March 30, 2009 Teen Linked to Multiple Graffiti Crimes, 24 Charges
New Castle County Police have arrested Christopher Lewis, an 18 year old male who resides in the unit block of Avignon Drive in Newark, DE. He has been linked to at least eight separate incidents where he spray painted graffiti and “slashed” the tires of several cars in the greater Newark and Bear areas.
On Saturday (3/28) morning, County Police began receiving multiple reports of cars and homes that had been damaged by someone painting profane words with spray paint. Many of the cars that were painted also sustained damage by the suspects who “slashed” a number of tires.
During the course of this investigation, Officer Richard Blackston handled a graffiti case that occurred at a home in the unit block of Corbitt Circle in Bear. Blackston was able to identify a Frenchtown Woods teen named Christopher Lewis and a 17 year old female from Deerborne Woods as possible suspects.
As the investigation progressed, police determined two other similar crimes that occurred in the communities of Summit View and Robscott Manor. In each case, Christopher Lewis was known to the victims as a former classmate at the Glasgow High School.
Based on this information, officer obtained and executed a search warrant at Lewis’ home. Police located evidence at the home that linked Lewis to a theft from a vehicle that had occurred on Wednesday (3/25) in the Chelsea on the Square Apartments.
Lewis was arrested early this morning after police have linked him to at least eight of the crimes. The investigation has revealed Lewis targeted the homes of previous and current high school students who were former classmates of his at the Glasgow High School.
Lewis has been charged with graffiti crimes that have occurred in the following addresses:
The unit block of Elk Lane in Newark--two cars painted, tires slashed and home defaced with graffiti, $1,300 in damage
The 1000 block of Firethorn Lane in Newark--car painted with graffiti, tires slashed, and $900 in stolen property from car and $800 in damage
The 100 block of Boyer Drive in Newark-- home was damaged by graffiti, $1,000 in damage
The 500 block of E. Hanna Drive in Newark—two cars damaged by graffiti and tires slashed on one, home damaged by graffiti, $1,500 in damage
The 200 block of Palermo Drive in Newark—THIS HOME WAS TARGETTED TWICE—the first crime occurred on March 25. In this case, a car and the front door of the home were spray painted with graffiti, $1000, in damage. On March 28, a different car was painted with graffiti and all four tires were slashed, total damage $1,500.
The 100 block of Country Side Lane in Bear—a car was damaged by “keying” or scratching the paint, an unknown black liquid was poured on the car and all four tires were slashed, $1,000 in damage.
On March 25, police investigated a theft from a car that occurred in the unit block of the Four Seasons Parkway. In this case, Lewis is accused of breaking out a window and stealing a car stereo and CDs. The damage was $200 and the amount of property stolen was valued at $425. The victim’s stereo in this case was recovered during the search warrant of Lewis’ home.
Christopher Lewis has been arraigned and released on $24,000 unsecured bail and ordered to have no contact with any of the victims. Addition arrests in this case are expected.
Christopher Lewis
31.3.09
Review of the Farrow System
Councilman Weiner,
The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) would like to thank you and your volunteers for all of your efforts and collaboration with us to mitigate graffiti when it arises. As you know, graffiti costs DelDOT tens of thousands of dollars every year.
We also have reviewed the Farrow System that was demonstrated recently on a DelDOT building. DelDOT has learned that anti-graffiti volunteers are about to be trained in the use of the Farrow System. Because our staff saw the machine in operation, we do have some concerns on what structures and facilities the machine is used on. Staff in DelDOT’s Bridge Management, Historical Preservation, and Maintenance & Operations sections have expressed concern that the process by which the Farrow System removes graffiti paint, i.e. blasting crushed rock, could cause permanent damage to historical structures like bridges. Also, as The News Journal reported, the Farrow System actually stripped the surface paint off of a DelDOT building.
As we know you are one of the key figures in the anti-graffiti effort, we hope that you can instruct your volunteers to be mindful of which surfaces they treat and how they treat them, and to be sure to coordinate with DelDOT staff prior to use on any state structures or facilities. Or, if Farrow Systems USA can provide DelDOT with proof that this product will not damage historic property, please let me know. We understand that the Anti-Graffiti Brigade’s goal is to cover up graffiti as soon as it happens. However, when it happens on historic property, we must be extra careful.
If your volunteers have any questions about which structures should not be treated with the Farrow System technology, please contact me in Public Relations at 302-760-2146 or misty.seemans@state.de.us. Thank you again for all that you do.
Thank You,
Misty
The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) would like to thank you and your volunteers for all of your efforts and collaboration with us to mitigate graffiti when it arises. As you know, graffiti costs DelDOT tens of thousands of dollars every year.
We also have reviewed the Farrow System that was demonstrated recently on a DelDOT building. DelDOT has learned that anti-graffiti volunteers are about to be trained in the use of the Farrow System. Because our staff saw the machine in operation, we do have some concerns on what structures and facilities the machine is used on. Staff in DelDOT’s Bridge Management, Historical Preservation, and Maintenance & Operations sections have expressed concern that the process by which the Farrow System removes graffiti paint, i.e. blasting crushed rock, could cause permanent damage to historical structures like bridges. Also, as The News Journal reported, the Farrow System actually stripped the surface paint off of a DelDOT building.
As we know you are one of the key figures in the anti-graffiti effort, we hope that you can instruct your volunteers to be mindful of which surfaces they treat and how they treat them, and to be sure to coordinate with DelDOT staff prior to use on any state structures or facilities. Or, if Farrow Systems USA can provide DelDOT with proof that this product will not damage historic property, please let me know. We understand that the Anti-Graffiti Brigade’s goal is to cover up graffiti as soon as it happens. However, when it happens on historic property, we must be extra careful.
If your volunteers have any questions about which structures should not be treated with the Farrow System technology, please contact me in Public Relations at 302-760-2146 or misty.seemans@state.de.us. Thank you again for all that you do.
Thank You,
Misty
Misty Seemans
Public Information Officer
Office of Public Relations
Delaware Department of Transportation
302.760.2146 (Dover)
302.943.2154 (Cell)
Misty.Seemans@state.de.us
Public Information Officer
Office of Public Relations
Delaware Department of Transportation
302.760.2146 (Dover)
302.943.2154 (Cell)
Misty.Seemans@state.de.us
30.3.09
Minutes from the 9th of March 2009 Meeting
Brookland Terrace Civic Club Meeting called to order by President Chuck Stirk at 7 PM
Charlie Farrall led the Pledge.
The Meeting attendance was made up of the following:
1 New Caste County Police Officer, Corporal Browning, Community Services Officer
1 State Police Officer, Corporal/2 Phil Dzielak, Delaware State Police Troop 6
Delaware State Representative, Debbie Hudson, 2nd District
New Castle County Council Person, Tim Sheldon, 9th District
All BTCC Officers (6)
16 Neighbors
The following was discussed:
Park Clean up - date April 25 with a rain date of May 2. Signs for park clean up will be done by Greg Greenzweig.
Friends of Woodland Park - Tim Sheldon still to get information to William Wheatley in regards to how this will work - this might have to happen due to the fact that NCC might not have money for cutting and trash removal in new budget.
Block Watch - Chuck Stirk reported that it has been working out quite well.
Jurisdiction of the Police - our neighborhoods are NCC and the main highways are the state.
Gun Shots on or around 700 Armstrong were investigated and the police said no shells were found - several people had reported the shots.
Wheel Chair Lady - we have been told to call the 573-2800 number when we see her in front of our neighborhood - the police told us they have spoken to her and she is not allowed to set up in our area anymore - they will take action when she is reported.
Debbie Hudson - reported that several streets are in for repairs. Chuck will follow up with her and she also reported that most of the new stop signs we requested will be put in place.
Pet Issues Group - Nicole Hewes reported she had been in contact with Faithful Friends and would follow up with the person whom cats are the subject of this issue. Chuck also wrote this neighbor a letter from the BTCC offering the free help.
Graffiti Watch - we have had great success in keeping the graffiti cleaned up. The group voted to purchase more Graffiti cleaner.
There have been complaints about what our meeting signs look like - our nice neighbor Phil Weir has said he will do new ones. Thank you Phil.
Tim Sheldon - was asked to speak and told us that the sewer leak at Armstrong and Centerville Rd had been fixed and that it would be cleaned up.
He offered to get us two county people to come to the park clean up. We told him all we need was for him to get someone to let us know where to pile the stuff we take out of the park, so the county can pick it up the following Monday.
He also filled us in on the NCC budget meetings and advised us that there will most likely be a tax increase this year on our homes.
He also told us that he would get signs put in the park for people who walk their dogs to clean up after them. We will be responsible for bags being attached to the signs - hopefully the people walking their dogs know it is a law and will carry one to clean up after their dogs.
TRASH CANS - that were removed from park will be brought back - we will see that they are securely attached so the kids/adults that decide they should be thrown in the stream can not do so. We will also be responsible for putting trash bags in them and emptying them weekly,as there is no trash removal due to the budget. So, to the 12 people who have requested them back: we hope you will take on this responsibility.
SNOW REMOVAL - we voted to keep the gentleman who plowed for the rest of 2009 and 2010 as our snow remover.
CRANSTON HEIGHTS FIRE COMPANY DONATION - we voted to send $100.00 to them for 2009.
Checks were approved for William Wheatley for $10.00, fee paid for use of school; Joyce Grymes $25.00, for electric filling of Civic League of NCCO for 2009; Chuck Stirk for $58.00, for graffiti cleaner and $25.00 for new letters.
Joyce Grymes gives Treasure's Report.
William Wheatley reported that as of the night of the meeting, 144 homes out of 350 had paid their 2009 DUES.
Meeting was closed with prayer from Mrs. Cycyk.
A few Days after the meeting several people called wanting a Community Yard Sale - so the date of May 16 has been selected.
Charlie Farrall led the Pledge.
The Meeting attendance was made up of the following:
1 New Caste County Police Officer, Corporal Browning, Community Services Officer
1 State Police Officer, Corporal/2 Phil Dzielak, Delaware State Police Troop 6
Delaware State Representative, Debbie Hudson, 2nd District
New Castle County Council Person, Tim Sheldon, 9th District
All BTCC Officers (6)
16 Neighbors
The following was discussed:
Park Clean up - date April 25 with a rain date of May 2. Signs for park clean up will be done by Greg Greenzweig.
Friends of Woodland Park - Tim Sheldon still to get information to William Wheatley in regards to how this will work - this might have to happen due to the fact that NCC might not have money for cutting and trash removal in new budget.
Block Watch - Chuck Stirk reported that it has been working out quite well.
Jurisdiction of the Police - our neighborhoods are NCC and the main highways are the state.
Gun Shots on or around 700 Armstrong were investigated and the police said no shells were found - several people had reported the shots.
Wheel Chair Lady - we have been told to call the 573-2800 number when we see her in front of our neighborhood - the police told us they have spoken to her and she is not allowed to set up in our area anymore - they will take action when she is reported.
Debbie Hudson - reported that several streets are in for repairs. Chuck will follow up with her and she also reported that most of the new stop signs we requested will be put in place.
Pet Issues Group - Nicole Hewes reported she had been in contact with Faithful Friends and would follow up with the person whom cats are the subject of this issue. Chuck also wrote this neighbor a letter from the BTCC offering the free help.
Graffiti Watch - we have had great success in keeping the graffiti cleaned up. The group voted to purchase more Graffiti cleaner.
There have been complaints about what our meeting signs look like - our nice neighbor Phil Weir has said he will do new ones. Thank you Phil.
Tim Sheldon - was asked to speak and told us that the sewer leak at Armstrong and Centerville Rd had been fixed and that it would be cleaned up.
He offered to get us two county people to come to the park clean up. We told him all we need was for him to get someone to let us know where to pile the stuff we take out of the park, so the county can pick it up the following Monday.
He also filled us in on the NCC budget meetings and advised us that there will most likely be a tax increase this year on our homes.
He also told us that he would get signs put in the park for people who walk their dogs to clean up after them. We will be responsible for bags being attached to the signs - hopefully the people walking their dogs know it is a law and will carry one to clean up after their dogs.
TRASH CANS - that were removed from park will be brought back - we will see that they are securely attached so the kids/adults that decide they should be thrown in the stream can not do so. We will also be responsible for putting trash bags in them and emptying them weekly,as there is no trash removal due to the budget. So, to the 12 people who have requested them back: we hope you will take on this responsibility.
SNOW REMOVAL - we voted to keep the gentleman who plowed for the rest of 2009 and 2010 as our snow remover.
CRANSTON HEIGHTS FIRE COMPANY DONATION - we voted to send $100.00 to them for 2009.
Checks were approved for William Wheatley for $10.00, fee paid for use of school; Joyce Grymes $25.00, for electric filling of Civic League of NCCO for 2009; Chuck Stirk for $58.00, for graffiti cleaner and $25.00 for new letters.
Joyce Grymes gives Treasure's Report.
William Wheatley reported that as of the night of the meeting, 144 homes out of 350 had paid their 2009 DUES.
Meeting was closed with prayer from Mrs. Cycyk.
A few Days after the meeting several people called wanting a Community Yard Sale - so the date of May 16 has been selected.
Brookland Terrace Civic Club
Incorporated 1940
2905 Ferris Road/Centre Road
Wilmington Delaware 19805
United States of America
brooklandterrace@gmail.com
brooklandterracecivicclub.blogspot.com
- President-Charles C Stirk Jr
302.463.2239 ccstirkjr@gmail.com
- Vice President-Glen Fuller
gmfull@yahoo.com
- Secretary William Wheatley
302.996.9503 williamwheatley@aol.com
- Treasurer Joyce Grymes
29.3.09
Graffiti Watch Update
After our paint over Saturday of SR1-606 & After getting directions from a friendly New Castle County Police officer off of Philadelphia Pike and sorting out there are multiple Talley Roads we found DelDot Talley Yard ..
William & Chuck from the Brookland Terrace AntiGraffitiBrigade went to a demo of the The Farrow System® & donation of a Farrow 185 the at the DelDot Talley Yard ... It is NEAT & quite suited to many of our anti-graffiti efforts
Machine donated for erasing graffiti Citizens group will use Farrow System in northern NCCo .....Farrow System donated a Farrow 185 & all the Farrow Green Clean media® to use to the regional Citizen Anti Graffiti Brigade efforts www.farrowsystem.com
We need you to let us know when there is new graffiti appears so we can do cleanup
- Charles C Stirk Jr
302.463.2239
brooklandterrace@gmail.com
- William Wheatley
302.996.9503
williamwheatley@aol.com
Brookland Terrace Civic Club
Incorporated 1940
2905 Ferris Road/Centre Road
Wilmington Delaware 19805
United States of America
William & Chuck from the Brookland Terrace AntiGraffitiBrigade went to a demo of the The Farrow System® & donation of a Farrow 185 the at the DelDot Talley Yard ... It is NEAT & quite suited to many of our anti-graffiti efforts
Machine donated for erasing graffiti Citizens group will use Farrow System in northern NCCo .....Farrow System donated a Farrow 185 & all the Farrow Green Clean media® to use to the regional Citizen Anti Graffiti Brigade efforts www.farrowsystem.com
It you see graffiti please call it in 573-2800
We need you to let us know when there is new graffiti appears so we can do cleanup
- Charles C Stirk Jr
302.463.2239
brooklandterrace@gmail.com
- William Wheatley
302.996.9503
williamwheatley@aol.com
Brookland Terrace Civic Club
Incorporated 1940
2905 Ferris Road/Centre Road
Wilmington Delaware 19805
United States of America
28.3.09
SB1-606 Graffiti Clean Up
The Brookland Terrace Civic Club Anti Graffiti Brigade's paint over of columns of BR1-606 went quite well .
Our New Castle County Councilman Tim Sheldon came out to lend a hand as well ...
We were done in under an hour ...Thanks Every One
Our New Castle County Councilman Tim Sheldon came out to lend a hand as well ...
We were done in under an hour ...Thanks Every One
27.3.09
Graffiti Watch 2400 - 2500 Ferris Road/Centre Road
The BTTC Anti Graffiti Brigade did a test power wash on Graffiti on 2400 - 2500 Ferris Road/Centre Road to mixed results
Before
After
For everones information power washing is nixed for Saturday . We are meeting PC Park & Ride next to SB1-604 at 10 am
It was a nice day so I did a test clean today on 2400 & 2500 Ferris Road/Centre Road with mixed results ..
Graffiti at 2400 Ferris Road/Centre Road cleaned up some .. not sure If I was washing off the paint or wearing down the stone
Bummer was the water pressure at 2500 Ferris Road/Centre Road was much to low to power wash approximate 5 litre per minute then went down to less then that .
Before
After
For everones information power washing is nixed for Saturday . We are meeting PC Park & Ride next to SB1-604 at 10 am
It was a nice day so I did a test clean today on 2400 & 2500 Ferris Road/Centre Road with mixed results ..
Graffiti at 2400 Ferris Road/Centre Road cleaned up some .. not sure If I was washing off the paint or wearing down the stone
Bummer was the water pressure at 2500 Ferris Road/Centre Road was much to low to power wash approximate 5 litre per minute then went down to less then that .
Dredging in Woodland Park it must be Spring
New Castle County Parks out dredging the ball diamond in Woodland Run Park today ...
Our Neighbor Tim on North Woodward Ave is going to be coaching tee ball this season & will be using the ball diamond as their practice field ... They are also going to do bit of trash clean up as well ..
Our Neighbor Tim on North Woodward Ave is going to be coaching tee ball this season & will be using the ball diamond as their practice field ... They are also going to do bit of trash clean up as well ..
26.3.09
Saturday 10 AM BTCC Anti Graffiti Brigade Paint over BR1-606
Just a quick reminder the Brookland Terrace Civic Club
Anti Graffiti Brigade Paint over of columns of BR1-606
10 AM this Saturday 28 March
Paint over should only take about an hour or so
We are doing the paint over rain or shine as there is a large bridge over the work area
Our New Castle County Councilman Timothy Sheldon is coming out to lend a hand as well
We are meeting at the Prices Corner Park & Ride on Centerville Road
We are looking forward to seeing every one there ..
We are all so are going to power washing the stone wall along 141
2400 -2500 Ferris Road- Centre Road Saturday as well .
For More Info Contact William or Chuck
Brookland Terrace Civic Club
Incorporated 1940
brooklandterrace@gmail.com
- Charles C Stirk Jr
302.463.2239 ccstirkjr@gmail.com
- William Wheatley
302.996.9503 williamwheatley@aol.com
GraffitiWatchUpdate
The Brookland Terrace Anti GraffitiBrigade did clean up of a sign adjacent to BR1-604
25.3.09
The Fight Against Graffiti Continues… More Arrests Made
State of Delaware
Department of Safety and Homeland Security
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE
Department of Safety and Homeland Security
DIVISION OF STATE POLICE
Update #1 DSP News Release: Tuesday, March 24, 2009-
The Fight Against Graffiti Continues… More Arrests Made
The Fight Against Graffiti Continues… More Arrests Made
Prices Corner- The third and final suspect (14-years-old) implicated in this case turned himself in to authorities at Troop 6 this evening. He was charged with 23 counts of Graffiti and 16 counts of Conspiracy. He was released into his parents custody.
DSP News Release: Tuesday, March 24, 2009- The Fight Against Graffiti Continues… More Arrests Made
Location of Incident: Various locations throughout the Millcreek / Newark / Prices Corner areas- New Castle County
Date and Time of Occurrence: Various times over the past year
Suspect(s): Three juvenile boys (ages 15, 15, and 14) residing in the Millcreek area. Their names are being withheld due to their ages and the fact that these are misdemeanor offenses.
Resume: It all started on Friday the 13th. A little over a week ago, Troopers were called to the Wal-Mart on Centerville road for the report of a routine shoplifting. When officers arrived on the scene, the contacted two juvenile boys who were caught trying to steal spray-paint.
The youngsters were transported back to Troop 6 where their parents also responded. Some initial discussion took place and Troopers soon learned that one of the subjects in custody was responsible for several acts of graffiti plaguing the area.
Both boys were initially released on this day as the investigation was to continue. Three days later, the prime graffiti suspect returned to Troop 6 with his mother to cooperate further. The suspect drove throughout the Troop 6 area and pointed out his work to the officer. Other valuable information was also uncovered. Thus, with the help of this suspect, and the cooperation of his parent, Troopers were able to locate the areas of graffiti he was responsible for.
Warrants were completed, and on March 23rd both boys returned to the Troop for processing. The first boy was charged with a single count each of Graffiti and Conspiracy. The second (prime) subject was charged with 23 counts of Graffiti and 16 counts of Conspiracy. Both juveniles were released back into their parents’ custody with a court date pending in Family Court.
The third suspect is expected to turn himself in to authorities in the days to come.
This case started on Friday the 13th and the battle against graffiti continues.
24.3.09
2 teens face graffiti charges ... Prices Corner, Mill Creek..
March 24, 2009
2 teens face graffiti charges
By TERRI SANGINITI
The News Journal
Two teenagers have been arrested and a third is expected to surrender in connection with a shoplifting incident at Wal-Mart that spawned a graffiti investigation.
Two of the boys were caught trying to steal spray paint March 13 at the Wal-Mart store on Centerville Road in Prices Corner, police said.
Investigating troopers interviewing the suspects discovered that one of the boys in custody was responsible for acts of graffiti throughout the Prices Corner, Mill Creek and Newark areas, said state police .....
The two suspects were released March 13 and three days later, one of the boys returned to Troop 6 with his mother and cooperated further with the police investigation...... Troopers drove the boy through the area and he pointed out which graffiti work was his..... With his help, police were able to locate areas of graffiti that he was responsible for.
Investigators completed arrest warrants on the teens Monday.
One of the juveniles,...charged with one count each of graffiti and conspiracy -- misdemeanor offenses....other teen.... was charged with 23 counts of graffiti and 16 counts of conspiracy.......
.
2 teens face graffiti charges
By TERRI SANGINITI
The News Journal
Two teenagers have been arrested and a third is expected to surrender in connection with a shoplifting incident at Wal-Mart that spawned a graffiti investigation.
Two of the boys were caught trying to steal spray paint March 13 at the Wal-Mart store on Centerville Road in Prices Corner, police said.
Investigating troopers interviewing the suspects discovered that one of the boys in custody was responsible for acts of graffiti throughout the Prices Corner, Mill Creek and Newark areas, said state police .....
The two suspects were released March 13 and three days later, one of the boys returned to Troop 6 with his mother and cooperated further with the police investigation...... Troopers drove the boy through the area and he pointed out which graffiti work was his..... With his help, police were able to locate areas of graffiti that he was responsible for.
Investigators completed arrest warrants on the teens Monday.
One of the juveniles,...charged with one count each of graffiti and conspiracy -- misdemeanor offenses....other teen.... was charged with 23 counts of graffiti and 16 counts of conspiracy.......
.
20.3.09
3 arrested on graffiti charges
THE NEWS JOURNAL • MARCH 20, 2009
3 arrested on graffiti charges
Three New Castle County men have been charged with spray painting graffiti on a commercial building just outside outside Wilmington early today. A trooper on patrol ..... The trooper discovered eight cans of spray paint and 23 marker pens in the car, said police spokesman Sgt. Walter Newton....Wesley A. Blanton, 20, of Newkirk Estates in Stanton, Luis E. Velez, 19, of Roselle near Elsmere, and Dominic Scalia, 18, of Richardson Park near Elsmere, were all charged with conspiracy, possession of graffiti implements, graffiti to property and .........He said markings on the business included “Goon,” “Dur,” and “Kaos,” and police believe the three are associated with a group calling themselves “Public Terrorists.”
3 arrested on graffiti charges
Three New Castle County men have been charged with spray painting graffiti on a commercial building just outside outside Wilmington early today. A trooper on patrol ..... The trooper discovered eight cans of spray paint and 23 marker pens in the car, said police spokesman Sgt. Walter Newton....Wesley A. Blanton, 20, of Newkirk Estates in Stanton, Luis E. Velez, 19, of Roselle near Elsmere, and Dominic Scalia, 18, of Richardson Park near Elsmere, were all charged with conspiracy, possession of graffiti implements, graffiti to property and .........He said markings on the business included “Goon,” “Dur,” and “Kaos,” and police believe the three are associated with a group calling themselves “Public Terrorists.”
Volunteers Needed for paint over of SB1-606
Volunteers Needed for paint over SB1-606 for Saturday 10 AM Saturday 28 March
Graffiti Clean Up
The Brookland Terrace Civic Club AntiGraffitiBrigade did a Graffiti Clean Up at Rhode Island Ave. & Centerville Road.
REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW CASTLE COUNTY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW CASTLE COUNTY COUNCIL
Louis L. Redding City/County Building
City/County Chambers
800 French Street; Wilmington, DE 19801
MINUTES
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A. The meeting was called to order by President Clark at 7:05 p.m.
The Prayer was silent; members of Council remained standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Present
J. William Bell
John J. Cartier
Paul G. Clark
Penrose Hollins
William Powers, Jr.
Joseph M. Reda
Timothy P. Sheldon
George Smiley
Jea P. Street
David L. Tackett
William J. Tansey
Robert S. Weiner
B. Approval of Minutes
Councilman Smiley moved for the approval of the minutes from February 10, 2009. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Tackett. The minutes were adopted.
C. Announcements:
• Councilman Hollins announced that he would be lifting Ordinance 08-121 from the table.
D. Introduction of Ordinances: The following Ordinances were read in by title only:
• º09-008: TO AMEND THE FY2009 OPERATING BUDGET: REVISE GENERAL INSURANCE.
Introduced by: Mr. Smiley, Mr. Tansey
E. Reports from Select and Special Committees
• Councilman Tackett announced that the Land Use Committee met on 2/17/09 to discuss Ordinance 08-129.
• Councilman Smiley announced that the Finance Committee met on 2/24/09 to discuss items on tonight’s agenda of a
financial nature, as well as to approve grant requests. In addition, Council made some significant cuts to its budget
for this and the upcoming fiscal year.
• Councilman Sheldon announced that the Special Services Committee met on 2/17/09 to discuss fleet management
and to receive a presentation on take home Police vehicles and the new policies that have been implemented with
respect to these vehicles.
• Council President Clark announced that the Executive Committee met on 2/24/09 to conduct boards and
commissions interviews and to discuss personnel issues related to mandatory police retirement.
F. Consent Calendar:
• R09-042: CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF ALLIE MILLER HOLLEY. Introduced by:
Mr. Hollins
• R09-043: HONORING MAJOR STUART A. SNYDER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE NEW
CASTLE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT. Introduced by: Mr. Bell
Consent Calendar ADOPTED
Yes: Bell, Cartier, Clark, Hollins, Powers, Reda, Sheldon, Smiley, Street, Tackett, Tansey,
Weiner
G. Presentations
H. Consideration of Resolutions Removed from the Consent Calendar and Other Resolutions
I. Consideration of Ordinances
• º09-007: AMEND THE GRANTS BUDGET: APPROPRIATE $116,459 FOR CJC OPERATION SAFE
STREETS. Introduced by: Mr. Bell, Mr. Street
Ordinance 09-007 ADOPTED:
Yes: Bell, Cartier, Clark, Hollins, Powers, Reda, Sheldon, Smiley, Street, Tackett, Tansey,
Weiner
• Substitute 1 to º08-129: TO REVISE CHAPTER 40 OF THE NEW CASTLE COUNTY CODE (UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE OR UDC), ARTICLE 3 (USE REGULATIONS) REGARDING OFF-STREET
PARKING STANDARDS. Introduced by: Mr. Tackett
• Public Comment:
o Adam Portelli spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Chris Portelli spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Fran Swift, GHADA president, spoke in opposition to the ordinance.
o Tracy Inslee spoke in opposition of the ordinance.
o Lauren Robino spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Michael Lucey spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Matt Bartowski spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o John Shields spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Steve Lucey spoke in favor of the ordinance.
Substitute 1 to Ordinance 08-129 ADOPTED:
Yes: Bell, Cartier, Clark, Hollins, Powers, Reda, Sheldon, Smiley, Street, Tackett, Weiner
No: Tansey
• SUBSTITUTE NO. 2 TO º08-121: (STATUS: TABLED) TO AMEND NEW CASTLE COUNTY CODE
CHAPTER 40 (ALSO KNOWN AS THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE OR "UDC"), ARTICLE 7
("TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AND OTHER INCENTIVES AND BONUSES") AND
ARTICLE 33 ("DEFINITIONS") REGARDING HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES. Introduced by: Mr. Hollins
• Councilman Hollins moved that Substitute 2 to º08-121 be lifted from the table and placed before Council for
consideration and adoption.
• Public Comment:
o Jaywann Saunders stated that this ordinance does affect the middle class.
o Representative Mike Ramone commented that the state will support Council and knows that there is work to
do with respect to concurrency.
Substitute 2 to Ordinance 08-121 ADOPTED
Yes: Bell, Cartier, Clark, Hollins, Powers, Reda, Sheldon, Smiley, Street, Tackett, Tansey,
Weiner
J. Time Sensitive Congratulatory/Honorary Resolutions
K. Introduction/Consideration of Emergency Ordinances
L. Public Comment/Other
• Gary McGinnis spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Raymond Alexander spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Scott Sauer spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Matt Fioravaniti spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• David Laber spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Tom Noble spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Council members asked that this issue be placed on a future Land Use Committee meeting agenda.
M. Motion to Adjourn
There being no further testimony, Councilman Smiley made a motion to adjourn, it was seconded by Councilman Tackett,
and the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
_________________________
Paul G. Clark
Council President
New Castle County
*The sign in sheet is included by reference.
Louis L. Redding City/County Building
City/County Chambers
800 French Street; Wilmington, DE 19801
MINUTES
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
A. The meeting was called to order by President Clark at 7:05 p.m.
The Prayer was silent; members of Council remained standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call
Present
J. William Bell
John J. Cartier
Paul G. Clark
Penrose Hollins
William Powers, Jr.
Joseph M. Reda
Timothy P. Sheldon
George Smiley
Jea P. Street
David L. Tackett
William J. Tansey
Robert S. Weiner
B. Approval of Minutes
Councilman Smiley moved for the approval of the minutes from February 10, 2009. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Tackett. The minutes were adopted.
C. Announcements:
• Councilman Hollins announced that he would be lifting Ordinance 08-121 from the table.
D. Introduction of Ordinances: The following Ordinances were read in by title only:
• º09-008: TO AMEND THE FY2009 OPERATING BUDGET: REVISE GENERAL INSURANCE.
Introduced by: Mr. Smiley, Mr. Tansey
E. Reports from Select and Special Committees
• Councilman Tackett announced that the Land Use Committee met on 2/17/09 to discuss Ordinance 08-129.
• Councilman Smiley announced that the Finance Committee met on 2/24/09 to discuss items on tonight’s agenda of a
financial nature, as well as to approve grant requests. In addition, Council made some significant cuts to its budget
for this and the upcoming fiscal year.
• Councilman Sheldon announced that the Special Services Committee met on 2/17/09 to discuss fleet management
and to receive a presentation on take home Police vehicles and the new policies that have been implemented with
respect to these vehicles.
• Council President Clark announced that the Executive Committee met on 2/24/09 to conduct boards and
commissions interviews and to discuss personnel issues related to mandatory police retirement.
F. Consent Calendar:
• R09-042: CENTENNIAL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF ALLIE MILLER HOLLEY. Introduced by:
Mr. Hollins
• R09-043: HONORING MAJOR STUART A. SNYDER UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE NEW
CASTLE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT. Introduced by: Mr. Bell
Consent Calendar ADOPTED
Yes: Bell, Cartier, Clark, Hollins, Powers, Reda, Sheldon, Smiley, Street, Tackett, Tansey,
Weiner
G. Presentations
H. Consideration of Resolutions Removed from the Consent Calendar and Other Resolutions
I. Consideration of Ordinances
• º09-007: AMEND THE GRANTS BUDGET: APPROPRIATE $116,459 FOR CJC OPERATION SAFE
STREETS. Introduced by: Mr. Bell, Mr. Street
Ordinance 09-007 ADOPTED:
Yes: Bell, Cartier, Clark, Hollins, Powers, Reda, Sheldon, Smiley, Street, Tackett, Tansey,
Weiner
• Substitute 1 to º08-129: TO REVISE CHAPTER 40 OF THE NEW CASTLE COUNTY CODE (UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE OR UDC), ARTICLE 3 (USE REGULATIONS) REGARDING OFF-STREET
PARKING STANDARDS. Introduced by: Mr. Tackett
• Public Comment:
o Adam Portelli spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Chris Portelli spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Fran Swift, GHADA president, spoke in opposition to the ordinance.
o Tracy Inslee spoke in opposition of the ordinance.
o Lauren Robino spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Michael Lucey spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Matt Bartowski spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o John Shields spoke in favor of the ordinance.
o Steve Lucey spoke in favor of the ordinance.
Substitute 1 to Ordinance 08-129 ADOPTED:
Yes: Bell, Cartier, Clark, Hollins, Powers, Reda, Sheldon, Smiley, Street, Tackett, Weiner
No: Tansey
• SUBSTITUTE NO. 2 TO º08-121: (STATUS: TABLED) TO AMEND NEW CASTLE COUNTY CODE
CHAPTER 40 (ALSO KNOWN AS THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE OR "UDC"), ARTICLE 7
("TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS AND OTHER INCENTIVES AND BONUSES") AND
ARTICLE 33 ("DEFINITIONS") REGARDING HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES. Introduced by: Mr. Hollins
• Councilman Hollins moved that Substitute 2 to º08-121 be lifted from the table and placed before Council for
consideration and adoption.
• Public Comment:
o Jaywann Saunders stated that this ordinance does affect the middle class.
o Representative Mike Ramone commented that the state will support Council and knows that there is work to
do with respect to concurrency.
Substitute 2 to Ordinance 08-121 ADOPTED
Yes: Bell, Cartier, Clark, Hollins, Powers, Reda, Sheldon, Smiley, Street, Tackett, Tansey,
Weiner
J. Time Sensitive Congratulatory/Honorary Resolutions
K. Introduction/Consideration of Emergency Ordinances
L. Public Comment/Other
• Gary McGinnis spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Raymond Alexander spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Scott Sauer spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Matt Fioravaniti spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• David Laber spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Tom Noble spoke to Council regarding issues with the instant ticketing process.
• Council members asked that this issue be placed on a future Land Use Committee meeting agenda.
M. Motion to Adjourn
There being no further testimony, Councilman Smiley made a motion to adjourn, it was seconded by Councilman Tackett,
and the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
_________________________
Paul G. Clark
Council President
New Castle County
*The sign in sheet is included by reference.
multi-way stop controls
All,
This email is in response to the request for the Department to determine if multi-way stop controls are warranted at the following intersections in the Brookland Terrace community:
1) Ohio Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue
2) Brookland Avenue and Armstrong Avenue
3) Armstrong Avenue and Maryland Avenue
4) Hillside Avenue and Maine Avenue
Our traffic section has reviewed the area and is informing you that the proposed intersections do not warrant multi-way stop controls at this time.
Decisions on whether to install a multi-way stop control must be based on an engineering study. The Delaware Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states criteria that should be met in order to consider a multi-way stop sign installation. Multi-way stop controls are placed to establish who has the right of way and to improve traffic operational characteristics at an intersection. These locations are typical of
most residential intersections in that the side street approaches are controlled by stop signs and must stop for traffic on the main road. Our field study showed that the intersections are presently controlled by
stop controls on the side street approaches. The Brookland Terrance Community is properly signed with 25 MPH speed limit signs, “watch for children” signs, and school warning signs. Based on the information we collected, multi-way stop controls are not warranted at the above intersections.
However, the Department has determined that stop signs will be installed in the eastbound direction on Maine Ave at the Armstrong Ave and Hillside Ave intersections. Currently these approaches have not signage directing which approach has the right or way. While performing the field study, the school warning signs located on Rhode Island Ave were faded. At this time, we also recommend replacing these signs with our approved "School Children Walk Along this Road" sign. All the proposed signage improvements have been added to our New Castle County Signage Supervisor's work schedule. Please allow a few weeks for the
signs to be installed due to fabrication, scheduling, and weather conditions.
Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your interest in traffic safety on Delaware’s highways.
Sincerely,
Peter R Haag Jr
Traffic Studies Engineer
Delaware Department of Transportation
This email is in response to the request for the Department to determine if multi-way stop controls are warranted at the following intersections in the Brookland Terrace community:
1) Ohio Avenue and Rhode Island Avenue
2) Brookland Avenue and Armstrong Avenue
3) Armstrong Avenue and Maryland Avenue
4) Hillside Avenue and Maine Avenue
Our traffic section has reviewed the area and is informing you that the proposed intersections do not warrant multi-way stop controls at this time.
Decisions on whether to install a multi-way stop control must be based on an engineering study. The Delaware Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) states criteria that should be met in order to consider a multi-way stop sign installation. Multi-way stop controls are placed to establish who has the right of way and to improve traffic operational characteristics at an intersection. These locations are typical of
most residential intersections in that the side street approaches are controlled by stop signs and must stop for traffic on the main road. Our field study showed that the intersections are presently controlled by
stop controls on the side street approaches. The Brookland Terrance Community is properly signed with 25 MPH speed limit signs, “watch for children” signs, and school warning signs. Based on the information we collected, multi-way stop controls are not warranted at the above intersections.
However, the Department has determined that stop signs will be installed in the eastbound direction on Maine Ave at the Armstrong Ave and Hillside Ave intersections. Currently these approaches have not signage directing which approach has the right or way. While performing the field study, the school warning signs located on Rhode Island Ave were faded. At this time, we also recommend replacing these signs with our approved "School Children Walk Along this Road" sign. All the proposed signage improvements have been added to our New Castle County Signage Supervisor's work schedule. Please allow a few weeks for the
signs to be installed due to fabrication, scheduling, and weather conditions.
Should you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. Thank you for your interest in traffic safety on Delaware’s highways.
Sincerely,
Peter R Haag Jr
Traffic Studies Engineer
Delaware Department of Transportation
Lost Dog
Nicole found a Lost Dog in the 400 Block on Ohio Ave in Brookland Terrace ...
The Dog is at the Glasgow holding facility of the SPCA
New Castle County Delaware SPCA (302) 998-2281 (888) 352-7722
The Dog is at the Glasgow holding facility of the SPCA
New Castle County Delaware SPCA (302) 998-2281 (888) 352-7722
Brookland Terrace Civic Club
Incorporated 1940
2905 Ferris Road/Centre Road
Wilmington Delaware 19805
United States of America
brooklandterrace@gmail.com
brooklandterracecivicclub.blogspot.com
- President-Charles C Stirk Jr
302.463.2239 ccstirkjr@gmail.com
- Vice President-Glen Fuller
gmfull@yahoo.com
- Secretary William Wheatley
302.996.9503 williamwheatley@aol.com
- Treasurer Joyce Grymes
Incorporated 1940
2905 Ferris Road/Centre Road
Wilmington Delaware 19805
United States of America
brooklandterrace@gmail.com
brooklandterracecivicclub.blogspot.com
- President-Charles C Stirk Jr
302.463.2239 ccstirkjr@gmail.com
- Vice President-Glen Fuller
gmfull@yahoo.com
- Secretary William Wheatley
302.996.9503 williamwheatley@aol.com
- Treasurer Joyce Grymes
19.3.09
NCC Civic League meeting
William Wheatley & Charles Stirk went to the New Castle County Civic League meeting Wednesday at the Public Safety Building ..... here is the posted agenda
There was also discussion & a vote on revised Route 302 By-pass Resolution will be presented for consideration and vote. ...
Council President Paul Clark , William Tansey 3rd District & Timothy Sheldon 9th District were at the meeting
& all spoke on the proposed New Castle County budget & preliminary results of the County Listening Campaign ..
Of note in response to a question asked at the Listening Campaign ¿ Do New Castle County Council members need a legislative aide ? our County Rep Timothy Sheldon had these numbers
We will post the minutes from the Civic League meeting when we get them ..
AGENDA
CUT PROPOSED 2009-10 BUDGET OR INCREASE TAXES
Advance invitations to participate in this meeting were extended to NCC Executive Chris Coons, Council President Paul Clark and all 12 members of County Council. Notes of acceptance and regrets are continuing to come in with the final pre-meeting tally unknown.
In addition to exploring the proposed budget, preliminary results of the County Listening Campaign as reported by members will be reviewed.
A revised Route 302 By-pass Resolution will be presented for consideration and vote.
The meeting will conclude with an abbreviated business session.
Dan Bockover, President
CUT PROPOSED 2009-10 BUDGET OR INCREASE TAXES
Advance invitations to participate in this meeting were extended to NCC Executive Chris Coons, Council President Paul Clark and all 12 members of County Council. Notes of acceptance and regrets are continuing to come in with the final pre-meeting tally unknown.
In addition to exploring the proposed budget, preliminary results of the County Listening Campaign as reported by members will be reviewed.
A revised Route 302 By-pass Resolution will be presented for consideration and vote.
The meeting will conclude with an abbreviated business session.
Dan Bockover, President
There was also discussion & a vote on revised Route 302 By-pass Resolution will be presented for consideration and vote. ...
Council President Paul Clark , William Tansey 3rd District & Timothy Sheldon 9th District were at the meeting
& all spoke on the proposed New Castle County budget & preliminary results of the County Listening Campaign ..
Of note in response to a question asked at the Listening Campaign ¿ Do New Castle County Council members need a legislative aide ? our County Rep Timothy Sheldon had these numbers
Since elected in November 2004 Tim & his legislative aide Stephanie Rizzo have gone to ....
86 Council Meetings
176 Civic Club Meetings
403 Committee Meetings
and fielded
14,238 emails in to Stephanie Rizzo
7458 emails out from Stephanie Rizzo
12,430 phone call in to the office
15,820 phone call out of the office
176 Civic Club Meetings
403 Committee Meetings
and fielded
14,238 emails in to Stephanie Rizzo
7458 emails out from Stephanie Rizzo
12,430 phone call in to the office
15,820 phone call out of the office
We will post the minutes from the Civic League meeting when we get them ..
NCCo taxpayers angry at 25% hike Cash-strapped homeowners want county to find other ways of covering budget deficit
Here is a link to the The News Journal Article ...Cash-strapped homeowners want county to find other ways of covering budget deficit
Coons had spent six months warning people that a tax hike was coming and that it would be big. He held public meetings across the county to explain the government's fiscal crisis and gather feedback from more than 1,000 residents, a majority of whom said they would accept a modest tax increase to help cover the deficit and keep services such as parks and libraries ...........................
18.3.09
COUNTY EXECUTIVE COONS' FY2010 BUDGET ADDRESS
Coons seeks 25% property tax hike a Link to The News Journal piece
Here is Video via WDEL site
New Castle County Executive
Christopher A. Coons
FY2010 Budget Address
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Text From NCC Site
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining me here as I present my
Fiscal Year 2010 budget for New Castle County.
This is a hard year, and before us, we face choices unmatched in our government’s
history. In the past six months, we have witnessed a dramatic change in the ground
beneath us, as first the housing market, then the broader financial markets, and now our
entire national economy have changed in ways not seen in more than a generation.
Our local situation is no different, as the budget deficit facing our county has nearly
tripled from what we had projected just a year ago, and now threatens the future of our
county’s essential and valued services if we do not take strong action and change
course now.
Tonight, I will present a budget that takes a balanced path towards solving our more
than $40M deficit for the coming fiscal year. Rather than taking an extreme approach
that either slashes the county workforce and the services they provide, or that
dramatically raises taxes beyond what our community can fairly bear, I am taking a
balanced, middle course, one that asks for shared sacrifice across all who deliver our
county services, and all who benefit from and value them.
We began by cutting – by restraining growth in our budget and cutting across the board
in every area and every department. My proposal for the general operating budget
shrinks county government more than any budget in 40 years – by cutting capital
projects, reducing operating expenses, and asking for real sacrifice from the county
workforce. I am also asking for a similar amount in increased revenue, for an added
investment by every homeowner and business in order to sustain our essential services.
I did not reach this budget proposal easily or without sleepless nights. My
administration and I worked hard to find a balanced solution that we all could live with.
When I ran for County Executive, I never imagined our finances would fall so sharply, or
that we would face decisions this tough. But, frankly, I know I was elected not to dodge
hard choices, but to take them on squarely and develop a workable plan to get all of us
through it. Council, it is my hope, my belief, that as you review and debate the details of
this plan, you will agree – it is our best path forward, and it deserves your support.
At the outset, I would like to thank City Council President Norman Griffiths, WITN, and
Comcast for broadcasting tonight’s speech, as well as WDEL for carrying this address
live on radio. I thank my father and step-mother, my brother, Tom, and my wonderful
wife, Annie, for joining me here this evening. I also want to thank you, the members of
County Council, our row officers, elected officials from the state and other local
governments, my general managers, and the many county employees and residents
who have joined us here tonight.
Over the past four years, I have delivered to you budget addresses that strike a familiar
chord: doing more with less by reducing expenses, cutting our overall workforce through
attrition and the elimination of vacant positions, and increasing revenues to support vital
county services. But the decisions that we must make as we face the year ahead are
frankly, harder than ever.
As our economy began to worsen this past fall, Council and I knew we would face
difficult choices in this budget year, and we decided together to conduct a county-wide,
twelve session listening campaign. As we’ve met with hundreds of residents in listening
campaign stops over the past two months, members of Council and I have asked those
we represent a simple question: Of all that New Castle County does, what do you most
value and what are you willing to pay to support it? In meeting after meeting, the many
citizens who came to these listening campaign sessions told us how much they value
the services this county government provides. Several stand out in my mind, as we
heard how dedicated county employees had helped keep families safe, had helped our
children grow stronger and healthier, and as we heard how much our residents want us
to continue essential things about our county that they love and value.
I recall a young man, not more than 10, who stood up at the Mill Creek meeting and
spoke earnestly about how much he wants safe places to play and how much he values
playing in our county sports leagues. I remember a dignified middle-aged woman who
spoke at Holloway Terrace, saying with emotion she is now unemployed for the first
time in her working life, but she relies so much on the Delaware City library for
community and encouragement and uses the computers there to keep searching for a
job – that even though she is without work, she was willing to pay more in taxes to keep
our libraries open and their resources accessible. And I will never forget the resident
who told us at the Brandywine Hundred meeting about being home alone one night,
hearing a burglar rattling the door and trying to break in, about her frantic call to our
county 911 center and her enormous relief when minutes later a county police officer
responded to her call for help and secured her home.
We also listened as people asked many good questions about our expenses, they
asked why not reduce this or trim that, why not charge someone else or raise fees on
some other part of county services, but over and over, across a dozen nights in every
district, from Claymont to Middletown, from Hockessin to New Castle, an overwhelming
majority of the people who came out voiced their support for county services, for the
difference county employees made in their lives, and told us that we should take a
balanced approach as we crafted this budget. The value that this community places on
county services is the foundation upon which my budget proposal rests.
The challenge we faced in putting together this year’s budget is similar to local
governments across the country who have been affected by our national economic
crisis. Our problem became significantly more difficult as our national economy
collapsed and our revenue projections fell quicker than any one had expected. When
this Council adopted our current budget last May, we projected taking in $31M in real
estate transfer taxes. By December, that figure had dropped to $18M and our budget
deficit for the current fiscal year had doubled. In the past months, our revenues
continued to drop and our expenses to rise. With yesterday’s bad news from the state
DEFAC, our projections for RTT for this year now stands at roughly $16M, just half of
what we built our current fiscal year’s budget on just nine months ago.
Equally important, the falling market conditions have also had an impact on our pension
costs. The County Pension Board will meet tomorrow to learn how the market
meltdown has affected the balance of our county’s important pension fund. It is
expected that the Pension Board report will increase our projected deficit for this coming
year from $40M to more than $48M. So, in a very real sense, the economic ground
continues to shift beneath us, even as we seek solutions. Simply put, we cannot
assume that what we now face is the worst of it.
It is also worth noting that, unlike some governments, this tough budget climate set in
just as we were already working to address long-term structural financial difficulties
unique to this county government. Over the past four budget years, this Council joined
with me in cutting millions of dollars in expenses, delaying or canceling $72M in capital
projects, and eliminating 147 vacant full-time and part-time positions. We ended
popular special events, cut travel and training, and cut the size of our fleet, all well
before this economic downturn took hold.
This is a tough environment, but it also offers opportunities – opportunities for all of us
to re-examine our government and reconsider what are our essential services and how
we can deliver them more efficiently. The task that lies before us is not easy, but in the
words of Theodore Roosevelt, “in any moment of decision, the worst thing you can do is
nothing.”
As we look to address the challenges ahead, it is important to remember that this form
of county government is only 40 years old, and in this very difficult economic climate, we
have to ask ourselves the fundamental questions once again about our role and core
mission. Do we want – do we need – the county government that we currently have?
Are there things that we do that are so essential to the lives of our residents that we
have to continue doing them in the way we do? Are there things that we’ve added to
our plate that are not essential? Or, are there things that New Castle County has been
doing that really could be done better by others or in partnership with others?
Working through these basic questions has led my administration into uncharted
conversations and we listened closely to the valuable input we received from the
broader community. We have taken programs that this county has been involved in for
years and eliminated, reduced or shifted them to volunteer partners. Across our
listening campaigns we heard understandable concerns about our facilities, like
Rockwood and Carousel, valuable special units like the Mounted Patrol, and our
libraries. We have strong community-support programs and community partnerships
like the PAL Centers and the Showmobile that have been signature parts of this
government for years. Every one of those programs and services that I just mentioned
will be realigned, or significantly reduced, in the budget I propose tonight. Each
represents a disappointing outcome for individuals and communities that have come to
rely on us for services they value. There are people who will miss things that will no
longer be provided by this county, but given our financial state, we have to live by a
changed set of priorities, which means that some things simply cannot remain as is.
Therefore, the budget I propose to you tonight includes a package of roughly $23M in
spending cuts and savings this year. The overall FY2010 proposed budget, including
both general operating and sewer, is $234M, which is a negative growth budget when
compared to our current FY2009 budget. Overall, this is the largest percentage budget
decrease in county history. In fact, if you remove the required increases in debt service
and benefits, the overall general fund budget is reduced by 10%.
This balanced approach to addressing our deficit means that significant cuts have been
made across the board. We have made substantial reductions to our capital budget,
cutting roughly $75M in previously authorized projects for the coming year, impacting 40
projects, covering everything from sewers to parks to libraries. This reflects our
unwelcome new fiscal reality. Most of these projects are being delayed, such as the
Banning Park soccer field renovations, and much needed parking improvements at
Delcastle Regional Park, but we are outright canceling projects such as the police
shooting range and a new EMS station. Keeping our capital budget from growing is the
only way to take control of our debt service costs.
We also have cut grant funding to outside agencies. Earlier this year, I notified every
organization that receives funding from New Castle County that we will be reducing or
ending such funding. Traditionally, this government has provided large and small grants
to dozens of organizations who are committed to making our communities stronger and
healthier, but we simply cannot continue to fund all of their efforts at the current levels. I
commend Council for also joining me in the decision to significantly reduce grant
funding for the coming fiscal year. From community services and non-profits, like the
Boys & Girls Clubs and the Ministry of Caring, to planning and professional groups, like
the Water Resources Agency and WILMAPCO, to our partners in the County Chamber,
4-H, and our contractual libraries, we have significantly cut or ended grant funding, and I
know each of these decisions has had consequences for the programs and services
they provide. I also want to specifically thank our largest grant partner, the volunteer
fire service for recognizing the difficult fiscal situation we face and accepting a cut of
county support of $300K, or 8%, in support from the county, which includes cuts to our
successful Emergency Services Corps program.
In addition to cuts to our capital program and grant funding, we are making cuts across
every department in county government. Eliminating or unfunding 97 vacant positions
will save us $6.5M. Reducing our contractual services by 17% will achieve $5.5 million
in savings. These services that will be cut range from grass cutting, and facilities
maintenance, to engineering and IS services. For example, our Information Services
group which oversees the county’s computer systems is also restructuring how we
purchase long-term consulting services, resulting in savings of roughly $400,000 this
year.
Internally, each department had to take a hard look and focus on their core functions
and services. We will end use of the county showmobile, which dozens of community
groups count on, but has become too costly for us to continue to operate.
We will delay the purchase of new vehicles next year which will save roughly $1.4
million.
We are canceling all our remaining large special events, including the Spring and Fall
Sleep Under the Stars and the Holiday Open House at Rockwood. We’ll be reducing
our library book purchasing budget and replacing our quarterly program guide with web-
based information, which will achieve further savings. We will also sustain the current
cuts we have made to our library hours across all our branches.
While cuts in capital, grants and general operations are important, with more than three
quarters of our county’s costs dedicated to supporting the people who deliver county
services, we have to make reductions in personnel as well to make progress in reducing
our growing deficit. We have in recent years asked our county workforce to do more
with less, as we trimmed our headcount steadily over the past four years, and they have
done well in these tough times. As I mentioned earlier, we will save $6.5 million this
year by eliminating or defunding almost 100 positions. These positions are the single
largest cut in this budget, and they reach across every department of our government,
and every type of county employee.
However, the reality is that we must do even more this year to cut our costs and our
spending in this tough fiscal climate. In December, when we were just two months into
the current downturn, I directed all of my executive branch senior staff to take a 7% pay
cut for this year. Earlier this year, I met with the representatives of our six collective
bargaining units who represent more than 80% of our workforce and asked their
members to take a roughly similar reduction in their pay for the year ahead through
either a voluntary furlough or a salary rollback that is consistent across the workforce in
order to avoid layoffs. I respect and value our county employees and the services they
provide, but in a time when employee costs continue to rise significantly faster than our
revenues, I have a responsibility to the half million residents of this county to bring those
costs down, before I ask them to contribute to solving this county’s fiscal problems.
Over several meetings, we have discussed different options, and we are making
progress, but as of today, we do not have a final agreement across the board with our
union locals. So, unfortunately, I am left with no choice but to submit a budget to
Council that proposes eliminating between 75 and 100 currently filled positions across
all departments of our government – including public safety.
My department general managers, human resources staff and the law department are
working through the specifics of both which positions will be eliminated and how these
layoffs will be carried out in each department, if it comes to that. As of today, the
budget proposal I submit to you includes the $4.8 million in savings from the elimination
of those positions. But, I will gladly accept a proposal from our union locals that can be
reasonably and fairly implemented across our workforce and achieves sustainable,
concrete savings that equals $4.8 million.
This is painful and has not occurred in New Castle County government in nearly 30
years, but we are not alone in facing these tough decisions. Many businesses and non-
profits in our community already have been forced to impose furloughs, as they have at
Hercules and at the News Journal, or broad layoffs of employees such as at Bank of
America and the Chrysler plant, leaving a growing number of residents facing the loss of
a job as a result of the worsening economy. The very real financial challenges we face
in county government are no more than those faced by our broader community, in
businesses, governments and other groups across our state and region.
Let me be clear: our county has a serious, ongoing fiscal challenge, not just this year,
but for several years to come. All of these proposed reductions for the coming year
combined, cuts to capital, grants, operations and personnel, get us just over halfway to
addressing our more than $40M deficit. In total over the next five years we face a
projected $200M shortfall, which can only be addressed by a blend of operating more
efficiently, significantly reducing costs, and raising revenue. We cannot tax our way out
of our basic, structural problem in this county, and since three-quarters of our costs are
related to people, we must get our personnel cost growth below our revenue growth.
With both our health care and pension costs rising this year in double-digit percentages,
we have to engage in productive, across the board, negotiations to reduce our on-going
personnel costs for the future. Focusing only on this year’s shortfall without heeding the
strong warning signs we face about the years to come will just not work. We will simply
be back at this same spot a year from now, more seriously cutting even more services
and personnel.
The solutions I propose in this budget use the tools we have available to us in county
government. In every listening campaign session, residents suggested new sources of
revenue that we could seek to broaden our revenue base and the possibility of
combining services with other governments. Since only the state can authorize revenue
streams for the county, I have been meeting with Governor Markell and the leadership
of the General Assembly to discuss ways we can diversify our county’s revenue. We
will continue those discussions in the months ahead, and will also be reviewing areas
where there may be duplication of services between the county and the state.
However, we cannot realistically expect significant help from the state government that
will address our fundamental budget deficit, given the enormous challenges ahead for
our officials in Dover.
Many folks have asked – rather hoped – that the much talked about federal stimulus
package would offer this government an answer to our current budget challenges. We
do expect to receive some stimulus funding, but much of the funding is dedicated to
specific purposes and will not address our core budget challenge. Stimulus funding we
may receive basically falls into three categories. First are competitive one-time capital
projects that could fund the purchase of solar energy systems, for example, to help
power county facilities or completion of greenways in our parks, both of which are
projects that we would not complete but for these federal funds. Second is federal
funding to expand current housing programs – we do expect to receive more in federal
funds for homeless assistance, foreclosure prevention, and for neighborhood
stabilization under existing federal housing programs.
The third category includes special funding for public safety under the COPS and Byrne
grant programs. I traveled to Washington just last week with Col. Rick Gregory to meet
with the Vice President’s office and our congressional delegation to ask for their help in
funding our public safety department. One possible use for this stimulus funding is to
support the proposal for additional police staffing we presented to Council last fall, and
this new federal funding stream included in the stimulus package would allow us to
attempt to implement it at a time when we otherwise could and would not. I will travel to
Washington again tomorrow to meet with Vice President Biden and 35 County
Executives from around the country to discuss the challenges ahead and to fight for
funding for New Castle County.
Cutting spending, layoffs or other personnel cuts, and stimulus funds alone will not fill
our projected $48M budget deficit, not without cutting to the bone the services our
residents say they value. Therefore, in conjunction with the broad cuts in programming,
personnel, and capital spending, tonight I am also asking New Castle County residents
for about $8 more a month on average, or roughly $100 a year which will provide the
county with an additional $21M to balance the deep cuts we have made in this budget.
This is a difficult sacrifice to be asking of working families and businesses who are
already themselves struggling under the pressure of this economy, but what we have
heard from residents across all communities in our county is fairly uniform. They want
us to balance any request for additional taxes with meaningful cuts we impose on
ourselves in hopes of moving forward with a sustainable government that will continue
its mission of delivering a better quality of life, a stronger community, and a brighter
tomorrow for all of us.
We must also continue moving forward projects and preventative maintenance for our
1,800 mile sewer system that is required for compliance per an enforcement action by
the Environmental Protection Agency and DNREC. This directive includes rehabilitation
of the aging Brandywine Hundred sewer infrastructure and expanding sewer line
inspections to further protect and improve the health of our waterways. Failing to meet
this mandate would subject us to substantial fines, and I am asking residents for an
increase of about $2 a month, or $24 on average annually in the county’s sewer rate to
cover these additional costs of sewer system maintenance.
The challenge now before us is not limited to this upcoming fiscal year. For this next
fiscal year, we can make reductions and raise revenues that would solve our budget
problem. However, if we are to continue as a county government and help lead our
community into a better future, we must also grow our economy, and increase our
efficiency. We are blessed to have reserves we can use, in part, this year to cushion
the blow of our unprecedented loss in revenue while leaving us some flexibility, should
the already bad situation grow even worse in the coming months.
As part of our overall fiscal strategy, we have benefited from continuing to be one of the
very few counties in the country that enjoys a AAA bond rating from all three rating
agencies. Our bond sale back in January will save this government $1.7M per year in
debt service by refinancing 1998 bonds, and we saved another $1.1M off the rates we
would have paid if we were only a AA rated county when we financed the sewer repairs
just underway. We must continue to invest in our infrastructure in order to help grow a
stronger local economy, and we must protect our bond rating for the long term to ensure
we leave behind the foundation for a sustainable and strong county.
One of the best ways that we can work together to accomplish that objective is by
reaching out to our business community to support and sustain their responsible growth
in New Castle County and by working to attract new employers here who will provide
good jobs in the future. We know this community needs and wants good jobs. Working
together with the business community and DEDO, we have succeeded in attracting
companies large and small to New Castle County. From Sallie Mae, which has already
hired hundreds of employees, to Voigt & Schweitzer, which has redeveloped a site in
New Castle and filled dozens of manufacturing jobs, we are working hard to grow new
businesses here. Our office of economic redevelopment, our partners in the County
and State Chambers of Commerce, and Alan Levin and his team at DEDO have worked
together to recommend and support changes to improve our development review
process that targets growing jobs and businesses now when we need them most. We
are also addressing real concerns about our planning process and are working in
partnership with DelDOT, DNREC, and other state agencies to ensure that our process
is a fair and efficient one.
The only way we will get through the current economic climate is by pulling together and
investing once again in the community where we have made our homes, raised our
families and where we enjoy a quality of life unmatched in our region. Governor
Markell’s administration has been a good partner in these efforts, and just in the past
months we have contacted and visited companies in search of employers who might
relocate here or invest in the redevelopment and growth of major parcels in our county.
To ensure we are pursuing our economic development opportunities the best we can, I
have directed several of my department managers to work together with our partners in
DEDO and the chambers of commerce to develop a specific and substantive plan for
future economic growth in this county, and to deliver that plan to me and to you on
Council later this year.
In a time when every penny counts, we must take steps to ensure our government is
operating as efficiently as possible. Over the past five years, Council and my
administration have worked together to address this county’s unique structural budget
challenges, and figure out how we could, over the course of several years, bring the
costs of our government more in line with our limited revenue streams. Last year we
launched a performance management initiative that engages our workforce in
developing detailed measures for the services that we deliver. These measures provide
us with statistics about what we are doing well, how we are best meeting the needs of
the residents we serve, and addressing areas where we need to improve. This initiative
has already included input from literally hundreds of county employees and will serve as
an effective tool we can use internally, and eventually publicly, as we continue making
choices about if, where, and how we provide programs and services to our residents.
We will begin to see the real results of this initiative in the coming months.
Additionally, we must continue our efforts to harness the energy of volunteers to help us
fill the needs of our community. In public listening campaign sessions and in e-mails
and letters, residents have expressed their willingness to pitch in to help save some of
the services, programs, and places that make New Castle County special. Volunteers
have stepped up to launch or join and strengthen friends groups for our parks and
libraries, and we have all been impressed by the volunteers and fundraising efforts of
Therapeutic Riding At Carousel or TRAC, and the Friends of Rockwood. This year, we
have also seen the launch of New Castle County Pride as an active non-profit partner
supporting several county initiatives and events – County Pride raised more than $100K
in private sector support for county programs and park clean ups last year. Anyone who
cares about and hopes to save or support programs, events or places that we are
proposing to cut is welcome to contact County Pride or Susan Eggert, our county point
person for volunteerism. Volunteer service and donations can help sustain our level of
service to the community, whether through our libraries and parks, at PAL, at Rockwood
or Carousel, through the Mounted Unit, or elsewhere, but in many cases, without
exceptional and significant new private support, we will have to move forward with the
cuts proposed in this budget that scales back the services we provide.
I was at church this morning, at a St. Patrick’s Day mass, and in between the singing of
Irish hymns and a strong homily about forgiveness and bearing each others burdens, I
prayed. I prayed this morning for hope, for hope that things in our county and country
will indeed get better, I prayed this morning for forgiveness, for the very real pain this
budget will impose on real people – on the employees and the families of those who
may lose their pay or their jobs and on people in our community who depend on county
services we may trim or end, and last I prayed for courage, the courage to do the right
thing, not just the political or popular thing, as together we lead this county government
through hard times. We come to public service from different faiths and different
traditions, but I ask you, whatever your faith, to take time tonight and be thoughtful or
prayerful, to hold in your hearts the spirit of community and of bearing one another’s
burdens, and reflect on the tough choices we have to make together.
It is my real hope that over the next six weeks of this budget process every member of
Council will take very seriously the questions I put to you. What kind of county do you
want to leave behind to our families and the children of our community? I believe I
heard clearly across this county that this is a community that values the services we
provide, that believes we make a difference, and that is willing to join us in responsibly
charting our way through the rough seas ahead.
Those who oppose a tax increase need to present a realistic alternative path, because
we cannot fill our $48M deficit through cuts alone. If this is a community that is indeed
so financially stressed that it cannot afford $8 more a month to fund police, paramedics,
libraries, and other services we have come to enjoy and depend on, then we have much
harder choices ahead. In my view, as long as we sustain the deep and difficult cuts to
our government spending that I propose in this budget, the residents we serve will
support the increased investment that we need to make this plan possible. But let me
be clear, there is one path I do not support, and that is the seemingly easy path of
simply reaching into the till of taxpayer reserves and using money set aside in our rainy
day fund to balance this year’s budget. Doing so would leave us exposed and ill-
prepared to deal with the challenges of our next budget cycle, when our national and
local economy will likely not have recovered from the current deep recession.
If we avoid the hard choices of spending cuts, layoffs or other on-going personnel cost
reductions, programming cuts or tax increases and instead spend through what is left of
our reserves, I think the message to our residents, our workforce, our current and
prospective business community, and the financial markets would be a very bad one
and the results would be clear. We would make it through this year, assuming our
situation does not worsen, but we would arrive at next year marked as an irresponsible
government that faced a real challenge and blinked. And we would do so with no
reserves to cushion the blow. What I have called the public, the workforce and you on
Council to do is not easy but I believe it must be done. It is the prudent and proper
course of action. It is the task for which we were elected. We were elected to be good
stewards of the public funds that were here when we got here, and to be good stewards
of the public needs that are presented to us more urgently today than ever before.
This budget is full of tough, but necessary decisions that reflect the reality we face.
From what I’ve seen in the last eight years of working with county employees and from
what I’ve heard in the last six weeks of our county-wide listening campaign, I am
optimistic that our community supports the essential services this government provides,
that our county workforce has a spirit of service and a willingness to do what has to be
done, and that by working together, we will have a stronger county coming out of this.
Let us pull together, make a few painful choices well, and serve the public who elected
us by meeting their real needs. As President Obama said in his address to Congress
earlier this year, “now is the time to act boldly and wisely.” I have faith you will do both.
Thank you for the opportunity to be before you tonight. God bless you. Good night.
Here is Video via WDEL site
COUNTY EXECUTIVE COONS' FY2010 BUDGET ADDRESS
New Castle, DE - County Executive Coons delivered his FY2010 budget address March 17, 2009, in the Council Chambers of the Redding City/County Building . To read the full text of the speech, click the link below.
New Castle County Executive
Christopher A. Coons
FY2010 Budget Address
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Text From NCC Site
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining me here as I present my
Fiscal Year 2010 budget for New Castle County.
This is a hard year, and before us, we face choices unmatched in our government’s
history. In the past six months, we have witnessed a dramatic change in the ground
beneath us, as first the housing market, then the broader financial markets, and now our
entire national economy have changed in ways not seen in more than a generation.
Our local situation is no different, as the budget deficit facing our county has nearly
tripled from what we had projected just a year ago, and now threatens the future of our
county’s essential and valued services if we do not take strong action and change
course now.
Tonight, I will present a budget that takes a balanced path towards solving our more
than $40M deficit for the coming fiscal year. Rather than taking an extreme approach
that either slashes the county workforce and the services they provide, or that
dramatically raises taxes beyond what our community can fairly bear, I am taking a
balanced, middle course, one that asks for shared sacrifice across all who deliver our
county services, and all who benefit from and value them.
We began by cutting – by restraining growth in our budget and cutting across the board
in every area and every department. My proposal for the general operating budget
shrinks county government more than any budget in 40 years – by cutting capital
projects, reducing operating expenses, and asking for real sacrifice from the county
workforce. I am also asking for a similar amount in increased revenue, for an added
investment by every homeowner and business in order to sustain our essential services.
I did not reach this budget proposal easily or without sleepless nights. My
administration and I worked hard to find a balanced solution that we all could live with.
When I ran for County Executive, I never imagined our finances would fall so sharply, or
that we would face decisions this tough. But, frankly, I know I was elected not to dodge
hard choices, but to take them on squarely and develop a workable plan to get all of us
through it. Council, it is my hope, my belief, that as you review and debate the details of
this plan, you will agree – it is our best path forward, and it deserves your support.
At the outset, I would like to thank City Council President Norman Griffiths, WITN, and
Comcast for broadcasting tonight’s speech, as well as WDEL for carrying this address
live on radio. I thank my father and step-mother, my brother, Tom, and my wonderful
wife, Annie, for joining me here this evening. I also want to thank you, the members of
County Council, our row officers, elected officials from the state and other local
governments, my general managers, and the many county employees and residents
who have joined us here tonight.
Over the past four years, I have delivered to you budget addresses that strike a familiar
chord: doing more with less by reducing expenses, cutting our overall workforce through
attrition and the elimination of vacant positions, and increasing revenues to support vital
county services. But the decisions that we must make as we face the year ahead are
frankly, harder than ever.
As our economy began to worsen this past fall, Council and I knew we would face
difficult choices in this budget year, and we decided together to conduct a county-wide,
twelve session listening campaign. As we’ve met with hundreds of residents in listening
campaign stops over the past two months, members of Council and I have asked those
we represent a simple question: Of all that New Castle County does, what do you most
value and what are you willing to pay to support it? In meeting after meeting, the many
citizens who came to these listening campaign sessions told us how much they value
the services this county government provides. Several stand out in my mind, as we
heard how dedicated county employees had helped keep families safe, had helped our
children grow stronger and healthier, and as we heard how much our residents want us
to continue essential things about our county that they love and value.
I recall a young man, not more than 10, who stood up at the Mill Creek meeting and
spoke earnestly about how much he wants safe places to play and how much he values
playing in our county sports leagues. I remember a dignified middle-aged woman who
spoke at Holloway Terrace, saying with emotion she is now unemployed for the first
time in her working life, but she relies so much on the Delaware City library for
community and encouragement and uses the computers there to keep searching for a
job – that even though she is without work, she was willing to pay more in taxes to keep
our libraries open and their resources accessible. And I will never forget the resident
who told us at the Brandywine Hundred meeting about being home alone one night,
hearing a burglar rattling the door and trying to break in, about her frantic call to our
county 911 center and her enormous relief when minutes later a county police officer
responded to her call for help and secured her home.
We also listened as people asked many good questions about our expenses, they
asked why not reduce this or trim that, why not charge someone else or raise fees on
some other part of county services, but over and over, across a dozen nights in every
district, from Claymont to Middletown, from Hockessin to New Castle, an overwhelming
majority of the people who came out voiced their support for county services, for the
difference county employees made in their lives, and told us that we should take a
balanced approach as we crafted this budget. The value that this community places on
county services is the foundation upon which my budget proposal rests.
The challenge we faced in putting together this year’s budget is similar to local
governments across the country who have been affected by our national economic
crisis. Our problem became significantly more difficult as our national economy
collapsed and our revenue projections fell quicker than any one had expected. When
this Council adopted our current budget last May, we projected taking in $31M in real
estate transfer taxes. By December, that figure had dropped to $18M and our budget
deficit for the current fiscal year had doubled. In the past months, our revenues
continued to drop and our expenses to rise. With yesterday’s bad news from the state
DEFAC, our projections for RTT for this year now stands at roughly $16M, just half of
what we built our current fiscal year’s budget on just nine months ago.
Equally important, the falling market conditions have also had an impact on our pension
costs. The County Pension Board will meet tomorrow to learn how the market
meltdown has affected the balance of our county’s important pension fund. It is
expected that the Pension Board report will increase our projected deficit for this coming
year from $40M to more than $48M. So, in a very real sense, the economic ground
continues to shift beneath us, even as we seek solutions. Simply put, we cannot
assume that what we now face is the worst of it.
It is also worth noting that, unlike some governments, this tough budget climate set in
just as we were already working to address long-term structural financial difficulties
unique to this county government. Over the past four budget years, this Council joined
with me in cutting millions of dollars in expenses, delaying or canceling $72M in capital
projects, and eliminating 147 vacant full-time and part-time positions. We ended
popular special events, cut travel and training, and cut the size of our fleet, all well
before this economic downturn took hold.
This is a tough environment, but it also offers opportunities – opportunities for all of us
to re-examine our government and reconsider what are our essential services and how
we can deliver them more efficiently. The task that lies before us is not easy, but in the
words of Theodore Roosevelt, “in any moment of decision, the worst thing you can do is
nothing.”
As we look to address the challenges ahead, it is important to remember that this form
of county government is only 40 years old, and in this very difficult economic climate, we
have to ask ourselves the fundamental questions once again about our role and core
mission. Do we want – do we need – the county government that we currently have?
Are there things that we do that are so essential to the lives of our residents that we
have to continue doing them in the way we do? Are there things that we’ve added to
our plate that are not essential? Or, are there things that New Castle County has been
doing that really could be done better by others or in partnership with others?
Working through these basic questions has led my administration into uncharted
conversations and we listened closely to the valuable input we received from the
broader community. We have taken programs that this county has been involved in for
years and eliminated, reduced or shifted them to volunteer partners. Across our
listening campaigns we heard understandable concerns about our facilities, like
Rockwood and Carousel, valuable special units like the Mounted Patrol, and our
libraries. We have strong community-support programs and community partnerships
like the PAL Centers and the Showmobile that have been signature parts of this
government for years. Every one of those programs and services that I just mentioned
will be realigned, or significantly reduced, in the budget I propose tonight. Each
represents a disappointing outcome for individuals and communities that have come to
rely on us for services they value. There are people who will miss things that will no
longer be provided by this county, but given our financial state, we have to live by a
changed set of priorities, which means that some things simply cannot remain as is.
Therefore, the budget I propose to you tonight includes a package of roughly $23M in
spending cuts and savings this year. The overall FY2010 proposed budget, including
both general operating and sewer, is $234M, which is a negative growth budget when
compared to our current FY2009 budget. Overall, this is the largest percentage budget
decrease in county history. In fact, if you remove the required increases in debt service
and benefits, the overall general fund budget is reduced by 10%.
This balanced approach to addressing our deficit means that significant cuts have been
made across the board. We have made substantial reductions to our capital budget,
cutting roughly $75M in previously authorized projects for the coming year, impacting 40
projects, covering everything from sewers to parks to libraries. This reflects our
unwelcome new fiscal reality. Most of these projects are being delayed, such as the
Banning Park soccer field renovations, and much needed parking improvements at
Delcastle Regional Park, but we are outright canceling projects such as the police
shooting range and a new EMS station. Keeping our capital budget from growing is the
only way to take control of our debt service costs.
We also have cut grant funding to outside agencies. Earlier this year, I notified every
organization that receives funding from New Castle County that we will be reducing or
ending such funding. Traditionally, this government has provided large and small grants
to dozens of organizations who are committed to making our communities stronger and
healthier, but we simply cannot continue to fund all of their efforts at the current levels. I
commend Council for also joining me in the decision to significantly reduce grant
funding for the coming fiscal year. From community services and non-profits, like the
Boys & Girls Clubs and the Ministry of Caring, to planning and professional groups, like
the Water Resources Agency and WILMAPCO, to our partners in the County Chamber,
4-H, and our contractual libraries, we have significantly cut or ended grant funding, and I
know each of these decisions has had consequences for the programs and services
they provide. I also want to specifically thank our largest grant partner, the volunteer
fire service for recognizing the difficult fiscal situation we face and accepting a cut of
county support of $300K, or 8%, in support from the county, which includes cuts to our
successful Emergency Services Corps program.
In addition to cuts to our capital program and grant funding, we are making cuts across
every department in county government. Eliminating or unfunding 97 vacant positions
will save us $6.5M. Reducing our contractual services by 17% will achieve $5.5 million
in savings. These services that will be cut range from grass cutting, and facilities
maintenance, to engineering and IS services. For example, our Information Services
group which oversees the county’s computer systems is also restructuring how we
purchase long-term consulting services, resulting in savings of roughly $400,000 this
year.
Internally, each department had to take a hard look and focus on their core functions
and services. We will end use of the county showmobile, which dozens of community
groups count on, but has become too costly for us to continue to operate.
We will delay the purchase of new vehicles next year which will save roughly $1.4
million.
We are canceling all our remaining large special events, including the Spring and Fall
Sleep Under the Stars and the Holiday Open House at Rockwood. We’ll be reducing
our library book purchasing budget and replacing our quarterly program guide with web-
based information, which will achieve further savings. We will also sustain the current
cuts we have made to our library hours across all our branches.
While cuts in capital, grants and general operations are important, with more than three
quarters of our county’s costs dedicated to supporting the people who deliver county
services, we have to make reductions in personnel as well to make progress in reducing
our growing deficit. We have in recent years asked our county workforce to do more
with less, as we trimmed our headcount steadily over the past four years, and they have
done well in these tough times. As I mentioned earlier, we will save $6.5 million this
year by eliminating or defunding almost 100 positions. These positions are the single
largest cut in this budget, and they reach across every department of our government,
and every type of county employee.
However, the reality is that we must do even more this year to cut our costs and our
spending in this tough fiscal climate. In December, when we were just two months into
the current downturn, I directed all of my executive branch senior staff to take a 7% pay
cut for this year. Earlier this year, I met with the representatives of our six collective
bargaining units who represent more than 80% of our workforce and asked their
members to take a roughly similar reduction in their pay for the year ahead through
either a voluntary furlough or a salary rollback that is consistent across the workforce in
order to avoid layoffs. I respect and value our county employees and the services they
provide, but in a time when employee costs continue to rise significantly faster than our
revenues, I have a responsibility to the half million residents of this county to bring those
costs down, before I ask them to contribute to solving this county’s fiscal problems.
Over several meetings, we have discussed different options, and we are making
progress, but as of today, we do not have a final agreement across the board with our
union locals. So, unfortunately, I am left with no choice but to submit a budget to
Council that proposes eliminating between 75 and 100 currently filled positions across
all departments of our government – including public safety.
My department general managers, human resources staff and the law department are
working through the specifics of both which positions will be eliminated and how these
layoffs will be carried out in each department, if it comes to that. As of today, the
budget proposal I submit to you includes the $4.8 million in savings from the elimination
of those positions. But, I will gladly accept a proposal from our union locals that can be
reasonably and fairly implemented across our workforce and achieves sustainable,
concrete savings that equals $4.8 million.
This is painful and has not occurred in New Castle County government in nearly 30
years, but we are not alone in facing these tough decisions. Many businesses and non-
profits in our community already have been forced to impose furloughs, as they have at
Hercules and at the News Journal, or broad layoffs of employees such as at Bank of
America and the Chrysler plant, leaving a growing number of residents facing the loss of
a job as a result of the worsening economy. The very real financial challenges we face
in county government are no more than those faced by our broader community, in
businesses, governments and other groups across our state and region.
Let me be clear: our county has a serious, ongoing fiscal challenge, not just this year,
but for several years to come. All of these proposed reductions for the coming year
combined, cuts to capital, grants, operations and personnel, get us just over halfway to
addressing our more than $40M deficit. In total over the next five years we face a
projected $200M shortfall, which can only be addressed by a blend of operating more
efficiently, significantly reducing costs, and raising revenue. We cannot tax our way out
of our basic, structural problem in this county, and since three-quarters of our costs are
related to people, we must get our personnel cost growth below our revenue growth.
With both our health care and pension costs rising this year in double-digit percentages,
we have to engage in productive, across the board, negotiations to reduce our on-going
personnel costs for the future. Focusing only on this year’s shortfall without heeding the
strong warning signs we face about the years to come will just not work. We will simply
be back at this same spot a year from now, more seriously cutting even more services
and personnel.
The solutions I propose in this budget use the tools we have available to us in county
government. In every listening campaign session, residents suggested new sources of
revenue that we could seek to broaden our revenue base and the possibility of
combining services with other governments. Since only the state can authorize revenue
streams for the county, I have been meeting with Governor Markell and the leadership
of the General Assembly to discuss ways we can diversify our county’s revenue. We
will continue those discussions in the months ahead, and will also be reviewing areas
where there may be duplication of services between the county and the state.
However, we cannot realistically expect significant help from the state government that
will address our fundamental budget deficit, given the enormous challenges ahead for
our officials in Dover.
Many folks have asked – rather hoped – that the much talked about federal stimulus
package would offer this government an answer to our current budget challenges. We
do expect to receive some stimulus funding, but much of the funding is dedicated to
specific purposes and will not address our core budget challenge. Stimulus funding we
may receive basically falls into three categories. First are competitive one-time capital
projects that could fund the purchase of solar energy systems, for example, to help
power county facilities or completion of greenways in our parks, both of which are
projects that we would not complete but for these federal funds. Second is federal
funding to expand current housing programs – we do expect to receive more in federal
funds for homeless assistance, foreclosure prevention, and for neighborhood
stabilization under existing federal housing programs.
The third category includes special funding for public safety under the COPS and Byrne
grant programs. I traveled to Washington just last week with Col. Rick Gregory to meet
with the Vice President’s office and our congressional delegation to ask for their help in
funding our public safety department. One possible use for this stimulus funding is to
support the proposal for additional police staffing we presented to Council last fall, and
this new federal funding stream included in the stimulus package would allow us to
attempt to implement it at a time when we otherwise could and would not. I will travel to
Washington again tomorrow to meet with Vice President Biden and 35 County
Executives from around the country to discuss the challenges ahead and to fight for
funding for New Castle County.
Cutting spending, layoffs or other personnel cuts, and stimulus funds alone will not fill
our projected $48M budget deficit, not without cutting to the bone the services our
residents say they value. Therefore, in conjunction with the broad cuts in programming,
personnel, and capital spending, tonight I am also asking New Castle County residents
for about $8 more a month on average, or roughly $100 a year which will provide the
county with an additional $21M to balance the deep cuts we have made in this budget.
This is a difficult sacrifice to be asking of working families and businesses who are
already themselves struggling under the pressure of this economy, but what we have
heard from residents across all communities in our county is fairly uniform. They want
us to balance any request for additional taxes with meaningful cuts we impose on
ourselves in hopes of moving forward with a sustainable government that will continue
its mission of delivering a better quality of life, a stronger community, and a brighter
tomorrow for all of us.
We must also continue moving forward projects and preventative maintenance for our
1,800 mile sewer system that is required for compliance per an enforcement action by
the Environmental Protection Agency and DNREC. This directive includes rehabilitation
of the aging Brandywine Hundred sewer infrastructure and expanding sewer line
inspections to further protect and improve the health of our waterways. Failing to meet
this mandate would subject us to substantial fines, and I am asking residents for an
increase of about $2 a month, or $24 on average annually in the county’s sewer rate to
cover these additional costs of sewer system maintenance.
The challenge now before us is not limited to this upcoming fiscal year. For this next
fiscal year, we can make reductions and raise revenues that would solve our budget
problem. However, if we are to continue as a county government and help lead our
community into a better future, we must also grow our economy, and increase our
efficiency. We are blessed to have reserves we can use, in part, this year to cushion
the blow of our unprecedented loss in revenue while leaving us some flexibility, should
the already bad situation grow even worse in the coming months.
As part of our overall fiscal strategy, we have benefited from continuing to be one of the
very few counties in the country that enjoys a AAA bond rating from all three rating
agencies. Our bond sale back in January will save this government $1.7M per year in
debt service by refinancing 1998 bonds, and we saved another $1.1M off the rates we
would have paid if we were only a AA rated county when we financed the sewer repairs
just underway. We must continue to invest in our infrastructure in order to help grow a
stronger local economy, and we must protect our bond rating for the long term to ensure
we leave behind the foundation for a sustainable and strong county.
One of the best ways that we can work together to accomplish that objective is by
reaching out to our business community to support and sustain their responsible growth
in New Castle County and by working to attract new employers here who will provide
good jobs in the future. We know this community needs and wants good jobs. Working
together with the business community and DEDO, we have succeeded in attracting
companies large and small to New Castle County. From Sallie Mae, which has already
hired hundreds of employees, to Voigt & Schweitzer, which has redeveloped a site in
New Castle and filled dozens of manufacturing jobs, we are working hard to grow new
businesses here. Our office of economic redevelopment, our partners in the County
and State Chambers of Commerce, and Alan Levin and his team at DEDO have worked
together to recommend and support changes to improve our development review
process that targets growing jobs and businesses now when we need them most. We
are also addressing real concerns about our planning process and are working in
partnership with DelDOT, DNREC, and other state agencies to ensure that our process
is a fair and efficient one.
The only way we will get through the current economic climate is by pulling together and
investing once again in the community where we have made our homes, raised our
families and where we enjoy a quality of life unmatched in our region. Governor
Markell’s administration has been a good partner in these efforts, and just in the past
months we have contacted and visited companies in search of employers who might
relocate here or invest in the redevelopment and growth of major parcels in our county.
To ensure we are pursuing our economic development opportunities the best we can, I
have directed several of my department managers to work together with our partners in
DEDO and the chambers of commerce to develop a specific and substantive plan for
future economic growth in this county, and to deliver that plan to me and to you on
Council later this year.
In a time when every penny counts, we must take steps to ensure our government is
operating as efficiently as possible. Over the past five years, Council and my
administration have worked together to address this county’s unique structural budget
challenges, and figure out how we could, over the course of several years, bring the
costs of our government more in line with our limited revenue streams. Last year we
launched a performance management initiative that engages our workforce in
developing detailed measures for the services that we deliver. These measures provide
us with statistics about what we are doing well, how we are best meeting the needs of
the residents we serve, and addressing areas where we need to improve. This initiative
has already included input from literally hundreds of county employees and will serve as
an effective tool we can use internally, and eventually publicly, as we continue making
choices about if, where, and how we provide programs and services to our residents.
We will begin to see the real results of this initiative in the coming months.
Additionally, we must continue our efforts to harness the energy of volunteers to help us
fill the needs of our community. In public listening campaign sessions and in e-mails
and letters, residents have expressed their willingness to pitch in to help save some of
the services, programs, and places that make New Castle County special. Volunteers
have stepped up to launch or join and strengthen friends groups for our parks and
libraries, and we have all been impressed by the volunteers and fundraising efforts of
Therapeutic Riding At Carousel or TRAC, and the Friends of Rockwood. This year, we
have also seen the launch of New Castle County Pride as an active non-profit partner
supporting several county initiatives and events – County Pride raised more than $100K
in private sector support for county programs and park clean ups last year. Anyone who
cares about and hopes to save or support programs, events or places that we are
proposing to cut is welcome to contact County Pride or Susan Eggert, our county point
person for volunteerism. Volunteer service and donations can help sustain our level of
service to the community, whether through our libraries and parks, at PAL, at Rockwood
or Carousel, through the Mounted Unit, or elsewhere, but in many cases, without
exceptional and significant new private support, we will have to move forward with the
cuts proposed in this budget that scales back the services we provide.
I was at church this morning, at a St. Patrick’s Day mass, and in between the singing of
Irish hymns and a strong homily about forgiveness and bearing each others burdens, I
prayed. I prayed this morning for hope, for hope that things in our county and country
will indeed get better, I prayed this morning for forgiveness, for the very real pain this
budget will impose on real people – on the employees and the families of those who
may lose their pay or their jobs and on people in our community who depend on county
services we may trim or end, and last I prayed for courage, the courage to do the right
thing, not just the political or popular thing, as together we lead this county government
through hard times. We come to public service from different faiths and different
traditions, but I ask you, whatever your faith, to take time tonight and be thoughtful or
prayerful, to hold in your hearts the spirit of community and of bearing one another’s
burdens, and reflect on the tough choices we have to make together.
It is my real hope that over the next six weeks of this budget process every member of
Council will take very seriously the questions I put to you. What kind of county do you
want to leave behind to our families and the children of our community? I believe I
heard clearly across this county that this is a community that values the services we
provide, that believes we make a difference, and that is willing to join us in responsibly
charting our way through the rough seas ahead.
Those who oppose a tax increase need to present a realistic alternative path, because
we cannot fill our $48M deficit through cuts alone. If this is a community that is indeed
so financially stressed that it cannot afford $8 more a month to fund police, paramedics,
libraries, and other services we have come to enjoy and depend on, then we have much
harder choices ahead. In my view, as long as we sustain the deep and difficult cuts to
our government spending that I propose in this budget, the residents we serve will
support the increased investment that we need to make this plan possible. But let me
be clear, there is one path I do not support, and that is the seemingly easy path of
simply reaching into the till of taxpayer reserves and using money set aside in our rainy
day fund to balance this year’s budget. Doing so would leave us exposed and ill-
prepared to deal with the challenges of our next budget cycle, when our national and
local economy will likely not have recovered from the current deep recession.
If we avoid the hard choices of spending cuts, layoffs or other on-going personnel cost
reductions, programming cuts or tax increases and instead spend through what is left of
our reserves, I think the message to our residents, our workforce, our current and
prospective business community, and the financial markets would be a very bad one
and the results would be clear. We would make it through this year, assuming our
situation does not worsen, but we would arrive at next year marked as an irresponsible
government that faced a real challenge and blinked. And we would do so with no
reserves to cushion the blow. What I have called the public, the workforce and you on
Council to do is not easy but I believe it must be done. It is the prudent and proper
course of action. It is the task for which we were elected. We were elected to be good
stewards of the public funds that were here when we got here, and to be good stewards
of the public needs that are presented to us more urgently today than ever before.
This budget is full of tough, but necessary decisions that reflect the reality we face.
From what I’ve seen in the last eight years of working with county employees and from
what I’ve heard in the last six weeks of our county-wide listening campaign, I am
optimistic that our community supports the essential services this government provides,
that our county workforce has a spirit of service and a willingness to do what has to be
done, and that by working together, we will have a stronger county coming out of this.
Let us pull together, make a few painful choices well, and serve the public who elected
us by meeting their real needs. As President Obama said in his address to Congress
earlier this year, “now is the time to act boldly and wisely.” I have faith you will do both.
Thank you for the opportunity to be before you tonight. God bless you. Good night.
17.3.09
DNREC seeks $150,000 to keep yard waste sites operational Residents provide few revenue generating ideas
DNREC seeks $150,000
DNREC seeks $150,000 to keep yard waste sites operational
Residents provide few revenue generating ideas
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is looking for ways to raise the necessary $150,000 to keep the county’s three yard waste drop off sites operational.
Faced with the same economic realities gripping all branches of state government, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is asking residents for input on how it can raise the necessary $150,000 to keep New Castle County’s three yard waste drop off sites operational.
More than 110 residents packed Bellevue Hall in Brandywine Hundred on April 14 for a public meeting about funding the sites, which opened last year in Bear, Brandywine Hundred and Pike Creek to give residents another way to dispose of leaves, branches and grass clippings banned from the Cherry Island Landfill.
The sites were originally funded through DNREC’s penalty fund, which is money it gathers from lawsuits against polluters, but that funding source does not work well for ongoing projects, said Jim Werner, director of air and waste management.
Each of the sites costs about $50,000 a year, which is mainly used to pay contractors to pile the yard waste and chip it into mulch, which is given to residents for free, said Werner.
Many states support yard waste programs by adding surcharges to the cost of trash pickup, he said, like the $15 surcharge levied in Pennsylvania and the $7 fee in New Jersey. While that may or may not be the right option for Delaware, without some source of funding, the yard waste sites cannot operate, he said.
But DNREC is committed to finding a way to sustain the yard waste program, he said.
“We have no intention of trying to shut these sites down overall,” he said.
Asking the General Assembly for the money is out of the question because of the budget shortfall, said Jim Short, director of DNREC’s solid and hazardous waste branch.
DNREC could save $100,000 a year if it offered no free mulch to residents at the yard waste sites and used the mulch to compensate a contractor for the cost of grinding it, he said.
But DNREC would still need to raise revenue to offset maintenance costs at the yard waste sites. Possible funding ideas include: a paid sticker program similar to the annual pass for Delaware state parks, donation boxes and fee booths.
Another option is to privatize all or part of the yard waste program and Short said Holland Mulch is working with DNREC to let the public drop yard waste at its Edgemoor location for free, though nothing has been finalized.
Short said he will go before the General Assembly next month with recommendations about how to raise money and keep the yard waste sites open, but when he turned the floor over to the public, they shared more complaints than revenue-generating ideas.
“It’s a dirty, filthy, stinky site that leaks, not only into the quarry that’s under it, but into Stoney Run Creek and we all smell it,” said Bill Lindewirgh, who lives in Delaire, 250 feet from the Brandywine Hundred site on Cauffiel Parkway.
Nearby residents complained of commercial dumping, piles of trash bags, dust created by mulch grinding at the Brandywine Hundred site and more traffic on the Philadelphia Pike.
Some, like Edgemoor resident Cheri Whitney, suggested moving the yard waste site to Fox Point State Park, where DNREC could piggyback on the state park entrance fees and Delaire residents wouldn’t have to deal with any noise or odor.
“You don’t want to burden people [who live nearby], but you’ve got to take care of the planet at the same time,” she said.
Werner said now that the $2.5 million brownfields revitalization of Fox Point State Park is complete, relocating the yard waste site there could be an option.
15.3.09
The trashing of Delaware
Heaps of debris fill waterways and roadsides as litterbugs show no sign of letting up
From the The News Journal | delawareonline Sunday, March 15 2009
"Delaware, the Department of Transportation spent nearly $47,000 last year to clean up more than 14.6 tons of trash along state roads. "
"DelDOT can only be concerned with roadside litter," said Tina Shockley
"• Existing litter gives the impression that a community lacks pride, in turn sending a message that littering is acceptable.
• They believe that someone else will pick it up.
Additional Facts
GARBAGE LURKING NEAR YOU? TELL US
More than 12,000 miles of highways are maintained by the Delaware Department of Transportation.
They cut through the state's picturesque heartland and run along its scenic beaches.
They're also lined with trash -- piles and piles of trash.
Last year, the transportation department spent close to $50,000 to clear away the debris but the effort is becoming increasingly futile.
Motorists continue to throw everything from cigarette butts to fast-food wrappers out their windows as they careen down Del. 1.
The same is true in cities, where parks, streets and even front yards are strewn with litter.
The News Journal is asking readers to help clean up our state by directing us to problem spots in a new feature titled "Clean It Up."
If you see unsightly piles of trash in your neighborhood or elsewhere, e-mail us a precise location. Better yet, send us a photo.
We'll find out who's responsible and ask what can be done to clean up the mess. The results will be published periodically.
• People feel no sense of ownership in an area."
From the The News Journal | delawareonline Sunday, March 15 2009
"Delaware, the Department of Transportation spent nearly $47,000 last year to clean up more than 14.6 tons of trash along state roads. "
"DelDOT can only be concerned with roadside litter," said Tina Shockley
"• Existing litter gives the impression that a community lacks pride, in turn sending a message that littering is acceptable.
• They believe that someone else will pick it up.
Additional Facts
GARBAGE LURKING NEAR YOU? TELL US
More than 12,000 miles of highways are maintained by the Delaware Department of Transportation.
They cut through the state's picturesque heartland and run along its scenic beaches.
They're also lined with trash -- piles and piles of trash.
Last year, the transportation department spent close to $50,000 to clear away the debris but the effort is becoming increasingly futile.
Motorists continue to throw everything from cigarette butts to fast-food wrappers out their windows as they careen down Del. 1.
The same is true in cities, where parks, streets and even front yards are strewn with litter.
The News Journal is asking readers to help clean up our state by directing us to problem spots in a new feature titled "Clean It Up."
If you see unsightly piles of trash in your neighborhood or elsewhere, e-mail us a precise location. Better yet, send us a photo.
We'll find out who's responsible and ask what can be done to clean up the mess. The results will be published periodically.
• People feel no sense of ownership in an area."
13.3.09
New Castle County FY2010 budget address this Tuesday, March 17, at 6:00pm
March 13, 2009
Dear Friend,
Over the past three months, I have had the opportunity to visit all 12 council districts with members of County Council to hear from you your thoughts about the services New Castle County government provides. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us, and I very much appreciate your participation. Having the opportunity to hear from you and the more than 1,000 other residents who have come out is a strong reminder to us all that this is a community that cares and that we must work together during difficult times. Your input has been very valuable to me as we have worked to craft our budget for next year during these challenging times for the families and businesses who call New Castle County home.
I will deliver my FY2010 budget address this Tuesday, March 17, at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers of the Redding City/County Building located at 800 N. French Street in Wilmington. The address will also be carried live on radio by 1150AM WDEL, and on NCC TV, Comcast channel 22. I hope you will be able to join us or tune in from home as I lay out our path forward for the coming fiscal year. As always, should you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact my office at 395-5101.
Sincerely,
Chris Coons
Dear Friend,
Over the past three months, I have had the opportunity to visit all 12 council districts with members of County Council to hear from you your thoughts about the services New Castle County government provides. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us, and I very much appreciate your participation. Having the opportunity to hear from you and the more than 1,000 other residents who have come out is a strong reminder to us all that this is a community that cares and that we must work together during difficult times. Your input has been very valuable to me as we have worked to craft our budget for next year during these challenging times for the families and businesses who call New Castle County home.
I will deliver my FY2010 budget address this Tuesday, March 17, at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers of the Redding City/County Building located at 800 N. French Street in Wilmington. The address will also be carried live on radio by 1150AM WDEL, and on NCC TV, Comcast channel 22. I hope you will be able to join us or tune in from home as I lay out our path forward for the coming fiscal year. As always, should you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact my office at 395-5101.
Sincerely,
Chris Coons
Finger Prints “Hit” Leads to Burglary Arrest
New Castle County Police Department NEWS RELEASE
Corporal Trinidad Navarro Media Coordinator’s Office
March 13, 2009
Finger Prints “Hit” Leads to Burglary Arrest
New Castle County Police have arrested Brandon L. Ryans, a 22 year old male who resides in the 1200 block of Center Road in Wilmington. He has been charged with burglary and felony theft after he stole more than $4,500 worth of jewelry from a Prices Corner area home. He was linked to the break-in after evidence technicians “lifted” his fingerprints from the crime scene and later received a computer match.
On Tuesday (3/10) at 9:30 a.m., County Police responded to a home in the unit block of Elm Avenue, in the community of Brookland Terrace, for a report of a burglary that just occurred. When police arrived, they contacted the 31 year old female resident who reported she and her two small children had just returned home and went to the basement area to play. While downstairs, the victim heard the sound of footsteps upstairs and then heard her front door close.
The victim walked upstairs and found the front door ajar. She then looked outside and observed a black male subject attempting to hide behind an old stone well in her front yard. The victim shouted at the subject who then casually walked off toward the Woodland County Parkland.
The victim called police after finding several jewelry items missing from her jewelry box. Detective William Lenhart responded to the scene and processed the residence for physical evidence. Lenhart was able to lift latent fingerprints from items inside the home which he later placed into the AFIS fingerprint system. Within a few hours, detectives received a match for Brandon L. Ryans.
Officer William Dejesus stopped Ryans late last evening for a traffic violation and took him into custody after a computer inquiry revealed he was wanted for the recent burglary. Ryans was arraigned this morning and committed to the Howard Young Prison after failing to post $11,000 secured bail.
Corporal Trinidad Navarro Media Coordinator’s Office
March 13, 2009
Finger Prints “Hit” Leads to Burglary Arrest
New Castle County Police have arrested Brandon L. Ryans, a 22 year old male who resides in the 1200 block of Center Road in Wilmington. He has been charged with burglary and felony theft after he stole more than $4,500 worth of jewelry from a Prices Corner area home. He was linked to the break-in after evidence technicians “lifted” his fingerprints from the crime scene and later received a computer match.
On Tuesday (3/10) at 9:30 a.m., County Police responded to a home in the unit block of Elm Avenue, in the community of Brookland Terrace, for a report of a burglary that just occurred. When police arrived, they contacted the 31 year old female resident who reported she and her two small children had just returned home and went to the basement area to play. While downstairs, the victim heard the sound of footsteps upstairs and then heard her front door close.
The victim walked upstairs and found the front door ajar. She then looked outside and observed a black male subject attempting to hide behind an old stone well in her front yard. The victim shouted at the subject who then casually walked off toward the Woodland County Parkland.
The victim called police after finding several jewelry items missing from her jewelry box. Detective William Lenhart responded to the scene and processed the residence for physical evidence. Lenhart was able to lift latent fingerprints from items inside the home which he later placed into the AFIS fingerprint system. Within a few hours, detectives received a match for Brandon L. Ryans.
Officer William Dejesus stopped Ryans late last evening for a traffic violation and took him into custody after a computer inquiry revealed he was wanted for the recent burglary. Ryans was arraigned this morning and committed to the Howard Young Prison after failing to post $11,000 secured bail.
12.3.09
Chris Coons, New Castle County Listening Campaign
County Executive Chris Coons speaks at Edgemoor Community Center rest is here
NEWARK LISTENING CAMPAIGN DATE AND LOCATION CHANGE
The New Castle County 5th District Listening Campaign previously scheduled for Monday, March 9, at the Newark Free Library has been moved to Thursday, March 12, and will take place at the Newark Unitarian Universalist Church located at 420 Willa Road in Newark. The event will take place from 6:00-8:00pm. County Executive Chris Coons, Council President Paul Clark, and 5th District Councilwoman Lisa Diller will discuss county services and finances with the community as New Castle County prepares its FY2010 budget. Please call 395-5101
2009 Listening Campaign Presentation
The Brookland Terrace Civic Club Meeting Schedule
B.T.C.C. meetings are the First Monday of
September - November - January - March - May
7 p.m. Marbrook Elementary School
2101 Centerville Rd WILMINGTON, DE 19808
The next three precise dates of our meetings are
Monday - May 4, 2009 7PM
Monday - September 14, 2009 7PM
Monday - November 2, 2009 7PM
September - November - January - March - May
7 p.m. Marbrook Elementary School
2101 Centerville Rd WILMINGTON, DE 19808
The next three precise dates of our meetings are
Monday - May 4, 2009 7PM
Monday - September 14, 2009 7PM
Monday - November 2, 2009 7PM
9.3.09
Brookland Terrace Civic Club Meeting
Just a quick reminder Monday 7PM 9th of March - Brookland Terrace Civic Club Meeting every one should have the Spring 2009 flyer in the next day or so ... Thanks to all the Block Captains who passed out the flyers .
We should have some guest from the county Stephanie Rizzo (Tim Shelden's Legislative Aide) & Officer Browning from New Castle County Police Community Services Unit , The Delaware State Police .. Captain Pulling from Troop 6 is going to try to have someone at the meeting ..
If any one has any questions that might require a bit of research before hand by our guest . We can forward questions to them ahead of time so they can have answers ...
These are some questions that we forwarded to them all ready ...
Looking forward to seeing every one at the meeting
Brookland Terrace Civic Club Meeting
Monday March 9th at 7 p.m. Marbrook Elementary School
2101 Centerville Rd WILMINGTON, DE 19808
On the agenda
ParkCleanUp
Woodland Run Park
25th of April
10 AM Saturday
We are meeting at the ball diamond
Please Drive Slowly & Stop at the signs
There has been Traffic Enforcement by NCCP in Brookland Terrace at your request
BlockWatch
We are asking residents to let us know if to they do call 911 So we can keep track of any police activity in the Terrace
If you would like to participate in the block watch or for more info 463-2239 brooklandterrace@gmail.com
GraffitiWatch
It you see graffiti please call it in to 573-2800
The BTCC AntiGraffitiBrigade has been cleaning up & painting over new graffiti in 72 hours for about a year now working to clean up in under 24 hours in 2009
We do need you to let us know when there is new graffiti so we can do cleanup
to participate & report for cleanup 463-2239 or brooklandterrace@gmail.com
Request for additional stops signs has gone into DelDoT
Ohio & R. I.
Brookland & Armstrong
Armstrong & Maryland
Hillside & Maine .
brought to our attention
Please clean up after your pets
Trash Cans Etiquette
Trash Cans left out on the street at all times is very detrimental to the neighborhood.
It doesn't take a lot of effort to remove them following trash pickup.
Pet Issues Group
Cats
There have been complaints about a large number of cats on Ohio Ave & some solutions to ...
B.T.C.C. 2009 DUES $10
Over 136 Neighbors have paid the 2009 annual dues. Thank You
$10.00 annual dues pay for snow removal, park clean-up, graffiti clean up , and activities such as the annual community yard sale. & the Christmas party.
How to pay Please make checks payable to the Brookland Terrace Civic Club 2905 Centre Road Wilmington De 19805
For up to date info check out the BTCC Blog
www.brooklandterracecivicclub.blogspot.com
Brookland Terrace Civic Club
Incorporated 1940
2905 Ferris Road/Centre Road
Wilmington Delaware 19805
United States of America
brooklandterrace@gmail.com
http://brooklandterracecivicclub.blogspot.com/
- President-Charles C Stirk Jr
302.463.2239 ccstirkjr@gmail.com
- Vice President-Glen Fuller
gmfull@yahoo.com
- Secretary William Wheatley
302.996.9503 williamwheatley@aol.com
- Treasurer Joyce Grymes
We should have some guest from the county Stephanie Rizzo (Tim Shelden's Legislative Aide) & Officer Browning from New Castle County Police Community Services Unit , The Delaware State Police .. Captain Pulling from Troop 6 is going to try to have someone at the meeting ..
If any one has any questions that might require a bit of research before hand by our guest . We can forward questions to them ahead of time so they can have answers ...
These are some questions that we forwarded to them all ready ...
- Sewer Leak in the park between Armstrong Ave. Centerville & Faulkland NCC Sewer was out this week .
- When & Who did spot repairs of streets Virginia Ave ?
- What is the Time frame for more extensive street repairs ?
- Trent Ave one way in from Centerville a possibility ?
- Arrangements for disposal of trash picked up at ParkCleanUp 25 April
- Is it ok to hold some one until police arrives ?
- What are juristrisction of the police ?
- Update needed from the police on status of issues on the 700 block Armstrong .
- What happens to calls that go into New Castle County Police’s Graffiti Tip Line (302) 571-7332 ?
- When & Who did spot repairs of streets Virginia Ave ?
- What is the Time frame for more extensive street repairs ?
- Trent Ave one way in from Centerville a possibility ?
- Arrangements for disposal of trash picked up at ParkCleanUp 25 April
- Is it ok to hold some one until police arrives ?
- What are juristrisction of the police ?
- Update needed from the police on status of issues on the 700 block Armstrong .
- What happens to calls that go into New Castle County Police’s Graffiti Tip Line (302) 571-7332 ?
Looking forward to seeing every one at the meeting
Brookland Terrace Civic Club Meeting
Monday March 9th at 7 p.m. Marbrook Elementary School
2101 Centerville Rd WILMINGTON, DE 19808
On the agenda
ParkCleanUp
Woodland Run Park
25th of April
10 AM Saturday
We are meeting at the ball diamond
Please Drive Slowly & Stop at the signs
There has been Traffic Enforcement by NCCP in Brookland Terrace at your request
BlockWatch
We are asking residents to let us know if to they do call 911 So we can keep track of any police activity in the Terrace
If you would like to participate in the block watch or for more info 463-2239 brooklandterrace@gmail.com
GraffitiWatch
It you see graffiti please call it in to 573-2800
The BTCC AntiGraffitiBrigade has been cleaning up & painting over new graffiti in 72 hours for about a year now working to clean up in under 24 hours in 2009
We do need you to let us know when there is new graffiti so we can do cleanup
to participate & report for cleanup 463-2239 or brooklandterrace@gmail.com
Request for additional stops signs has gone into DelDoT
Ohio & R. I.
Brookland & Armstrong
Armstrong & Maryland
Hillside & Maine .
brought to our attention
Please clean up after your pets
Trash Cans Etiquette
Trash Cans left out on the street at all times is very detrimental to the neighborhood.
It doesn't take a lot of effort to remove them following trash pickup.
Pet Issues Group
Cats
There have been complaints about a large number of cats on Ohio Ave & some solutions to ...
B.T.C.C. 2009 DUES $10
Over 136 Neighbors have paid the 2009 annual dues. Thank You
$10.00 annual dues pay for snow removal, park clean-up, graffiti clean up , and activities such as the annual community yard sale. & the Christmas party.
How to pay Please make checks payable to the Brookland Terrace Civic Club 2905 Centre Road Wilmington De 19805
For up to date info check out the BTCC Blog
www.brooklandterracecivicclub.blogspot.com
Brookland Terrace Civic Club
Incorporated 1940
2905 Ferris Road/Centre Road
Wilmington Delaware 19805
United States of America
brooklandterrace@gmail.com
http://brooklandterracecivicclub.blogspot.com/
- President-Charles C Stirk Jr
302.463.2239 ccstirkjr@gmail.com
- Vice President-Glen Fuller
gmfull@yahoo.com
- Secretary William Wheatley
302.996.9503 williamwheatley@aol.com
- Treasurer Joyce Grymes
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