Urban Planning Committee.
- Ordinance 25-050 (Councilmember Darby): To amend Chapter 48 to require applicants for building demolition or minor/major waterfront development projects to notify affected city council members. First and second reading given; referred to Community Development and Urban Planning Committee.
- Ordinance 25-051 (Councilmember McCoy): To amend Chapter 2 to expand qualifications of members of the Wilmington Community Police Accountability Board and increase compensation for board members. First and second reading given; referred to Public Safety Committee.
- Ordinance 25-052 (Councilmember McCoy): To authorize and approve two one-year extensions of contract 26008 PD (police clothing) between the City of Wilmington and McDonald Uniforms Company Inc. First and second reading given; no further action noted (no committee referral mentioned in transcript).
Announcements
- Councilmember Harley: Blonde Mansion weekend (Sept. 5–6) with live music, spoken word, and workshops; and Naj and Jay's fourth annual block party (Sept. 6, 7:30–10 p.m.).
- Councilmember McCoy: Browntown Civic Association meeting (Sept. 10, 6–8 p.m. at 804 Maryland Avenue); Hedgeville Civic Association meeting (Sept. 10, 6:30–8 p.m.). Also expressed sadness over a Labor Day shooting in her district and urged prayers for families and young people.
- Councilmember Cabrera: Hispanic Heritage Month kickoff (Sept. 15) with proclamation tomorrow at Latin American Community Center; Calle Quattro Hispanic Day Celebration (Sept. 14, parade at 1 p.m., festival until 7 p.m.).
- President Congo: Brandywine Arts Festival (Sept. 6–7); third annual Black Restaurant Week (Sept. 28 – Oct. 5) culminating in Black Food Festival (Oct. 5, 12–5 p.m., free, at The Queen).
Key Outcomes
- All four ordinances received first and second readings and were referred to their respective committees (except Ordinance 25-052, which was read but no referral was recorded).
- Public comments were heard; no council action taken on the requests.
- Meeting adjourned without further business.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Today is Thursday, September the 4th. My name is Trippy Congo, President of Womanton City Council. On behalf of all of my colleagues, we just want to thank everyone who is listening, everyone who is watching, and those of you who are in council chambers. We are going to begin with our opening prayer by Mary Alina Rivera. Heavenly Father, we have assembled to handle the affairs of our city. As we do so, we ask for your guidance and understanding. We pray that our city reaches a place of peace and safety. Keep us out of harm's way and bless those who are in authority. Let respect be key in all our endeavors. Amen. And now we will recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilman Owens. Councilwoman Darby. Councilwoman. Councilwoman Oliver. Present. Councilwoman Harley. Present. Councilwoman Willower. Councilwoman McCoy. Here. Councilman Johnson. Councilman Field. Councilwoman Bracey. Here. Councilwoman Cabrera. President. Councilman Hackett. Councilman Spadola. President Congo. Here. Ten president and three absent. Thank you, Councilmembers. Feel Johnson and Willow. Did I ask to be excused this evening? From our previous meeting. August 28th, 2025. City Council met in regular session with remote participation on the above date at 6 31 p.m. Apprentice. President Ernest M. Congo the second presiding. Mr. President, I make a motion to approve the minutes as written. It's been properly moved and seconded the minutes be accepted as written on the question. All in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed? Motion carry. Now we'll have our city treasurer's report.
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