Councilmember proposes rule requiring resolutions be emailed to other governments within 24 hours

At an Executive Committee meeting of the New Castle County Council, Councilman Koneko introduced Resolution R25-112, proposing an amendment to county procedural rules that would require the Clerk of Council, or a designated staffer, to transmit adopted council resolutions by email to other governmental bodies within 24 hours and to cc each council member.

Koneko said the change "formalizes our communication methods" and revised earlier language that had specifically referenced the state General Assembly so the rule would apply to "any other governmental body." He said the intent is to ensure members know when and where a council resolution has been sent.

The committee discussed when a resolution would be considered effective for purposes of the 24-hour clock. One council member asked whether transmission should follow "passage" or the later signature of the council president; Councilwoman Kilpatrick said, in her view, passage occurs with the president's signature. Michael Wiguyori, identified in the meeting as council-to-council staff, said signature by the council president is the usual formal enactment for a resolution.

Opposition came from Councilman Street, who called the requirement "outrageous" and said it would create an "undue burden on the clerk," arguing that sponsors should be able to request transmission without a formalized process. Other members, including Councilman Hollins, said the change mostly codifies current practice and is intended to prevent political interference with official communications.

The proposal as discussed would place responsibility for transmission with the Clerk of Council (or the clerk's designee), require an email to the recipient governmental body and a cc to each council member, and apply to transmissions made after council approval. The committee did not record a final vote on R25-112 during this session; committee members indicated the resolution would be placed on the council agenda for a vote later the same evening.

The committee record shows the item remained under committee consideration at the end of the discussion; a formal council vote and any final language clarifying the effective moment (passage vs. signature) were left to the full council to resolve.