Wilmington City Council Meeting - January 8, 2026

The Wilmington City Council met in regular session on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 6:38 PM. President Trippy Congo presided. The meeting included a resolution honoring fallen Delaware State Police Corporal Matthew Tyler Snook, adoption of an ordinance requiring fiscal impact statements for all legislation, and public comments on community issues.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the December 11, 2025 meeting were approved as written.
• Committee reports from the Finance and Economic Development Committee were received, recorded, and filed, recommending a vote on Ordinance 25-069.
• The City Treasurer's report was received, recorded, and filed, showing total investments of $576,189,511.83, cash on hand of $14,821,945.77, and a grand total of $591,011,457.60.
• All non-legislative business was accepted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deacon Earl Tate urged residents to vote, criticized the current administration and immigration enforcement, and called for unity across all levels of government.
• Tony Dunn (2500 Civic Association, lifetime Delawarean) expressed concern that the state of Delaware is not cooperating with the city, particularly regarding the potential relocation of the Plumber Center. He asked council members if they were involved in stakeholder meetings and urged the city to seek an injunction to stop the move until a full investigation is conducted.

Resolution Honoring Corporal Matthew Tyler Snook

• Councilmembers McCoy, Bracey, and Spadola presented a resolution expressing condolences to the family of Corporal Grade 1 Matthew Tyler Snook (July 31, 1991 – December 23, 2025), a Delaware State Police officer who died in the line of duty. The resolution highlighted his 10 years of service, his role as a field training officer, and his personal qualities of courage and integrity.
• Ty's sister, Cassie, spoke briefly, thanking the council for honoring her brother.
• Multiple council members (Harley, Oliver, McCoy, Owens, and Congo) offered personal condolences, sharing stories of his positive impact and professionalism.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 25-069 – Fiscal Impact Statements for Legislation (Sponsor: Councilmember Bracey): This ordinance amends Chapter 2 of the City Code to require that all ordinances and substantive resolutions include a detailed fiscal impact statement prepared by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The statement must include estimated costs/savings, revenue impacts, staffing/operations/capital expenditure impacts, and assumptions used.
  • A floor amendment was offered and passed (voice vote): it shifted responsibility for noting any missing OMB statement from the City Clerk to the Law Department, requiring the statement to be included in the legislation itself.
  • Debate centered on concerns that the requirement could delay legislation if OMB fails to provide timely information. The sponsor clarified that OMB has 15 business days (extendable to 30 with council approval) to provide the statement; if not provided, the Law Department must include a justification. The ordinance does not prevent introduction or first/second readings.
  • Councilmembers Oliver and Willower expressed reservations and suggested a trial period, but the sponsor urged immediate adoption.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 25-069 adopted (roll call vote): 9 yes (Harley, McCoy, Johnson, Field, Bracey, Cabrera, Hackett, Spadola, Congo), 2 present (Owens, Oliver), 1 no (Willower), 1 absent (Darby). The ordinance is now codified.
• Councilmember McCoy announced an MLK Day celebration on January 19, 2026, hosted by MSK at the community center, including a cleanup and community events. Details available on Westside Grows Together website and his council page.
• The meeting adjourned after councilmember announcements and a birthday greeting to Councilmember Hackett.

Next Meeting

The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2026, in council chambers with virtual participation available.