Public Meetings - New Castle County, Delaware

This meeting of the Boards and Commission subcommittee was called to order by Council President Monique Williams Johns at 4:00 PM on October 20, 2026. The subcommittee approved the minutes from September 22, 2026, and considered one new appointment and two reappointments to county boards. No public comments were received. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The minutes from the September 22, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote. All members present voted in favor; no opposition was noted. Discussion Items - New Appointment – Polly Sear to Newcastle County Library Advisory Board: Councilwoman George introduced Polly Sear, a former mayor of Newark, Delaware. Councilwoman George praised Ms. Sear's extensive experience, professionalism, and volunteer dedication. Ms. Sear stated her passion for libraries, noting her fourth year with the Friends of the New York Free Library and her involvement in its capital campaign for a new library. She expressed her eagerness to contribute her experience in advocacy, budget, policy, and long-range planning to the Library Advisory Board (LAB). The subcommittee discussed that Ms. Sear's appointment would proceed to a full council vote the following Tuesday night (October 27, 2026), likely on the consent agenda. Ms. Sear did not need to be present for that vote. - Reappointment – Danelle Sousa to Newcastle County Library Advisory Board: Councilman Toole moved to reappoint Danelle Sousa, describing her as active in the community south of Wilmington and a supporter of libraries. No objections were raised. - Reappointment – Melissa Marlin to Newcastle County Financial Advisory Council: Councilman Street’s district reappointment of Melissa Marlin was presented. Ms. Marlin was not present. No questions or concerns were raised. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: Unanimous voice vote. - New Appointment Recommended: The subcommittee recommended Polly Sear’s appointment to the Newcastle County Library Advisory Board for full council approval on October 27, 2026. - Reappointments Recommended: The subcommittee recommended the reappointments of Danelle Sousa (Library Advisory Board) and Melissa Marlin (Financial Advisory Council) for full council approval. - All motions carried without dissent; no public comment was made in the chamber or online.

The New Castle County Boards and Commission Subcommittee met on September 22, 2026, to consider nominations and reappointments to several county boards and commissions. Present in chambers were Councilman Smiley, Councilman Cartier, Councilwoman Kilpatrick, Councilman Toole, Councilman Carter, Councilman Hollins, and Councilwoman George; Councilman Street and Councilman Tackett participated online. Council President Monique Johns and Councilman Sheldon also joined during the meeting. The subcommittee approved the minutes of the July 21st meeting (the chair later referred to them as the July 22nd minutes, a minor discrepancy in the record), heard from several nominees, and forwarded appointments to the full council for formal votes. No public comment was offered. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the July 21st meeting were approved by unanimous voice vote; the chair subsequently described the approved minutes as being from July 22nd. - Councilman George moved, with unanimous approval, to move forward expeditiously with any appointees listed on both the boards and commissions agenda and the evening's consent agenda so they could be seated without delay. - The meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comment was received, either in chambers or online. Appointments & Reappointments - Howard Hayt — Board of Assessment Review (nomination). Hayt stated he has been a Delaware resident for 40 years, living in the Eden Ridge 3 community in North Wilmington and in his current property for 33 years. He expressed interest in serving and noted his knowledge of property taxation. His vote was scheduled for the following week, not the current consent agenda. - Brian Moore — Board of Assessment Review (nomination). Moore described himself as a 10-year Delaware resident and a retired corporate finance professional with 35+ years of experience, including 10 years in public transportation and 25 years in the energy sector, with skills in financial analysis, capital budgeting, forecasting, and risk management. He said he wanted to serve, contribute, and do good within the community. His appointment was placed on that evening's consent agenda. - Niels Fouager — Audit Committee (nomination). Councilman Toole introduced Dr. Fouager, an economist with a PhD who worked as an adjunct professor at Temple University and held positions at Sallie Mae Bank, JP Morgan Chase, and most recently as a senior vice president at Citibank, with expertise in enterprise risk management and corporate governance. Fouager said he would be honored to serve on the audit committee in the county where he has lived for 14 years with his wife and two children. His vote was scheduled for that evening. - Robert Ott — Board of Adjustment, Chair (nomination). Councilman Hollins explained that Ott, who has served on the Planning Board, was switching to the Board of Adjustment, while Herb Inden would switch from the Board of Adjustment to the Planning Board. Ott was not present; Councilman George noted that both could serve on either board and expressed support for them. The expedited consent motion covered Ott and other consent-listed appointees. - Herb Inden — Planning Board (nomination). Councilman Hollins described Inden as a former director of planning for the City of Wilmington beginning under Mayor Frawley, noting his involvement with Delaware's comprehensive plan requirement and the creation of the Riverfront Development Corporation. Inden briefly joined virtually. - Chris DeMarco — Board of Assessment Review, Chair (nomination). Councilman Cartier highlighted DeMarco's extensive experience in real estate management and stressed that it is critical to fully staff the board to address the backlog of assessment appeals and prepare for future reassessment. - Dennis Godak — Fire and Ambulance Advisory Board (reappointment). Presented as a routine reappointment with no additional discussion. - Charles Tolliver, Esq. — Ethics Commission (reappointment). Councilman Hollins voiced support for Tolliver, a local attorney and judge in New Castle County, and said he was pleased to have him continue in the role. Key Outcomes - The subcommittee forwarded all nominations and reappointments to the full council for final votes; several appointees (Moore, Fouager, and others on the consent list) were expected to be voted on that evening, while Hayt's vote was scheduled for the following week. - Approval of the July 21st meeting minutes passed unanimously. - The motion to expeditiously advance consent-listed appointees passed unanimously. - The motion to adjourn passed unanimously.

This meeting of the Boards and Commission Subcommittee was called to order at 3:00 PM (approximate) on July 21, 2026, in Council Chambers and via online participation. Members present in chamber included Councilman Smiley, Councilwoman Kilpatrick, Councilman Toole, Councilwoman George, and Council President Monique Johns‑Williams. Several members joined online, including Mr. Cartier, Mr. Keneco, Mr. Street, Mr. Carter, and Mr. Tackett. The sole substantive business was the consideration of a new appointment to the Fire and Ambulance Advisory Board. Consent Calendar - Approval of June 16, 2026 Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes from the June 16 meeting was made and seconded. Roll call was conducted, and the motion passed unanimously (all in favor, none opposed). The minutes were approved as submitted. Discussion Items - Appointment of Andrew Harper to the Fire and Ambulance Advisory Board (District 5): Councilwoman George introduced Mr. Harper, who joined the meeting online from the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh air show in Wisconsin. Mr. Harper apologized for his remote location but expressed enthusiasm for serving. He shared his background: he joined the Aetna Fire Company in 2012 after attending the University of Delaware (2010–2014), and has held leadership roles including captain, deputy chief, and a one‑year term as a director. He stated his passion for improving integration between the fire service and the county, especially as fire companies face funding and operational changes. Councilwoman George praised his qualifications and interest. Councilwoman Kilpatrick also thanked him for his willingness to serve and noted he was at the Oshkosh air show. No other comments were made in chamber or online. The appointment will be voted on at the next full Council meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Mr. Harper was not required to be present and was told someone would follow up with him. Key Outcomes - The minutes of June 16, 2026, were approved unanimously. - Andrew Harper’s nomination to the Fire and Ambulance Advisory Board was discussed and will be formally voted on at the Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Council meeting. - No reappointments or other business were conducted. The meeting adjourned shortly after 3:00 PM following a motion, with a noted personnel meeting scheduled for 4:00 PM.

The Boards and Commission Subcommittee of New Castle County Council met on June 16, 2026, at 1:00 PM (transcript time unknown) to consider new appointments and reappointments to county boards and commissions. Chair Dee Durham led the meeting. All items are recommendations to the full council, which will vote on them on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (April 21, 2026): Motion by Councilman Smiley, seconded. Approved unanimously. New Appointments - Ryan Wilson – New Castle County Ethics Commission (District 4, Councilwoman George): Councilwoman George sponsored Wilson, praising his character and community involvement. Wilson stated he wanted to get more involved locally and was drawn to the Ethics Commission to help uphold standards. No questions from council. The appointment will be voted on next Tuesday. - Beatrice "Betty" Ariola – Claymont Design Review Advisory Committee (District 5, Councilman Cartier): Councilman Cartier outlined the committee's role in the Claymont Hometown Overlay District, which has spurred millions in redevelopment. Ariola, a 17-year U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project manager with a civil engineering degree, expressed interest in using her skills to help the community. No questions. Vote next Tuesday. Reappointments - Robert "Bob" Hicks – New Castle County Ethics Commission (District 6, Councilman Tackett): Councilman Tackett sponsored, noting Hicks' outstanding service. Councilman Hollins praised Hicks' diligence and long county service. Vote next Tuesday. - Dolores McLamb – New Castle County Diversity Commission (District 1, Councilman Smiley): Councilman Smiley expressed gratitude for her willingness to serve another term. - William Smith – New Castle County Financial Advisory Council (District 5, Councilman Cartier): Councilman Cartier noted Smith's commitment and expertise for this important financial forecasting committee. - Rose Passerella – New Castle County Library Advisory Board (District 2, Chair Durham): Chair Durham wholeheartedly endorsed her renomination. - Eric Cesar Haley – Fire and Ambulance Advisory Board (District 9, Councilman Sheldon, absent): Councilman Smiley confirmed the reappointment would proceed. - Sally Jensen – New Castle County Ethics Commission (District 8, Councilman Toole): Councilman Toole noted Jensen is a retired county employee, Ellsmere town council member, and an asset to the commission. Councilman Smiley also praised her active engagement. Other Business - Annual Reports Online: Chair Durham announced that annual reports for boards and commissions from recent years have been posted on the county's agenda center, accessible via a new link on the committee and boards/commissions pages. She stated these were not previously publicly available. Public Comments - None. Key Outcomes - All appointments and reappointments passed subcommittee unanimously and will be forwarded to the full county council for a vote on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. - Meeting adjourned via motion and second.

Chair Dee Durham called the meeting to order at approximately 4:00 PM. Roll call was taken with Councilmembers Smiley, Cartier, Kilpatrick, Carter, George, President Monique Williams Johns, and Hollins present in chambers, and Councilmembers Keneco, Teckett, and Toole participating online. The subcommittee reviewed several appointments to county boards and commissions and heard public comment. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes (March 17, 2026): Motion to approve, seconded, and carried unanimously. Discussion Items - Appointment of Herb Indon as Chair of the Newcastle County Board of Adjustment (District of Councilman Hollins): Mr. Indon introduced himself, highlighting his extensive land‑use experience at the state (Office of State Planning and Coordination) and local (City of Wilmington Planning Director) levels. Councilmembers Hollins, Carter, and Cartier expressed strong support for his qualifications. The subcommittee noted the appointment will be voted on by full council the following week. - Appointment of Christopher DeMarco to the Newcastle County Board of Assessment Review (District of Councilman Cartier): Mr. DeMarco was not present initially. Councilman Cartier described his background in property management and real estate. Councilwoman Kilpatrick added her endorsement. The subcommittee agreed to wait and later, when Mr. DeMarco still had not appeared, voted to suspend the rule requiring appointees to speak in order to move his nomination forward for a full council vote. The motion to suspend passed unanimously. - Appointment of Sean Michael Kelly to the Newcastle County Ethics Commission (District 2): Mr. Kelly, an attorney with experience in corporate litigation and as a fraud enforcer for the Delaware Department of Justice, expressed his willingness to serve. Councilmembers voiced support, noting the commission’s need for an attorney. The nomination will be acted on the following week. - Appointment of Monica Gonzalez Gillespie to the Newcastle County Human Resources Advisory Board (District 2): Ms. Gillespie, retired former director of talent management and labor relations for the State of Delaware and former HR director for the City of Wilmington, stated her honor to serve. Councilmembers offered no further questions. The nomination proceeds to full council. - Appointment of Raina Harper Allen to the Newcastle County Diversity Commission (District of Councilman Hollins): Ms. Allen, who has served on the United Way of Delaware’s Race Adjustment Collaborative and the Wilmington Urban League, spoke about her commitment to civic engagement and equity. Councilman Hollins praised her expertise. The nomination will be considered next week. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Hicks, speaking on behalf of the Newcastle County Ethics Commission, expressed gratitude for the nomination of Sean Michael Kelly and welcomed him to the commission. - William Simpson, representing the Wilmington Hawks community club, introduced his organization and offered to assist in community growth efforts. Key Outcomes - The subcommittee unanimously approved the minutes from March 17, 2026. - All five nominations (Indon, DeMarco, Kelly, Gillespie, and Allen) were favorably reviewed and will be placed on the full council’s agenda for a vote on April 28, 2026. - For Mr. DeMarco, the subcommittee voted to suspend the rule requiring his personal appearance so that his nomination could proceed. - The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:15 PM.

The New Castle County Boards and Commission Subcommittee meeting was held on March 17, 2026, at 3:05 PM (based on adjournment notation). The meeting was chaired by Dee Durham and included discussions and nominations for various boards and commissions, particularly the Police Accountability Board. All appointments discussed require a full council vote the following week. Consent Calendar - Approval of February 17, 2026, minutes: Approved unanimously by voice vote. New Appointments - Robert Snowden – Chair, New Castle County Planning Board: Recognized as appointed by the County Executive; no questions or objections. - Maria Ushery – Police Accountability Board (District: Mr. Smiley): Expressed interest in bridging the gap between public safety and the community. Has a background in nonprofits, HR, and ministry in New Castle County. - Jessica Jordan – Diversity Commission (District: Mr. Sheldon): Lifelong Delawarean with experience in inclusion and equity work. Council noted the commission has been dormant and hopes to see renewed action. - Margie Lopez Waite – Police Accountability Board (District: Mr. Tackett): 50-year Delaware resident, founder of a dual-language charter school. Emphasized positive relationships with law enforcement and criminal justice reform through education. - Dr. Christopher Curry – Police Accountability Board (District: Mr. Tackett): Pastor, former Dean of Students at Delaware State University, son of a police officer. Stressed mutual accountability between community and police. - Leslie Palladino – Police Accountability Board (District: Mr. Cartier): Works in nonprofit overdose prevention, in long-term recovery from substance use, and credits the criminal justice system with saving her life. Councilmember Cartier requested she report any impediments to board function. Reappointments - Darlene Sample – Housing Advisory Board (District: Mr. Smiley): Described as a possible charter member with a critical role in reviewing housing agenda items. - Dr. Monica Beard – Housing Advisory Board (District: Ms. Kilpatrick): Reappointed to continue serving. - Tyler Shade – Housing Advisory Board (District: Ms. Kilpatrick): Reappointed to continue serving. Discussion Items - Police Accountability Board Function: Councilmembers Kaneko, Toole, and Cartier discussed efforts to improve board effectiveness, noting past departures and the need for actionable recommendations. Councilman Cartier instructed new members to report any impediments. - Diversity Commission: Council noted the commission's dormancy and expressed hope that new appointee Jessica Jordan would help revitalize it. Key Outcomes - All new appointments and reappointments discussed will be voted on at the next full council meeting (week of March 17, 2026). No votes were taken during this subcommittee meeting. - Councilmembers emphasized support for DEI initiatives despite broader national trends. - The meeting adjourned at 3:05 PM (noted as "305" in the transcript).

The Boards and Commissions Subcommittee of the New Castle County Council met on February 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM (presumed) in council chambers, chaired by Councilwoman Dee Durham. The meeting focused on considering new appointments and reappointments to several county boards, including the Police Accountability Board, Board of Assessment Review, License Inspection and Review, and Public Arts Commission. Council members in attendance: Durham, Kineco, Smiley, Kilpatrick, Toole, Carter, Monique Johns, Hollins, and virtually Councilwoman George and Councilman Street. Councilmen Sheldon and Hackett were absent. The meeting lasted approximately one hour and featured presentations from nominees, debate on the appointment process, and a public comment. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes – The minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting were approved by unanimous consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Rob Bullock, President of the Community Alliance Coalition, asked whether the council had received recommendations from the previous Police Accountability Board (PAB) and whether the addition of five new members would require the board to restart its work. No immediate response was given; the chair thanked him for his comment. Discussion Items - New Appointments to the Police Accountability Board (PAB): - David Perino – Nominee for the Board of Assessment Review (District 2). Perino expressed interest in addressing property assessment issues, citing recent county-wide assessment challenges. Council members praised his community involvement and noted the board’s pressing workload. - Matthew Kelly – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilwoman Kilpatrick). Kelly, a social worker, stated his goal to “bridge the gap between citizens and police.” Councilman Kineco asked about his background in criminal justice reform. Councilman Street raised concerns about the appointment process, revealing that a constituent in his district who regularly attends PAB meetings applied but received no response. Street called the process “mischief” and said he would not support any nominees. Councilwoman Kilpatrick assured Kelly the criticism was not personal. - Kerwin Gaines – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilman Kineco). Gaines highlighted his 23 years in intelligence work, prior service as a state police cadet, and experience on other state committees. He emphasized the need for research and training to understand police actions. Councilwoman Kilpatrick praised his integrity and compassion. - Kenneth Woods – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilman Hollins). Woods, a former county council member, said he wanted to help with police reform and noted the county police force is “superior.” He stated he would vote based on research, not pressure. Councilman Kineco asked about his background in criminal justice reform; Woods said he had none but observed national issues. Councilman Toole welcomed his research skills. - Aldean Story – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilman Hollins). Story, a 39-year IRS retiree, stressed he was new to the community and wanted to ensure the PAB does not become a “check the box” exercise. He asked for a system to measure success of recommendations. Council members Carter, Kineco, and Kilpatrick agreed with his concerns and encouraged him to bring that perspective. Councilman Carter noted the board is still developing performance metrics. - Kay Fitzgerald – Nominee for PAB (District of Councilwoman George, virtual). Fitzgerald, a project manager and graduate of the Citizens Police Academy, cited her skills in relationship building and compromise. She has degrees in political science and criminal justice. Councilwoman Monique Johns expressed excitement about appointing a woman to the board. - Reappointments to the Police Accountability Board: - Kevin Evans – Councilman Street reiterated his opposition to the appointment process, stating he would not support any nominees. Councilman Toole noted Evans served as vice‑chair of the PAB and helped create its online repository. - Dr. Jenna DiLeturio – Several council members praised her work leading “Knowwood peace walks” and her contributions to police‑community relations. Councilman Kineco expressed support, and Councilman Cartier called her a model for building trust. - Other Reappointments: - John Gryschaber to the Board of License Inspection and Review (District 2) – Approved without discussion. - James Rhodes to the Public Arts Commission (District of Councilman Toole) – Rhodes is executive director of the Christiana Cultural Arts Center. Council members Toole and Hollins voiced support. - Jarrett Harris to the Public Arts Commission (District of Councilman Sheldon) – Councilman Smiley noted a potential discrepancy in the agenda (listed as reappointment vs. appointment). A motion was made and seconded to allow the nomination to proceed for vote next week, subject to clarification. The motion passed with one opposed (Councilman Street). - Procedural Discussion on Co‑sponsorships: – Several council members requested to be co‑sponsors of various appointments. Chair Durham initially deferred to the prime sponsors. After debate, it was agreed that co‑sponsorship requests would be handled via email to the prime sponsor, documented in writing. Key Outcomes - Vote Scheduled – All nominations and reappointments will be voted on by the full County Council at the next meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. - Motion on Harris Nomination – The committee voted (with one opposed) to forward the Jarrett Harris nomination for a vote next week, pending confirmation of whether it is a new appointment or reappointment. - Public Comment Acknowledged – Rob Bullock’s question about PAB recommendations was noted but not resolved. - Adjournment – The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

This subcommittee meeting, chaired by Councilwoman Dee Durham, was held on January 20, 2026, at approximately 3:00 PM. The primary business was interviewing and discussing appointments and reappointments to various county boards and commissions, to be voted on by the full council the following week. The meeting lasted about an hour. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 18, 2025, meeting were approved unanimously. Discussion Items - Appointment of Kent St. Pierre to the New Castle County Audit Committee (District of Councilwoman George): Mr. St. Pierre participated via telephone due to technical difficulties with Zoom. He expressed his willingness to serve and answered no specific questions from council. Bob Wasserbach, who recommended him, noted that Mr. St. Pierre is fully qualified and had a productive meeting explaining the role of the audit committee. Council expressed gratitude and noted the appointment would be voted on next week. - Appointment of Julianne Brewer to the New Castle County Library Advisory Board (District 2): Ms. Brewer was not present. Councilwoman Kilpatrick expressed full support, noting the resume indicated she would be a strong addition. No questions were asked. Councilman Smiley later made a motion to suspend the rule requiring in-person interviews for this and another appointment. - Appointment of Caitlin Britwin to the New Castle County Library Advisory Board (District of Councilman Toole): Ms. Britwin attended in person. She introduced herself, noting her experience as a board member of the Friends of Kirkwood Library, work in the nonprofit sector, and previous library employment. She expressed excitement to serve. Council thanked her and noted the vote would occur next week. - Appointment of Matthew Morris to the New Castle County Claymont Design Review Committee (District of Councilman Cartier): Mr. Morris attended in person. Councilman Cartier praised his long-term community involvement, including running a monthly Claymont community update video. Mr. Morris highlighted his past advocacy, including town hall meetings on the opioid epidemic that led to an executive order improving landlord-tenant codes. Council welcomed his engagement, noting Claymont's DRAC is the most successful and active in the county. - Appointment of Neta Mokta Dari to the New Castle County Hockessin Design Review Advisory Committee (District of Councilwoman Kilpatrick): Ms. Mokta Dari participated online. Councilwoman Kilpatrick noted the DRAC had been vacant for years and supported filling it to address upcoming issues. Ms. Mokta Dari introduced herself as a 10+ year Hockessin resident and historian/archivist with experience in historic preservation. She expressed excitement to give the community a voice in development. Council mentioned that the Land Use Department is working to hold regular meetings. - Appointment of Tracy Chamblée to the New Castle County Planning Board (District of Councilman Carter): Ms. Chamblée participated online. Councilman Carter described her as highly recommended by the administration, with over 25 years of executive business experience and as a southern New Castle County resident. He noted she will bring perspective from the growth zone. Ms. Chamblée stated she currently serves on the PAC committee and is eager to contribute. Councilwoman Durham asked if she believes overdevelopment is a problem in southern New Castle County. Ms. Chamblée replied that it is becoming one, and that better planning and infrastructure improvements are needed. Council President Williams Johns thanked her for volunteering and noted the importance of having a person of color on the board. Councilman Carter offered to brief her on ongoing infrastructure work and community meetings. - Appointment of Lissa Brutus to the New Castle County Planning Board (District of Councilman Hollins): Ms. Brutus was initially not visible online but joined later. Councilman Smiley said the administration had not contacted him about this appointment but supported it based on the resume. No specific questions or comments were made by council. Councilman Smiley later made a motion to suspend the rule requiring in-person interviews for this and the appointment of Julianne Brewer. - Reappointment of Jean Hirschner to the New Castle County Historic Review Board (District of Councilwoman Durham): Ms. Hirschner was not present. Councilwoman Durham noted she is the executive director of Namores and thanked her for her willingness to be reappointed. Council expressed support. Key Outcomes - Motion to Suspend Interview Rule: Councilman Smiley moved to suspend council rule 4.5.7.1 (requiring new appointees to be interviewed before council) for the appointments of Julianne Brewer and Lissa Brutus, allowing them to proceed to the full council vote the following week. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. - Next Steps: All appointments and reappointments discussed are scheduled for a vote at the next regularly scheduled New Castle County Council meeting the week of January 26, 2026. The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:00 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received or requested.