Wilmington City Council Meeting – June 18, 2026

The Wilmington City Council met in regular session on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:37 PM, with President Trippy Congo presiding. Nine council members were present, four absent. The meeting featured multiple community recognitions, public testimony on homelessness and neighborhood concerns, and the adoption of several ordinances and resolutions, including a charter advisory board creation and a PFAS bond. The city treasurer reported total funds of $599,455,585.85.

Consent Calendar (Non-Legislative Business)

• The council voted unanimously to accept all non-legislative business.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Deacon Earl Tate: Urged the council to provide immediate shelter for homeless people, suggesting repurposing containers and buildings. He emphasized that "the people's vote count" and called for upright action.
• Connor Brofi (New Castle resident): Thanked council members who supported Christina Park residents but criticized the city for failing to provide long-term housing solutions after the eviction on June 15. He stated that the council “voted against rent stabilization” and demanded accountability from Mayor Carney, urging council to vote down all administration resolutions until a humane plan is in place.
• Dean Cox (grandmother of a Clifford Brown Walk homeowner): Described a family of 4-5 adults and children “trashing the neighborhood” daily – leaving trash, urinating/defecating on property, and entering cars. She reported slow police response and asked what the city will do for homeowners affected by the dispersal of homeless populations.
• John Connolly: Criticized Councilmember Darby for not thanking President Lincoln for emancipation, claimed the Democratic Party was responsible for slavery, and called Councilmember Spadola a “rat.” He argued that homeless people should be sent to Spadola’s neighborhood. His comments were cut short.
• Dora Williams (Route 9, member of Sam’s Housing Task Force): Yielded her time to an entity she said “does have words,” suggesting the council is not listening.
• Lip Bettley (District 1): Described the June 15 closure of Christina Park, including a man who wanted police to shoot him (talked down by a friend), a nurse denied entry to give an inhaler, and a wheelchair user who didn’t know where he was being sent. She criticized Deputy Chief of Staff Walker for refusing badge numbers and demanded the city pass a resolution for a pallet village before losing federal funding. She also noted that numbers given by the city about services don’t match reality.
• Gene Messick (serves unhoused in District 4): Reported that people given 6-month stays at the Hope Center will be out on January 15 – freezing weather – and that 30- and 14-day hotel vouchers are not long-term solutions. He said the homeless are now back on East Front Street, the same place they were a year ago, and accused the council of doing nothing.
• Lip Bettley (District 6, second appearance after technical issues): Thanked council members who helped on Monday, urged council to withhold votes on Mayor Carney’s business until a humane long-term solution is in place, called Carney’s press statements “lies and slander,” and supported fixing up dilapidated properties for housing.

Discussion Items

• Recognition of Women in Labor Inc. (sponsored by Councilmember Xanthia Oliver, read by Councilmember Bracey): Honored the organization for civic engagement, community wellness, and public service. Councilmembers Harley and Cabrera praised the work and expressed support.
• Juneteenth Recognition (sponsored by Councilmember Darby): Recognized the Delaware Juneteenth Association for 32 years of celebrating freedom. Sylvia Lewis Harris spoke, and Councilmember Harley congratulated the group. The Juneteenth flag was raised earlier that day.
• Reparations Task Force Recognition (sponsored by Councilmember Darby): Acknowledged the historical harms of slavery and affirmed the need for reparations. A member of the task force (Shane) spoke, thanking the council for continuing the work.
• Charter Advisory Board Ordinance (26-036): Councilmember Hackett introduced a floor amendment to specify frequency (every 10 years) and adjust committee composition to include legal, municipal government, education, business, and community expertise. The amendment passed. Councilmember Johnson noted that past charter amendments have stalled in Dover and urged hiring a lobbyist. Councilmember Bracey supported the amendment and called it a step toward needed charter reform. Councilmember Owens stated that the Wilmington delegation has blocked council-led charter changes and called for pressure on Dover. The ordinance passed 9 yes, 0 no, 4 absent.
• PFAS Phase Four Bond (26-039): Authorized up to $30 million in general obligation bonds sold to the Delaware Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for PFAS removal equipment at the Porter Plant. Passed 9 yes, 1 nay (President Congo), 4 absent.
• Downtown BID Extension (26-040): Extended the Wilmington Downtown Business Improvement District until October 1, 2039. Councilmember Harley noted Downtown Visions’ work on safety, beautification, and small business support. Several council members added as co-sponsors. Passed 9 yes, 4 absent.
• Paid Parental Leave Clarification (26-041): Clarified eligibility for employees using less than 12 weeks of leave and for leave within the first year after birth/adoption/foster placement. Passed 9 yes, 4 absent.
• Insurance Brokerage Agreement (26-016): Authorized a one-year agreement with USI Insurance Services LLC for property/casualty brokerage, with possible three-year extension. Passed 8 yes, 5 absent.
• Eden Park Naming Resolution (26-050): Approved naming the pool house, pavilion, and football field after William Balagoon Robinson, Robert Bob Perkins, and Theopolis Theo Grady Green, respectively. Passed 8 yes, 5 absent.
• Subdivision Plan for Christina Crossing (26-042): Approved the major subdivision plan for 501 South Walnut Street and accepted dedication of Howard Street. Referred to the Health, Environmental, Aging, and Disabilities Committee after first and second readings.
• Professional Services Amendment (26-043): Authorized an amendment to an agreement with Mullen and Lonergan Associates. Referred to the same committee.
• Parks and Recreation Grant Resolutions: Four resolutions authorizing grant applications:
  • 26-051: $463,553.20 from DE Dept. of Education for summer meals.
  • 26-052: $190,000 from DE Dept. of Labor for youth career development wages.
  • 26-053: $75,000 from Bank of America for internship wages.
  • 26-054: $328,987.59 from DE Dept. of Services for Children, Youth, and Families for out-of-school program. All passed 9 yes, 4 absent.

Petitions and Communications

• Councilmember Owens wished everyone a happy Juneteenth.
• Councilmember Bracey congratulated the 2025 Wilmington Youth Advisory Council for their presentation on safety, mental health, career readiness, and building connections across neighborhoods.
• Councilmember Cabrera thanked public safety and city workers for their response to a hospital incident and a water main break. She also wished a happy Father’s Day.
• Councilmember Hackett thanked city employees for their service and recognized long-serving council staff.
• Councilmember Spadola thanked first responders for their work during the hospital tragedy and expressed concern for Christiana employees dealing with trauma.
• President Congo thanked everyone and adjourned the meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Passed (9-1-4): Ordinance 26-039 (PFAS Bond) – President Congo dissented.
• Passed (9-0-4): Ordinance 26-040 (Downtown BID Extension).
• Passed (9-0-4): Ordinance 26-041 (Paid Parental Leave).
• Passed (8-0-5): Ordinance 26-016 (Insurance Brokerage).
• Passed (9-0-4): Ordinance 26-036 (Charter Advisory Board) – with floor amendment.
• Passed (8-0-5): Resolution 26-050 (Eden Park Naming).
• Passed (9-0-4): Resolutions 26-051 through 26-054 (Grant applications).
• Referred to Committee: Ordinances 26-042 and 26-043.
• Public Comment: Multiple speakers expressed opposition to the city’s handling of the Christina Park eviction and the lack of a long-term homelessness plan. Some accused the administration of lying and called on the council to withhold votes on mayoral items until a humane solution is provided. Two council members (Congo and Owens) were praised for their on-site assistance, while others were criticized for inaction.