Good evening, Wilmington.

This is the council meeting for September 18, 2025.

The meeting will please come to order.

We will have the opening prayer by Marilena 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.

At this time, we'll recite the pledge of allegiance.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

Councilman Owens.

Councilwoman Darby.

Councilwoman Oliver.

Present.

Councilwoman Harley.

Present.

Councilwoman Willower.

Councilwoman McCoy.

Here.

Councilman Johnson.

Here.

Councilman Field.

Councilwoman Bracey.

Here.

Councilwoman Cabrera.

Councilman Hackett.

Here.

Councilman Spadola.

President Congo.

Seven present and six absent.

Thank you.

And if we can have the reading of the minutes.

September fourth, twenty twenty-five.

City council met in regular session with remote participation on the above date at six thirty-two PM.

President Ernest M.

Congo, the second presiding.

The opening prayer was done by Mary Alena Rivera, Deputy City Clerk.

I move the minutes to be received, recorded, and filed.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

On the question, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

And do we have any committee reports?

September third, 2025.

President and members of City Council, ladies and gentlemen, we are finance and economic development committee met by anchor location and remote participation to who was referred ordinance number 25-038 entitled an ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond wastewater treatment plant substation number three replacement project series A of 2025 WPCRF in order to provide the city's wastewater treatment the funds necessary for one the replacement of the substation number three at the city's wastewater treatment plant, number two, a new duct bank, three conductors, four fiber optic cables, five new motor control centers, six the replacement of TCB power centers number five and number six, and seven, the demolition and disposal of existing power equipment providing for the sale of the 2025 A bond to the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Have given this ordinance careful review and recommend council vote on it at an upcoming council meeting.

Respectfully submitted members of the finance and economic commit committee meeting.

Those members present, Councilwoman Harley, Councilwoman Bracey, Councilman Hackett, Councilman Spadola, President Congo, absent with leave, Councilwoman Darby, Councilwoman Oliver.

I move the committee report BBC recorded and filed.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The report be received, recorded, and filed.

On the question.

All those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Okay.

September 3rd, 2025.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are finance and economic development committee meeting met by anchor location and remote participation to who was referred ordinance number 25-039 entitled An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of the City's General Obligation Bond Digester No.

4 Rehabilitation Project Series B of 2025 WPCRF in order to provide the funds necessary for the rehabilitation of digester number four at the city's wastewater treatment plant, including rehabilitation of concrete and civil structures, piping, electrical equipment, foam suppressant equipment, and installation of a new digester cover providing for the sale of the 2025 B bond to the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Have given this ordinance careful review and recommend council vote on it at an upcoming council meeting.

Respectfully submitted those members of the Finance and Economic Development Committee.

Those members present, Councilwoman Harley, Councilwoman Bracey, Councilman Hackett, Councilman Spadola, President Congo, absent with leave, Councilwoman Darby, and Councilwoman Oliver.

I move the committee report BBC recorded and filed.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The report be received, recorded and filed.

On the question.

All those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

September 3rd, 2025.

We we your finance and economic development committee met by anchor location and remote participation to who was referred ordinance number 25-040 entitled an ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond.

Primary clarifier number one rehabilitation project series C of 2025 WPCRF in order to provide the funds necessary for the rehabilitation of primary clarifier number one at the city's wastewater treatment plant, including concrete repairs, rehabilitation of grout bottom clarifier mechanism, center drive, weirs, baffles, and the walkway, providing for the sale of the 2025 C bond to the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Have given this ordinance careful review and recommend council vote on it at an upcoming council meeting.

Respectfully submitted those members of the Finance and Economic Development Committee.

Those members present, Councilwoman Harley, Councilwoman Bracey, Councilman Hackett, Councilman Spadola, President Congo, absent with leave, Councilwoman Darby, Councilman Oliver.

I move the committee report be received, recorded, and filed.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The report be received, recorded, and filed.

On the question, all those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

September 3rd, 2025.

We are finance and economic development committee met by anchor location and remote participation to who was referred ordinance number 25-041 entitled an ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond PFAS removal phase three project series of the 2025 DWSRF in order to provide the funds necessary for the removal of per polyfluoroalkyl substances from the city's water through the design and construction of a new PFAS system transfer pub station pump station providing for the sale of the 2025 bond to the Delaware Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Have given this ordinance careful review and recommend council vote on it at an upcoming council meeting, respectfully fully submitted members of the finance and economic development committee.

Those members present, Councilwoman Harley, Councilwoman Bracie, Councilman Hackett, Councilman Spadola, President Congo, absent with leave, Councilwoman Darby, Councilwoman Oliver.

I move the committee report be received, recorded, and filed.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The report be received, recorded, and filed.

On the question.

All those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Motion carried.

September 3rd, 2025.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are finance and economic development committee met by anchor location and remote participation to who was referred ordinance number 25-042 entitled An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of the City's General Obligation Bond Led Removal Phase 3 Project Series A of 2025 DWSRF in order to provide the funds necessary for the replacement of approximately four to five miles of old cast iron water main in the city's water distribution system, providing for the sale of the 2025 A bond to the Delaware Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Have given this ordinance careful review and recommend council vote on it at an upcoming council meeting.

Those members of the finance and economic development committee.

Those members present, Councilwoman Harley, Councilwoman Bracey, Councilman Hackett, Councilman Spadola, President Congo, absent with leave, Councilwoman Darby, Councilwoman Oliver.

I move the committee report, be received, recorded, and filed.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The report be received, recorded, and filed.

On the question.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

September 3rd, 2025.

We are finance and economic development committee met by anchor location and remote participation to who was referred.

Ordinance number 25-043 entitled an ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bonds in one or more series on a tax exempt and or taxable basis in order to provide the funds necessary to one finance various capital projects specified in the city's fiscal year 2024 and 2026 capital budgets, and two refund a general obligation bond anticipation note in certain outstanding general obligation bonds of the city and providing for the sale of the bonds and authorizing other necessary actions.

Have given this ordinance careful review and recommend council vote on it at an upcoming council meeting.

Respectfully submitted those members of the Finance and Economic Development Committee.

Those members present, Councilwoman Harley, Councilwoman Bracey, Councilman Hackett, Councilman Spadola, President Congo, absent with leave, Councilwoman Darby, Councilwoman Oliver.

I move the committee report be received, recorded, and filed.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The report be received, recorded, and filed.

On the question.

All those in favor, say by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

September 3rd, 2025, ladies and gentlemen, we your finance and economic development committee met by anchor location and remote participation to who was referred ordinance number 25-046 entitled an ordinance to authorize and approve a three-year extension of a professional services agreement between the City of Wilmington and I Tron Inc.

for mobile automated meter reading operations and system maintenance.

Have given this ordinance careful review and recommend council vote on it at an upcoming council meeting.

Respectfully submitted those members of the Finance and Economic Development Committee.

Those members present, Councilwoman Harley, Councilwoman Bracie, Councilman Hackett, Councilman Spadola, President Congo, absent with leave, Councilman, Councilwoman Darby, and Councilman Oliver.

I move the committee report, be received, recorded, and filed.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The report be received, recorded, and filed.

On the question.

All those in favor, second bye by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

All right.

Yeah.

You need a drink.

All right.

Going great.

Okay.

Can we get the uh the treasurer's report, please?

September 18th, 2025.

Total investments 534,930, 212.34 cents.

Total cash on hand 14,414,455.90 cents.

Grand total 549,344,668.24 cents.

Submitted City Treasurer Dwayne Sims.

I'll move the treasurer's report, be received, recorded and filed.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The report be received, recorded, and filed on the question.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

I will accept the motion to move and accept all non-legislative business.

I'm sorry, was there a second?

Okay.

All right.

It's been properly moved and seconded to accept all non-legislative business on the question.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Opposed.

Motion carried.

Okay, we do have two resolutions today.

All right.

Um councilman Bracey.

I guess two hours are okay.

Then we're gonna do it.

Councilman Oliver.

Yes.

Okay.

And I would like to recognize, I'm sorry, I would like to recognize Councilman Will Awer.

Thank you.

Thank you, Madam President.

I would um like for Julie and Jerry to come up, please.

As they're coming up, um, I would like to thank both of them for their services for um out and about.

Uh I was looking through some out and about books that my picture was in years ago when I was you know looking a little different.

And I just thought about them and I I was over to um the cozy corners and I looked at the the newest one and I just thought, wow, they've been in business for a long time because the pitch I saw was over at least 15 years.

So they've been out and about been has been in business for at least 40 years, and that's a long time.

And I just thought of them because I saw my nice looking picture there years ago.

Um so it's the L O K.

Okay.

So it's the sense um the sponsor is Councilwoman Zancy Oliver, is the Census City Council to honor individuals and organizations and Mostones that demonstrate outstanding achievements and their deserving recognitions and acknowledgements.

And Out and About magazine merits such distinction.

Um they have been, this is restaurant week.

This was for restaurant week, and whereas March the 31st to April the 25th, out and about marked 20 years anniversary for City Restaurant Week in Wimmons and the City Restaurant Week is highly anticipated, uh annual event that showcases the city's expectations.

Julie and Jerry have more than 70 years combined experience in media marketing, event planning tourism.

Over two decades, event allies has built an impeccable reputation, bringing energy to existing events as well as creating new ones.

Projects include such as I didn't realize y'all did so much, restaurant week, Brandy Valley, Brandon, Brandywine Valley, Restaurant Week, Woman 10 Grand Prix, Separation Day, James Beer Dinner, Slam Dunk to the Beach, Newark Food and Brew Brewery River, River Towns Rod and Festival Taste of Trolley, Wilmington Beer Week, Trail Faith Trail Feast, Pizza Week, and Delaware Beer and Wine Festival.

Wow.

Whereas uh 20th anniversary of Wilmington City Council, Wilmington City Restaurant Week marks not only the celebration of cultural excellence, but also recognizing the hard work, creativity, and preservation of city restaurant owners, chefs, kitchen staff, service, hospitality workers throughout the years.

Out and about has been a driven force in supporting all these small businesses and independent restaurants, boosting food traffic all downtown, surrounding neighborhoods, and fostering sense of community pride and economic relans.

Now they're at Beside of City Council by the City Council.

The City Council commands out and about magazine, TSN Media, and all those who have contributed to these events, enduring success over the past two decades.

Job well done.

Well, thank you.

Within 200 mile radius, there are more than 50 restaurant weeks.

The oldest is New York City Restaurant Week, which was founded in 1992.

The second oldest is Philadelphia Restaurant Week, which was founded in 2003.

The third oldest is Wilmington Restaurant Week, which is founded in 2005, and then Baltimore is behind us at 2006.

So we've created a wonderful legacy that that brings uh attention to our city, but also uh generates business for our restaurants.

And this year we had 21 participating restaurants and more than 17,000 uh diners experienced uh the city restaurant week.

So we thank you for the recognition.

We're proud to keep it going.

Um we look forward to Black Restaurant Week later this month, and we encourage you to um come out and participate in City Restaurant Week April 2026, the Wilmington Grand Prix, and we're very proud to partner with the city to be part of the uh Delaware 250 celebration and America 250 celebration with some of the fun things we have set for uh for our city in in 2026.

So thank you very much.

Thank you so much.

Yes, I'm sorry, if you wouldn't mind staying.

We had some council members who had something to say.

Councilwoman Harley.

Yes, thank you, madam chair.

I just wanted to say um congratulations on your 20th anniversary, and thank you for all the work that you do.

I did not know that you were involved in all these different um uh uh restaurant weeks and these other events, I especially the James Beard.

Um that particular event, to my understanding, was the first time that it was done in Wilmington, and it was a great success.

It was a lot of fun.

As a matter of fact, um, the band, the food, the setup, it really was an awesome event, and I hope that we bring that back to Wilmington again and again.

Congratulations to you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay.

And uh Councilman Johnson.

Uh Jerry, I appreciate you always.

I know we've talked about other uh uh facets of culture and entertainment in the past, and I appreciate your team and you know the work you do for restaurant week, but not only that, but also working with in Wilmington.

I believe uh you even took over kind of the void that Spark, you know, weekly left, and so your team adds more and more uh every single year in terms of uh promoting Wilmington.

So I really appreciate you just bringing residents and bringing outsiders to want to stay and spend dollars in the city.

I'm a little bit partial because uh your editor Jim uh Miller is my longtime neighbor.

So I kind of have you know, I kind of have to say good things about you guys, but even if you wasn't my neighbor, um you you do excellent work, so I appreciate it and thank you so much.

Keep it up.

Much appreciated.

Yeah, all right, Councilman Willower.

I just wanted to say um put in my congratulations as well and thank you for um your service to the city um adding to the life with all the different events, but also I really appreciate the magazine.

I I think that you highlight uh different aspects of the city, highlight different people.

Um I learned so much reading the magazine, and I really appreciate that it's something that I can depend on.

It comes out every month.

I know that's not easy to publish something, you know, with it takes a lot of dedication and um and knowledge of the city.

So I would just want to thank you for your dedication and for shining the light on so many positive things about the city of Wilmington.

Thank you.

And Councilwoman Bracey.

Thank you.

Well, everything's been said.

I'll just say congratulations, Jerry and team.

Um what you guys do.

Um, you guys are our quiet heroes in our city, always working so hard to promote us, strengthen nonprofits and small businesses through the magazine.

Um people just don't know how much you guys do to help people get the word out about what's going on in the city and help people be excited about what's going on here.

So thank you again um for all you guys do um and keep it up.

We appreciate you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah, I'm sorry, I I was remiss to mention that they have over 50,000 individuals who read the magazine.

That is a lot every month.

Thank you.

All right, uh we have another recognition on now.

Let me get a little bit of a councilman Bracey.

Yes.

Good friend.

I'm doing this recognition on behalf of Councilwoman McCoy for Jimir Still at Stanford.

Any family members that want to come up in support?

You're more than welcome.

Congratulations.

Okay, I'm gonna read this sponsor, Councilmember Yolanda and McCoy.

Where is whereas it is the sense of city council to honor individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and deserving of recognition and acknowledgement?

Councilmember Yolanda and McCoy recognizes Jimir still at Stanford as one such individual.

And whereas Jaimeir is a resident Wilmington native and graduate of the Charter School of Wilmington, he has earned Bachelors of Arts degrees in psychology and mass communications from the University of Delaware, as well as a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania.

And whereas a skilled innovator, Jameer's professional journey is a testament to the power of representation, creativity, and the impact that individuals can have when they use their voice and platform to build, connect, and inspire others.

He is a well traveled flight attendant and a dedicated development manager for nonprofit supporting at risk children.

However, he is best known as an accomplished social media influencer.

And whereas Jaimeer has demonstrated extraordinary talent and creativity by building a digital presence across social media platforms that uplift voices, promote local initiatives, and elevate the bribe and vibrant character of Wilmington's business community through innovative content, strategic outreach, and an authentic connection with diverse audiences.

Jaimeer has not only built a strong personal brand, but has also contributed to the economic growth and public engagement by highlighting local businesses, community events, including the 2024 Wilmington Black Restaurant Week and several other participating restaurants.

And whereas outside of his online activities, Jaimeer is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

Benjamin A.

Gilman, International Scholar, and a Wilmington City Council scholarship recipient.

He served as a mentor for each one teach reach one and as the Zy Omicron president.

During his time at the University of Delaware, he was named 2019 Student of Distinction, Neophyte of the Year, and was on the dean's list.

This year, the Delaware Online listed Jameer among Delaware's most influential people on social media in 2025.

Now there it, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Wilmington that this council is pleased to recognize Jaimeer still at Stanford for her service to the city of Wilmington.

We look forward to his continued success.

Job well done.

Wow, that that bio is amazing.

I need a copy of that.

But yeah, I just want to say thank you.

It was really cool to be acknowledged and recognized by a city that you lived in all your life and that you really do love.

Um I couldn't do it without the support of my family.

I love them so much.

And of course, my girl, Councilwoman McCoy, she's always been very supportive.

I remember um in college when I was inviting letters for scholarship money to the different council members, and now it's kind of crazy because my little brother is doing it now.

So just kind of like a four-circle moment.

Um I also love what I do.

Um, it's really cool to just meet different business owners and just to support small businesses around Wilmington because again, I really do love this city.

So thank you guys so much, and I really appreciate your support.

And if you have not followed me on social media, my ad is at Jai2 Fly, J Y T O L P H H L Y.

Thank you.

Yes, uh, Councilwoman Millower.

I just want to say congratulations.

Um it's really exciting, everything that you've accomplished uh as a young person.

Um, and it's great to see that you are branching out from studying, you know, subjects, but then doing your own thing.

So I just want to say that energy, uh, that sense of entrepreneurship, it's it's inspiring.

Thank you.

And um, you know, we're all wishing you good luck.

And uh, you know, I just knowing your um mom for a long time.

I just there's a lot a lot of people um just have a lot of pride in what you've been able to accomplish.

So congratulations and keep going.

Yes, thank you.

I will, I will.

Councilwoman Oliver.

Yes, congratulations uh with all the work you've been doing through the years and to see how you have flourished.

Uh it's really a great thing.

But your mother and I go way back.

So uh it's it's an honor to see y'all here tonight and all the work that she's done and have you turned out to be a great nice young man.

Kudos to you.

Thank you.

I always say she knows everybody.

Old school.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilwoman Harley.

Yes, I just want to say congratulations, young man.

been doing through the years and to see how you have flourish uh it's really a great thing but your mother and I go way back so um it's it's an honor to see y'all here tonight and all the work that she's done and have you turned out to be a great nice young man kudos to you thank you I always say she know everybody old school thank you councilwoman harley yes I just want to say congratulations young man I don't know you I don't know your your family but your bio is amazing and congratulations on your accomplishments congratulations on your achievements and I just want to say keep soaring keep soaring and congratulations thank you well I just had to uh add uh thank you so much for uh for accepting this recognition I uh was also a coworker with um with your mom so we kind of go back and that's why she knew how to get you plugged in um I just want to say that it's an honor basically and I want to congratulate you because you are pretty much one of the first scholars that I was able to get a uh scholarship to a student to get a scholarship to and to see you every year you were sending that information to see you go from undergrad to master's level to see you go from beginning to end and this is just something that I feel like the city of Wilmington really needs to highlight by getting behind our young ones and making certain that they have what they need in order to move forward and so I'm just so I was so pleased to run into you I was like I was just talking about you and then you were like oh I got an article coming out so I just want to say thank you so much for what you're doing and also still being present in the city Wilmington.

You know you learned so much and then you're bringing it and you're staying here.

So I thank you for I thank your mom and your grandma for it as well all right thank you so much for coming out I appreciate it good night take your picture always take it out so okay all right so we are concluding we're at concluding our um our recognition we're gonna go to our sympathy resolutions we have a sympathy resolution from councilwoman harley for Benita E.

Finney from Councilwoman Oliver Sympathy resolution for Jerome R.

Campbell and then also for Ruth Louise Fair and then for Councilman Spadola a sympathy resolution for Basil or Bataglia next we will go to our public comment all right so as a friendly reminder please watch your step okay please watch your step as you come up to the podium and this is a friendly reminder that public comment there is a Google form sign up link in the chat the time limit is three minutes please keep your comments of general manners pertaining to Wilmington's councilman districts or city council business and please address the president directly well the chair for now please be mindful and try to refrain from any use of profanity or vulgar remarks as this meeting is being live streamed to the public also please watch your step as you come to the podium and we do have council I'm sorry we have Deacon Earl Tate.

Come on Deacon Tate greetings folks this is this is Earl E Tate who's never late because he don't want to lose his parola escape and I like to say uh my thing my thing this evening is about it's about the recreation recreation after school recreation because before when we was coming up they used to have after school recreation for for all of the kids all of the kids and and we loved it we loved it because we had because we had a place to go after school after school first we did our homework and and and then we had the then we had we had more fun more fun than the Burl of monkeys uh uh with with all of the recreation and our parents knew where we were and they didn't have to worry about us being out there on the street and everything but but but but I would like to see them get it started back and get it known all over all over the city of Wilmington because uh because the kids the kids haven't the kids haven't got nowhere nowhere to go no nothing to do plus uh plus when we was coming up we would we was taught we was taught how to throw your garbage in the garbage can and not out on the streets like like this generation do now this this generation that that is coming up now don't uh don't have no respect or or or so forth like like we did because we was taught uh we was taught how to have respect and how to have respect self-respect and respect for others as well as well as the adults but uh we got uh we got installed in our kids the the the the keep the

This this generation that is coming up now, don't uh don't have no respect or so forth like we did, because we was taught uh uh we was taught how to have respect and how to have respect, self-respect and respect for others as well as well as the adults, but but uh we got uh we got installed in our kids that the the keep to keep the place clean.

Don't don't throw your garbage out on the street, throw it in the waste can in the garbage can because we want we we want our city to be clean and have clean water and everything and not and not be like uh and not be like those states where you go in where you can't where you can't hardly drink the water, can't hardly drink the water and so forth because uh because of this or that.

But this this is the main thing that we got to do.

We got and we being adults, we we got it, we we gotta take the responsibility and and make sure and making sure that the word gets across to our kids because we love them and we care about them.

So and and definitely, definitely.

We need some uh we need something in here, something in the state to make to make to make to make the traffic a little slower, make the traffic obey the stop signs and everything, because if we don't we're gonna we're good, we're gonna be losing millions of millions of people.

Thank you.

Thank you, Deacon.

All right, we do seem to have someone on virtual.

I'm excited for the people.

I have a Tony Dunn.

Is he on virtual?

Thank you.

I think he's got a good one.

Oh, he's he's gone.

Okay.

All right.

Okay, so it seems that we are done our public comment.

All right.

Okay, all right.

Now we're gonna start with our legislative business.

Thank you, madam president.

Uh, but before we start, I do want to make one announcement.

We are very light this evening, and so I would ask that all of my council members uh actually not be excused and just to finish out the meeting to make certain that we will keep core.

Okay, all right, councilman Oliver.

Thank you, madam president.

She kind of was looking at me saying that.

Um Madam President, have an ordinance present and call for the third and final reading.

Ordinance number 25-046 and ordinance to agenda number 0099, an ordinance to authorize and approve a three-year extension of a professional services agreement between the city of Wilmington and itron inc for mobile automated meter reading operations and system maintenance.

I'm sorry, first reading.

I'm sorry.

All right, so that's the third reading of the ordinance.

Hold on, wait a minute.

Am I looking at this correctly?

Pardon me.

Okay.

Okay.

Okay, this ordinance is authorized for uh to the city to enter to a three-year extension of professional service agreements uh with itron inc for mobile automatic meter reading operations and system maintenance.

Uh fiscal impact, excuse me, the fiscal impact um is a three-year contract extension at an estimate price, not to exceed 450 uh thousand dollars.

Okay, okay, and I move this be known as enacting closure ordinance, call for yay and they vote.

This would probably move and second it.

That'd be known as the enacting closet ordinance and call for yeah and they vote on the question.

Okay, clerk, call for the room councilman Owens.

Yes, councilman Oliver.

Yes, councilman Harley, yes, councilman Willower, yes, councilwoman McCoy.

Yes, councilman Johnson, yes, councilwoman Bracey, yes, councilman hackett, yes.

Eight years and five absent.

Declare adopted.

No more no more this evening, madam president.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Harley.

Yes, Madam Chair.

I have an ordinance to present and call for the first and second reading.

Ordinance number 25-053.

Agenda number 0107.

An ordinance to rezone six parcels of land located within the area general, generally bounded by Lobdell, Bradford, A, and Goodman Streets from a zoning classification of R3, one family row houses to a zoning classification of M1 light manufacturing.

First reading of the ordinance.

An ordinance to rezone six parcels of land located within the area, generally bounded by Lobdell, Bradford, A, and Goodman Streets from a zoning classification of R3, one family row houses to a zoning classification of M1 light manufacturing.

Second reading of the ordinance.

Madam Chair, I move that it be known as the first and second reading of the ordinance and refer it to the community development and urban planning committee.

Second.

Second.

It's properly moved and seconded that it be known as the first and second reading of ordinance and referred to the community development and urban planning committee.

Madam Chair, I have an ordinance to present and call for the third and final reading.

Ordinance number 25-038, agenda number 0091.

An ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond, wastewater treatment plant, substation number three replacement project, series A of 2025 WPCRF, in order to provide the funds necessary for one, the replacement of substation number three at the city's wash wastewater treatment plant, two a new duct bank, three conductors, four fiber optic cables, five new motor control centers, six the replacement of TCB power centers number five and number six, and seven, the demolition and disposal of existing power equipment providing for the sale of the 2025 A bond to the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Madam Chair, I move that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the A vote.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded that it be known as the enacting clause and ordinance to call for Yay and A vote on the question.

Yes, madam chair.

Um this ordinance authorizes the issuance of a general obligation bond.

Um for the wastewater treatment plant substation number three, um, and the amount not to exceed 9 million 966,000, which will be sold to the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund in order to finance uh the replacement of substation number three at the city's wastewater treatment plant, a new duck bank, conductors, fiber optic cables, new motor control centers, the replacement of TCB power centers, the demolition and disposal of existing power equipment as set forth in the city's capital budgets for its fiscal years ending June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2026, to pay administrative costs relating to such capital projects and to pay the cost of issuing the 2025 A bond.

Okay, no one else?

All right, um that's I don't really have a question.

I just want to oh is it okay, madam.

Councilman Ackett.

Um just on a question when we went over this in our committee.

I just want to state that you know I did have some questions.

I know this needs to be done, but when they stated that this was like almost 13 decades old, uh kind of threw me for a loop and just we're trying to figure out you know how do we maintenance and have different you know checkups on this type of thing uh so that we're not looking at a big bill at the end.

So that was just my thing I wanted to put on the record here.

So thank you.

Councilwoman Oliver, yes, um, madam um president.

Um I was going to um echo kind of what um um councilman hackett said the bottom line is that we um some of my colleagues I think um Christian we've been to several of these stations and a lot of this equipment is extremely old and I'm just glad to see that they put in for the bond bill to get this done so we can continue moving the city forward.

Thank you.

Okay, okay.

Clerk call for the row.

Councilman Owens, yes, councilwoman Oliver, yes, Councilman Harley, yes, councilwoman Willower, yes, Councilwoman McCoy, yes, councilman Johnson, yes, councilwoman Bracey, yes, councilman Hackett, yes, eight years and five absent.

Declare adopted Madam Chair.

I have another ordinance to present and call for the third and final reading, agenda number zero zero nine two.

Agenda number 0092.

Ordinance number 25-039.

Agenda number 0092.

An ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond digester number four rehabilitation projects series B of 2025 WPCRF in order to provide the funds necessary for the rehabilitation of digester number four at the city's wastewater treatment plant, including rehabilitation of concrete and civil structures, piping, electrical equipment, foam suppressant equipment, and installation of a new digester cover, providing for the sale of the 2025 B bond to the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary actions.

Madam Chair, I move that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the ANA vote.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the YA and A vote on the question.

Yes, uh Madam Chair.

So this ordinance authorizes the issuance of the general obligation bond.

Most of what the synopsis reads is what has already been stated.

And so I will just skip down to A, where it says finance the rehabilitation of digester number four at the city's wastewater treatment plan, including rehabilitation of concrete and civil structures, piping, electrical equipment, foam suppressant equipment, and installation of a new digester cover as set forth in the city's capital budget for its fiscal years ending June 30th, 2024 and June 30th, 2026 to pay administrative costs relating to such capital projects and to pay the costs of issuing the 2025 Bond.

Okay.

Any other questions or statements?

Comments?

Just like make a state.

Councilwoman Oliver.

Thank you, Madam President.

Again, I like to say that I'm glad that the bond money is here.

As I stated before, uh Councilman uh Christian, myself, we went to all these different pump stations, and this equipment is extremely old, so the public could know that it's overdue.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Okay.

Clerk, please call for the roll.

Councilman Owens?

Yes.

Councilwoman Oliver?

Yes.

Councilwoman Harley?

Yes.

Councilwoman Willower?

Yes.

Councilwoman McCoy?

Yes.

Councilman Johnson?

Yes.

Councilwoman Bracey?

Yes.

Councilwoman Hackett?

Councilman.

Councilman Hackett?

Eight YAs and five absent.

Declare adopted.

Madam Chair, have an ordinance to present and call for the third and final reading.

Agenda item number 0093.

Ordinance number 25-040.

Agenda number 0093.

An ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond.

Primary clarifier number one rehabilitation project series C of the 2025 WPCRF in order to provide the funds necessary for the rehabilitation of primary clarifier number one at the city's wastewater treatment plant, including concrete repairs, rehabilitation of Grout Bottom, clarifier mechanism, center drive, weirs, baffles, and the walkway, providing for the sale of the 2025 C bond to the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Second.

I know.

Yes.

Yes, it's up to you.

This okay.

Um Madam Chair, I move.

Yeah, I move that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the year and a vote.

Second.

Okay.

You said second.

Yes.

Okay.

All right.

It's been properly moved and seconded that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the yay or nay vote on the question.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Okay, so um the synopsis pretty much has already been repeated by the clerk.

So I'm going to jump down to the last sentence where it reads um in this city's capital budget for its fiscal years ending June 30th, 2024 and June 30th, 2026 to pay administrative costs relating to such capital projects and to pay the costs of issuing the 2025 C bond.

Okay.

Any other statements or comments?

All right.

Clerk, please call for the roll.

Councilman Owens?

Yes.

Councilwoman Oliver?

Yes.

Councilwoman Harley?

Yes.

Councilwoman Willower?

Yes.

Councilwoman McCoy?

Yes.

Councilman Johnson?

Yes.

Councilwoman Bracey?

Yes.

Councilman Hackett?

Yes.

It is five absent.

Declare adopted.

Madam Chair, I have an ordinance to present and call for the third and final reading.

Agenda item number 0094.

Ordinance number 25-041.

Agenda number 0094.

Ordinance number 25-041, agenda number 0094, an ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond, PFAS removal phase three project series of 2025 D WSRF in order to provide the funds necessary for the removal of per polyfluoroalkyl substances from the city's water source through the design and construction of a new PFAS system transfer pub station pump station providing for the sale of the 2025 bond to the Delaware drinking water state revolving fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Madam Chair, I move that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the A vote.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded to be that be known as the enacting clause in the ordinance and call for the A vote on the question.

Yes, um, Madam Chair.

This is not synopsis, excuse me, the synopsis um pretty much is the same as what the clerk just read.

So I am going to jump down to the third sentence in the synopsis as set forth in the city's Capital II budgets for its fiscal years ending June 30th, 2024 and June 30th, 2026 to pay administrative costs relating to such capital projects and pay the cost of issuing the 2025 bond.

Payment of questions?

Second.

Okay.

Councilman Owens.

Yeah, I just want to say I'm glad to see the city continue to move forward with projects like this.

Again, peace FOSS is extremely toxic to human health.

Um it causes issues such as cancer, um, especially for your like uh in guys as well, too.

Um it also uh can um suppress your immune system as well too.

So again, I'm glad to see that we are investing in projects like this.

Um can I be added as a co-sponsor?

Yes, sir.

Yes, yes.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Okay.

To the sponsor.

Yes.

I just want to say that this um ordinance also was uh to be in compliance on a federal level.

Um there was a federal mandate that all cities and states um address this PFAS removal.

And so I'm glad to know that our city is being compliant um to this federal mandate.

That's all I have, um, madam chair.

Thank you.

Clerk, please call for the roll.

Councilman Owens?

Yes.

Councilwoman Oliver?

Yes.

Councilwoman Harley?

Yes.

Councilwoman Willower?

Yes.

Councilwoman McCoy?

Yes.

Councilman Johnson?

Yes.

Councilwoman Bracey?

Yes.

Councilman Hackett?

Yes.

Eight years and five absent.

Declare it adopted.

Madam Chair, I have an ordinance to present and call for the third and final reading.

Item agenda item number 0095.

Ordinance number 25-042, agenda number 0095.

An ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond, led removal phase three projects, series A of the 2025 D W SRF, in order to provide the funds necessary for the replacement of approximately four to five miles of old cast iron water mean in the city's water distribution system, providing for the sale of the 2025 A bond to the Delaware Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and authorizing other necessary action.

Madam Chair, I move that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the A vote.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the A vote.

The question?

Yes, Madam Chair.

I do need to read a little more of this synopsis.

So I'm going to start with um the ordinance authorizes the issuance of the general obligation bond.

Um, the series um A of 2025 DWSRF in the amount not to exceed 10 million dollars, which will be sold to the Delaware drinking water state revolving fund in order to finance the replacement of approximately four to five miles of old cast iron water main and the city's water distribution system as set forth in the city's capital two budgets for its fiscal years ending June 30th, 2024 and June 30th, 2026, pay administrative costs relating to such capital projects and to pay the cost of issuing the 2025 A bond.

Okay, does anyone have any questions or comments?

Okay, councilman Owens.

Yes, just like the other one, I uh would like to be added as a co-sponsor and again um removing lead from our waterways, especially old pipes is key and critical.

Um, especially when we're talking about the uh health of our youngest residents.

We all know that children absorb lead at a four to five um times faster rate than adults, um which can lead to early brain development issues as well, too.

So this I know there's been a push on a national level.

Um, this is very important for the city to keep pushing forward.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilman Ricey.

Yes, I just want well, uh, Councilman Owens said it.

I just wanted for any members of the public that um are watching or will watch.

Um, you're seeing a series of ordinances come through that are all related to water.

Um, and this is um part of it's a very expensive project, but this is how the city keeps our water safe and clean.

Um, so um these are very important projects that have to happen, some because of federal mandates, um, but also because of the age of our infrastructure and it's its necessity for us to really invest this money to update um our system so that we do not become like a flint or any of those other places where we have uh poor water quality.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilman Willower.

Yes, I also just wanted to underline how important this kind of project is.

I think that this um funding to replace uh the water mains is very important because I think all of us have seen um the impact on our streets, on our neighborhoods, on um, you know, downtown neighborhoods when these water mains break and they can break at any time.

So the old ones need to be replaced, and I'm just really uh appreciative that the Department of Public Works is proactive in identifying uh water mains to replace and um getting them to be replaced so that we can avoid all the maintenance costs that comes with uh unexpected breaking of the water maids.

So comment thank you.

Any other question?

Councilman Oliver?

Yes.

Um, everything's been said, but um I too would like to be uh co-sponsor just meeting with um public um works and talking to the administration.

Um not going to repeat what everybody said, but this is very important to our city.

So I would like to be a co-sponsor.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Did you get that?

Okay, thank you.

All right, okay, back to the sponsor.

Yes, thank you, madam chair.

Um, I had planned to, you know, share some of what has already been echoed um by my council colleagues in terms of the importance of um these ordinances, the importance of us um doing what we need to do to make sure that we have clean water um as it relates to the lead, etc.

And so um I also wanted to mention that there was this many um calls and meetings regarding making sure that this these ordinances and the work that we doing was definitely um important and understanding why we were spending so much money.

So I just wanted it to be on the record because I do know that some of our residents do not attend committee meetings, but we had a a very um robust um committee meeting regarding these uh pieces of legislation, and I just wanted that to be on on the record.

Okay, thank you.

Then is there nothing else?

Then clerk, please call for the roll.

Councilman Owens?

Yes, Councilwoman Oliver?

Yes, Councilwoman Harley?

Yes, Councilwoman Willower?

Yes, Councilwoman McCoy, yes, Councilman Johnson?

Yes, Councilwoman Bracey, yes, Councilman Hackett.

Yes, eight y'all's and five absent.

Declare it adopted.

My final piece of legislation.

Uh, madam chair, I have an ordinance to present and call for the third and final reading, agenda item number zero zero nine six.

Ordinance number twenty-five-zero four three, agenda number zero zero nine six, an ordinance authorizing the issuance of the city's general obligation bond in bonds in one or more series on a tax exempt and or taxable basis in order to provide the funds necessary to one finance various capital projects specified in the city's fiscal year 2024 and 2026 capital budgets, and two refund a general obligation bond anticipation note and certain outstanding general obligation bonds of the city and providing for the sale of the bonds and authorizing other necessary action.

Madam Chair, I move that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the yay and a vote.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded that it be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for the yay and a vote on the question.

Oh, yes, madam chair.

I just need to share the synopsis for this one.

This ordinance authorizes the issuance of up to 50 million aggregate principal amount of general obligation bonds in order to finance any duly authorized capital II project of the city specified in the city's Capital II budget for its fiscal years ending June 30th, 2024 and June 2026, the issuance of up to 41 million aggregate principal amount of general obligation bonds in order to currently refund certain outstanding debt of the city, including the 2024 ban and the 2015 general obligation bond and the payment of the costs associated with the issuance of the aforementioned bonds.

Again, I'm glad to see that we're going to the bond market again.

I know it's been a few years as a city from us going to this.

This piece of legislation right here is key and critical for quality of life issues throughout the city of Wilmington, including neighborhood stabilization funding, which we as a council fought for and worked with the mayor's administration.

But also some other things, site acquisition, park improvements, which is amazing.

But then also which I think is one of the biggest that I want to give a shout out to the public works department for doing already in my district is the street paving um and taking care of some of these potholes and messed up streets that we have throughout the city.

I will uh give a hat off to the corner administration for addressing a lot of them already, and this gives seven million dollars more funding um to get that done.

So that um again, I would like to be added as a co-sponsor, but again, thank you uh so much, and I look forward to voting for this.

Any other comments?

Okay, um, thank you.

Councilwoman Oliver.

Okay, um I'm gonna um the streets are really looking good.

I'm gonna give kudos to uh the walkways, the sidewalks, and the third district have finally been cared out there.

Could you please speak into your mic?

Okay, yeah, I wanted to give kudos to some of the seniors who were able to get their walkways done in the third district um under John Corney's administration.

So all of this is good.

So I'm not gonna echo what councilman Owen said, but this is great for our city, and I like to be a co-sponsor.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Millower.

Yeah, I just also want to say that these kinds of improvements are exactly what um residents um notice and and what are really uh impact everybody's day-to-day life, the streets, the potholes, the sidewalks, um, improving them.

I also want to thank the Carney administration for prioritizing sidewalk repair.

There's been a lot of sidewalks in the fifth district that have been repaired in the last six months.

Um we're still need to focus on some street repairs, but this kind of investment putting out this um bond, this this um bond to the bond market gives the city the resources to do just that.

So I would like to also be added as a co-sponsor.

Absolutely.

Thank you.

And the sponsor?

Yes, so I I want to first of all thank my uh council colleagues for um their comments and you know, just sharing the additional information um that we um some of it was shared in the committee, and of course, again, um, for the record for those that are listening that will watch this particular um meeting, as it has been stated, the bond um ordinance ordinance is very important, and there has been a number of projects that have been underway and have been identified as it has already been said, even in um my district.

I was in a meeting this week, and we were talking about some of the projects, the sidewalks that they have been waiting to get paid to get work done, and because of this legislation, we are able to move forward.

So this is a big deal for the residents for the city of Wilmington.

And again, I wanted to thank my council colleagues um for their input, their comments, and those that have co-sponsored and to help to get the word out to our constituents in terms of what we're doing and what they can look forward to.

That's all I have, madam chair.

Okay, thank you.

Clerk, if you can please call for the roll.

Councilman Owens, yes, councilwoman Oliver, yes, councilwoman Harley, yes, councilwoman Willower, yes, Councilwoman McCoy, yes, councilman Johnson, yes, councilwoman Bracey, yes, councilman Hackett.

Yes, eight years and five absent declared adopted.

Okay, councilman Johnson.

Good evening, uh Councilmember McCoy.

I have a resolution to present on your behalf.

Did we get that one?

Second.

Oh, yeah.

Resolution 25-050, agenda number 0108, whereas section 2-369 of the city code requires grants awarded by the mayor, city council, or the city treasurer and the amount of 5,000 or more within a fiscal year to be approved by resolution of city council.

And whereas City Council member Yolanda M.

McCoy wishes to award a grant to the Byard Square Civic Association in the amount of $5,700 from the beautification funds, which have been allocated to provide sponsorship by various council persons.

I move that to resolution be received, recorded, and filed and adopted by Yay and A vote.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The resolution be received, recorded, and filed, and adopted by ANA vote on the question.

This is a presented on your behalf.

This is uh continuing to make good use out of beautification funds.

Actually, I think you're gonna be the first council member to spend those funds this fiscal year.

So kudos are I see council member Owens is is motioning, but uh this is the first um you know one I believe over the five five thousand dollar threshold.

So uh great work.

Uh I have an opportunity to course see uh the beautiful artwork um because our neighborhoods uh cross over each other, um, especially as you come from uh outside the city into the city, the artwork uh it's great work.

So um, you know, uh I appreciate the uh artists uh giving back to our city and uh pass it off to you if there's anything else to add.

Thank you.

Uh any other comments are going to be a good one.

Uh Councilman Oliver.

Yes, madam chair.

Um, I too am happy to see uh the funding uh being spent and thanks to uh former mayor Jim Baker encouraging me to put in that uh beautification uh resolution.

I'm glad that we are really taking advantage of it, and kudos to you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Anyone else?

Okay, all right, Clerk, please call for the roll.

Councilman Owens?

Yes, Councilwoman Oliver, yes, Councilwoman Harley, yes, councilwoman Willower, yes, councilwoman McCoy, yes, councilman Johnson, yes, councilwoman Bracie, yes, councilman Hackett, yes, eight years, five absent.

Declare adopted.

Uh on behalf of councilmember McCoy, I have another resolution to present.

Resolution 25-051, agenda number 0109.

Whereas pursuant to section two-three six three of the city code, city council deemed it necessary and proper to specify the move that's a resolution be received, recorded and filed, and adopted by A vote.

Second, it's been properly moved and seconded.

The resolution be received, recorded, and filed, and adopted by ANA vote on the question.

Um, this is uh in support of uh Womanton Police uh departments uh continued efforts to deter crime.

Um, specifically, uh and this is a uh grant, I believe, um, at least since I've been on council, I believe council member coy is a grant that the city applies for and thankfully receives is to covet specifically violent crime, it's in the tune of uh over 100 uh over 370,000 uh dollars.

Um it is specifically again targeted for this efforts.

There's no matching funds from the um from the city, and this is again to uh offset the fiscal impact of overtime investigator costs, additional uh more beats, um community engagement teams.

Um so we hear from out the community that this is a focus and it's so important to our residents.

So grants like these help uh promote and support those efforts.

Thank you.

Any question or comment?

All right, clerk, please call for the roll.

Councilman Owens.

Yes, councilwoman Oliver, yes, councilwoman Harley, yes, councilwoman Willower, yes, Councilwoman McCoy, yes, councilman Johnson, yes, councilwoman Bracie, yes, councilman Hackett, yes, eight years and five absent declare adopted.

Uh on behalf of councilmember McCoy have another resolution to present.

Resolution 25-052, agenda number zero one one zero, whereas pursuant to section two-three six three of the city code, city council deemed it necessary and proper to specify the requirements for reviewing.

At this time, I move that this resolution be received, recorded, and filed, and adopted by you and a vote.

Second.

The resolution be received, recorded, and filed, and adopted by a and a vote on the question.

Um this resolution is uh in companion to the first one.

Essentially, these are specialized funds in the tune of uh $59,000 specifically um for uh expenses for training.

Um so this is specifically for training in those costs.

Um so this is again believe uh Woman has been a recipient of uh year of a year, and then again um as the laws change, we we expect our um our police to be up to date uh on the latest to protect our community.

So these are specifically funds for that.

There are no matching dollars from the city required.

Any comments?

Yes, I think I'm sorry, Councilman Councilman Owens.

Okay.

Um what type of training will the officers be going through?

Okay.

Uh well madam chair.

Yes.

Um so specifically, and and again I'm just uh your indulgence.

I have notes from the police department.

Um specifically for this resolution, it will be um patrol investigator and specialized units.

So um this isn't not again a new grant.

So um specifically uh again police department can't can elaborate, but is it it is for um usually is for tactical training, those kind of things are related to that.

So that's been a spirit of how the police department has used it in the past.

I don't believe the uh intent has changed as they've had they've been a recipient of this grant at least for the past five years follow-up president.

Yes, you may follow.

Um with additional grant money coming in to cover training, um correct me if I'm wrong, they have some flexibility with what it can be used for.

Has there ever been any conversation about any trauma informed um police training for this to better engage with the community, especially um with a police force that does not reflect the same racial demographics of a city?

Uh councilman Johnson, I hate to take this.

All right, thank you, Councilman Owens.

Uh so this uh the funds that we are receiving for training, we do still have some say over the types of training.

You and I both have had conversation and got a chance to talk to other organizations about trauma informed uh policing.

And so even though we have not made a decision, that does not mean that the that uh that training cannot take place.

So we need to make certain that we get together and actually uh nail down where which organization that we would like to actually make certain that this training happens with.

Okay.

So but um this is uh funds that they do apply for annually, and so make certain that training is available.

Okay, councilwoman Oliver.

Thank you, madam president.

Um I appreciate that question.

Um my um statement is that um for as training, I would just like to, and I have had this conversation with you as well as the captain, but I just wanted to be out publicly um because I had a meeting and a lot of the residents do not know the police officers, so I'm constantly asking them um could they get out the car?

And I said it and I know you know the training is for patrol and you know it's sad when you have a meeting and you have 30 people in there and only two people and they know they're um community officers.

That was unheard of back in the day when we was growing up.

We knew our officers because they pulled over, they knew the people who lived on the block.

I'm not saying everybody, and I'm not saying you gotta get out and knock on everybody's door or anything of that nature.

But park on the corner, get out.

You should know at least two people who've been living on the block for 40 years.

They don't know the officers, they ride by you the way ladies said they wave, they don't pull over.

I mean, somebody's wave and pull over if you don't know them if that is your if that's your area, and just say how you doing, this is my area.

I'm not gonna get into it, but I do think they need to engage more with individuals who live in their district.

I'm not saying none of them do, but I'm talking about some of the new ones.

They need to get out and just say I'm new to the neighborhood, even if they're you know, coming from another side of town, switching up a day, I mean, for a day, that's part of their job.

So I've said it um before, and I'm gonna continue saying it.

I think um, you know, to be in a meeting and nobody knows but two officers out of 30 people, that's really it's embarrassing to me as a public official and to be working in that neighborhood.

So I just want to put it out there.

Thank you.

Thank you, Councilman Oliver.

Did anyone else have anything?

Okay.

All right.

Clerk, please call fluoros.

Councilman Owens.

Yes.

Councilwoman Oliver.

Yes.

Councilwoman Harley.

Yes.

Councilwoman Willower.

Yes.

Councilwoman McCoy.

Yes.

Councilman Johnson.

Yes.

Councilwoman Bracey?

Yes.

Councilman Hackett.

Yes.

Eight years and five absent.

Declare adopted.

And uh lastly, uh count uh councilman McCoy have another resolution to present on your behalf.

Okay.

Resolution 25-053, agenda number 0111.

Whereas pursuant to section two-three.

I moved that to resolution be received, recorded, and filed by and adopted by any vote.

Second.

It's been properly moved and seconded.

The resolution may receive recorded and filed and adopted by yeah and they vote on the question.

Um this is uh again and another grant application.

This is specifically uh in the tune of 30 approximately 32,000 dollars is for drug interdiction activity.

Um I'm aware of this being a uh a resolute or grant the department has received before and specifically for targeting uh drug crimes.

Um you know, again, this is uh on the can't speak for the police department, um, but I believe you know the intent of uh Captain Campos in terms of um how the uh department engagement in the community is that the community uh all officers are supposed to be community officers, but specifically in sectors, the um community engagement team is supposed to be the ones who uh in the blue shirts, they engage the community.

I know in sector three we have a lot of success.

Me and Councilmember McCoy.

Um a lot of folks know the community engagement officers.

I know that's probably not the same in every neighborhood.

Um, so it's something I think the department can work on uh better in in the future.

Thank you.

Um before I call for the role, I just would like to add that um I do agree with Councilman Johnson.

I am you know I felt as though this is something that we need to address.

Councilman Oliver, do you and I need to talk to our chief together?

Because as uh Councilman Johnson state, that's not what I'm receiving in my neighborhood.

We actually a lot of people know who their officers are.

And I don't know whether that's experienced thing, but we'll definitely deal with it.

Okay, yes, thank you.

And just for the record, I love the police officers.

I don't want to call boo-boo when a problem happens, so it's not like that, but I want to call the police, and everybody knows that I love the police, but I just wanted to make that statement.

So I'm on the I'm on the police side.

Right.

Okay, thank you.

All right.

As we are.

Okay.

Clerk, please call for the role.

Councilman Owens.

Yes.

Councilwoman Oliver.

Yes.

Councilwoman Harley.

Yes.

Councilwoman Willower.

Yes.

Councilwoman McCoy.

Yes.

Councilman Johnson.

Yes.

Councilwoman Bracey.

Yes.

Councilman Hackett.

Yes.

Eight years and five absent.

Declare adopted.

And uh lastly, madam chair, uh President Pro Tim.

I will be holding agenda item 0112.

I'll be presenting it at the October 2nd council meeting.

Thank you.

Given for that information.

All right.

So we are finished.

Hold up.

Let me say.

I got through my first meeting.

Yay.

Okay, so we're gonna go to petition and communications.

All right, councilman Owens.

None tonight.

Okay.

Oh.

I know, right?

Councilman Oliver.

Yes, I have several tonight.

Thank you.

Um, Madam President.

Uh first I would like to announce that I um we have a Northeast cleanup day with um Stanford Stanford School.

Um, see, here we go.

Yes, Stanford School and Howard High School students who um um a partner with uh Roberts legal group.

Um he is um sponsoring the um the buckets, the um all the cleanup materials, but that's gonna be um October the first.

Um, and that's gonna be on the north side.

We have volunteers, anybody else would like if anyone else would like to participate, please come uh for the Northeast cleanup.

We're gonna start off at uh um the Hope Commission.

Um secondly, um I have a excuse me, let me get it right here.

We have a um gun giveaway.

Uh excuse me.

Giveaway.

Y'all won't let me finish.

Y'all gotta let me finish.

Let me finish.

Let me finish.

All y'all was.

It can't be your first meeting without a point of order.

Okay, this is a I was trying to pull it up.

This is a first curve, first come, first serve, uh practice gun safety, gun lock giveaway at the Hope Commission.

Um Monday, October the 20th from 1230 to 3, uh, sponsored by council member Oliver in the Hope Commission.

And this is for individuals who have weapons and um talking to the chief and other police officers.

Um most people's guns are getting or being stowed out of their car because they have kids or family members in the house and they don't want to take them in there.

So um Senator Derrick Brown and some other people were able to get some gun lock safety for individuals' guns.

So if you have a gun, you could put a lock on it.

So even if you leave it in a car, it won't be so easy for people to take your guns.

Or now you would take them in the house, and you should be able to put them in the basement somewhere.

And that's gonna be again at the Hope Commission Monday, October the 20th from 1230 to 3.

Um, Miss Owens will be sending that out.

Feel free to tell individuals about that.

And lastly, we have a on October.

What's this?

No, next this is August.

Is it September September?

I got some September the 25th.

We have a fit and all press conference at 10th and Clifford Brown Walk.

Any individuals that would like to come out and support it.

Hopefully the AG's office will be there.

Some other people will be there.

Um the mobile van.

And the reason for this is we we have the influx increase of individuals from uh a lot of them from out of town, some from here that are on fitnall, and it's really sad, and you know, you just see them laying everywhere, out everywhere, and we are hopefully hoping to push.

We even talk to the governor.

It needs to be a rehabilitation, a rehab clinic somewhere in Newcastle County.

Right now, doing our research is just one on Kirkwood Highway, and that's just for detox.

That's just for a couple days.

Another one is further down, like the bridge house, and you can stay for maybe seven days.

So most of the people that we get here have Aaron Moore has to take them to Philly, Baltimore, Jersey, New York, and we have um issues here in Wilmington, and it should be a rehabilitation center here in Wilmington for our people.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Oh, yes, um, thank you, madam chair.

I just want to announce that um uh HBCU, the the HBCU week gospel brunch, um, is going to be this Sunday, September the 21st, um, from two to four.

Um there's more information out on the web, but it's gonna be at the Queen at 500 North Market Street.

It was uh a great event last year.

Um the speaker is going to be Reverend Don Christopher, and again, that's the Sunday um HBCU gospel brunch uh from two to four at the Queens.

And I also wanted to announce our um Black Restaurant Week starting Sunday, September the 28th through October the 5th, and of course it's gonna be uh culminating event with uh Black Food Festival.

Um there's gonna be uh free giveaways, we're gonna have the celebrity chief appearances, and it's just gonna be a whole lot of fun.

So I know it starts before our next council meeting, so I just wanted to share that so people can put it on their calendars again, starting Sunday, September the 28th through October the 5th.

That's all I have.

Thank you.

Councilwoman Willower.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

I just wanted to acknowledge uh Nuestras Raizus and a very successful 49th um annual Hispanic Parade and Festival.

And it uh it took place last Sunday.

It's just an amazing event with um run by volunteers and uh and brings out you know the community brings out um people from all over uh the region just to celebrate uh the diversity of Hispanic culture.

And I just uh really appreciate how they met they transformed Four Street for that uh that whole day.

And it it's an incredible event every year, and next year will be their 50th anniversary, so um we can all look forward to that.

That's all I have, Madam Chair.

Okay, thank you.

Uh Councilman Johnson.

Uh just uh and I like to thank all those who attended the uh Pennsylvania Avenue Corridor um community meeting earlier this week.

Um we're gonna be doing more of those meetings um as there's a lot of traffic issues and some zoning issues in the area.

Um there will be meetings on October and November.

We'll keep uh those in that corridor um because it encompasses the seventh in the Hurst District uh engaged um because again, you know, when we're looking at traffic and improving lives, we want you involved.

So thank you very much for those who came out.

Uh we'll keep you posted on upcoming meetings.

And while we talk about traffic, I don't know if Deacon Earl Tate is here.

Um I know some residents uh have in the community submitted um their formal petitions.

The Wilmington City website now does have the traffic petitions on the website, um, which is something um chairwoman of public works uh uh Oliver and I have worked on.

Um so those are there.

Uh I just received the first formal one this week.

Um you have to have the signatures, plus you have to have the photos and videos as well of the intersections.

Um so uh I have a community that's already kind of in the process.

Um those who are interested throughout the city should be applying for this money because we gotta spend it.

Um we have the money in the budget that we worked hard to get the traffic calming devices.

So Deacon Al Turk, Deacon Earl, if you you have your community has not applied for one.

Um we certainly I've seen a finished one that uh it has everything in good order.

There's a way to do it.

Um I know some other residents have submitted petitions, but they were for state roads, so again it has to be city roads.

So again, it has to be city roads.

Um, and there's a map on the public works website as well with the city roads, not state control roads.

So um let me or our chairwoman Oliver know.

I know um um councilwoman uh Will Auer is involved as well, um, so we can get the traffic cloning devices installed before the winter hits it.

All right, thank you.

Uh Councilwoman Bracey.

Thank you.

Um this Saturday morning um is the uh 2025 AIDS Delaware AIDS Walk.

Um Wilmington City Council does have a team.

We will be out at Brainy Wine Park around 9:30 a.m.

Um so anyone that wants to support AIDS Delaware and the annual AIDS walk, feel free to meet us down at Brainy Wine Park.

Additionally, uh on that same day, um, Christina Cultural Arts uh Center is hosting the Soul of the City Festival Um downtown Market Street.

Um so lots of fun events happening um throughout our city.

Um additionally, wanted to mention um that the Reading Consortium is having a large community co-interpretation event, a community event to talk about what's happening with the Reading Consortium.

This is very important information that we need to get out to our families in our communities.

That is Saturday, September 27th from 9.30 to 2.30 at Warner Elementary.

Um I'm sure you can go online and get more information on how to register.

It's a free event, but they're really wanting to with all of the changes coming down the pike um with education and education funding, um, that they are getting the work of the Reading Consortium out to the community.

So please make sure that those that have families um and kid kids in school that you are engaging with this important work as it will affect you and your job.

Thank you.

Thank you.

And Councilman Hackett.

Yeah, just have two things.

So on October 5th, you know, we have our Black Restaurant Week that's uh getting ready to air.

We got a whole new version.

I'm so excited.

Our chief of staff, Elijah Simmons did a great job.

Uh it's from 12 to 5 at the uh Queen.

So we I advise all colleagues to make sure you reach out to all our civic associations and our nonprofits and let's let's get them there.

You know, we need to pack the streets out and pack the queen out so that people can see what we're doing.

Uh also two nights before October 3rd, uh, we're having a one.

Well, I'm having a one-month in early teacher appreciation night.

You know, I think it's really important that we um highlight our teachers sometimes.

It was great to see Eastide Charter walk the kids back in.

Um, but I think it's it's time that we, you know, celebrate our teachers.

It's going to be at 0 34.

Uh, like I said, that Friday, um, October 3rd from 6 to 9.30.

It's free for all educators.

So um, we're looking to have a good night, and we uh partner with uh NOR Educators, so EDU.

So that's about it for me.

Okay, thank you.

Uh so um it seems like it's a lot going on.

Writing consortium is from 9.30 to 2.30.

That's a day.

All right.

So I actually had something I wanted to add.

So this actually um comes uh on the tail end of the meeting, but it's back to the uh the young person that I recognized earlier today, Jameer.

And one of the things I wanted to make certain that I uh expressed was that um HBCU week here is upon us.

And so and I'm encouraging every parent and guardian to make sure that your child school is attending the field house next week.

And it is an opportunity that they should not miss.

And so I actually had to go, things um have changed a little bit when it comes to the um to the scholarship.

Hold on, what did it call it again?

Make sure I'm saying it right.

It is a college fair.

I'm sorry.

So on Friday, September 26th, they will be having a college fair at the uh Chase Field House.

This time you need to register, and you uh when I registered my son to either make certain I'm able to take him or his school because I do uh one of his schools have reached out to me.

Uh I had to register him and also put down his report card.

They want to make certain that your child is actually on the college track.

You need to have a certain GPA in order to register for this college fair.

So I just want to make certain that everyone, all of the parents and guardians out there are taking, you know, are taking the time to look at this as an opportunity to um encourage their kids or those who are on that college track, see whether or not you can get some more help.

Um, one of the other things that I really wanted to make certain that people are aware of when it comes to scholarships here with the city of Wilmington is that our scholarships for our residents are for all ages.

It is not for people who are freshly out of high school, and also it is for colleges and trade schools.

So people need to know we are trying to make certain that our in this day of AI where people are a little nervous about what's to come five years from now, whether or not there'll be jobs here for their children.

We want to make certain that our kids are prepared either way.

So please take a look at either the college track or the trade school.

So those are the things I wanted to make certain that I I put out there.

But that's all that I have this evening if no one um if anyone else has something they forgot to add, here's your chance.

All right.

Hold on I must say okay so I will accept the motion to adjourn.

Motion to adjourn.

Motion all those we probably moved and seconded to adjourn.

All those in favor signify by saying I motion carry.

Y'all have a great evening thank you.

Thank y'all for making it easy for me