1 00:00:23,370 --> 00:00:24,770 . 2 00:00:36,900 --> 00:00:40,520 . . 3 00:00:46,920 --> 00:00:48,900 . . . . . 4 00:00:52,900 --> 00:00:55,800 . 5 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:32,660 Thank you 6 00:01:38,970 --> 00:01:45,030 for coming out tonight. We'll start with our opening prayer, please. 7 00:01:47,220 --> 00:01:52,000 The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. 8 00:01:52,000 --> 00:01:59,660 He needs me besides the water. He restores my soul. He needs me in a path of righteousness, but his name say 9 00:01:59,660 --> 00:02:03,160 Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death 10 00:02:03,160 --> 00:02:09,460 I will fear no evil without heart with me. I rod and I staff they come with me 11 00:02:09,460 --> 00:02:17,400 Now prepare to table before me in the presence of my enemies. Now I notice my head with oil my cup from under so 12 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:26,160 So surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, amen. 13 00:02:26,820 --> 00:02:29,280 And will please turn to pledge of our allegiance. 14 00:02:30,020 --> 00:02:45,060 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic, which extends one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. 15 00:02:45,060 --> 00:02:45,060 All 16 00:02:54,430 --> 00:03:03,150 right. Thank you everyone. We'll start off. We'll set the minutes for August 17th minutes. Do I hear a motion? 17 00:03:04,030 --> 00:03:08,030 So be it. Do I hear a second please? Second. Well, those in favor say aye. 18 00:03:08,570 --> 00:03:14,110 All right. Thank you very much. With that, we'll move on to the department heads and. 19 00:03:14,750 --> 00:03:27,290 So, Dan is out of the office today, so if you have any questions on his report, I'll be glad to pass them on to him and get you the answers. And then James is out sick. 20 00:03:28,050 --> 00:03:37,130 However, on James's report, I would like to acknowledge that we received over $3 million in SRF funding 100% principal forgiveness. 21 00:03:37,130 --> 00:03:46,870 we were advised last week, so I have to go closing, but this will repair the sewer main that runs on six street from West Street, headed out to town limits. 22 00:03:47,190 --> 00:03:54,070 It'll be some lining and some replacing areas of old terracotta sewer line. 23 00:03:58,850 --> 00:04:05,350 We have a couple more projects that are going before them, so we'll get that funding as 24 00:04:05,350 --> 00:04:05,490 well. 25 00:04:05,970 --> 00:04:06,370 Thank you, Jamie. 26 00:04:07,150 --> 00:04:10,110 So we'll move on to the item and court at this point. 27 00:04:11,470 --> 00:04:11,950 Judge Ruffin. 28 00:04:13,310 --> 00:04:14,710 We have one report. 29 00:04:14,990 --> 00:04:17,910 I don't have any issues with any questions. 30 00:04:20,060 --> 00:04:22,040 Anyone has any questions for Judge Ruffin? 31 00:04:23,540 --> 00:04:24,620 Thank you, Judge Ruffin. 32 00:04:25,160 --> 00:04:28,040 We'll go on to finance, Melissa, did you leave me? 33 00:04:28,320 --> 00:04:29,660 Any comments down below? 34 00:04:29,940 --> 00:04:31,580 Do you have my reports for July? 35 00:04:38,920 --> 00:04:41,520 Does everyone have any questions for Melissa and Finance? 36 00:04:44,490 --> 00:04:46,810 Just folks that have not been here before, 37 00:04:47,130 --> 00:04:49,010 we get these reports a few days in advance, 38 00:04:49,230 --> 00:04:50,350 so we're going pretty quickly, 39 00:04:50,350 --> 00:04:52,030 it's because most of us have already read them. 40 00:04:52,410 --> 00:04:54,970 So, but if there's any questions, then it comes in. 41 00:04:56,310 --> 00:04:57,930 They will move on with the chief, chief. 42 00:04:57,930 --> 00:05:09,290 I think, uh, leaving you there in council, uh, you have my report also, but I do also would like to have a couple of minutes to highlight a couple of things and bring up, uh, a requested for emotion. 43 00:05:09,650 --> 00:05:21,210 So let me, uh, let me begin with the highlights and, and so, um, during the last month, we had our brief schedule, we had 15 students that take place, um, spend 40 hours with us. 44 00:05:21,210 --> 00:05:27,350 They got to see a lot of presentations, and they got to interact with us more importantly. 45 00:05:27,510 --> 00:05:31,910 That was probably the most important part of that, that, that actually, and what you 46 00:05:31,910 --> 00:05:37,270 could see is their growth in one week, I think we were able to go ahead and see visible 47 00:05:37,270 --> 00:05:37,610 growth. 48 00:05:38,070 --> 00:05:43,070 And they have a great time, it was a very, very disciplined environment, by no means was 49 00:05:43,070 --> 00:05:48,050 an easy, they did their share of push-ups and they did their share of running, but you know 50 00:05:48,050 --> 00:05:54,130 We saw that they thrive and they had a great time and it was a great for them and for us as well 51 00:05:54,130 --> 00:06:00,790 We hope to keep that product product coming out every year at the end of the year and we'll be doing it again next year as well 52 00:06:02,570 --> 00:06:05,690 The other thing I want to mention is that we've been meeting 53 00:06:07,230 --> 00:06:14,430 Quite quite often with Mr. Shere Patel from Brian's bowl recording all night out. So Laurel night out is our community night 54 00:06:16,270 --> 00:06:18,950 It's sponsored by the Police Department in town of rural, 55 00:06:21,540 --> 00:06:22,960 but it will be highlighting 56 00:06:22,960 --> 00:06:24,260 a lot of police activities. 57 00:06:24,620 --> 00:06:31,380 There will be a lot of exhibits there, and how participated they've been in the whole 58 00:06:31,380 --> 00:06:31,780 process. 59 00:06:32,020 --> 00:06:38,380 They want to see this thing go off and be a big success, and we're promoting it pretty heavily. 60 00:06:39,040 --> 00:06:40,780 You'll see those kinds of things. 61 00:06:43,160 --> 00:06:47,540 You know, I think it's going to be a great story for the town and we're going to go ahead 62 00:06:47,540 --> 00:06:49,480 and try and push that as much as we can. 63 00:06:49,940 --> 00:06:53,300 We recently graduated a new police officer from the Delaware State Police Academy. 64 00:06:53,820 --> 00:06:55,060 His name is Greg Katz. 65 00:06:55,900 --> 00:07:00,420 And so, you know, I've been, I was a state trooper for many, many years, 26 years and I've 66 00:07:00,420 --> 00:07:04,420 been to many, many graduations and through that time I've never seen, you know, when they 67 00:07:04,420 --> 00:07:09,420 have the graduations of the recruits and I includes troopers, I've never seen more than 68 00:07:09,420 --> 00:07:17,540 one person get one award. Mr. Katz or Pant Patrolman Katz received two awards at the ceremony. 69 00:07:18,100 --> 00:07:23,080 Interesting man, if you ever get a chance to talk to him, he's 42 years old as a new recruits 70 00:07:23,080 --> 00:07:27,680 of who's in there competing with 21 and 22 year olds. And that was probably part of the reason why 71 00:07:27,680 --> 00:07:36,200 he was honored there at the graduation. I guess just a couple of stat things, I just want to throw 72 00:07:36,200 --> 00:07:42,440 out there that if you look at the at the report you see we had 10 DUIs this month and I would 73 00:07:42,440 --> 00:07:46,440 say majority of them have not been for alcohol so that just gives you an idea of indication 74 00:07:46,440 --> 00:07:53,800 of what's going on in the streets in law. The other thing I find kind of surprising is that we 75 00:07:53,800 --> 00:08:03,620 had 21 phone investigations and what kind of explanation is that is we have a new unit that's been 76 00:08:03,620 --> 00:08:08,680 work out there that are focusing mostly on gangs and drug violence in the town. 77 00:08:09,380 --> 00:08:15,320 When I come back next month, you're going to hear, well, there's before search 78 00:08:15,320 --> 00:08:18,060 warns, I'm going to talk to you about that I've already been executed, so it's already 79 00:08:18,060 --> 00:08:22,800 out there, but I'll give you the details of them at the next meeting, but we are certainly 80 00:08:22,800 --> 00:08:26,440 impacting the town problem in the town of war. 81 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:33,240 Finally, I just want to add one more thing, and this is kind of a like a legal thing we have 82 00:08:33,240 --> 00:08:38,680 to go through and I've got to make an official motion to the council or yesterday that we 83 00:08:38,680 --> 00:08:42,700 moved this forward. And that's that we were awarded a grant. I'm handing them out, I 84 00:08:42,700 --> 00:08:48,120 hand them every council member which I'm going to read to you. It says the law of police 85 00:08:48,120 --> 00:08:55,140 department has been awarded funding through the FY26 Delaware local JAG work allocations. 86 00:08:56,280 --> 00:09:01,220 Can Brian apply for this and apply for and successfully secure this funding and we have 87 00:09:01,220 --> 00:09:04,980 the Laurel Police Department. This they shared a ward between the Laurel, Seaford, 88 00:09:05,160 --> 00:09:10,880 Norford and George Town Police Department's Tilling 74,449 hours, with 89 00:09:10,880 --> 00:09:16,480 Laurel receiving 15,000 and 38 dollars. Police Department intends to use Laurel's 90 00:09:16,480 --> 00:09:20,760 allocation to assist without fitting a new police vehicle. This funding will 91 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:25,240 help all set expenses that would be otherwise needed to cover, needed to be 92 00:09:25,240 --> 00:09:30,020 covered through the town funds and other various grant resources. Acceptance of 93 00:09:30,020 --> 00:09:34,180 the funding requires formal approval by the mayor and council. There is no additional 94 00:09:34,180 --> 00:09:39,980 funding being requested from the town as part of this action. So, I respectfully request 95 00:09:39,980 --> 00:09:49,860 that you make a motion for the town world to formally accept the $15,000 and $38,000 award 96 00:09:50,640 --> 00:09:55,180 to Laura Police Farm and authorize its use toward upfitting a new police vehicle. 97 00:09:56,500 --> 00:09:57,660 Do I have a move? 98 00:09:58,060 --> 00:09:58,660 No. 99 00:09:59,020 --> 00:10:03,640 I mean, we'll do that under new business so we can keep it separate. 100 00:10:03,800 --> 00:10:04,760 And that's 101 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:10,460 all I have for having questions for the Chief. 102 00:10:10,980 --> 00:10:13,700 Chief, this weekend I was on the Internet. 103 00:10:13,900 --> 00:10:14,700 I probably shouldn't go. 104 00:10:15,540 --> 00:10:18,020 But an issue came up. 105 00:10:18,420 --> 00:10:22,860 Where did the funding come from for the slot? 106 00:10:23,640 --> 00:10:32,720 I came from a DARPA grant from probably two and a half years ago through a piece of 107 00:10:32,720 --> 00:10:37,640 run-on just results, the word is worse, the word you would go ahead and it's the time 108 00:10:37,640 --> 00:10:42,540 to cash in that grant because we have a lot of problems trying to get the polls out 109 00:10:42,540 --> 00:10:44,740 and we want people to make with that issue. 110 00:10:45,160 --> 00:10:50,140 And so really, you still have not even used a dollar that amount, but that won't be spending 111 00:10:50,140 --> 00:10:52,580 And then that one, until we go live with the camera, 112 00:10:52,920 --> 00:10:54,660 so you should be probably next month. 113 00:10:55,140 --> 00:10:56,400 Well, actually, that's definitely weeks actually. 114 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:59,120 After the camera's already up in our inputs. 115 00:10:59,600 --> 00:11:02,700 So none of that funding came out of your budget, 116 00:11:02,700 --> 00:11:04,620 which comes from the tax payers. 117 00:11:04,740 --> 00:11:05,320 It's a total record. 118 00:11:05,920 --> 00:11:06,760 Thank you very much. 119 00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:09,640 Okay. 120 00:11:09,980 --> 00:11:11,060 We'll move on to old business. 121 00:11:11,360 --> 00:11:12,020 How many did this move? 122 00:11:15,220 --> 00:11:16,940 Before, under my report, Mayor, 123 00:11:17,080 --> 00:11:20,880 I'd like to point out that Wawa has settled on their property. 124 00:11:20,880 --> 00:11:25,120 that was done earlier this month, so hopefully we'll start seeing some stuff to 125 00:11:25,120 --> 00:11:32,040 start moving forward out there quickly. I'd also like to point out that I am and 126 00:11:32,040 --> 00:11:37,820 it's in my report, but currently working with FEMA from the second snowstorm that 127 00:11:37,820 --> 00:11:42,860 we had back in February. Hopefully you can get some reimbursement on some expenses 128 00:11:42,860 --> 00:11:50,840 is that we cannot use overtime as reimbursement, 129 00:11:50,840 --> 00:11:52,360 but we did have a couple of water leaks. 130 00:11:52,600 --> 00:11:55,740 We had some what the employee was headed in town. 131 00:11:55,940 --> 00:11:57,900 So those things have all been submitted for reimbursement. 132 00:11:58,660 --> 00:12:00,140 So far, it looks good. 133 00:12:00,300 --> 00:12:03,740 However, there's a lot of change that has to go through 134 00:12:03,740 --> 00:12:04,340 for approval. 135 00:12:05,320 --> 00:12:09,020 So we're totally in around only about $13,000. 136 00:12:09,260 --> 00:12:12,420 So all we were eligible to submit happened. 137 00:12:12,420 --> 00:12:17,120 So, fingers crossed that we do get approval on that, and that is all that. 138 00:12:18,560 --> 00:12:25,420 So, in one other thing, we just got word that the housing development that was proposed 139 00:12:25,420 --> 00:12:30,880 the 410 units on the East Side discount land road, they did receive the preliminary approval 140 00:12:30,880 --> 00:12:31,380 from Dell. 141 00:12:31,580 --> 00:12:38,900 So, James and our engineer did talk to their engineer today, and their engineer will be 142 00:12:38,900 --> 00:12:45,800 working on some of their utility designs to get the water insure it's up onto their 143 00:12:45,800 --> 00:12:50,600 property. So hopefully we'll see that. That will have to come back to planning and zoning 144 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:54,240 for final approval once they get all their state approvals but out of the biggest one. 145 00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:57,400 So I believe we'll start seeing that move forward as well. 146 00:12:57,800 --> 00:13:02,960 And I want to thank you and James for the collaboration that you've had with that group. They were quite 147 00:13:02,960 --> 00:13:03,840 impressed. Thank you. 148 00:13:03,980 --> 00:13:04,360 Yes, sir. 149 00:13:04,360 --> 00:13:11,400 All right. I have a question on the report. Jamie, on one of your reports, you have the 150 00:13:11,400 --> 00:13:16,700 audit follow-up, Mayor and Council and Ms. Artisan. We're provided with documentation 151 00:13:16,700 --> 00:13:23,240 in regards to concerns she raised in reference to the FY24 audit, this document advised 152 00:13:23,240 --> 00:13:34,020 what steps have been taken based on the orders, recommendations, and processes. I don't see 153 00:13:34,020 --> 00:13:39,460 See that document as part of tonight's packet, and I was more than if one would be providing. 154 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:47,100 Is that, I just want to make sure, I'm speaking on the same thing that you are, is that she 155 00:13:47,100 --> 00:13:57,980 had brought up questions about the order's recommendations on changes that needed to be made going 156 00:13:57,980 --> 00:14:03,260 on how we're going to order a process of moving these recommendations forward. 157 00:14:03,260 --> 00:14:07,980 So I know that there was a lot of questions on that I was just wondering if yes 158 00:14:07,980 --> 00:14:12,400 So it was what she presented at the last council meeting packet. I 159 00:14:13,280 --> 00:14:18,860 Tiped up the response and sent it to her and to to Mary and council. Okay, if you want copies 160 00:14:18,860 --> 00:14:24,680 Well, I was just wondering if one with one with a copy that was gonna be made. No, I don't that's not something that would normally go in the minutes 161 00:14:24,680 --> 00:14:26,700 Unless Mary and council requested it to go in 162 00:14:31,780 --> 00:14:35,720 All right, so we'll go to old business, Tom Manigas-Miffrey. 163 00:14:35,980 --> 00:14:43,040 You have the second reading of ordinance 2026-4, which is a many chapter 92 licenses for 164 00:14:43,040 --> 00:14:44,240 properties within the town. 165 00:14:44,240 --> 00:14:52,100 This allows exemptions for persons who are allowing immediate family to reside in their 166 00:14:52,900 --> 00:14:53,240 properties. 167 00:14:53,240 --> 00:14:59,960 the immediate family is defined as a parent child sibling and or spouse, as long as there's no monetary rent. 168 00:15:00,340 --> 00:15:22,060 The property owners may apply for an exemption from the rental license fees. We did include one here, the application is separate from the ordinance for you to review. And it is amended per your motion at the last meeting that regardless of, rather, any staff member knows them formally, they still have to submit the completed application. 169 00:15:28,560 --> 00:15:34,740 Once this is approved this evening, this will be, this is the final read. So then it will go into effect tomorrow. 170 00:15:34,740 --> 00:15:45,200 So do I hear a second all those in favor say aye all those opposed say no thank you 171 00:15:46,040 --> 00:15:51,120 Is that a full business on games yes sir okay let's go to new business town man just 172 00:15:51,120 --> 00:15:56,740 please yep mayor council for the last several years the town of Laurel has held our annual 173 00:15:56,740 --> 00:16:02,500 trunk or tree this year we grinds of a one center also has been holding one so this year we are 174 00:16:02,500 --> 00:16:05,540 collaborating and working together, and it's going to be the Laurel Community 175 00:16:05,540 --> 00:16:10,280 Chunkertry. It will be held at Bryan's Bowling Center on Saturday, October 24th 176 00:16:10,280 --> 00:16:15,680 from 6 to 8. And I would like to thank Alexis for her part in this as well as 177 00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:20,000 Mr. Patel, the owner of Bryan's Bowling Center for taking this on. 178 00:16:21,420 --> 00:16:22,020 Thank you. 179 00:16:23,160 --> 00:16:28,400 And then on Mayor and Council, normally just pass approval to hold Halloween. 180 00:16:28,680 --> 00:16:31,720 This year will be Saturday, October 31st from 6 to 8. 181 00:16:32,500 --> 00:16:37,570 I just need approval that we can move forward with that. 182 00:16:40,410 --> 00:16:41,410 Thank you. 183 00:16:41,550 --> 00:16:42,530 Do I have a second on it? 184 00:16:42,830 --> 00:16:42,950 Sure. 185 00:16:43,510 --> 00:16:44,550 Thank you so much. 186 00:16:44,730 --> 00:16:45,950 All those in favor say aye, please. 187 00:16:46,470 --> 00:16:46,690 Aye. 188 00:16:47,430 --> 00:16:48,430 All those opposed say aye. 189 00:16:51,020 --> 00:16:51,620 It's good. 190 00:16:53,620 --> 00:16:56,000 And I'm trying to find the date of it. 191 00:16:56,980 --> 00:17:02,220 The homecoming parade for the Laurel 192 00:17:04,300 --> 00:17:04,900 High School 193 00:17:04,900 --> 00:17:08,620 is scheduled for Friday night. 194 00:17:08,740 --> 00:17:09,040 Thank you. 195 00:17:09,040 --> 00:17:15,020 Friday night from it is line-up starts around 536 and the parade is started at 7. 196 00:17:15,560 --> 00:17:20,240 So I just need permission from Mary Council to allow them to hold the parade and of 197 00:17:20,240 --> 00:17:24,660 course you guys are invited to participate. We do because it's on a state 198 00:17:24,660 --> 00:17:28,280 maintain road, have to submit an application to build out for approval, which has 199 00:17:28,280 --> 00:17:33,700 already been done because of the timing. However, Mary Council still have to give 200 00:17:33,700 --> 00:17:35,800 final approval. Do I hear motion? 201 00:17:36,560 --> 00:17:42,120 I'll be here. Do I hear something? Thank you very much. All those in favor say aye. 202 00:17:43,180 --> 00:17:43,920 All right. 203 00:17:46,160 --> 00:17:52,400 All right. And the next thing is approval of the chief gave you from his 204 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:57,700 grant. So if you make the motion based on his recommendation and then that way it's normal 205 00:17:57,700 --> 00:18:03,520 and go ahead and submit. They're necessary people. Do I hear a motion for Councilor 206 00:18:03,520 --> 00:18:07,260 I'd like to make a motion to approve. Thank you very much. Do I hear a second, please? 207 00:18:08,260 --> 00:18:10,660 Thank you, Jonathan. All those in favour say aye. 208 00:18:11,720 --> 00:18:14,400 All those opposed say nay. Thank you very much. 209 00:18:15,420 --> 00:18:20,500 Okay, we'll move on to Mayor and Council's comment. We'll start with Councilman Bo. 210 00:18:22,360 --> 00:18:23,200 Councilman Jonathan. 211 00:18:23,200 --> 00:18:31,520 I'm just an unusual thing to wrap up and thank the staff for all the work that you do. 212 00:18:32,660 --> 00:18:36,860 Just be safe, have a great time. 213 00:18:39,080 --> 00:18:39,520 Thank you again. 214 00:18:39,860 --> 00:18:40,860 Councilmember Calia. 215 00:18:41,300 --> 00:18:42,060 Nothing to see. 216 00:18:42,300 --> 00:18:42,920 Thank you. 217 00:18:43,440 --> 00:18:44,480 Councilmember Calia. 218 00:18:44,780 --> 00:18:45,540 Thank you, sir. 219 00:18:45,860 --> 00:18:46,720 Two items. 220 00:18:47,280 --> 00:18:53,400 First of all, I would like to make a motion that we make the answer to. 221 00:18:54,160 --> 00:18:55,360 Mr. Arsene's 222 00:18:58,210 --> 00:19:06,550 questions on the audit part of the minutes of tonight's meeting so that if the public wants to see. 223 00:19:06,850 --> 00:19:12,810 Because basically what I read is that we're just saying how we are moving forward from what the order is said and how we should do. 224 00:19:13,110 --> 00:19:18,190 So I think that's something that the public can see, how we plan on moving forward on those issues. 225 00:19:18,190 --> 00:19:19,310 If you 226 00:19:22,130 --> 00:19:23,850 have a motion, you move on. 227 00:19:24,630 --> 00:19:26,130 Oh, do I have a second? 228 00:19:26,450 --> 00:19:26,890 Second. 229 00:19:27,670 --> 00:19:28,810 Are those in favor say aye? 230 00:19:29,430 --> 00:19:29,870 Aye. 231 00:19:30,090 --> 00:19:30,170 Aye. 232 00:19:30,170 --> 00:19:30,230 Aye. 233 00:19:30,510 --> 00:19:31,410 Are those opposed to singing? 234 00:19:35,080 --> 00:19:35,540 All right. 235 00:19:36,320 --> 00:19:40,020 Next thing I have is on January 27th, 236 00:19:43,380 --> 00:19:43,820 Hollybrooke. 237 00:19:44,320 --> 00:19:45,960 I sent the text message on Sunday, 238 00:19:46,100 --> 00:19:47,820 DeGiole, 26th. 239 00:19:47,900 --> 00:19:49,660 I asked the mayor about a community meeting 240 00:19:49,660 --> 00:19:50,580 at Hollybrooke. 241 00:19:51,140 --> 00:19:53,660 The reply was that we should reach out 242 00:19:53,660 --> 00:19:56,300 and cancel it under the circumstances of snow. 243 00:19:57,300 --> 00:19:59,560 I was thanked for staying on top of it. 244 00:19:59,680 --> 00:20:01,160 Later I found that meeting was held, 245 00:20:01,360 --> 00:20:02,640 and I was never notified. 246 00:20:03,660 --> 00:20:06,160 February 23rd, there was a community meeting 247 00:20:06,160 --> 00:20:07,720 with the Haitian community, 248 00:20:08,360 --> 00:20:12,100 an email saying that I was not to come. 249 00:20:13,020 --> 00:20:16,920 May 7th, 26th, the Laurel-Store newspaper 250 00:20:16,920 --> 00:20:18,520 pertained it to town violence, 251 00:20:19,580 --> 00:20:21,560 town officials acknowledged the seriousness 252 00:20:21,560 --> 00:20:28,200 witnesses of the situation and confirmed that decisions are already underway with law enforcement. 253 00:20:28,460 --> 00:20:34,400 The mayor noted that a meeting had been held earlier that day with police leadership 254 00:20:34,720 --> 00:20:37,120 to develop strategies moving forward. 255 00:20:37,960 --> 00:20:45,980 We are very concerned, he said, state and public safety budget impacts and a strain on police 256 00:20:45,980 --> 00:20:46,940 resources. 257 00:20:47,920 --> 00:20:55,080 The key fact is that the Haitian community requested a meeting with the town about actions 258 00:20:55,080 --> 00:21:02,880 of legislation taken by the chief of police and its official capacity. 259 00:21:05,340 --> 00:21:09,600 That makes subject operation of the Royal Police Department. 260 00:21:10,850 --> 00:21:18,680 The Royal Charter gives town council not simply the mayor or town manager important authority 261 00:21:18,680 --> 00:21:20,820 concerning the police department. 262 00:21:21,600 --> 00:21:24,820 The charter states that council makes the rules 263 00:21:24,820 --> 00:21:27,740 and regulates necessary for the organization, 264 00:21:27,960 --> 00:21:30,020 government and control of the police force. 265 00:21:30,640 --> 00:21:34,600 Operational control of the police department's daily routine 266 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:37,340 belongs to the chief, where the town manager 267 00:21:37,340 --> 00:21:41,940 communicates policies adopted by council to the chief. 268 00:21:43,660 --> 00:21:49,300 That makes the exclusion more a council member 269 00:21:49,300 --> 00:21:56,840 For asking to attend a meeting concerning allegations about police department Konda, in asking 270 00:21:56,840 --> 00:22:03,820 to observe, discuss something feeling within the area of which council itself has charter 271 00:22:03,820 --> 00:22:04,720 responsibilities. 272 00:22:05,520 --> 00:22:11,900 I still do not find anything in the charter establishing a general power of the mayor or 273 00:22:11,900 --> 00:22:17,400 town manager to tell elected council member that he or she may not attend such meetings. 274 00:22:18,360 --> 00:22:24,800 I was told that mayor was following protocol, I ask for the protocol in writing, the legal 275 00:22:24,800 --> 00:22:26,200 authority is supporting it. 276 00:22:26,840 --> 00:22:32,580 Section 12 gives council authority to establish its own rules in order of business. 277 00:22:33,480 --> 00:22:39,240 If there really is a council protocol prohibiting attendance, there should therefore be something 278 00:22:40,040 --> 00:22:46,860 identifiable, a council rule ordinance resolution policy or other authority, not merely an 279 00:22:46,860 --> 00:22:55,020 administrative assertion. Delaware fire for you doesn't automatically make this a public meeting 280 00:22:55,020 --> 00:23:02,220 merely because town officials and community members meet. Several council members along with 281 00:23:02,220 --> 00:23:09,120 our town manager have been present at numerous meetings related to our town. One example is the 282 00:23:09,120 --> 00:23:14,080 one-law meeting which three or more council members in the town manager attend. This is just one 283 00:23:14,080 --> 00:23:19,440 instance along with many others including SCAT, Western Chamber, and meetings with representatives. 284 00:23:20,460 --> 00:23:27,520 But there's another example that cuts against acclaimed protocol. Delaware law expressively 285 00:23:27,520 --> 00:23:35,480 provides that a public body is not held a meeting solely because of a quorum of members attending a 286 00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:43,500 meeting of another public body. An example that I have of that is if five members from the 287 00:23:43,500 --> 00:23:48,080 for town hall meeting does not constitute a quorum that we can do that. 288 00:23:48,880 --> 00:23:55,100 Thus, a council member cannot attend because his or her presence would automatically create 289 00:23:55,100 --> 00:23:58,600 a foyer violation would be an oversimplification. 290 00:24:00,330 --> 00:24:05,900 The actual facts, how many council members were present, who organized a meeting, other, 291 00:24:06,300 --> 00:24:11,680 whether the group itself was a public body and whether council business was deliberated 292 00:24:11,680 --> 00:24:19,000 is the matter. The charter repeatedly assigns authority to town council as a body. 293 00:24:20,640 --> 00:24:28,380 The larger pattern taken individually, each instance might have an innocent or legally 294 00:24:28,380 --> 00:24:34,480 permissible explanation. Taken together, however, if they raise a legitimate governance, 295 00:24:34,480 --> 00:24:40,700 questions. Question that is more precise, does anybody have to invite every council member 296 00:24:40,700 --> 00:24:47,500 to everything? The question becomes, are the mayor and the town manager controlling the 297 00:24:47,500 --> 00:24:53,280 flow of information concerning town business in a way that selectively prevents certain 298 00:24:53,280 --> 00:24:59,960 elected members of council from observing, participating in or exercising their charter responsibilities? 299 00:24:59,960 --> 00:25:07,440 The charter does not expressly say all council members must receive identical information, 300 00:25:07,940 --> 00:25:12,980 but neither does it establish the mayor as the gatekeeper of council information. 301 00:25:13,840 --> 00:25:21,560 There's also a potentially important Delaware FOIA issue of the information sharing arrangement 302 00:25:21,560 --> 00:25:27,380 results in some council members privately deliberating about town business 303 00:25:27,380 --> 00:25:28,740 is why others are excluded. 304 00:25:29,800 --> 00:25:32,960 Delaware DOJ has specifically found 305 00:25:32,960 --> 00:25:36,120 that serial communications among council members 306 00:25:36,120 --> 00:25:38,800 can create a constructive form, 307 00:25:39,280 --> 00:25:42,700 even when everyone isn't physically together. 308 00:25:43,620 --> 00:25:46,180 In a 2023 case involving Ellen Dale, 309 00:25:47,180 --> 00:25:49,020 the DOG found a four-year violations 310 00:25:49,020 --> 00:25:52,160 where council members use email exchanges to discuss 311 00:25:53,460 --> 00:25:56,380 and reach consensus on public business 312 00:25:56,380 --> 00:25:59,260 this outside of properly noticed public meetings. 313 00:25:59,960 --> 00:26:04,120 The DOJ reached a similar conclusion in 24 314 00:26:04,120 --> 00:26:06,480 on the town of Greenwood matter. 315 00:26:07,160 --> 00:26:09,420 I am raising this issue because of many occasions. 316 00:26:10,260 --> 00:26:12,840 I have told a mayor that I am available to attend meetings 317 00:26:13,260 --> 00:26:15,060 that affect our town yet. 318 00:26:15,720 --> 00:26:17,980 I have been, I have not been invited. 319 00:26:18,380 --> 00:26:20,220 I have not, I have been denied access 320 00:26:20,220 --> 00:26:21,740 to participate in these meetings. 321 00:26:22,280 --> 00:26:24,280 I have been told by mayor himself 322 00:26:24,280 --> 00:26:27,240 that he attends many meetings concerning our town. 323 00:26:28,220 --> 00:26:29,700 After many months of waiting, 324 00:26:30,480 --> 00:26:32,440 the town council still has not been briefed 325 00:26:32,440 --> 00:26:35,900 on what was discussed or the outcome of these meetings. 326 00:26:48,040 --> 00:26:51,700 That's right, I have a list of the meetings on what 327 00:26:51,700 --> 00:26:53,040 the ones I was talking about. 328 00:26:53,340 --> 00:26:56,600 And I touched on the base at the beginning of them. 329 00:26:57,040 --> 00:26:59,540 I mean, there was that first meeting that I touched on 330 00:27:00,800 --> 00:27:03,700 with the Haitian community was that 331 00:27:03,700 --> 00:27:10,220 But if the four emails back and forth, I was told that we will be updated on the outcome 332 00:27:10,220 --> 00:27:13,320 of that meeting, and that was in February, it is now September. 333 00:27:14,040 --> 00:27:21,040 And as far as I know, Mayor Council has not been updated on the progress of that meeting. 334 00:27:21,640 --> 00:27:25,040 So that's all I wanted to state is that I offer my time. 335 00:27:25,040 --> 00:27:32,280 I'm here to serve the town of Laurel as a member of the Council. 336 00:27:32,280 --> 00:27:49,940 And I wish to participate in all aspects of the town that I can and I have been, like I said in my statement, I've been locked out of meetings, I've been told I can't go to meetings, that it's just mayor and town manager. 337 00:27:50,540 --> 00:27:55,760 And that is protocol, but yet I ask for the protocol and there is no protocol. Thank you for your time. 338 00:27:55,760 --> 00:27:58,790 Thank you. 339 00:27:59,010 --> 00:27:59,450 Thank you. 340 00:27:59,610 --> 00:28:00,650 All right. 341 00:28:04,050 --> 00:28:05,450 Thank you. 342 00:28:05,670 --> 00:28:05,810 Thank you. 343 00:28:07,230 --> 00:28:07,450 Thank you. 344 00:28:07,590 --> 00:28:11,410 So thank everybody for coming out. 345 00:28:11,730 --> 00:28:19,410 We have a family-based festival that we've been working very, very hard on putting together 346 00:28:19,410 --> 00:28:23,050 September the 26th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 347 00:28:23,050 --> 00:28:28,950 Um, um, we have about 30s, six vendors coming out. 348 00:28:29,210 --> 00:28:29,610 Good job. 349 00:28:29,810 --> 00:28:32,390 Um, I want to thank the Mayor and Jamie. 350 00:28:32,870 --> 00:28:34,790 I want to thank everybody for helping me. 351 00:28:34,790 --> 00:28:35,650 I've been up too. 352 00:28:35,670 --> 00:28:38,730 I was asleep a lot because my mind keeps racing. 353 00:28:39,090 --> 00:28:40,170 But it's all good. 354 00:28:40,350 --> 00:28:40,990 I'm excited. 355 00:28:41,090 --> 00:28:41,950 I'm ready for the day. 356 00:28:42,370 --> 00:28:44,050 And I hope all of you come out. 357 00:28:44,730 --> 00:28:45,490 That's all I have to say. 358 00:28:45,670 --> 00:28:46,050 Thank you. 359 00:28:46,230 --> 00:28:46,550 You're welcome. 360 00:28:47,030 --> 00:28:47,870 Doug, please. 361 00:28:48,430 --> 00:28:54,630 Well I can say after my first month on the job and basically drinking from a 362 00:28:54,630 --> 00:28:59,470 fire hose of information, I have a new appreciation for everybody else sitting 363 00:28:59,470 --> 00:29:05,770 at the table. It's a lot of work, it's a lot of reading, there's a lot that goes on 364 00:29:06,310 --> 00:29:11,250 behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. So I thank each one of 365 00:29:11,250 --> 00:29:15,790 them. I'm not included because I'm too new, but I'm looking forward to 366 00:29:15,790 --> 00:29:23,190 contributing to the bigger group, and I thank each one of you for the time that you put in 367 00:29:23,190 --> 00:29:29,430 for the years that you've been on the council. Now that, for instance, one thing that we've 368 00:29:29,430 --> 00:29:37,230 been tasked with is reading the zoning code for a re-write. If you have trouble sleeping at 369 00:29:37,230 --> 00:29:38,250 and I would give you your copy. 370 00:29:39,390 --> 00:29:41,770 Break through that, and it's over 100 pages long. 371 00:29:43,750 --> 00:29:46,090 So I've made it through more than half of that. 372 00:29:46,350 --> 00:29:48,850 You know, I've interrupted my phone call schedule a little bit, 373 00:29:48,970 --> 00:29:52,530 but that's a, I do have a new appreciation for, you know, 374 00:29:52,630 --> 00:29:55,850 the amount of time and effort that goes into everything 375 00:29:56,350 --> 00:29:58,010 that you see that goes on here. 376 00:29:58,210 --> 00:29:59,830 So thank you to you. 377 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:19,880 So thank you. I encourage each one of you to get involved because I enjoy being in that chair a lot more than I enjoy being in this chair. It's easier. But when you get a chance to volunteer or anything else, definitely get involved. And it'll make it feel good. 378 00:30:19,880 --> 00:30:26,060 And speaking of volunteers, we'll need some for September 26th for the festival. 379 00:30:26,060 --> 00:30:29,440 We're going to have some events so we'll need some judges so come on out. 380 00:30:30,480 --> 00:30:30,600 Okay. 381 00:30:30,760 --> 00:30:35,760 And also on Friday the 25th, we'll have an author's event, get them in by the name of 382 00:30:35,760 --> 00:30:36,460 Leonard Pits. 383 00:30:36,920 --> 00:30:41,360 He's a Pulitzer Prize winning author that would be at the Dunbar gymnasium. 384 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:46,520 And thanks to all the coordination from the library and everyone else involved with 385 00:30:46,520 --> 00:30:48,940 this and one of the things that happened. 386 00:30:48,940 --> 00:30:52,400 And this is also all the events at the library. 387 00:30:53,860 --> 00:30:56,500 So everything from tutoring to Tai Chi, 388 00:30:56,820 --> 00:30:58,760 to painting to whatever the case may be, 389 00:30:59,080 --> 00:31:01,140 that library is always hot and running. 390 00:31:01,820 --> 00:31:05,680 And also those that support the arc for, 391 00:31:06,140 --> 00:31:07,520 we have students in school now, 392 00:31:08,080 --> 00:31:09,140 and they need some tutoring help. 393 00:31:09,440 --> 00:31:11,480 It is free, free, 394 00:31:13,800 --> 00:31:14,340 okay? 395 00:31:15,100 --> 00:31:17,660 Things to learn, tutoring is about $50 an hour, 396 00:31:18,020 --> 00:31:18,660 most of the time. 397 00:31:18,660 --> 00:31:25,960 I mean, I just want to share some quick dates so that everybody knows two, seven, six. 398 00:31:27,560 --> 00:31:34,540 Okay. Like I said, the book events the 25th and then the festival, the 26th on October 3rd, 399 00:31:34,540 --> 00:31:41,620 purple night out, Liberia's responsive, October 10th, great work of the Laurel Police Department, 400 00:31:41,800 --> 00:31:47,960 Laurel night out as was mentioned. Those, pardon me? I got the 10th group. 401 00:31:51,160 --> 00:31:51,720 Thank you guys. 402 00:31:51,720 --> 00:31:59,600 Okay. Go first it is. Thank you. And then for those that want to support the arc on October 17th, 403 00:31:59,600 --> 00:32:06,320 they're doing the, pardon me, the hour awards will be on the 17th, also at Dunbar. 404 00:32:07,080 --> 00:32:12,360 It was already mentioned October 24th, from Katrina Treat. November 23rd, a fundraiser for 405 00:32:12,360 --> 00:32:18,860 the arc is a bake sale. She has every year to support this free program. And then the 7th, 406 00:32:18,860 --> 00:32:24,200 around the world. Another wonderful event by the library. And December 4th is the Christmas parade, 407 00:32:24,500 --> 00:32:29,640 the 719th, the Coat Drive from the library. So I just want to share all those things that are 408 00:32:29,640 --> 00:32:33,620 happening in our town. So having said all that, we'll go to the... 409 00:32:34,840 --> 00:32:37,480 May I share something that's coming up for the school? 410 00:32:38,320 --> 00:32:43,440 Yes, I just want to make everybody wear a September 22nd, which would be the third meeting. 411 00:32:43,440 --> 00:32:49,700 I mean, Laurel Middle School is having, I think it's called the Waves and the Waves is 412 00:32:49,700 --> 00:32:53,700 willingness, attendance, voice, engagement, and success. 413 00:32:54,440 --> 00:33:00,520 And their next meeting will be on September 22nd at the Laurel Middle School Library. 414 00:33:01,820 --> 00:33:07,240 And it's just going to be family-team challenges and working with the parents and children. 415 00:33:07,760 --> 00:33:08,100 Thank you, sir. 416 00:33:08,340 --> 00:33:08,560 Okay. 417 00:33:08,680 --> 00:33:08,760 Okay. 418 00:33:09,540 --> 00:33:11,760 We'll go with the public comments. 419 00:33:11,760 --> 00:33:12,740 So, Cheryl. 420 00:33:15,560 --> 00:33:19,680 Thank you, 421 00:33:24,570 --> 00:33:31,510 Cheryl. That was your 26th show. Yes. Thank you. All right. Public comments for those 422 00:33:31,510 --> 00:33:35,450 that don't know our public comments. We try to keep it in consideration of everyone's times 423 00:33:35,450 --> 00:33:39,270 three minutes. So if anyone has a public comment, please feel free to come to the podium. 424 00:33:39,910 --> 00:33:40,590 State your name. 425 00:33:43,400 --> 00:33:47,960 I'll start this whenever you're ready, sir. How you doing? 426 00:33:52,200 --> 00:33:53,780 My name is Richard Outwell. 427 00:33:56,570 --> 00:34:01,580 My family has been a member of this town for over 200 years. 428 00:34:02,100 --> 00:34:05,820 I've been a member of the fire company for 50 years just now. 429 00:34:08,300 --> 00:34:16,940 When my parents died, we inherited their home, my self, and my siblings, and my sister 430 00:34:16,940 --> 00:34:20,900 here now. She lives on social security. 431 00:34:23,040 --> 00:34:25,720 Three years ago, our taxes were $540. 432 00:34:28,000 --> 00:34:28,900 They jumped 433 00:34:28,900 --> 00:34:38,640 to $750, supposedly for new cops, which we don't see around. And this year, they jumped 434 00:34:38,640 --> 00:34:44,520 almost 600 bucks. Can somebody tell me why they jumped that much in one year? 435 00:34:44,520 --> 00:34:59,940 I can only assume without calling it up. It's based on the assessments this year. We are using them. I knew that's what you were doing to say the county assessment those taxes jumped 20 bucks. 436 00:35:01,400 --> 00:35:09,660 The county taxes jumped 20 bucks. Why did the tales jump almost 600? I have to look at your assessment to see what it was and what it went to. 437 00:35:10,440 --> 00:35:16,400 I can't tell you there's a lot of people here who are probably wondering the same thing. 438 00:35:16,580 --> 00:35:19,940 Well, I can't tell you what it is until I pull it up. 439 00:35:20,380 --> 00:35:22,120 I don't have that information in front of me. 440 00:35:22,640 --> 00:35:25,700 Somebody used the wrong multiplication table. 441 00:35:25,840 --> 00:35:34,000 We raised, we lowered our tax rate from $3.98 to $45.46 for $100 of the assessed value. 442 00:35:34,140 --> 00:35:38,760 So we significantly lowered our rate for the residential commercial has this separate 443 00:35:38,760 --> 00:35:44,480 right. However, I don't know what the assessment was on this property versus what it is now. 444 00:35:44,640 --> 00:35:48,420 So I can't comment on that. I can tell you that property. We believe my mother and father 445 00:35:48,420 --> 00:35:57,440 are in that property since the 40s when he got home from World War II. So it just doesn't 446 00:35:57,440 --> 00:36:02,720 make sense to me for taxes to jump that high in one year. And the town when the county's 447 00:36:02,720 --> 00:36:10,760 didn't. The county's didn't. I don't know what multiplication figure you guys use, but 448 00:36:11,640 --> 00:36:17,940 it's not right. And you wonder why people and you don't have anybody living in this town. 449 00:36:18,340 --> 00:36:22,400 I'll tell you, it's come to the point where I think we're either going to abandon or sell the 450 00:36:22,400 --> 00:36:24,080 home and move out of town. 451 00:36:26,240 --> 00:36:30,700 That's how bad it's gotten. That's totally ridiculous and I'm sure there's 452 00:36:30,700 --> 00:36:31,920 other people to feel that way. 453 00:36:32,420 --> 00:36:33,700 Thanks for listening to me. 454 00:36:42,880 --> 00:36:43,100 Thank you. 455 00:36:43,440 --> 00:36:46,200 My name is Jay-Z Hoffman. 456 00:36:46,260 --> 00:36:48,540 I live at 412 East 6th Street Mayor and Council. 457 00:36:48,660 --> 00:36:49,420 Thank you for your time. 458 00:36:50,920 --> 00:36:57,160 So I as well as Mr. Outwell there have a serious question as to what my tax dollars are doing for me at this point. 459 00:36:58,120 --> 00:37:00,360 I moved into this town, obviously I was born here. 460 00:37:00,820 --> 00:37:03,720 I was raised here until I was 12 years old and moved to South Carolina. 461 00:37:04,520 --> 00:37:06,960 I've been back in this town since 2019. 462 00:37:06,960 --> 00:37:09,100 when I moved into my home in 2019, 463 00:37:09,620 --> 00:37:12,380 I paid $740 in town tax. 464 00:37:13,040 --> 00:37:15,960 I've been charged this year $1,085. 465 00:37:16,680 --> 00:37:18,780 That's at 47%. 466 00:37:20,060 --> 00:37:23,020 I don't understand where this money goes. 467 00:37:23,780 --> 00:37:26,380 I've seen breakdowns of what our intake is 468 00:37:26,380 --> 00:37:27,760 and what our outflow is. 469 00:37:30,180 --> 00:37:32,740 My next question to the town council is 470 00:37:32,740 --> 00:37:36,340 we have 250, 245 new affordable houses 471 00:37:36,340 --> 00:37:41,880 getting ready to come to this town. Three or four years ago we hired two new police officers 472 00:37:41,880 --> 00:37:46,260 for this town with those new homes that are getting ready to come. How many more cops are 473 00:37:46,260 --> 00:37:51,740 we're going to have to employ for that? What is the tax base that's going to be generated from that? 474 00:37:53,560 --> 00:38:00,500 What is the town doing to help lower our tax burden? I can tell you now bringing affordable housing 475 00:38:00,500 --> 00:38:03,360 is not going to help lower that tax burden. 476 00:38:05,440 --> 00:38:08,780 How is that going to affect the utilities in this town? 477 00:38:09,620 --> 00:38:14,200 I heard Jamie say earlier that we've just been afforded a grant to take care of a water 478 00:38:14,200 --> 00:38:16,440 main that runs down East 6th Street, am I correct on that? 479 00:38:16,460 --> 00:38:16,720 Right? 480 00:38:17,300 --> 00:38:17,720 A sewer man. 481 00:38:18,340 --> 00:38:18,460 Right? 482 00:38:18,720 --> 00:38:22,560 So that tells me that that's old outdated equipment that needs to be replaced. 483 00:38:23,680 --> 00:38:29,360 How does 250 new homes pressure that system that's already in need of repair? 484 00:38:29,360 --> 00:38:29,460 here. 485 00:38:32,770 --> 00:38:38,870 What is the town doing to be more business friendly? There was an opportunity to bring 486 00:38:38,870 --> 00:38:45,270 a business to the corner of Route 9 and Route 13. And I'm told by representatives of this 487 00:38:45,270 --> 00:38:51,350 state that it was denied by the town for a concession of a closed system portage on 488 00:38:51,350 --> 00:38:55,330 unit that was going to be under the utility building that was going to be placed on the property. 489 00:38:55,330 --> 00:39:02,850 they needed a concession of six months and it was denied. I know Kenny Adams 490 00:39:02,850 --> 00:39:07,890 very well. Kenny Adams is a businessman. Kenny Adams would have done more for 491 00:39:07,890 --> 00:39:13,170 this town than this town has seen in probably 25 years because he is an 492 00:39:13,170 --> 00:39:17,310 entrepreneur. That would have been the only business that he brought here. The 493 00:39:17,310 --> 00:39:20,910 number of people that would have been to that business to purchase product if 494 00:39:21,650 --> 00:39:24,990 they come in the afternoon they're gonna stop by Smash and Dash. They're gonna 495 00:39:24,990 --> 00:39:29,730 want to take the time to come into town and give their business to Pizza King or Laurel 496 00:39:29,730 --> 00:39:30,230 Pizza Rita. 497 00:39:32,690 --> 00:39:38,670 We couldn't concede to six months of that, yet I go down Central Avenue right across 498 00:39:38,670 --> 00:39:44,450 from Develle's and I see a business and a utility trailer in what sits in the back corner 499 00:39:44,450 --> 00:39:46,890 of that log, visible to the public. 500 00:39:47,730 --> 00:39:54,950 A portage on was that okay by the town council, were they given the concessions to be allowed 501 00:39:54,950 --> 00:40:01,130 to put that portage on on property and if so, why? And if it's not allowed, where is our 502 00:40:01,130 --> 00:40:07,650 code enforcement at? Right? If it's going against the code of the town and there should be pro-activity 503 00:40:07,650 --> 00:40:08,150 with that. 504 00:40:10,360 --> 00:40:17,840 I moved back here in 2019 because I know this town needs help. I have given my time in 505 00:40:17,840 --> 00:40:24,340 the school system for the last three years and I can tell you now this town is in really, really bad 506 00:40:27,300 --> 00:40:29,920 250 affordable houses is not what this town needs. 507 00:40:30,320 --> 00:40:37,220 This town needs more concessions to businesses to bring a bigger tax-based business wise and not to the people of this town. 508 00:40:38,200 --> 00:40:39,860 Thank you for your time, thank you so much. 509 00:40:51,320 --> 00:40:53,180 Thank you, thank you, name please. 510 00:40:54,000 --> 00:40:56,600 It's got a couple quick questions. 511 00:40:57,800 --> 00:41:02,800 Mainly about raising up the business license $75. 512 00:41:04,020 --> 00:41:06,500 I like to know what it is I get from that. 513 00:41:07,620 --> 00:41:09,700 But what the time does for me for the extra $75. 514 00:41:09,820 --> 00:41:10,920 I get a piece of paper. 515 00:41:11,240 --> 00:41:13,160 It says a license and that's pretty much all I get. 516 00:41:14,320 --> 00:41:16,580 And just for information for you guys, 517 00:41:18,360 --> 00:41:19,720 Delmar is only 50. 518 00:41:19,720 --> 00:41:21,100 They see for it has none. 519 00:41:21,360 --> 00:41:24,900 Dags, burls, 150 greenwood, 75, and blades is 100. 520 00:41:26,020 --> 00:41:27,000 Here's is a little steep. 521 00:41:29,210 --> 00:41:31,470 I don't know if anything I get from the time for it, 522 00:41:31,910 --> 00:41:33,850 and I pay property taxes, everything else. 523 00:41:34,370 --> 00:41:36,070 What's the business license get me? 524 00:41:36,430 --> 00:41:37,490 You don't have to answer the night. 525 00:41:37,650 --> 00:41:38,530 You can get up with me. 526 00:41:38,850 --> 00:41:39,770 I'm easy to find. 527 00:41:40,090 --> 00:41:43,050 And here since 1950, no, not too hard to find. 528 00:41:43,550 --> 00:41:43,950 Thank you, Kevin. 529 00:41:46,910 --> 00:41:48,070 Is there anyone else? 530 00:41:51,780 --> 00:41:52,320 I don't. 531 00:41:54,870 --> 00:41:55,430 With enough. 532 00:41:55,430 --> 00:42:03,610 Little unfortunate, I shared a sediment of a lot of people in here, my taxes went from $700 to $1400. 533 00:42:04,650 --> 00:42:06,970 I'm retired living on a fixed income. 534 00:42:09,630 --> 00:42:12,870 What justifies doubling my taxes? 535 00:42:13,970 --> 00:42:17,550 I'm sorry, assessment is not an appraisal. 536 00:42:17,830 --> 00:42:23,450 If you were to appraise my property right now, it would be par from what it assessed at. 537 00:42:24,030 --> 00:42:26,130 mainly because of what's around me. 538 00:42:28,430 --> 00:42:33,890 I'm just frustrated, like I'm not sure a lot of people are, and I don't understand how 539 00:42:33,890 --> 00:42:41,050 it can go from $700 to over $1,400 in one year, doesn't make any sense to me. 540 00:42:42,170 --> 00:42:46,750 How much is your budget going to increase percentage-wise? 541 00:42:47,770 --> 00:42:49,470 I believe it was 15%. 542 00:42:49,470 --> 00:42:53,670 Okay, so why did my taxes go up 15%, why did I go up 50%? 543 00:42:54,250 --> 00:42:57,970 I don't know, I have to look at your assessment and people's varies. 544 00:42:58,510 --> 00:43:03,050 I've had people calling and their taxes went down, but it's based off the assessments. 545 00:43:03,690 --> 00:43:03,810 Is it? 546 00:43:03,830 --> 00:43:05,250 The county did their new assessment. 547 00:43:05,450 --> 00:43:05,890 I get that. 548 00:43:06,330 --> 00:43:10,890 There's a lot of people not just me have heartburned about them all over the county, not just 549 00:43:10,890 --> 00:43:11,130 here. 550 00:43:11,410 --> 00:43:11,570 That's right. 551 00:43:11,910 --> 00:43:12,390 I get that. 552 00:43:13,330 --> 00:43:20,470 So, but what I don't understand is, with or without that assessment, if your budget is going 553 00:43:20,470 --> 00:43:29,570 up 17%? Well, take my taxes up 17%. Not from 700 to 1400 for coming out loud. 554 00:43:31,430 --> 00:43:35,510 Somebody just to find that, please. Thank you, Blair. 555 00:43:44,430 --> 00:43:50,310 Hello, Mayor and Town Council. I am for those of you that don't know, I'm the U Services Library and 556 00:43:50,310 --> 00:43:54,210 the Laura Public Library. I just wanted to kind of touch on some of the things that some of the 557 00:43:54,210 --> 00:43:57,550 Councilman and Mayor Artie, we're talking about earlier. 558 00:43:58,230 --> 00:44:00,830 So one of the things we do have is Leonard Pitt's junior 559 00:44:00,830 --> 00:44:04,270 is going to be coming to the Dunbar gymnasium on Friday. 560 00:44:04,850 --> 00:44:06,770 We're having from three to three, fourty-five 561 00:44:06,770 --> 00:44:09,890 it's going to be an adult reception to talk with the author. 562 00:44:10,550 --> 00:44:12,290 At three, fourty-five to four, fourty-five 563 00:44:12,290 --> 00:44:14,850 because there's such a time crunch with the author, 564 00:44:15,370 --> 00:44:17,630 that will be reserved for a youth discussion. 565 00:44:18,230 --> 00:44:21,410 Any youth that attends will be getting a free signed copy 566 00:44:21,410 --> 00:44:21,930 of the book. 567 00:44:21,930 --> 00:44:30,250 We have partnered with OWL with the library, one Laurel and the town in order to have this event. 568 00:44:30,730 --> 00:44:35,130 We're really lucky. Lewis is the only other one that has the history book festival 569 00:44:35,130 --> 00:44:39,170 and they were the ones that approached us out of every town in Sussex County 570 00:44:39,170 --> 00:44:40,910 that they wanted to do an event with. 571 00:44:41,570 --> 00:44:44,370 So the book is called 54 Miles. 572 00:44:44,370 --> 00:44:47,610 It's available in the Delaware Public Library Catalog. 573 00:44:48,190 --> 00:44:52,450 or Dilra, Dilra State Library, I'm sorry, as well as Laurel, we have physical 574 00:44:52,450 --> 00:44:58,050 hobbies of it as well. And we will also be having, so that's that event. If you 575 00:44:58,050 --> 00:44:59,670 need any more information, just let me know. 576 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:29,340 The second thing that I wanted to talk about was the Del Regus Purple event. That is a statewide event that runs from September through November, and it focuses on prevention. So I have a group of teens called the kick-butch generation. They're against nicotine and tobacco usage vaping. And they have come together for this as a third year in a row now that they have planned a health fair with different resources for the town. 577 00:45:29,340 --> 00:45:36,660 and then it's attendees and also just plan the entire event to go along with their kick-butch 578 00:45:36,660 --> 00:45:42,600 generation table. So there will be at this event that they wanted to do a health fair with 579 00:45:42,600 --> 00:45:48,680 different resources. They wanted to have different activities that people could understand what it's 580 00:45:48,680 --> 00:45:56,360 like to be impaired and also everybody attending will get a free t-shirt that is designed by the teens. 581 00:45:56,360 --> 00:46:02,640 And with that said, I wanted to also bring up that we just learned that we got our American 582 00:46:02,640 --> 00:46:05,080 Language Association brand renewed again this year. 583 00:46:05,580 --> 00:46:11,320 That will be the same grant that we used to fund the story walk, that is in Market Street 584 00:46:11,320 --> 00:46:11,600 Park. 585 00:46:11,600 --> 00:46:13,300 If you haven't been out there, please go and look. 586 00:46:13,640 --> 00:46:18,800 Right now it's all posters from the Laurel Intermediate School and the Laurel Elementary 587 00:46:18,800 --> 00:46:19,300 School. 588 00:46:19,700 --> 00:46:25,620 They were all chosen winners by the teams in the kick-butch generation that are to teach 589 00:46:25,620 --> 00:46:33,400 kids not to smoke, vape, or use nicotine products. So you will be seeing more youth involved 590 00:46:33,400 --> 00:46:36,980 in the town council meetings. I'm going to invite them now that we have that grant and 591 00:46:36,980 --> 00:46:41,880 we have the funding and that we know that we can we secured that. We'll be attending the 592 00:46:41,880 --> 00:46:47,980 meeting to kind of give them an idea of, you know, how the inner work is in the town to 593 00:46:47,980 --> 00:46:53,840 try to see if we can pass certain things that might be related to tobacco and nicotine 594 00:46:53,840 --> 00:47:00,740 and it is completely teen-led. It's open to any kids that are of 13 and above and has a different, 595 00:47:00,740 --> 00:47:07,320 we meet the first and third Fridays of the month from 3 to 4 p.m. We have food, volunteer hours, 596 00:47:07,320 --> 00:47:13,040 and a chance to attend a summit in Dover this year. So we would love to have more people. We're 597 00:47:13,040 --> 00:47:19,660 going to kind of do more outreach at the schools and try to get more kids involved. So that is all I 598 00:47:19,660 --> 00:47:24,060 has for now. The Story Walk is open to the public. If you do use it, please use the QR code 599 00:47:24,060 --> 00:47:28,380 and answer some of the questions that helps with our funding. So thank you. Thank you. 600 00:47:28,460 --> 00:47:31,080 Thank you, Stacy, and the library. Yeah, thank you. 601 00:47:34,600 --> 00:47:42,960 If there's no one else, please. Good afternoon. My name is Cian Deer and I'm new to Lauren. 602 00:47:43,320 --> 00:47:49,600 All right, so I just came to this wonderful town. I really don't know much about the town. 603 00:47:49,600 --> 00:47:55,220 But I bring a business here to the tone. I just rent a place down here in Polar Street, 604 00:47:55,480 --> 00:48:02,980 Papua Street. So we before last, the enforcement command, they shot it now. So they shot the 605 00:48:02,980 --> 00:48:07,300 business owner and they said, I need some stuff in the building, which I didn't know of. 606 00:48:07,380 --> 00:48:13,400 I need all those stuff. So anyway, the gentleman said to me that my food trailer that I have 607 00:48:13,400 --> 00:48:17,720 in the building, the building is set up for a food trailer, have water, electric, everything 608 00:48:17,720 --> 00:48:22,620 is set up for that particular unit. And they tell me that I cannot have a future in the 609 00:48:22,620 --> 00:48:26,940 tone of Laura. I have to move it like no. The guy even come and he took no mess and 610 00:48:26,940 --> 00:48:31,720 after all everything. And he said I have to shut it down immediately. So I said to him, 611 00:48:32,160 --> 00:48:39,060 next door to the industry is a food trailer. I have a toilet outside in the open. My business 612 00:48:39,060 --> 00:48:44,380 have everything that comes with, you know, everything that is sanitary is there. And the gentleman 613 00:48:44,380 --> 00:48:48,700 months and listen, you know, you have to move your trailer. I said, walk into the guy next door 614 00:48:48,700 --> 00:48:53,720 with his trailer with everything that's supposed to say listen, somebody bigger than me have them 615 00:48:53,720 --> 00:48:58,300 there, but you have to move your own. And I'm like, you know, that's kind of unfair. So all this 616 00:48:58,300 --> 00:49:03,700 stuff that I buy, I buy over $1500 a month and everything, and everything was quiet, gotta put them 617 00:49:03,700 --> 00:49:09,580 in a trash. And the guy said, listen, that trailer is there and I can't touch it, but your trailer 618 00:49:09,580 --> 00:49:14,640 profitable. So I'm like, it's kind of unbalanced because I'm bringing in business to the 619 00:49:14,640 --> 00:49:20,500 tones. And I said, I'm about business, right? And so, so while I'm saying, no, if I'm 620 00:49:20,500 --> 00:49:24,100 going to bring business to the tone, that's telling me that you guys don't want me here. 621 00:49:24,260 --> 00:49:28,920 I come all over from New Jersey, I'm bringing in business here, right? I bring a lot of stuff here. 622 00:49:29,320 --> 00:49:33,320 I've wanted to talk to the kids about because I'm an author as well, my diesel engineer as well. 623 00:49:33,700 --> 00:49:39,200 And I wanted to talk to the kids about domestic violence about mental health. But, you know, 624 00:49:40,040 --> 00:49:42,840 It looked to me like they don't want business in this town. 625 00:49:43,260 --> 00:49:46,220 So for me, I don't know what next should I do. 626 00:49:46,820 --> 00:49:51,040 Because right now if my trailer, if I got to move my trailer, I got to move my business 627 00:49:51,040 --> 00:49:52,660 so I got to go somewhere else. 628 00:49:53,060 --> 00:49:57,380 And I'm just saying that's kind of an even against the ball field because why that guy should 629 00:49:57,380 --> 00:50:02,480 be right there next door to me and he good to stay but for me that have everything that 630 00:50:02,480 --> 00:50:07,740 I need, everything is called for the trailer, the villain was designed for the trailer and 631 00:50:07,740 --> 00:50:13,440 said, I can't stay there. And I'm off the road. I mean, a private property. And they said, 632 00:50:13,440 --> 00:50:17,460 I can't stay there. But the guy who was on the side of the street, they said, oh, we 633 00:50:17,460 --> 00:50:22,800 can't touch him because somebody bigger than us tell him to stay. So I don't know what 634 00:50:22,800 --> 00:50:28,680 my next option is because I lost a lot. So thank you very much for following me. 635 00:50:36,650 --> 00:50:47,030 Okay. There's no one else. Uh, do we have a motion to close the meeting? Just recess that we've got to know. Yeah, right. We have a closed session. So we'll have a recess of three minutes. Please. 636 00:50:48,050 --> 00:50:48,850 Thank you. 637 00:51:56,700 --> 00:52:02,020 You know, now is it not trying to be all up in your business, but do you have a mortgage 638 00:52:02,020 --> 00:52:02,480 on one hand? 639 00:52:03,200 --> 00:52:03,640 Okay. 640 00:52:04,040 --> 00:52:05,640 Because I didn't have the mortgage on one hand. 641 00:52:12,930 --> 00:52:13,370 So 642 00:52:17,370 --> 00:52:18,610 you're new assessment. 643 00:52:20,910 --> 00:52:21,350 312. 644 00:52:22,370 --> 00:52:22,810 So. 645 00:52:24,450 --> 00:52:26,110 I have a huge job. 646 00:52:36,520 --> 00:52:36,720 Okay. 647 00:52:37,480 --> 00:52:38,520 You know what else I got? 648 00:52:40,720 --> 00:52:41,920 You know, so 649 00:52:42,500 --> 00:52:45,000 Right, it's 650 00:52:45,000 --> 00:52:48,740 17,000 651 00:52:48,740 --> 00:52:49,700 I know 652 00:52:55,180 --> 00:52:58,540 you don't want to hear, you know, it's based on how much the assessment mean 653 00:53:01,480 --> 00:53:03,740 that it's right on. Oh, I don't do these 654 00:53:30,430 --> 00:53:30,670 They 655 00:53:43,180 --> 00:53:47,640 shouldn't be in the last few years. They're assessment of very little 656 00:53:47,640 --> 00:53:53,600 If it's an overhome or has it had a renovation, a nature renovation done in a while 657 00:53:53,600 --> 00:53:55,940 Those are the people that were hit with a bigger 658 00:54:01,700 --> 00:54:08,560 Now what I would suggest you do, and I'm not going to fix it for this year, is you appeal it to the county. 659 00:54:09,260 --> 00:54:15,850 And so what we did to get our taxes to, like, I have a list of profits that you're not looking to accept. 660 00:54:16,010 --> 00:54:19,990 And we're back, and I can't set a rate for every end of this property. 661 00:54:20,210 --> 00:54:23,810 So you're only going up to 10%, and we haven't had one set rate. 662 00:54:25,850 --> 00:54:29,610 And unfortunately, because your assets went up, that's super crazy. 663 00:54:29,610 --> 00:54:33,010 it hit you harder than it may have hit some other people. 664 00:54:34,910 --> 00:54:36,310 I'm gonna rely on you. 665 00:54:37,410 --> 00:54:40,310 And I'm not, I'm just like giving you the facts, 666 00:54:40,310 --> 00:54:41,770 so I know they're not there to eat. 667 00:54:44,150 --> 00:54:44,710 And 668 00:54:51,690 --> 00:54:55,350 then there's others that have gone dead 669 00:54:56,350 --> 00:54:58,230 because their text don't exist. 670 00:55:01,120 --> 00:55:02,480 Well, it's just like that. 671 00:55:03,700 --> 00:55:04,720 I've just been on it. 672 00:55:04,720 --> 00:55:05,480 I'm going to give you a round of applause. 673 00:55:12,340 --> 00:55:13,660 Yes, ma'am. 674 00:55:14,620 --> 00:55:15,680 How's the new pictures? 675 00:56:08,520 --> 00:56:10,120 Anything else you want to say? 676 00:56:13,150 --> 00:56:15,370 The truth does not negate for me. 677 00:56:28,450 --> 00:56:28,970 What is it? 678 00:56:57,920 --> 00:56:59,640 The percentage of the next second. 679 00:56:59,800 --> 00:57:01,040 But I would only have a problem with you. 680 00:57:01,620 --> 00:57:02,440 More like this gentleman. 681 00:57:02,680 --> 00:57:04,720 After I came back, he went from 17 to... 682 00:57:14,460 --> 00:57:16,120 Well, let me look it up and I'll give you a moment. 683 00:57:17,780 --> 00:57:18,400 Thanks, sir. 684 00:57:21,420 --> 00:57:22,100 Have a good night.