Committee approves several community grants; park renovation ordinance draws objections over Waste Management donation

The New Castle County Administrative Finance Committee on Jan. 13 approved a package of small community grants and discussed an ordinance to amend the FY2026 capital program that would dedicate $25,000 in donated funds for parkland improvements.

Councilwoman Sheldon moved to appropriate $15,000 from the Claymont Lions Club and $10,000 from Waste Management for Knollwood parkland improvements, including renovation of a basketball court and installation of a pickleball court. She noted parks staff had secured a $125,000 matching grant from the state’s Outdoor Recreation Parks and Trails Program and said the project will benefit local youth and recreation.

The proposal prompted objections from some council members who said the Waste Management donation posed a conflict. Councilman Street said the company had in the past sought to raise the landfill height and he opposed taking money from the firm: “They had the unmitigated goal to come into council several months ago ... they—re gonna try to overturn the height of the landfill once again ... I—m not gonna support this.” Councilman Carter acknowledged Waste Management’s other community programs but said the landfill issue remained a concern; Councilman Smiley used a metaphor, saying, “Let them put the money in, but ain—t no payout coming out.” Councilman Hollins said the donation represented a conflict and that he could not support it.

Despite the debate over the donor, the committee approved several grama (community) requests by voice vote later in the meeting. Councilman Hollins moved $33,000 to the Delaware Art Museum to support programming recognizing Divine Nine organizations; the motion passed, although Councilman Street said he voted no due to a perceived conflict (his son performed at the museum). Council President William Johns moved $500 to support AIDS Delaware—s annual banquet and said, “They—re asking for 5,000, and I was only able to give them 500.” The committee approved a $1,870.56 grant for Marydale Retirement Village to purchase emergency fire‑blankets (44 blankets for a 60‑unit development) and a $400 grant for the Francois Foundation for Autism to rent Chambers Memorial Hall.

The committee then went into executive session to receive legal advice on pending litigation; Chair Cartier reported afterward that no votes were taken in executive session. The meeting adjourned following the executive session.

Votes at a glance: - Delaware Art Museum: $33,000 — approved by voice vote (mover: Councilman Hollins). Note in transcript: Councilman Street said he voted no due to conflict concerns. - AIDS Delaware: $500 — approved by voice vote (mover: Council President William Johns). - Marydale Retirement Village: $1,870.56 — approved by voice vote (mover: Councilman Sheldon). - Francois Foundation for Autism: $400 — approved by voice vote (mover: Councilman Toole).

Next steps: the ordinance debate raised concerns about corporate donations from Waste Management; transcript does not show a final committee vote on the ordinance during the Jan. 13 meeting.