Wilmington council adopts a package of resolutions on housing, licensing, education, reproductive rights and public health

Wilmington City Council moved and adopted a series of resolutions on March 6 addressing local recognition, state legislation and city grants. Most measures passed by recorded voice or roll call votes; a floor amendment was approved to one resolution before its adoption.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-007 (Theodore Blunt commemorative wall): Adopted (roll call recorded as 8 yes, 5 absent). The resolution designates the Wilmington City Council commemorative wall (or an equivalent functional installation) to officially bear the name of the late Theodore “Ted” Blunt in recognition of his public service. Council member Elizabeth Oliver introduced the resolution and sponsors were added during floor discussion.

- Resolution 25-008 (Opposition to SB 43 — state HVAC licensing preemption): Adopted (7 yes, 6 absent). Presented by Councilman Owens, the resolution expresses opposition to Senate Bill 43 (with amendments) that would amend Title 24 of the Delaware Code to preempt municipal authority to set professional standards and licensing for plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration examiners.

- Resolution 25-009 (Support for HB 15 — play‑based learning): Adopted (7 yes, 6 absent). The council endorsed House Bill 15, which would permit early childhood educators in public schools to use and encourage play-based learning in preschool through grade 3.

- Resolution 25-010 (Opposition/endorsement re: HB 35 — constitutional amendment to prohibit the death penalty): Adopted (7 yes, 6 absent). Council supported the first-leg resolution that would lead to a state constitutional amendment removing the death penalty from the Delaware Constitution (the transcript characterized this as the first leg of the amendment process).

- Resolution 25-011 (Support for HB 3 — breastfeeding and lactation program in DOC): Adopted (7 yes, 6 absent). The resolution supports a measure to create a breastfeeding and lactation program within the Department of Corrections to allow lactation support and milk collection for women in custody.

- Resolution 25-012 (Support for Senate Bill 5 — reproductive freedom constitutional amendment): Adopted after a floor amendment (7 yes, 6 absent). Council approved a floor amendment clarifying that the substitute defines the right as relating to an individual pregnancy, adopts the standard of a good‑faith medical judgment, and names the treating or attending health care professional as making that judgment. The resolution sends support to Dover for a first-leg constitutional amendment to secure reproductive freedom.

- Resolution 25-013 (Grant approval — Developing Next Level Achievers, Inc.): Adopted (7 yes, 6 absent). The resolution ratified community support/discretionary grants totaling $7,999 to Developing Next Level Achievers, Inc., per city code requirements for grants over $5,000.

Other legislative actions

- Ordinance 25-005 (Axon Enterprises Inc. agreement for interview-room equipment and services): Received first and second reading and was referred to the Public Safety Committee for further consideration. The ordinance was not adopted at this meeting; it was read into the record and referred to committee.

Public comment and other business

During public comment Tony Dunn of the 2500 Pacific Association raised neighborhood maintenance concerns including potholes and street damage from contractors, alleged abuse of handicapped parking placards in the Second District, and announced availability of a “president pardon” form his organization is distributing to families of incarcerated people. He urged broader community participation in committee meetings.

Why it matters: The package includes both local ceremonial recognitions and policy positions directed to the state legislature (SB 43 and the constitutional amendments). Council's opposition to SB 43 preserves local licensing standards as a policy priority, while endorsements for education (HB 15) and public health (HB 3, SB 5 substitute) reflect council interest in early childhood learning and reproductive and maternal care. The ordinance referral on Axon places procurement and public safety equipment review before the appropriate committee for refinement.

What’s next: Items sent to Dover play out in the state legislative process; the Axon agreement will be considered by the Public Safety Committee. Grants approved will be processed per city finance procedures.