Wilmington City Council Meeting - February 5, 2026

The Wilmington City Council met in regular session on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 6:32 p.m. with President Trippy Congo presiding. 10 members were present, 3 absent. The meeting included recognition of Planned Parenthood for the 60th anniversary of Medicare/Medicaid, extensive public comment, and legislative action on multiple resolutions and ordinances, including a resolution on the Rodney Reservoir community garden, charter amendments on term limits and age requirements, and appointments to a homeless subcommittee.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the January 15, 2025, regular meeting were approved as written.
• Treasurer’s Report: City Treasurer Dwayne Sims reported total investments of $575,729,055.46, cash on hand of $18,132,918.51, and a grand total of $593,861,973.97. The report was received, recorded, and filed.
• Non-Legislative Business: All non-legislative business was accepted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tony Dunn (2nd District): Stated that his family home at 1302 West Sixth Street was illegally sold by the City of Wilmington and the Land Bank (Case N22Jero 2525). He demanded the return of the property, calling it a loss of generational wealth.
• James Purcell (2nd District): Opposed Resolution 26-007 (lowering the minimum age for mayor to 18), arguing that 18-year-olds generally lack the management skills and subject matter understanding required for the office, citing the mayor's direct reports and department interfaces.
• Sophia Block (Innocence Project Delaware): Expressed support for Senate Substitute 1 for SB 57 and SB 58, which would update Delaware's post-conviction DNA testing statutes and provide a mechanism for review based on new forensic evidence. She also noted SB 214 on evidence preservation.
• Jean Truono (Delaware Republican Party Chair): Criticized the loss of minority party representation on council after an at-large member changed party affiliation, urging accommodation to maintain bipartisan discourse.
• Jamila Davy (5th District, Green for the Greater Good): Supported Resolution 26-009 calling for full restoration of the Rodney Reservoir Community Garden from 20 to 62 beds. She noted 125 people have expressed interest and offered community organization and volunteer resources.
• Brandon Bryce (4th District): Voiced concern that the city charter requires at least one at-large seat to be held by a different party, and that the current lack of bipartisan representation reduces inclusivity, accountability, and effective decision-making.
• Laura Filon (1st District, Green for the Greater Good): Supported the garden resolution, emphasizing the benefits of community gardening for physical and mental health, community resilience, and intergenerational skill sharing.
• Christina Kelly: Expressed disappointment in Councilman Spadola's party switch, calling it political opportunism and a bait-and-switch. She also criticized the Delaware Democrats for accepting the change without transparency.
• Phyllis Woolley Mobley (Educator, Green for the Greater Good): Spoke on behalf of children and youth, sharing a poem about the benefits of gardening. She highlighted how community gardens can teach children about healthy eating, science, and civics, and noted that many children come to school hungry.
• Dora Williams: Thanked the council for honoring individuals and for creating space for justice. She prayed for wise decisions.
• April Collins (7th District, Gardener): Urged completion of the garden, noting the existing 20 beds and the health benefits of community gardening.
• Sarah Lester (5th District, President of Cornerstone West CDC): Supported the garden resolution, describing the garden's history and the community's readiness to help rebuild.
• Nicola Yacobucci (4th District): Supported the garden expansion, emphasizing environmental benefits (carbon sink), youth education, and addressing food deserts.
• Arnold Horowitz: Voiced support for the garden effort.
• Michael Sharon (7th District): Described the garden resolution as a vote for the future, noting the movement toward gardening and its mental and emotional health benefits.
• Mikey Repi (5th District, Gardener): Supported the resolution, urging all beds to be built for the upcoming gardening season.

Discussion Items

• Planned Parenthood Recognition: Councilmember Oliver presented a resolution honoring Planned Parenthood for the 60th anniversary of the Medicare and Medicaid Act. April Thomas Jones (President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Delaware) accepted, stating that healthcare is a human right. Councilmembers thanked the organization.
• Resolution 26-002 – Homeless Subcommittee Appointments: Councilmember Owens presented a resolution appointing eight individuals to a subcommittee on homelessness. A floor amendment by Councilmember Oliver sought to remove a clause that allowed paid public employees to serve. After debate over consistency and past practice, Councilmember Oliver withdrew the amendment. The resolution was adopted 11-1-1 (Councilmember Oliver present).
• Resolution 26-003 – Support for SB 57 (Post-Conviction DNA Testing): Unanimously adopted (12-0-1).
• Resolution 26-004 – Support for SB 58 (Forensic Evidence): Unanimously adopted (12-0-1).
• Resolution 26-005 – Staggered Terms for City Council: Councilmember Owens proposed amending the charter to create four-year staggered terms starting in 2028. Councilmember Johnson opposed citing fairness concerns. The resolution was defeated 3-9-1.
• Resolution 26-006 – Term Limits for City Council: Proposed limiting members to three terms per representative capacity. Councilmember Harley argued the community should decide. Defeated 5-7-1.
• Resolution 26-007 – Lowering Mayor Age to 18: Defeated 3-9-1. Councilmember Owens expressed support for engaging young people.
• Resolution 26-008 – Lowering Council Age to 18: Councilmember Darby sponsored; after discussion, she held the legislation to consider amending the age to 21.
• Resolution 26-009 – Rodney Reservoir Community Garden: Councilmember Willower urged the city to build all 62 garden beds. Community members spoke in favor. Councilmember Bracey relayed that the administration is working on standard operating procedures. The resolution was adopted 7-1-1 (Councilmember Oliver present).
• Ordinances (First and Second Readings): Multiple ordinances were introduced and referred to committees: dissolution of water advisory board, creation of African American history commission, online rental property registry, landlord education program, bonds for Adam Street green infrastructure and lead removal, and external auditor contract. Also, a one-year extension of a vacant property services contract.
• Resolution 26-010 – Ethics Commission Appointments: Councilmember Bracey presented appointments of Robert Katzenstein and James McClain. Adopted 11-1-1.

Key Outcomes

• Planned Parenthood Resolution: Adopted with recognition.
• Homeless Subcommittee Resolution (26-002): Adopted 11-1-1 after floor amendment was withdrawn.
• SB 57 and SB 58 Resolutions (26-003, 26-004): Both adopted unanimously (12-0-1).
• Staggered Terms Resolution (26-005): Defeated 3-9-1.
• Term Limits Resolution (26-006): Defeated 5-7-1.
• Mayor Age Lowering Resolution (26-007): Defeated 3-9-1.
• Council Age Lowering Resolution (26-008): Held by sponsor for revision.
• Rodney Reservoir Garden Resolution (26-009): Adopted 7-1-1.
• Ethics Commission Appointments (26-010): Adopted 11-1-1.
• Ordinances: All introduced and referred to committees for further review.
• Public Works Committee Meeting: Scheduled for February 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to discuss snow removal concerns.
• Adjournment: Motion carried.