11.11.25
28.10.25
The first meeting of the Lead Based Paint Remediation Certification Committee created by HS2 for HB70 (2025) will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 from 10 am to noon. The meeting will be held in hybrid format, with the physical location in the Senate Majority Hearing Room at Legislative Hall (411 Legislative Avenue, Dover, DE), and the virtual portion hosted via Teams. The agenda has not yet been posted.
Committee Website: https://www.destatehousing.com/about/lead-based-paint-remediation/
Public Meeting Calendar: https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/#/meeting/83332
Virtual: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/e2d01d4b-e42e-4786-a2d8-700f7bd70faf@8c09e569-51c5-4dee-abb2-8b99c32a4396
Committee Members
- DSHA Director Matthew Heckles, Chair
- House Majority Leader Kerri Evelyn Harris
- Senator Marie Pinkney
- Crystal Mintzer, Delaware Technical Community College
- Sandi Spiegel, Delaware Department of Health & Social Services
- Richard Stachura, Delaware Department of Health & Social Services
- Christopher Vanderslice
- Andre Green
- Deidre Shepard
- Franchon Dickinson
From HS 2 for HB 70, § 5410. Feasibility review.
(f) By March 1, 2026, the Committee must issue a formal report to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Director and Librarian of the Division of Legislative Services as to whether it is feasible for persons subject to the deadlines established in § 5402 and § 5403 of this title to comply with those deadlines. In addition to any other issues the Committee deems relevant to feasibility, the formal report must answer the following questions:
(1) Are the existing certification deadlines in this chapter feasible? If not, propose new deadlines to replace those enumerated in § 5402 and § 5403 of this title.
(2) How many current rental units in the State were constructed before January 1, 1978? How many are in each county?
(3) How many approved inspectors or certified contractors are there in the State who can perform lead inspection or lead remediation and abatement? How does the State incentivize and train additional inspectors and certified contractors to meet the needs of this chapter?
(4) What is an appropriate standard for a lead inspection? How should lead safe be defined and determined?
(5) What is the predicted demand for loans or grants under this chapter?
(6) If not the Department, what State or local agency, department, or program is better situated to implement and enforce this chapter?
(7) What is the potential impact this chapter will have on small property owners, mid-size property owners, and large property owners?
(8) If resources are limited, what geographic areas or types of rental units should be prioritized under this chapter?
(9) How will property owners be notified and informed of their obligations under this chapter, including the availability of grants and loans from the State?
(10) What procedures will be put in place for a property owner to obtain certification? What forms must be created prior to implementation of this chapter?
(11) What procedures and forms will the courts have in place for a landlord who seeks summary possession and must comply with § 5704A of this title? Are the new requirements under § 5704A of this title necessary to enforce Chapter 54 of this title?
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BcseKE9Wx/
24.10.25
Delaware’s Blue Envelope Program
Delaware’s Blue Envelope Program
Through a partnership with the Delaware State Police, Delaware Association Chiefs of Police, University of Delaware Center for Disabilities Studies, Office of Highway Safety, and Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, the Blue Envelope Program is a free initiative that aims to promote safe, clear, and respectful communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism and other disabilities. There are no qualifying questions asked, and no identification is needed to participate. Delaware drivers and family members should visit their local Delaware State Police Troop or participating police agency to pick up an envelope.
https://dsp.delaware.gov/blue-envelope-program/
WILMAPCO :: SIDEWALK GAP ANALYSIS AND PRIORITIZATION
About the Plan
WILMAPCO is completing a Sidewalk Gap Analysis for Cecil County, Maryland and New Castle County, Delaware. This project combines data-driven analysis with community insight to better understand and address where sidewalks are missing—and how filling those gaps can improve walking in our community. Working with communities across the region, we’ll explore:
- Where sidewalk gaps are located, and how they relate to where people walk or might want to walk
- How different types of gaps affect accessibility, safety, and comfort for people of all ages and abilities.
- Practical strategies to prioritize and fund investments to fill the gaps.
Get Involved
You can plan an important role by adding your insights to our interactive map. Tell us about the places you notice:
Click here to let us know your sidewalk priorities
Your input will guide how gaps are understood and how future improvements are prioritized. By sharing your experiences now, you’ll help shape the conversations and decisions to come.
Woodland Run Project :: 23 October 2025 Update
Good afternoon Chuck, I hope you are doing well. This email serves as an update to the Little Mill Creek Stream Restoration project in the Woodland Run Park.
Over the past year, our Engineering team has been working through several permits required for this project. Obtaining those permits took longer than we originally thought, so the project got delayed. We finally worked through those permits and anticipate advertising the project for construction around Thanksgiving with construction starting around March 2026.
We know the dead trees have become an issue with the delay of the project, so we are proceeding with tree removal now instead of waiting for the project. Our Parks division is in process of hiring a contractor to bring down those dead trees this fall/winter. The trees will be left on the ground and removed during the stream restoration project.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
 | Jason P. Zern Senior Manager, Public Works |
9.9.25
How HB 62 protects Delawareans:
How HB 62 protects Delawareans:
No shutoffs after-hours Delaware utilities can't turn off your services
outside 8am-4pm, Monday through Thursday.
Holiday protection From Dec 21 to Jan 1, utility companies aren't
allowed to shut off your services.
35°F below and 90°F above Utilities can not be shut off.
14-day heads-up required Utility companies must give you written notice at least 14 days in advance before cutting service.
Penalties for Companies Utility shutoff violations can now come with
up to $1,000 in fines.
8.9.25
APPOINTING A TASK FORCE TO EXAMINE REASSESSMENT OF NEW CASTLE COUNTY :: RESOLUTION NO. 25-157 Proposed New Castle County Ordinance :: Date of introduction: September 9, 2025
Brandon Toole - NCC District 1
This resolution (R25-157) was just published for Tuesday's meeting. This resolution proposes the creation of a task force for the next reassessment.
The task force includes a broad representation, including three to five NCC residents to be appointed as Volunteer Community Leader Representatives.
Taskforce Goals
1) Examine past reassessment issues
2) Identify any systematic issues
3) Gather public input
4) Recommend council action (revisions of laws, ordinances, policies, or regulation)
5) Address any other issues
6) Consider reforms
This is a big lift to start, so the intent was to introduce this swiftly with a goal of an initial meeting of Sept. 30th, 2025!
Prime Sponsor(s): Ms. George, Mr. Caneco
Date of introduction: September 9, 2025
Date of introduction: September 9, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 25-157
APPOINTING A TASK FORCE TO EXAMINE
REASSESSMENT OF NEW CASTLE COUNTY
1 WHEREAS, in 2021 New Castle County, along with Kent and Sussex Counties,
2 initiated a general reassessment of the County; and
3
4 WHEREAS, with the excessive amount of time in between reassessments, the
5 recent reassessment resulted in, at times, unexpected outcomes; and
6
7 WHEREAS, given the time between reassessments, it is also advisable that New
8 Castle County assess and review the outcomes; and
9
10 WHEREAS, despite recent legislative efforts by New Castle County Council to
11 provide relief, by way of additional exemptions for example, many residents continue to
12 face high tax bills and households are spending a significant share of their income on
13 taxes, all amid broader increases in the cost of living; and
14
15 WHEREAS, this Resolution proposes the creation of a task force which is intended
16 to exist short term but is dedicated to working towards a goal of finding and proposing
17 solutions that can be considered by County Council to effectuate change, long term,
18 especially given that the next reassessment must be initiated within the next two years to
19 ensure that the follow up reassessment is completed within the requisite five years (by
20 2030); and
21
22 WHEREAS, County Council believes it is appropriate and in the best interests of
23 the County and its residents to establish a task force to consider various issues relating
24 to reassessments, to identify any systemic issues, seek to find rational explanations to
25 understand certain outcomes, gather public input and, where necessary and appropriate,
26 propose reforms to avoid future challenges.
27
28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by and for the County Council of New
29 Castle County that County Council hereby establishes a Task Force to study and make
30 findings and recommendations concerning reassessments in New Castle County.
31
32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall include individuals who
33 have a broad range of expertise, who represent a cross-section of the community, and/or
34 who have knowledge, experience, and/or interest in the reassessment process, including
35 the following:
36 1. At least four members of New Castle County Council;
37 2. At least one of the Co-Chairs of the Council Finance Committee;
38 3. At least one of the Co-Chairs of the Council Community Services Committee;
2 initiated a general reassessment of the County; and
3
4 WHEREAS, with the excessive amount of time in between reassessments, the
5 recent reassessment resulted in, at times, unexpected outcomes; and
6
7 WHEREAS, given the time between reassessments, it is also advisable that New
8 Castle County assess and review the outcomes; and
9
10 WHEREAS, despite recent legislative efforts by New Castle County Council to
11 provide relief, by way of additional exemptions for example, many residents continue to
12 face high tax bills and households are spending a significant share of their income on
13 taxes, all amid broader increases in the cost of living; and
14
15 WHEREAS, this Resolution proposes the creation of a task force which is intended
16 to exist short term but is dedicated to working towards a goal of finding and proposing
17 solutions that can be considered by County Council to effectuate change, long term,
18 especially given that the next reassessment must be initiated within the next two years to
19 ensure that the follow up reassessment is completed within the requisite five years (by
20 2030); and
21
22 WHEREAS, County Council believes it is appropriate and in the best interests of
23 the County and its residents to establish a task force to consider various issues relating
24 to reassessments, to identify any systemic issues, seek to find rational explanations to
25 understand certain outcomes, gather public input and, where necessary and appropriate,
26 propose reforms to avoid future challenges.
27
28 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by and for the County Council of New
29 Castle County that County Council hereby establishes a Task Force to study and make
30 findings and recommendations concerning reassessments in New Castle County.
31
32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall include individuals who
33 have a broad range of expertise, who represent a cross-section of the community, and/or
34 who have knowledge, experience, and/or interest in the reassessment process, including
35 the following:
36 1. At least four members of New Castle County Council;
37 2. At least one of the Co-Chairs of the Council Finance Committee;
38 3. At least one of the Co-Chairs of the Council Community Services Committee;
39 4. A representative of the Board of Assessment Review;
40 5. The General Manager of the County Department of Land Use or his designee;
41 6. A representative from the Department of Finance;
42 7. A representative from a professional organization that represents seniors and
43 retired individuals;
44 8. A representative of the New Castle County Board of Realtors;
45 9. An expert in taxation, preferably with experience in reassessments;
46 10. Other relevant experts as determined by the Task Force;
47 11. Three to five residents of New Castle County to be appointed as Volunteer
48 Community Leader Representatives, with the goal of fairly representing the various
49 geographical segments of the County.
50
51 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall:
52 1. Consider and examine issues or concerns relating to past reassessments to
53 effectively guide future reassessments;
54 2. Identify any systemic issues. Investigate for any burdensome taxes and causes
55 thereof and look for ways to ensure the system is fair and accurate;
56 3. Gather public input. Hold public meetings and listening sessions for the purpose
57 of hearing from and communicating with the public, property owners, community
58 advocates, stakeholders, interested parties, and subject matter experts regarding
59 concerns and priorities;
60 4. Assess and recommend to Council actions to be considered in the enactment or
61 revision of laws, ordinances, policies, or regulations relating to reassessment, and
62 identify potential changes;
63 5. Address other issues relating to reassessment that are not otherwise identified or
64 addressed in the preceding points, but in the determination of the Task Force are
65 relevant and important to its purpose and to the County and its residents; and
66 6. Consider reforms. The work of the Task Force shall culminate in a report which
67 may include recommendations for legislative or administrative changes, such as
68 new tax structures, improved appraisal methods, or reforms to, for example, the
69 appeal process, and is to be submitted to County Council and the County
70 Executive by March 2, 2026, and distributed publicly.
71
72 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force is strongly encouraged to invite
73 individuals with relevant expertise to participate in Task Force discussions and, where
74 appropriate, to provide research, advice, support, or other functions helpful in
75 accomplishing the mission and goals of the Task Force.
76
77 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that:
78 1. Official action by the Task Force, including making findings and recommendations,
79 requires the approval of a quorum of the Task Force, which is at least a majority of its
80 members;
81 2. The Task Force will conduct its meetings under the Robert’s Rules of Order, but
82 may also adopt other procedural rules it deems helpful for its operation.
83 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force members shall elect two Co-
84 Chairs, who are responsible for guiding the administration of the Task Force, which
85 includes:
86 1. Setting a date no later than September 30, 2025, a time, and place for the initial
87 organizational meeting;
88 2. Establishing at least monthly meetings through February 2026;
89 3. Notifying the individuals who are members of the Task Force of its formation and,
90 if applicable, notifying a person of the need to nominate or appoint a member;
91 4. Supervising the preparation, posting, and distribution of meeting notices, agendas,
92 minutes, correspondence, and reports of the Task Force;
93 5. Providing support staff and materials necessary for the Task Force to carry out its
94 mission; and
95 6. Providing the members of County Council, the County Executive, and the
96 members of the Task Force, after the first meeting, the names of the Task Force
97 members as follows:
98 a. By position, including if serving as a designee of a member serving by virtue
99 of position.
100 b. By appointment, including the entity the member represents.
101
102 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Co-Chairs of the Task Force are to compile
103 a final report containing a summary of the work of the Task Force relating to the matters
104 assigned to it under this Resolution, including findings and recommendations, and to
105 submit the final report to New Castle County Council, the County Executive, the members
106 of the Task Force, and the public by no later than March 2, 2026.
40 5. The General Manager of the County Department of Land Use or his designee;
41 6. A representative from the Department of Finance;
42 7. A representative from a professional organization that represents seniors and
43 retired individuals;
44 8. A representative of the New Castle County Board of Realtors;
45 9. An expert in taxation, preferably with experience in reassessments;
46 10. Other relevant experts as determined by the Task Force;
47 11. Three to five residents of New Castle County to be appointed as Volunteer
48 Community Leader Representatives, with the goal of fairly representing the various
49 geographical segments of the County.
50
51 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force shall:
52 1. Consider and examine issues or concerns relating to past reassessments to
53 effectively guide future reassessments;
54 2. Identify any systemic issues. Investigate for any burdensome taxes and causes
55 thereof and look for ways to ensure the system is fair and accurate;
56 3. Gather public input. Hold public meetings and listening sessions for the purpose
57 of hearing from and communicating with the public, property owners, community
58 advocates, stakeholders, interested parties, and subject matter experts regarding
59 concerns and priorities;
60 4. Assess and recommend to Council actions to be considered in the enactment or
61 revision of laws, ordinances, policies, or regulations relating to reassessment, and
62 identify potential changes;
63 5. Address other issues relating to reassessment that are not otherwise identified or
64 addressed in the preceding points, but in the determination of the Task Force are
65 relevant and important to its purpose and to the County and its residents; and
66 6. Consider reforms. The work of the Task Force shall culminate in a report which
67 may include recommendations for legislative or administrative changes, such as
68 new tax structures, improved appraisal methods, or reforms to, for example, the
69 appeal process, and is to be submitted to County Council and the County
70 Executive by March 2, 2026, and distributed publicly.
71
72 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force is strongly encouraged to invite
73 individuals with relevant expertise to participate in Task Force discussions and, where
74 appropriate, to provide research, advice, support, or other functions helpful in
75 accomplishing the mission and goals of the Task Force.
76
77 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that:
78 1. Official action by the Task Force, including making findings and recommendations,
79 requires the approval of a quorum of the Task Force, which is at least a majority of its
80 members;
81 2. The Task Force will conduct its meetings under the Robert’s Rules of Order, but
82 may also adopt other procedural rules it deems helpful for its operation.
83 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Task Force members shall elect two Co-
84 Chairs, who are responsible for guiding the administration of the Task Force, which
85 includes:
86 1. Setting a date no later than September 30, 2025, a time, and place for the initial
87 organizational meeting;
88 2. Establishing at least monthly meetings through February 2026;
89 3. Notifying the individuals who are members of the Task Force of its formation and,
90 if applicable, notifying a person of the need to nominate or appoint a member;
91 4. Supervising the preparation, posting, and distribution of meeting notices, agendas,
92 minutes, correspondence, and reports of the Task Force;
93 5. Providing support staff and materials necessary for the Task Force to carry out its
94 mission; and
95 6. Providing the members of County Council, the County Executive, and the
96 members of the Task Force, after the first meeting, the names of the Task Force
97 members as follows:
98 a. By position, including if serving as a designee of a member serving by virtue
99 of position.
100 b. By appointment, including the entity the member represents.
101
102 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Co-Chairs of the Task Force are to compile
103 a final report containing a summary of the work of the Task Force relating to the matters
104 assigned to it under this Resolution, including findings and recommendations, and to
105 submit the final report to New Castle County Council, the County Executive, the members
106 of the Task Force, and the public by no later than March 2, 2026.
Adopted by County Council of
New Castle County on:
_____________________
Monique Williams-Johns
President of County Council
of New Castle County
New Castle County on:
_____________________
Monique Williams-Johns
President of County Council
of New Castle County
SYNOPSIS: This Resolution establishes a Task Force to study and make findings and
recommendations concerning reassessments of New Castle County.
recommendations concerning reassessments of New Castle County.
FISCAL NOTE: There is no discernible fiscal impact with the adoption of this legislation.
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