New Castle County

The council meeting addressed several budgetary and administrative items, including the appropriation of federal funds for Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, the Home Investment Partnership Program, and an amendment to the operating budget to fund attorney fees. Additional ordinances approved included amendments to the pay plan for temporary seasonal staff, distribution of state bond funds to a community redevelopment grant, and the allocation of funds for COVID-19 test kits for local libraries. The council confirmed several appointments to various advisory boards and commissions, adopted resolutions for a major land development plan and the purchase of cardiac monitors, and approved honorary resolutions for two Eagle Scouts. Public comment addressed concerns regarding resources for the homeless population.

The Council introduced several ordinances concerning street light installations, amendments to the FY2022 capital program and budget, and grants for law enforcement technology. Additionally, revisions to the code regarding vacancies on boards and committees were proposed. The council approved multiple consent resolutions, including commemorations, appointments, and reappointments to various county boards. Further actions included the adoption of land development plans for a self-storage facility and residential apartments, the naming of a private street, and the passage of ordinances for housing and public works projects. Public comment sessions addressed the property maintenance code, administrative procedures, and the process for converting private lanes to public roadways.

The committee conducted an interview with a Diversity Commission nominee and reviewed draft legislation aimed at improving the attendance of board and commission members and establishing protocols for their removal. Discussions were held regarding the operations of the Board of Assessment Review, specifically concerning Senate Bill 140 and the potential addition of an expert appraiser and legal counsel to the board. Additionally, the committee addressed potential compensation for board members and reached a consensus to reschedule future subcommittee meetings to 2 PM on the third Tuesday of each month.

The committee reviewed and discussed several resolutions, including a purchase order contract for police vehicle disinfecting lights, funding for affordable housing development along the Route 9 corridor, and the appointment of a General Manager for the Department of Community Services. An ordinance regarding a budget appropriation for attorney fees from the tax stabilization reserve was introduced and tabled. Additionally, the committee processed several community grant requests, approved a telecommuting application for council staff, and addressed a temporary recess due to a fire alarm during the proceedings.

The Council introduced and discussed various ordinances, including amendments to the fiscal year operating and capital budgets, revisions to the unified development code, and pay plan adjustments for unionized employees. Committee reports were provided regarding executive appointments, financial audits, and legislative personnel matters. The Council adopted several resolutions authorizing purchase order contracts for library services, police equipment, animal control, and software maintenance, as well as subaward agreements with local organizations. Additionally, the Council addressed a recreational property tax-exempt status, renamed an apartment complex, and adopted amendments to the operating budget and comprehensive planning code.