Laurence Hinds

The commission will review three permit referrals: renovations to the former DCAD dorms at 707 N King Street to create apartments, the consideration of a National Register of Historic Places nomination for Mount Joy United Methodist Church at 451 Townsend Street, and a request to construct a new dry-stack stone wall at 2006 Kentmere Parkway.

The board meeting focused primarily on the review of the Final Proposed Water Sewer Fund Financial Plan for FY 2027 through FY 2032. Key discussion topics included revenue and revenue requirement projections, O&M and CIP cost assumptions, debt service, and cashflow scenarios for rate adjustments. The board evaluated potential rate increases, the impact on residential monthly bills, and strategies for managing delinquent accounts. Members requested additional cashflow scenarios to consider before making a formal recommendation on revenue increases.

The meeting is convened to review the financial impact of the Commission's previous recommendation to provide a one-time $1,000 payment to eligible City of Wilmington pensioners. The committee will evaluate the fiscal implications of this recommendation to determine whether to affirm, rescind, or adjust the proposed payment amount.

The meeting included a presentation from Black & Veatch regarding the Preliminary Water/Sewer Fund Financial Plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2032, covering enterprise fund goals, revenue requirements, operational reserves, and capital improvement program projections. Scenarios for revenue adjustments were discussed to maintain reserve requirements and debt service coverage. Additionally, the Board addressed public comments regarding the transparency of meeting participation and discussed pending legislation regarding the potential dissolution of the advisory board.

The committee agenda includes a discussion regarding the capital budget, followed by old business consisting of a discussion on the Facilities Assessment RFP. The committee will also hold an executive session to address contract negotiations. New business items involve an update on the First Tee practice facility, followed by an opportunity for public comment.