The meeting will please come to order.

Good evening, everyone.

My name is Trippy Congo, President of Wilmington City Council.

And on behalf of all of my fellow council members, we just want to thank everyone who has joined us this evening in Council Chambers.

Also a special thanks to everyone who is with us virtually.

Today is Thursday, November the twentieth.

We are going to begin with our 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.

Councilman Owens.

Councilwoman Harley.

Councilwoman Willower.

Present.

Councilwoman McCoy.

Councilman Johnson.

Councilman Field.

Present.

Councilwoman Bracey.

Present.

Councilwoman Cabrera.

Councilman Hackett.

Councilman Spadola.

President Congo.

Here.

Council members.

Hackett Spadola and that's it.

There are nine present and four absent.

For anyone who was in Council Chambers, if you do want to make public comment, and if you haven't already signed up, there is still time to do so.

You have about another ten minutes to sign up.

Uh the sign-up order is just directly in front of you, just before the double doors.

Also, there is a Google form sign up link in the chat for anyone who is virtual and you would like to make public comment.

The following legislation is going to be held this evening from Councilmember Spadola, a resolution urging the administration to explore all available fiscal measures before proposing any increase to water or sewer rates.

At this time, we're gonna have the reading of the minutes from our previous meeting.

November 6, 2025, City Council met in regular session with remote participation on the above date on at 6 33 p.m.

President Ernest M.

Second Congo the second presiding.

The opening president, I move that the minutes be accepted as written.

Second.

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 carried.

At this time we will have our committee reports.

November 10th, 2025.

Ladies and gentlemen, we your public safety committee met by anchor location and remote participation to who was referred ordinance number 25-067 entitled an ordinance to authorize and approve an agreement between the city of Wilmington and Leeds Online LLC for an integrated ballistic identification system.

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

Respectfully submitted those members of the public safety committee, those members present, Councilwoman McCoy, Councilwoman Bracey, Councilwoman Darby, Councilwoman Oliver, absent with leave, Councilman Spadola, Councilman Johnson, President Congo.

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

Second.

It's been properly moved and second the report be received, recorded, and filed on the question.

All in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

November 10th, 2025.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are public safety committee met by anchor location and remote participation to who is referred ordinance number 25-061 entitled an ordinance to amend chapter 39 of the city code to allow retired police officers to serve on the police pension board.

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

Respectfully submitted those members of the public safety committee.

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

I mean I move that 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 in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

This time we'll have our city treasurer's report.

November 20th, 2025.

Total investments 546,817,671 dollars and twelve cents.

Total cash on hand, 17 million two hundred and seventy-three thousand three hundred and two dollars and seventy-two cents.

Grand total five hundred and sixty-four million ninety thousand nine hundred and seventy-three dollars and eighty-four cents.

Submitted city treasurer Dwayne Sims.

I move that the treasury report be received, recorded, and filed.

Second.

Second.

It's been properly moved and second that the treasure's report be received, recorded, and filed on the question.

All in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

And this time we will have.

Well, I'll accept the motion to move to accept all non-legislative business.

So motion.

Second.

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

All in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

This time we do have recognition resolutions.

Councilmember McCoy.

Yes, if I can be met at the podium by uh Chief Looney and uh Deputy Chief.

Oh my gosh.

Cooper Cooper Cooper.

Oh, I'm so sorry.

My apologies.

I drew a blank.

Okay.

So um I actually would like to say this is a proper time for this resolution because this is basically council and myself giving thanks.

Uh there was an upheaval earlier this year when it came to how we would deal with emergency services within the city of Wilmington.

And you know, basically there was a responsibility that needed to be met, and the fire department did what they needed to do.

And I'm just so happy that it went flaw.

Well, I'm not gonna say flawless because I don't know what happened behind the scenes, but there was no hiccups, and we were able to uh pick up right where Trinity Health Labs are.

Okay.

So I'm the sponsor, Councilmember McCoy.

Whereas it is the sense of city council to honor individuals, organizations, and milestones that demonstrate outstanding achievement and deserving of recognition and acknowledgement.

Councilmember Yolanda and McCoy recognized the Wilmington Fire Department's transition to providing emergency services for the city of Wilmington is one such occasion.

Whereas February of 2025, Trinity Health, Wilmington's longtime EMS provider announced that it would end ambulance services for city residents.

Effective June 28th, 2025, with the addition of 30 firefighters, emergencies or slash emergency medical technician positions, the men and women of the Wilmington Fire Department accepted the responsibility of being the primary provider of EMS for the city.

And whereas under the leadership of Wilmington Fire Department, Chief of Fire, John Looney, and the Battalion Chief of Emergency Medical Services and Special Operations, Eric Haley, the EMS team has taken on the challenge of meeting the urgent medical needs of residents throughout the city.

Despite the intense demands of their existing responsibilities, including fire suppression, rescue, and other critical services, there was no lapse in service during this major transition.

And whereas, since the Wilmington Fire Department assumed full responsibility for EMS calls on April 17th, 2025, the EMTs have handled over 9,330 incidents.

In a typical week, the team manages approximately 450 incidents and an average of nearly 2,000 incidents per month.

And the face of significant pressure, their professionalism, integrity, and resilience merit special distinction.

Wilmington is safer, stronger, and profoundly grateful because of your sacrifice, your strength, and your perseverance.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the council of the city of Wilmington that this council expresses sincere appreciation for the Wilmington Fire Department with special thanks to the remarkable men and women who staffed the newly expanded EMN services team.

EMS services team.

Job well done.

Thank you, sir.

Good evening.

Thank you, Public Safety Chairwoman McCoy.

Council President Congo and all other council members present and present virtually.

You know, this um as we talk about this transition into this uh you know vital public safety service.

Um there's a lot a lot of a lot of other, you know, uh individuals that were involved in this.

Um, you know, we had human resources, we had the finance department, we had public works department, we had IT department, um, the OMB.

More importantly, we had Mayor Corney's uh support and assistance from his office.

Uh, you know, the chief's office was faced with a challenge, uh, pretty significant challenge.

And when you're in the positions that we're in in the chief's office, you know, that that's your responsibility to come up, you know, with a plan, a model, develop it and implement it.

But more importantly, um, you know, and I've said this to you know, other individuals, it it comes back to the men and women of the Wilmington Fire Department.

Um, you know, I I'm not here to take credit for all this, it's the men and women that are out there.

You know, and as chief, I commend and I applaud each of each of you for your commitment to being empathetic, compassionate, and dedicated to the delivering the highest quality service to our citizens and visitors.

You know, your work reflects the best of WFD, and I am very grateful for that continued service.

So, really, the credit goes to them.

They're out there on the street.

You know, they there was no interruption in service, um, which, you know, as a chief, that's obviously that was the main priority.

And uh, the reason why is because of the men and women.

So thank you.

Thank you again.

Councilmember Owens.

Councilmember Owens.

Oh, we're not going to be able to do that.

One second, please, Chief.

Um, just real quick, I just wanted to say thank you for all the work that y'all are doing and all the men and women of the fire department as well, too.

Um, I think when people say there was no uh interruption with services, I think services got better because response times got better.

You're not waiting, and I'm grateful for them, the county EMS that had to come in and help during uh the in the Trinities run with us.

But now that we have a operating uh EMS service right here in the city of Wilmington, we're able to save lives a lot quicker.

And that's thanks to y'all for and I know y'all still working everything out, but y'all have done it in a great job in a very short time period.

Um, graduating one of the largest classes as well, too.

So again, just thank you for all the work that y'all do.

Um, and we will continue to make sure we pray um for everyone's safety as well.

Thank you.

Councilmember Willower.

Yes, before we go, just I want to also say thank you.

Um having the setting up the service, making it work, being there when people call.

Um, there is nothing um like that to make sure that people feel safe and that they know that when they need help, it's gonna be there.

So from the bottom of my heart, I just really thank you.

Thank you.

Councilmember Harley.

Yes, thank you.

Um, Mr.

President, I just want to say, as well as my council colleagues, first to Councilmember McCoy for um presenting this recognition because it is well deserved, Chief Cooley, uh, to you and everyone that's involved to help make this transition successful.

I want to say thank you.

Um, and just to take this moment to commend you, your team for the exceptional service um and transitioning um to the EMS service, your dedication um and commitment to just ensuring that our community safety and well-being um doing this transition, um, just basically is come is very commendable and it's evident that you prioritize um when we take residents, and it's great greatly appreciated.

Excuse me.

And again, thank you um for your hard work and leadership, which is very important um and this vital service, Chief Clooney.

Thanks again.

Thank you, Councilmember Oliver.

Thank you, Ms.

President.

I just like to um uh echo what my co-co-workers say that I wish some of the EMS workers were here because they say like uh three individuals in the third district about two weeks ago, three different situations that had OD, and they was and I was just happening to be right there driving by.

I mean, long story short, they really came um pretty fast, um, and they did a great job.

And I mean, I know how and I know and I know how to use the kit, but just seeing them um, you know, in action, it was really, you know, it was good to see them come right away.

So that um kudos to them, tell them I said thanks a lot.

Thank you.

All right, thank you.

Have a good one.

Thank you.

Councilmember Owens.

Yes.

Can um AIDS Delaware please join me.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um I am I wanted to do this resolution because December is uh AIDS and HIV awareness month.

Um, and as the health chair, I think it's important to continue to highlight um the work that is being done right here in the city of Wilmington and across the state of Delaware, especially now that we know funding is being under attack um for research purposes.

So we have a resolution that we would like to present to AIDS Delaware to thank them for all the work that they have been doing.

Um and I will read that resolution now.

Um sponsor Councilmember Kobe J.

Owens, whereas it's the sense of city council to honor individuals, organizations, and events that demonstrate outstanding achievement and deserving recognition and acknowledgement.

Councilmember Kobe J.

Owens recognizes HIV in AIDS Awareness Month as one such occasion.

Um to whereas December has been nationally and internationally recognized as HIV Awareness Month, a time to honor the lives lost to HIV and AIDS and support those living with the virus and renew our collective effort to end HIV in um pandemic.

Whereas more than four decades after the first case was identified, HIV and AIDS continues to impact individuals, families, communities, and particularly communities of color, LGBT plus communities, and other disproportionately affected by health inequities.

Whereas advances in science, medicine, and public health has created effective treatment to allow people living with HIV and AIDS to lead a long, healthy lives and ensure that individuals with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus.

Prevention strategies, including regular testing, prep, and harm reduction services continue to play a central role in reducing the new HIV infections.

Whereas AIDS Delaware has played an integral role in the lives in individuals or families impacted by HIV and AIDS, founded in 1984 at the height of the crisis.

It's Delaware's oldest and largest HIV service organization.

And throughout its history, this organization has maintained steadfast commitment to equity, to dignity, and access for every person, which is so critical right now.

Their deep um, their deep local partnerships and ability to leverage trusted relationships, investment, and evidence-based intervention and impactful community education has improved the lives of thousands of Delaware's annually.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by this council of the city of Wilmington that this council is pleased to recognize HIV A and AIDS Awareness Month and commend AIDS Delaware for more than four decades of diligent service to residents of the city of Wilmington and throughout the state of Delaware.

Job well done.

Thank you, Councilman Owens.

Thank you, Council President Congo, and and all members.

Thank you for recognizing HIV Awareness Month.

And equally as important, thank you for recognizing the work of AIDS Delaware and our 20 plus employees who show up every single day across the state to support people living with HIV.

In the last uh few months, our slogan has become progress can't pause, and neither can we.

And that's not about one person or one moment.

It's about an entire team of medical case managers, of educators, of administrative staff, and of volunteers who refuse to let progress stall.

Not on their watch, not in Wilmington, and not in Delaware.

The reality is HIV is still here.

Stigma is still here.

And so is the need for testing, for prevention, for treatment, and the kind of compassionate judgment-free support our staff brings to thousands of Delawareans each year.

Tonight's acknowledgement reminds our team that this work matters.

It tells our clients that Wilmington sees them.

And it strengthens all of us as we push toward a Delaware where every person can live healthy, connected, and stigma-free.

Progress can't pause, and neither can we.

Thank you very much.

Anyone else want to say something?

All right, thank you.

Councilmember McCoy.

Um, because as we are noticing, we're seeing things like you know, these great leaps and bounds with science when it comes to uh medication and things to keep people around, as a person who's lost someone to that disease, uh, and knowing that people are a little bit more uh relaxed because of all of the new science, you know, behind it.

I'm just glad that you're still working hard to make certain everyone is educated and that we will at some point finally get a chance to get this thing under control and it won't spread any longer.

Councilmember Oliver.

Thank you.

Umgratulations to all y'all uh for coming out for AIDS um awareness month.

Um, I know growing up we had a neighbor when I was young who passed away from AIDS back then, you didn't know what it was.

And I was glad that um Miss McManus invited me in this month to come in and be tested, which was negative.

Um, and you don't really, it doesn't hit you until you're sitting there waiting for a test.

And it's like I'm like, I I don't think I have it, I don't think, but you're still nervous.

Like well, I've never been tested before, and it was um a good feeling when it came back and it was negative.

And I did share with a lot of my friends to go to come up and get tested because it's just good to know, and now I feel better sharing it with people telling don't be afraid to go get a test.

So um thanks a lot and Frank, keep up the good work.

All right, thank you.

I would like to recognize Councilmember Darby, and I believe you have a presentation.

I'd also like to um recognize that council member Fields asked to be excused.

Good evening.

I have a uh ordinary present resolution tonight for Troy BC Beats Thomas.

I don't know if him and his guests would like to come up now.

So this month of November, it is hip hop history month.

Um and the honorary um for tonight is has become an influential person in hip hop, especially putting Delaware on the map with the work that he's doing.

And we know that hip hop has been a cultural movement, a political movement, that has influenced the globe.

Um, black Americans, Caribbean people, and New York City, youth, kids, created hip hop, and what we know today.

So I'm gonna present this.

Um, I'm gonna read um our resolution here.

So, whereas it is the sense of city council to honor individuals and organizations who had demonstrated outstanding achievement and deserving of recognition and acknowledgement.

Councilmember Shine Darby recognized Grammy Award-winning musician Troy BC Beats Thomason as one such individual, and whereas Troy was recognized for his musical collaboration on the Hell's Kitchen original Broadway cast recording at the 67th Grammy Awards.

Nominated for 13 Tony Awards in 2024, the musical was spearheaded by Alicia Keys and inspired by her life and career.

And whereas Troy, also known as PC Beats or T Anthony, is a versatile singer, producer, and songwriter.

He relocated to Delaware from North Philadelphia early in his music career.

His natural talent and passion for music earned him the nickname DJ Pro Bloom Problem Child.

Because it was clear that he would be a game changer in the industry.

Whereas by the age of 17, PC Beats was creating music for other artists, including a credit on the song Where You At by Ray J, Futuring the Game.

In addition to his work with the star-studied cast of the Hell's Kitchen Musical, he worked alongside renowned performers like Missy Elliott, Jermaine Dupree, Jack Harlow, Lil Wayne, and Freeway.

And whereas, as host of his own beat battle series, known as Beat Brawlers, Beast Beat PC Beats uses his platform to showcase the work of other producers and help them develop their skills.

This council commends Troy for his creative excellence and his commitment to supporting his community, both in the city of Wilmington and throughout the region.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the council of the city of Wilmington that this council is pleased to recognize Troy Thomason and to wish him much success in all of his future endeavors.

Job well done.

So you're able to come up and give us a few words if you want to talk, or do you have people talking on behalf of you?

Okay.

I'll read the read what I wrote down here.

Hello, everybody.

So my name is Troy Thompson.

Uh but most know me as PC Beats.

I want to begin with expressing my deepest thanks to Wilmington City Council, to City to Councilwoman Sine Darby, and to Rich Raw to Rich Raw for making this moment possible.

Your support, your support for the arts and your recognition of hip hop, of hip hop's impact in this city truly means a lot.

Being honored tonight for my Grammy and for more work in Delaware's hip hop community is something I did I don't take lightly.

Hip hop has always been a bigger, has always been bigger than music for me.

It's culture, it's storytelling, it's healing, and it's a lifeline for so many young people who who just need someone to believe in them.

That's the big part of why we built the Laboratory Studios Foundation.

Through LSF, we're giving youth hands-on access to music production, songwriting, engineering, podcasting, and real creative workspace opportunities.

Every day I get to see young people find their voice, build confidence, and realize that their talent can take them far.

So this recognition isn't just about me.

It represents the artists, producers, DJs, and engineers who pour into the community.

It represents the youth coming through our programs who are who are dreaming bigger because they finally have the resources and mentors to guide them.

To my family, my team, the Delaware hip hop community, and everyone who has supported this journey.

Thank you.

I'm committed to continuing this work and continuing to show the greatness, what greatness looks like.

Thank y'all.

I appreciate it.

I would like to uh award level real quick.

Oh, you agree with it?

Yes.

Okay, let's see the group.

Wow, so what off.

You're gonna take a picture of the hallway.

Woo!

Okay.

We did it.

Take a picture.

Thank you.

Uh-huh.

This is awesome.

And then we'll probably go out and take pictures.

I don't know if any y'all want to say anything.

Y'all good?

Any good.

We could.

Any last words?

All right.

All righty.

I don't know if anything from council.

Y'all good.

Yeah, we're gonna go ahead and do that.

All right.

Councilmember Owens.

I just wanted to say keep up the amazing work.

Um, giving back to the youth, especially creating opportunities to as an outlet um to express ourselves is so key and critical.

Um, I know Richard Raw and his wife do amazing work as well, too.

So if you're working with them, you must be a solid guy.

Yes.

Yes.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

All right, thank you.

In the way of other resolutions of recognition coming from Councilmember Darby.

Oh, okay.

Thank you.

Councilmember Oliver.

Apologize.

Thank you.

I see I'm gonna come out there and take a picture with the Bramber guy.

Okay, this resolution um sponsored by Councilwoman Xantha Oliver.

Uh whereas the Census City Council to honor individuals and organizations and significant milestones that demonstrate outstanding achievement and deserving of recognition and acknowledgement.

Councilmember Xantha Oliver acknowledges the 46th president of the United States of America, Joseph R.

Biding Jr., 83rd birthday as such is today.

Whereas former President Biden was born in Stranton, Pennsylvania on November the 20th, 1942.

He has deep and lasting roots in Wilmington, Delaware, where he has lived most majority of his life.

Whereas throughout the decades of public service as United States Senator, Vice President to then President O Barack Obama as the 46th president of the United States of America, he has demonstrated demonstrated a commitment to the people of Wilmington, the state of Delaware, and a great nation.

Former President Biden campaign on critical social issues, including economic revitalization, civil rights, public safety, infrastructure investment, support for working families, his resilience, compassion, has faced challenges that have inspired countless individuals in the city and beyond this land.

Now they're being resigned by the city council of Wilmington that the council is pleased to recognize President Joseph R.

Biden Jr.

on his birthday today, may have many more days filled with love, laughter, and joy.

Job well done.

We will be mailing this to him.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Also coming from Councilwoman Darby, she would like to recognize the National Association for Black Veterans Incorporated on their 12th annual fundraising gala from Councilmember McCoy.

She would like to recognize the first T Legacy of Impact Gala.

As far as sympathy resolutions from all of council, a sympathy resolution for the former state representative John Adam Kowaco Jr.

from Councilmember Harley, a sympathy resolution for Linda Harrison and from Councilwoman Oliver, a sympathy resolution for Eugene Costin.

This time we will move to public comment.

First, we have Deacon Earl E.

Tate.

Thank you for joining us, Deacon Tate.

Good evening.

My name is digging Earl E.

Tate, who's never late because he don't want to lose his pair of roller skates.

And I like I like to say that this morning, this morning, as I was out there, out there on my duty as a school crossing guard.

I I seen uh I I had just crossed over, crossover a yeah a young lady with her with her son getting on the bus, getting on the school bus, and then as she came back across the street, and the bus pulled off down the street came came these people.

Uh they was driving like a bat out of hell, racing each other.

I I thought I I thought first, first it was it was the police uh uh an undercover police chasing them, but but it wasn't.

It was it was somebody in road rages as they went up 26th Street towards Market Street, and and and I seen the cars as they pulled out and head, and one of them, one one of them had one of them had a lady that hopped out of the car, uh, and and the other one, and another one had uh had a truck had had a pickup truck to back into another one to another car and everything.

But but but then after that got settled, uh I said we said we said, Oh, I'm glad I'm glad that there were that there was no kids out in the street cross crossing the street at that time because we got to do something uh do something that they see the stop sign, but they don't obey them.

So, like we got to do something else to get to get to get their attention.

And and also I'm gonna say this about about about the people that that been that been sleeping out in the park and everything.

Uh I uh there's no need there's no need for you to sleep out in the park when when when when that when there is plenty of acres of land up here in Murminton, and and all they had to do is just get some get some get get some trailers, some trailers from from a trucking company, and and put them out there and fix them up, fix them up uh at single houses, single houses for for those people to sleep in, and and therefore therefore they won't be in our parks and everything dirty up the parks.

Our parks will remain clean 30 seconds and such.

But I'm gonna say this to each and every one of y'all have a beautiful Thanksgiving and and and may and may you may you travel to and forth safely and sound.

Thank you.

Next, we have Tony Dunn.

Thank you.

Tony Dunn, second district, 2500 Civic Association.

Thank you, Mr.

President and City Council for this opportunity to speak to you.

I've been kind of busy in the community, uh, going to different meetings, um, listening to Stick Wits in your communities.

One of my issues is I I came up here prior to now, and we spoke about that homeless problem that we're now having in the parks.

They took away a whole community, started building on it.

Where do you think those people went?

These are not people from Philly, like the mayor said.

These are people right here from Wilmington.

So we need to look at that.

My other concern is people in the community came to our community meeting and spoke about the plumber center being removed from the city of Wilmington, which we know that the state is in control of that, but still it's a city beacon that helps poor people that are making transition from level five institutions to home.

And they're trying to take them and send them all the way down to Georgetown and Sussex County, which is which is not going to be beneficial to our families, to our businesses, and especially to those inmates that have to re-entry our program or our communities after being locked up for 20, 30 years.

We need the plumber center.

I went with another council member today, and we did a tour, complete tour of the plumber center.

And I wish some of you could have been on that tour as well.

That plumber center is doing things that when I was in there, they're doing now and they weren't doing.

Thank you.

Next we have Dora Williams.

And one of them is is that I think it's um Parkview on 1800 Broom Street is having the residents there.

The buses that the number two that goes right past there leaves there and goes up to ShopRite will not be making that trip anymore.

Um that bus is also supposed to stop at um Burlington Cove Factory, comes back to Wilmington, comes down Broom Street, and we know that Parkview and I love the apartments for low income, medium to low income is that are there, and those buses are not going to be running there, and people are kind of concerned about that.

As as well, young people as well as they have people that are disabilities and and they have seniors there as well.

Um I don't know whose district that is, but if you can say something maybe to Dart, find out, you know, exactly what's gonna be happening.

Are there gonna is there gonna be no transportation for those people?

All right, and the next thing I'd like to say is that um is having a funeral tomorrow.

There's gonna be a funeral for injustice.

It's do I say 1115, and um we'll be walking from Sam's to City County building here, and um there will be caskets and the morning will be um for injustice.

So hopefully somebody can join us just to mourn the loss of injustice.

Thank you so much.

Thank you.

And we did not have anyone uh who signed up virtually.

So that does conclude a public comment for this evening.

Again, we just want to thank those members from the community who came in and gave public comment.

Everyone is always welcome to come to our council meetings and also to our committee meetings to give public comment and give us your feedback.

Thank you very much.

Now we're going to move to legislative business.

Councilmember McCoy.

Yes, Mr.

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

Ordinance number 25-067, agenda number 0135, an ordinance to authorize and approve an agreement between the city of Wilmington and Leeds Online LLC for an integrated ballistic identification system.

Mr.

President, I move that that be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for a yay and they vote.

Second.

It's been properly moved and second that be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and called for a yay when they vote.

On the question.

Yes.

So this ordinance authorized the city to enter into a three-year agreement with leads online LLC for integrated ballistics identification system that is used to track and identify firearms by comparing digital images and unique marks.

So there is a fiscal impact.

The first year and the following is 26,000 uh 118, and the following is 26,902.

So what this uh actual uh piece of equipment actually does is it uses the images and makes them aware when you collect a bunch of different shells, which one is the best to process and put into the uh the system.

They're doing it, they're basically doing everything manual before now, and this would actually get them to the 21st century.

See no hands raised.

Clerk, please call for the role.

Councilman Owens.

Yes, councilwoman Darby, Councilwoman Oliver, yes, Councilwoman Harley.

Yes, Councilwoman Willower.

Yes, Councilwoman McCoy.

Yes.

Councilman Johnson.

Yes.

Councilwoman Bracey.

Yes.

President Congo.

Yes.

Nine Ya's and four absent.

Declared adopted.

Okay, thank you.

Uh I have another ordinance.

I have a Mr.

President, I have ordinance to present and call for the third and final reading.

Ordinance number 25-061, agenda number 0125, an ordinance to amend chapter 39 of the city code to allow retired police officers to serve on the police pension board.

Yes.

So, Mr.

President, I move that this be known as the enacting clause of the ordinance and call for yay and a vote.

Second.

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

All right.

Rather than read out this synopsis, I just want to make certain that people were that there is no financial, there's no financial impact.

There's anticipated.

And what this is is that uh it was brought to my attention that the pension board had vacancies.

And what they asked is that uh I created ordinance so that they can fill these vacancies with retired police officers from the city of Wilmington.

They wanted to do something that was very similar to what the uh with the firefighters have done.

So to make certain that they had people who understood the city and its environment and also the pension.

So this is what this ordinance is for.

Councilmember Oliver.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um my only hope is that it's um um it's a um a mixture of five uh police officers and not just one particular group.

Just want to make a comment thank you.

Thank you.

I'm sorry, I didn't hear that.

I didn't hear it.

Councilmember Oliver, can you please repeat your comment?

Yes, I said I think this is a good thing.

I'm just hoping it's not just um, I hope it's a variety of representation and not just one particular group.

Thank you.

Okay.

I understand.

Thank you, Councilmember Harley.

Yes, thank you, Mr.

President.

I want to thank Councilmember McCoy once again for um sponsoring this uh piece of legislation.

I would like to be added as well, being on the um pension board.

I don't think there's a conflict of infinite interest if it is no worries, but it is important.

If it is, no worries, but it is important.

This is uh a good and needed piece of legislation, and as the legislation is written, um, they definitely need to backfill some of these positions.

And so I think one of the points that council member Oliver was making was that she's hoping that it would be diverse uh mixture.

I believe she was saying between uh I I guess fire and and um police uh retirees.

That's all I have, Mr.

President.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Sponsor any final words?

Uh yeah, so um I just want to make aware that this is actually just police.

Fire has their own pension board.

So this is gonna be, yes, this is gonna be just for the uh Womanton Police Department.

All right, thank you.

Clerk, please call for the role.

Councilman Owens.

Yes, Councilwoman Darby.

Yes, Councilwoman Oliver.

Yes, Councilwoman Harley.

Yes.

Councilwoman Willower?

Yes.

Councilwoman McCoy.

Yes.

Councilman Johnson?

Yes.

Councilwoman Bracie.

Yes.

President Congo.

Yes.

Nine years and four absence.

Declared adopted.

Mr.

President, may I be excused?

Yes, she may be excused.

Councilmember Owens.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Mr.

President, I have a resolution to present on your behalf.

Resolution 25-072, agenda number 0140.

Whereas section 2-369 of the city code requires grants awarded by the mayor.

I move this resolution be received, recorded, and filed and adopted by Yay Nay Vote.

Second.

It's been popping move and second that the resolution be received, recorded, filed, and adopted by Yaryna Vote on the question.

Yes, Mr.

President.

This is a resolution to allocate funds to Duffy Hope.

Um this year, council is coming together as one council, one city, one council, um, to help our residents who are in need of Thanksgiving Day turkeys.

I think this is a great initiative and continuing the long legacy here in the city of Wilmington.

Um, and I can answer any questions of her or any councilmember Johnson.

Um I'm glad we could step in this Thanksgiving and provide, you know, uh meals to many.

I guess we can talk as a council long term.

Um I guess the questions for president.

Uh, we all know this was Stormans project and and and it switched hands.

So I guess we need to look for next fiscal year and maybe build into budget if we're gonna take it over, or if there's another third party provider that will be doing it.

So um it's been a long-standing event in Wilmington, and I'm glad we could partner.

Um, but I don't know if long term it fits with council.

Thank you, Councilmember Oliver.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

I echo what council member Johnson just stated.

Hopefully, we can just pick this up because we uh had received quite a few calls from the seniors just asking where they're gonna get a turkey this year.

So I'm excited that President Congo has stepped up to the plate and involved everybody in this process because some um to some people this is small, but to some people, to some seniors and other people in the community, this is really a big this is a big thing.

They look forward to um receiving a turkey.

Um the one day that she never even really comes out of the high, come out of her high risers because somebody delivers her food, but she makes it the point to come downstairs just to get her turkey.

So if this is the one time a year that she gets out her apartment, um, I really appreciate um it's really heartwarming to me to see that the president really stepped up and somebody picked up the ball.

And I mean, I'm just glad to see this happening.

Thanks a lot.

So I hope we add this into the budget for next year.

Thanks a lot.

Thank you, Councilmember Harley.

Yes, thank you, Council President.

I I want to echo the sentiments of my council members regarding uh you taking the initiative to um ensure that council uh provided the needed assistance regarding the turkey drive as council member Oliver has stated.

Um the the seniors, they just they just look for this.

And I'm just happy that you stepped up.

So I would not have to have uh put out the money for my district to to get these turkeys because truly there was already conversations, there were plans being made for me to support the high rises in the fourth district, in addition to Christiana Park and Bethel Villa and all the other places that I'm supporting.

So I'm very happy about this, and I hope that we can consider having the conversations that are needed with any other additional partners that are needed to be a part of this collaboration because I do believe that there are other organizations that uh would like to be a part of a well um old machine to deliver these turkeys as it has been for the last 38, 39 years.

So this is great, and thank you once again for your leadership and taking the initiative on this.

That's all I have.

All right, thank you.

Uh I'll just I would like to thank all of the council members who are able to help financially.

Uh thank big shout out to the EXM group who um they really came, they were at the forefront of this whole project and they are making this happen.

Uh, thanks to all the other entities that that donated.

We also we still need volunteers, so if anyone is interested in volunteering, please call us at the city council office at 302-576-2140.

You know, number is 302-576-2140.

The drive is going to take place on Monday.

So, again, if you're able to help in any way, um, we still need financial help.

If anyone out there wants to donate, um, you know, please give us a call so you can just be a part of this tremendous effort of just helping us feed people in our community.

Councilmember Harley.

Well, yes, um, Mr.

President.

Um, if possible, can I be excused?

Yes, she may be excused.

Thank you.

Uh clerk, please call for the roll.

Sorry, one second.

Councilman Owens.

Yes.

Councilwoman Darby.

Yes.

Councilwoman Oliver?

Yes.

Councilwoman Willower.

Yes.

I'm still here.

Um, Kira, I want to vote on this uh legislation.

Yes.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Councilman Johnson.

Yes.

Councilwoman Bracie.

Yes.

President Congo.

Yes.

Eight yes and five absent.

Declared adopted.

Thank you.

May you maybe excuse Councilmember Harley.

Thank you, Mr.

President.

Councilmember Darby.

Yes, uh, Mr.

President, I have a resolution to present.

Resolution 25-073, agenda number 0141.

Whereas under current law, Delaware law, I move this resolution be received, recorded, filed, and adopted by Yay and Nay Vote.

Second.

It's been probably moved and second the resolution be received, recorded, filed, and adopted by Yay and they vote on the question.

Yeah.

So this piece of resolution is to go up to our state general assembly to ask for them to make a code change in regards to annexation.

Um in the city's um the our ability to do it.

So we currently can do it.

Um the resolution outlines the process.

It's like four um steps to it.

Um, however, there are other cities who do not have this requirement of these four steps.

I feel like um these burdensome requirements.

What they're not imposed on other cities, they shouldn't be imposed on us.

I think being able to annex allows us to um look at if we want to have the property tax assessment assessment conversation about what that looks like for revenue.

If we want to talk about um even when we're talking about like the port expansion, and if we expand it out to like maybe the claim out area, make sure that we can annex that in the same way that other cities can.

Um, so there wasn't like a specific reason for this, but I just think we need tools in our toolbox as we think about um financially where we are as a city, as we think about operations, as we think about expansion, the things that we need for our city.

I think annexation should be one of the things that we have in our toolbox that we can use.

That's not a burdensome process, and that's not put on any other cities.

Um, I believe in the last term this conversation came up.

Um, the next steps um from what I got from staff is that um if this piece of ordinary or resolution passes, I would then the lobbyists will then look at it.

Um we have a lobbyist now, but our lobbyists will now look at it and then decide and have conversations down at the general assembly to get this passed on behalf of the city of Wilmington.

All right, thank you.

I would like to be added as a co-sponsor, Councilmember Bracey, followed by Councilmember Owens.

I just had one question.

Have you had conversations with the administration yet about this?

Because I think it'll be a stronger ask if it's coming from both sides.

No, I have not talked to them about it.

Okay.

Do you do you have oh follow-up, Mr.

President?

Yes.

Do you have plans to do that once this passed?

Yes, once it passed, I will definitely engage them.

Okay, thank you.

Thank you, Councilmember Owens.

Yes, thank you.

Uh again, thank you, Councilwoman Darby, for bringing this forward.

It's an important piece about growing the city of Wilmington.

Um as of right now, we a we are the only city um that has these extra rules when it comes to annexation.

New York literally grows all the time.

So again, can you add me as a co-sponsor on this?

Thank you, Councilmember Willower, followed by Councilmember Johnson.

Yes, thanks again, Councilwoman Darby for um bringing this up and uh and putting this together and leading on this.

I'd like to be added as a co-sponsor.

Councilmember Johnson.

Um I um definitely support this this initiative and think it does highlight a bigger issue that we've had on council for years of a lobbyist.

Uh we had a lobby lobbyist in a budget, then it was taken out, then we have one again.

So a lot of these things are going to Dover and not getting across the finish line because honestly, we we don't have uh someone who's working the bill.

Um, and it takes a lot of work to work a bill in Dover.

So um I hope this is one we can maybe add to our agenda for um January, but um you know it takes a lot of work down there.

Thank you.

Sponsor, any follow?

No, I don't please call for the role.

Councilman Owens?

Yes, Councilwoman Darby, yes, Councilwoman Oliver, yes, Councilwoman Willower?

Yes, Councilman Johnson?

Yes, Councilwoman Bracey, yes, President Congo, yes.

Six, wait, seven, seven yes and six absent.

Declared adopted.

I miss the president.

I have a resolution to present resolution 25074, agenda number zero one four-two.

Whereas Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware with a population this resolution be received, recorded, and filed and adopted by Yay and Nay Vote.

Second.

It's been probably moved and seconded the resolution be received, recorded, filed, and adopted by year and they vote on the question.

Yeah, so this piece of resolution will go up to the Delaware General Assembly.

Um again, if it passes tonight, our lobbyists will take it and start to lobby down at the Delaware General Assembly to hopefully get this passed for us.

But this is to enact legislation that allows um large cities for our state, 50k or more to pass ordinances that are more restrictive than state law regarding the placement of liquor stores.

I think this is a very important conversation for the city of Wilmington.

I know um Councilmember Oliver and I share Market Street and within a two-block radius, which I know we can't do anything about um things that have been grandfathered in, but just to give a picture of like the nuisance of liquor stores, and literally within a two-block radius, I have three liquor stores, I have a hookah, unhealthy food, convenience stores that don't sell um healthy things to my community within literally two, three block radius.

And I think it's time for the city of Wilmington to have a conversation about the future of liquor stores.

How do we even have a conversation about the current liquor stores, and that I think that we should be able to put more restrictive policies, maybe we I don't know, add can't be near daycares or whatever it may be, right?

We can add whatever we want.

We can do an assessment after this to talk about liquor stores in our city.

They bring a lot of crime.

Um, a lot of people who loader outside with mental health issues who are um who are addicted to substance and just brings a lot of um things into certain communities, and I'm not against liquor stores, so I don't want anyone to feel like I want to ban liquor stores.

I like a little liquor sometimes, right?

Everyone does, but I just think it's um it's it's exploitive and it's oversaturating our neighborhoods, and uh and it's basically poison that we're we are feeding our community when we have liquor, um unhealthy food, fried chicken, hookah stores, all within a two-block, three block radius of our community.

So this is just one piece of resolution to really look at liquor stores in our community.

All right, thank you.

Like to be added as a co-sponsor, Councilmember Johnson.

I would like to be at it as a co-sponsor as well.

Very well said, um, Councilmember Darby.

Uh we're actually our policy team is also looking at smoke shops right now as well, uh, as they are preying on our community right now as well.

So uh good good work.

Councilmember Bracie.

Uh thank you, Mr.

President.

I'd like to be added as a co-sponsor as well.

I think this is great, and it's it's uh long overdue.

Um it's also essential to say that the over saturation of liquor stores are in very specific communities, and they're they usually are the black and brown lower income communities where you can go every block, every you know, half a block, and there's a liquor store on the corner, there's a corner store that's selling all kinds of things except um what it's supposed to be selling, and then to your point, there's the smoke shops that are doing all kinds of things in there.

Um so I think it is important that as we talk about true neighborhood revitalization, that we have to have the tools to be able to attack some of what is very problematic in these communities.

Um when you go to certain parts of our city, you you're gonna see one liquor store for an eight-block radius.

If that there's one, and it's called the wine store.

It's not even called, you know, it's it's wine and spirits.

And you know, but we got Ray Ray's, you know, and and then next next door is rashes and next door is this or that, you know, going on through.

So I think it is very important that we we all unify around this and um really be a voice down in Dover to to give us the opportunity to fight back on this councilmember Oliver, followed by Council.

I too would like to be added as a co-sponsor as council member Darby stated, we share uh Market Street together, but I had um spoke um had an article several years ago about the third district.

Um we have uh have at least about 15 to 20 liquor stores in the small district, it's not even several blocks from each other on the north on the north side.

It's horrible.

Um, how all these dicker stores are placed in underserved community, and as everyone has stated, um, we have hookahs is liquor stores, hookahs, and the bad part um is the a particular liquor store has been um had several violations, they should have been closed down, they're still open, and it's only because it's in a certain community, so it has so many violations, and then they end up with uh uh a num uh a lottery machine in there when it shouldn't even be open.

So I'm in favor of this legislation, and hopefully the liquor commissioner will take this um really seriously.

Thank you, um, Councilman Darby for putting this out.

Thank you, Councilwoman Willower, followed by Councilman John.

Um Thank you, Mr.

President.

Um, I'd like to be added as a co-sponsor and um councilwoman Darby, thank you for bringing this up.

And what I really appreciate about it is is that it's it's asking the Delaware General Assembly to remove a limitation on you know rulemaking by uh the city of Wilmington for itself.

So I appreciate the fact that you've highlighted that and are looking to make a change there.

Councilmember Owens.

Yes, first I would like to be added as a co-sponsor to this.

Um and second, I just want to say I also represent Northside um the the other end of Market Street, and we have multiple liquor stores there.

Um, and when I say these same liquor stores almost every week are the same liquor stores that has a ton of trash out there, they let um people just sit out there all day long.

Um, and it's just not helpful to the community as we are trying to have a strong and healthy community over our way.

So again, councilwoman Darby, thank you for this.

I won't prolong uh my comments because everyone had beautiful points.

Um so I'll just say I second everything everyone else said.

Thank you.

Sponsor any final comments?

No, no, no.

Clerk, please call for the roll.

Councilman Owens.

Yes, Councilwoman Darby, yes, councilwoman Oliver?

Yes, Councilwoman Willower?

Yes, Councilman Johnson, yes, Councilwoman Bracey, yes, President Congo, yes, seven yes and six absent.

Declared adopted councilmember Johnson.

Mr.

President, I have an ordinance to call for first and second reading.

Ordinance number 25, Jess 072, agenda number 0143, an ordinance to amend chapter 36 of the city code to clarify the city's loitering definition.

First reading of the ordinance, an ordinance to amend chapter 36 of the city code to clarify the city's loitering definition.

Second reading of the ordinance.

Be known as a first and second reading and ordinance and refer to the public safety committee.

It's been probably moved and seconded that being known as the first and second reading of the ordinance.

Okay.

I just thank you.

I think I just said one.

Yeah, you said it again.

Yeah, I thought you only read one.

Okay, yeah, thank you.

Thank you.

Also uh being held this evening from Council Member Spadola.

He is holding an ordinance to amend chapter two of the code to require all legislative and administrative bodies of the city to provide members of a public of the public a way to participate in public meetings virtually.

I'll read that.

Thank you.

An ordinance to amend chapter two of the city code to require all legislative and administrative bodies of the city to provide members of the public a way to participate in public meetings virtually.

That's being held.

Thank you.

Public comment, Councilmember Owens.

Yes, Mr.

President.

Um first I want to give a quick shout out to Northwest Civic Association for coming together and hosting a um fall time, winter time on community cleanup.

That was absolutely amazing.

A great time to bring the community together.

Also, Crestview um high risers also hosted their annual um holiday party again, just bringing community together during this time.

Uh if you are in need of a turkey, please feel free to reach out to our office and we will let you know the different uh locations.

Again, the number is 302-576-2140.

Um, and then on Saturday Saturday the 22nd is the POW senior bowl.

Um, again, it is going to be a great time.

Over 200 seniors have already signed up.

Um, so I look forward to seeing y'all out at that.

Thank you, Councilmember Darby.

Nothing for tonight.

Thank you, Councilmember Oliver.

Nothing tonight, Mr.

President.

May I be excused.

Uh no, we wouldn't be in quorum.

We have a few more.

Okay.

People, thank you.

Councilmember Willower.

Nothing tonight, Mr.

President.

Thank you, Councilmember Johnson.

Uh, the only announcement tonight is that the uh on Saturday, November 29th is the uh the annual the 61st annual Wilmington JC's parade.

Um it's great to uh many council members attend and city officials, so it's a great uh opportunity for the family to get get ready for the uh the season.

All right, thank you, Councilmember Bracey.

Uh just congratulations to Delaware State uh Hornets football team who will be participating in the uh conference uh championship.

All right, thank you.

Again, I would just like to thank everyone who has joined us virtually and for everyone who came in today to be with us in council chambers.

Remember that you're always welcome at our committee meetings as well as our council meetings, which happen every first and third Thursday.

If any of us can help you, please give us a call at 302-576-2140.

Get on number is 302-576-2140.

Also want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.

And with that, I'll accept the motion to motion.

So moved.

All in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Aye.

Any opposed?

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned.

Thank you, everyone.