Wilmington City Council Regular Meeting - April 2, 2026

The Wilmington City Council met in regular session on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 6:30 PM (approximate start). The meeting included roll call (9 present, 4 absent), approval of minutes, committee reports, the city treasurer's report, recognition resolutions, public comments, and legislative business. Key topics included a moratorium on new convenience stores, establishment of an African American History Commission, resolutions on charter amendments, grant writing, constituent services, school dress codes, and civility. A significant portion of the meeting focused on a proposed charter amendment to prohibit at-large council members from switching political parties, which passed despite extensive debate.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved as written from March 19, 2026 (unanimous voice vote).
• Committee Reports: Approved (unanimous):
  • Intergovernmental Committee (March 4, 2026) – Ordinance 26-007 (African American History Commission).
  • Community Development and Urban Planning Committee (March 17, 2026) – Substitute to Ordinance 25-045 (moratorium on corner stores).
  • Finance and Economic Development Committee (March 2, 2026) – Supplemental Adam Street Green Infrastructure Project (bond), Lead Removal Phase 4 Project (bond), and external auditor retention (all recommended).
• City Treasurer's Report: Accepted (total $555,493,647.64).
• Non-legislative Business: Accepted (unanimous).

Recognition Resolutions

• Howard High School School of Technology Boys Basketball Team: Recognized for winning the DIAA State Championship and Blue Hen Conference Flight B title. Council awarded a check for championship jackets and rings. (Councilmember Hackett, President Congo, Coach Matthews spoke.)
• National Guard 390th Anniversary: Recognized for service. Major General James Benson and others accepted the resolution. (Councilmember Oliver)
• Autism Acceptance Month (April): Recognized with resolution; India from Delaware Sensory Museum spoke about personal experience and the museum's mission. (Councilmember Owens)

Public Comments & Testimony

(Approximately 13 speakers; all but the first and last addressed the Spadola party switch issue.)

• Joseph Connor: Urged council to visit Christina Park, referenced Holy Thursday and called for compassionate leadership.
• Jennifer Hummer: Supported Councilman Spadola, praised his dedication, urged council to focus on city issues.
• Dutch Hopkins: Called the Spadola issue a waste of time, said Spadola is dedicated and always available, criticized council's closed-door process for vacancies.
• Janet Wortzel: Opposed the charter amendment, argued it disenfranchises voters and restricts political affiliation, citing that only one seat is at stake.
• Robert Goff (attorney, District 4): Argued the charter amendment is unconstitutional, citing Adams v. Kearney; said party affiliation is not a forfeiture ground under the charter; urged council to move on.
• Speaker (grandson of Trotter plaintiffs): Supported Spadola, voted for him regardless of party, trusted his representation.
• Baba Heyman Hamen: Spoke on gun violence, fatherless homes, school-to-prison pipeline; urged mentoring over incarceration.
• Claire Vandenbrook (entrepreneur): Supported Spadola, praised his community work, questioned council's motives and coordination with GOP.
• Peter Anto: Thanked certain council members and praised Spadola's accessibility and responsiveness.
• Leo (neighbor, Hanover Presbyterian): Welcomed Spadola's party switch, urged unity and focus on city progress.
• Jane Vincent (former Wilmington Housing Authority chair): Supported removing political party requirements from boards, as done for WHA; urged council to consider that approach.
• Deacon Earl Tate: Urged voting, requested speed bumps on specific streets, and suggested using trailers for homeless shelter.

Discussion Items & Legislative Business

Ordinances and Resolutions Taken Up (in order):

1. Ordinance 25-045 (Substitute) – Temporary moratorium on new business licenses for convenience stores pending equity impact assessment. Passed 11-0 (2 absent). (Councilmember Darby sponsor; many co-sponsors added; debate on fiscal note of $250K; Councilmember Hackett questioned need for report.)

2. Ordinance 26-007 – Establish African American History and Cultural Preservation Commission. Passed 11-0 (2 absent). (Councilmember Darby sponsor; noted defunct prior committee.)

3. Resolution 26-025 – Requesting a grant writer in council budget ($60K). Defeated 5-6 (2 absent). (Councilmember Darby sponsor; Councilmember Oliver and Harley raised concerns about process and budget timing.)

4. Resolution 26-026 – Requesting a social worker/community navigator position ($80K). Defeated 4-8 (1 absent, Councilmember Cabrera voted no). (Councilmember Darby sponsor; Councilmember Spadola noted 311 upgrades in mayor's budget; many preferred internal discussions.)

5. Ordinance 26-020 – Electricity procurement contract (multi-year). Passed 11-0 (2 absent). (Councilmember Oliver sponsor; Deputy Director Vincent explained three contract types.)

6. Resolution 26-027 – Encouraging diversity in law department hiring. Passed 12-0 (1 absent). (Councilmember Oliver sponsor; Councilmember Johnson noted broader state bar issues.)

7. Resolution 26-028 – Encouraging school districts to enforce dress codes prohibiting pajamas. Passed 8-4 (1 absent, 1 present). (Councilmember Oliver sponsor; debate on whether it's punitive; some spoke against.)

8. Resolution 26-029 – Encouraging cursive handwriting instruction in schools. Defeated 2-7 (3 present, 1 absent). (Councilmember Oliver sponsor; already state law; some questioned need.)

9. Ordinance 26-027 (Annexation) – First and second reading: annex 4.1 acres (7 parcels) and rezone to M1 Light Manufacturing; referred to committee. (Councilmember Harley sponsor.)

10. Resolution 26-030 – Civility resolution affirming respectful conduct. Passed 11-0 (2 absent). (Councilmember Harley and Cabrera sponsors; noted national conferences.)

11. Ordinance 26-010 (Supplemental) – Adam Street Green Infrastructure bond ($808,242). Passed 11-0 (2 absent). (Councilmember Oliver sponsor.)

12. Ordinance 26-011 – Lead Removal Phase 4 bond ($13 million). Passed 12-0 (1 absent). (Councilmember Oliver sponsor.)

13. Ordinance 26-012 – Multi-year contract for external auditor (Belfant Lyons, $198K/year). Defeated 6-5 (1 present, 1 absent) after roll call Initially close; some members changed votes after debate on diversity. (Councilmember Oliver sponsor; Councilmember Johnson objected to lack of diversity plan.)

14. Resolution 26-031 – Urging PSC to reject Delmarva rate increase. Passed 12-0 (1 absent). (Councilmember Willower sponsor; many co-sponsors added.)

15. Resolution 26-032 – Police equipment grant ($36,900 for forklift and saws). Passed 10-1 (2 absent). (Councilmember McCoy sponsor.)

16. Resolution 26-033 – Charter amendment to prohibit at-large council members from switching to majority party during term; if switched, seat vacated. Passed 9-1 (1 present, 2 absent). (Councilmember Hackett sponsor; extensive debate; Councilmember Spadola opposed; many co-sponsors; vote tally: 9 yes, 1 no (Spadola), 1 present (Bracey).)

Key Outcomes

• Passed: Convenience store moratorium, African American History Commission, electricity procurement, law department diversity resolution, school dress code resolution (pajamas), civility resolution, two bond ordinances, Delmarva rate opposition resolution, police equipment resolution, and the charter amendment on party switching.
• Defeated: Grant writer resolution, community navigator resolution, cursive handwriting resolution, and external auditor contract.
• Referred to Committee: Annexation and rezoning ordinance (first and second reading).
• Adjourned: Meeting adjourned after all business.