Wilmington City Council Meeting - December 4, 2025
Wilmington City Council Meeting - December 4, 2025
The Wilmington City Council convened on December 4, 2025, at an unspecified time with 11 members present and 2 absent (initially 9 present, 4 absent, but later counts show 11 present). The meeting included approval of minutes, committee reports, a treasurer's report, several public comments, multiple legislative actions, and recognition of community leader Fred Sears. Key topics included property disposition, water quality grants, electric bike regulations, a voluntary rent escrow program, and a mandate for virtual public meeting access.
Recognition
- Fred Sears Recognition (Resolution by Councilwoman Oliver): Councilwoman Oliver presented a resolution honoring Fred Sears for decades of service to Wilmington, including roles as finance director, city council member, and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation. Multiple council members spoke in praise of Mr. Sears, who also addressed the council, sharing historical anecdotes and urging members to serve their community. The resolution was adopted with widespread support.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Deacon Earl Tate (in person): Urged safe driving during the holiday season, requested speed bumps or stop signs on 26th Street, and reported a developing pothole at 26th and J Street that could cause a fatal accident.
- Tanya Williamson (virtual): Logged in but did not provide a comment.
- Katrina Rothwell (in person, President of East Lawn Civic Association): Expressed strong opposition to the closing of the Plummer Center, stating the decision lacked community input and would transport individuals away from their families and support systems, undermining safety and rehabilitation.
Discussion Items
- Electric Bicycles and Scooters Ordinance (Ordinance 25-065): Councilwoman Oliver presented the ordinance to align city rules with state law for low-speed motorized scooters and electric bicycles. The ordinance includes educational components, helmet requirements, and fines consistent with state law. Several council members spoke in support, emphasizing public safety and the need for responsible riding. The ordinance passed unanimously (11-0-2).
- Voluntary Rent Escrow Program (Ordinance 25-068): Councilwoman McCoy presented the ordinance, which had been vetoed twice previously. The revised version offers two fiscal options (city-administered at $206,000 or third-party contracted at $104,000). Council members praised McCoy's persistence and collaborative approach. The ordinance passed unanimously (11-0-2).
- Virtual Access for Public Meetings (Ordinance 25-063): Councilman Spadola introduced an ordinance requiring all legislative and administrative bodies to provide virtual participation. A floor amendment was added (passed by voice vote) to allow exceptions for technical limitations and non-city facilities. Debate included concerns about scope (excluding entities like the land bank) and implementation through WITN. The final vote was 7 yes, 1 present, 3 no, 2 absent, and the ordinance was adopted.
- PFAS Contamination Remediation Grant (Resolution 25-065): Councilwoman Oliver introduced a resolution to accept a $1,983,061 DHSS grant to remove PFAS from the city’s water supply at the Porter and Brandywine plants. Council members expressed support, noting federal and state collaboration. Resolution passed 11-0-2.
- Parental Leave Ordinance (Ordinance 25-073): Councilwoman Bracey presented the ordinance for first and second reading. It amends city code on parental leave and combined leave. Referred to the Finance and Economic Development Committee.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of minutes from November 20, 2025.
- Adoption of committee reports (Finance/Economic Development, Community Development/Urban Planning, Public Works/Transportation).
- Treasurer's report: Total investments $534,114,474.45; cash on hand $15,531,185.53; grand total $549,645,592.98. Report filed.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 25-062 (Property Disposition): Approved sale of vacant lot at 1331 Vanderburg Ave to Families Thriving LLC for affordable housing. Vote: 11-0-2.
- Resolution 25-063 (Utility Easement): Granted Delmar Power easement on East 16th Street. Vote: 11-0-2.
- Resolution 25-064 (Parking Authority Appointments): Confirmed reappointments of Jeff Lynn and Larry Carson. Vote: 10-1-2 (Councilman Johnson present due to conflict of interest).
- Resolution 25-066 (East Lake Park Renovations): Accepted $190,000 grant with $47,500 local match. Vote: 10-0-3.
- Resolution 25-067 and 25-068 (Historic Preservation Grants): Two grants of $15,707 each for the historic preservation planning program (FY2024-2025 and FY2025-2026). Votes: 11-0-2 each.
- Ordinance 25-060 (Ring Central Agreement): Approved five-year contract for communications platform at $163,008.88, with option for one-year extension. Vote: 11-0-2.
- Ordinance 25-070 (Professional Services Extension): Approved four one-year extensions with Mullen & Lonergan for CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs. Vote: 11-0-2.
- Ordinance 25-073 (Parental Leave): First and second reading; referred to committee.
- Ordinance 25-063 (Virtual Access): Adopted as amended. Vote: 7-1-3-2.
- Meeting adjourned after petition communications and announcements.
Meeting Transcript
The meeting please come to order. For public uh comments, there is a Google form sign up link in the chat for the comments will take place after the non-legislative business. So good evening, everyone. This is December fourth, twenty twenty-five, and we are starting our council meeting. Can I 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. At this time we will recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilman Owens. Present. Councilwoman Darby. Councilwoman Oliver. Present. Councilwoman Harley. Council. Councilwoman Willower. Here. Councilwoman McCoy. Here. Councilman Johnson. Here. Councilman Field. Present. Councilwoman Bracey. Councilwoman Cabrera. Councilman Hackett. Councilman Spadola. Present. President Congo. Here. Nine present and five absent. Four absent, sorry. Okay. I'd like to make an announcement. The following uh legislation is sponsored by Councilmember Bracey. Uh 0149, the ordinance amendment chapter 40 of the city code regarding parental leave and uh combined leave. Not so says Bracey, not Harley, just so you if you're looking at your agenda, and then also on the agenda 0144 will be held tonight by the sponsor. Okay. Now if we can have the reading of the minutes. November 20th, 2025, City Council met in regular session with remote participation on the above date at 6 34 p.m. I move that the minutes be um filed and recorded and voted by a yay-nay vote. Second oh, I'm sorry. All right, uh, they've been properly moved and seconded. The meetings will be are accepted as written on the question. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed motion carried okay. All right. Um can I get the uh the reading of the uh committee reports November 3rd, 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 25-060 entitled an ordinance to authorize and approve an agreement between the city of Wilmington and Ring Central Inc.
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