1
00:00:01,140 --> 00:00:06,160
In what you put in place today, we

2
00:00:09,040 --> 00:00:12,860
have to stop my

3
00:00:23,710 --> 00:00:29,950
name on hand. He is 630 in the morning.

4
00:00:33,390 --> 00:00:34,130
We have

5
00:00:37,630 --> 00:00:38,710
Everybody's on the phone.

6
00:00:38,970 --> 00:00:42,950
Roger Naysal, we do not have any video or videos not working but we have Sam.

7
00:00:43,610 --> 00:00:44,110
So...

8
00:00:46,850 --> 00:00:47,410
Sam?

9
00:00:52,190 --> 00:00:52,750
Whoa.

10
00:00:53,270 --> 00:00:53,570
Whoa.

11
00:00:53,930 --> 00:00:55,430
I don't know how to do this.

12
00:01:24,590 --> 00:01:29,050
Good evening everyone and thank you for taking stun for some time to be here.

13
00:01:29,170 --> 00:01:31,610
Once and so off with the opening prayer please,

14
00:01:35,620 --> 00:01:42,400
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me,

15
00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:49,320
besides the still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me, be in the path of righteousness for his

16
00:01:49,320 --> 00:01:54,820
name is said. Yeh, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,

17
00:01:55,580 --> 00:02:01,840
thou art with me. I ride and I staff, they comfort me. Thou prepare us a table before me,

18
00:02:01,840 --> 00:02:15,260
the presence of my enemies. Now I know it's my head with oil, my cup on its own. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will grow in the house of the Lord forever. Amen.

19
00:02:15,260 --> 00:02:18,260
And a couple of terms for the Pledge of Allegiance, please.

20
00:02:20,350 --> 00:02:26,170
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and it's going to be public

21
00:02:26,170 --> 00:02:34,070
for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

22
00:02:35,230 --> 00:02:36,170
Thank you, everyone.

23
00:02:43,480 --> 00:02:48,020
Okay, we'll start our agenda and we'll, with that we'll start with Cheryl Barber and Dr.

24
00:02:48,240 --> 00:02:51,820
Harrison from Hope's helping hands presentation, please.

25
00:03:09,460 --> 00:03:17,960
Good evening. Good evening, Townham Council. Good evening, Manningtown Manager and all the officers and all the residents of Laura.

26
00:03:18,660 --> 00:03:24,380
I may have to tell you about a new program at Little Creek. Now, as you know, there have been several others.

27
00:03:24,680 --> 00:03:33,440
We know the problems in Laura. We know that our medium income is less than it's about half of that in the rest of Sussex County.

28
00:03:33,440 --> 00:03:40,200
We know that a lot of our members are below the poverty line and we know that there's a lot of

29
00:03:40,200 --> 00:03:46,040
Section 8 going on in Little Creek. We also know that all of the problems that I just talked to you about are

30
00:03:46,040 --> 00:03:53,400
magnified in Little Creek. Of course, they have problems with their managers, some of the problems with the

31
00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:59,700
apartments and getting things done, but those are circumstances and circumstances can be overcome.

32
00:04:00,260 --> 00:04:04,140
So we are working on overcoming some of those circumstances.

33
00:04:04,980 --> 00:04:08,300
Now, there have been several programs that went on in Little Creek.

34
00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:11,880
I know that Vital had a very successful program.

35
00:04:12,320 --> 00:04:16,000
The art, I don't see Joyce here, but she had another successful program,

36
00:04:16,020 --> 00:04:18,020
which will return in the fall.

37
00:04:18,540 --> 00:04:20,900
I know that Larry is setting up a program.

38
00:04:21,380 --> 00:04:26,680
And you may wonder if Little Creek has enough students to satisfy all those programs.

39
00:04:26,680 --> 00:04:27,260
What do they do?

40
00:04:27,260 --> 00:04:32,180
If you can stop by there right around four o'clock when your school buses are pulling out.

41
00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:35,960
There's about 35, 55 kids getting off those buses.

42
00:04:36,540 --> 00:04:40,140
So there's plenty of kids that we can address.

43
00:04:40,860 --> 00:04:46,380
And I'd like to model, we would like to model ourselves kind of after the library over there.

44
00:04:46,740 --> 00:04:48,940
Because the library is awesome.

45
00:04:49,420 --> 00:04:53,120
I don't know if y'all know, but they're safe and voted in number one library to stay.

46
00:04:53,400 --> 00:04:54,560
Y'all give them some love.

47
00:04:55,600 --> 00:04:56,120
So

48
00:04:59,990 --> 00:05:06,250
what they do is they have a number of different programs because they know one issue doesn't fit all sizes.

49
00:05:06,870 --> 00:05:11,190
So they have some things for this program for some people, programs for different people.

50
00:05:11,510 --> 00:05:16,750
So that's how we're going to be doing it at Little Creek. So I want to tell you about Dr. Harris's program.

51
00:05:17,790 --> 00:05:25,310
Dr. Harris spent a whole year doing outreach at Little Creek and getting to know the residents,

52
00:05:25,310 --> 00:05:27,490
and developing a rapport with them,

53
00:05:27,790 --> 00:05:29,650
developing a relationship with them.

54
00:05:30,090 --> 00:05:32,950
And then when she designed her program,

55
00:05:33,410 --> 00:05:34,610
after getting to know them

56
00:05:34,610 --> 00:05:36,730
and getting to know what they wanted and what they needed,

57
00:05:37,190 --> 00:05:39,370
so her program has only been going on for a month,

58
00:05:39,850 --> 00:05:41,050
but it is awesome.

59
00:05:41,550 --> 00:05:43,030
So I'm not gonna steal her thunder,

60
00:05:43,190 --> 00:05:45,030
I'm gonna let her tell you that, her program.

61
00:05:49,990 --> 00:05:52,910
Good evening mayor, council members,

62
00:05:54,130 --> 00:05:57,170
Ms. Jamie Smith, community partners and guests.

63
00:05:57,170 --> 00:06:05,270
My name is Dr. Michelle Christopher Harris and I am the founder and CEO of Hope's Helping

64
00:06:05,270 --> 00:06:06,130
Hands LLC.

65
00:06:06,950 --> 00:06:12,230
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share who we are and the work we are privileged

66
00:06:12,230 --> 00:06:13,570
to do in our communities.

67
00:06:14,190 --> 00:06:19,970
Before I begin, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the town of Laurel, our community

68
00:06:19,970 --> 00:06:23,210
partners and everyone who has welcomed us into this community.

69
00:06:23,210 --> 00:06:29,190
It is truly an honor to be here and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside

70
00:06:29,190 --> 00:06:34,990
so many individuals and organizations who care deeply about the people of Laurel.

71
00:06:35,470 --> 00:06:39,030
I would also like to thank Miss Cheryl for being here this evening.

72
00:06:43,480 --> 00:06:48,140
Miss Cheryl has a genuine love for the Laurel community and I appreciate her willingness

73
00:06:48,140 --> 00:06:51,440
to share her heart and her passion for the people who live here.

74
00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:57,380
Holes' helping hands is a licensed mental health organization that has been serving children,

75
00:06:57,680 --> 00:07:05,360
adults and family since 2017. For nearly a decade, we have provided professional mental health

76
00:07:05,360 --> 00:07:11,100
counseling while reaching beyond the walls of our office through community outreach, education,

77
00:07:11,360 --> 00:07:17,680
wellness initiatives and programs that strengthen individuals and families. As you look at these

78
00:07:17,680 --> 00:07:24,320
to slit the boards, you'll see our story told through pictures at the very bottom and

79
00:07:24,320 --> 00:07:30,160
that red vest is when I had my ribbon cutting and seafood Delaware and the mayor was there.

80
00:07:30,900 --> 00:07:37,680
Thank you out to this mayor, establishing new relationships, but he was there and he

81
00:07:37,680 --> 00:07:42,840
did our prayer and he spoke on our behalf with our ribbon cutting.

82
00:07:43,700 --> 00:07:48,920
They represent children, families, outreach, events, education activities, wellness programs.

83
00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:53,180
They reflect our belief that mental health is about more than counseling.

84
00:07:53,920 --> 00:07:59,520
It's about building hope, strengthening relationships, creative supportive environments,

85
00:07:59,820 --> 00:08:01,180
and helping communities thrive.

86
00:08:01,880 --> 00:08:06,300
One example of that commitment is our weekly outreach at the Little Creek community.

87
00:08:06,960 --> 00:08:12,560
Each week we provide a safe and welcoming place where individuals can participate in

88
00:08:12,560 --> 00:08:14,500
and uplifting and supportive discussions,

89
00:08:15,220 --> 00:08:17,100
foundational life-building conversations,

90
00:08:17,600 --> 00:08:19,980
initiative activities, fellowship, and refreshments.

91
00:08:20,480 --> 00:08:23,640
And the young lady holding this display

92
00:08:23,640 --> 00:08:25,900
is actually the one who facilitates

93
00:08:25,900 --> 00:08:27,660
most of those discussions along

94
00:08:28,180 --> 00:08:31,480
with Ms. Mariah Park, Polk, I'm sorry.

95
00:08:32,240 --> 00:08:37,340
And Ms. Chantelle, she represents Holt's Huffing Hands as well.

96
00:08:38,420 --> 00:08:40,120
Although our practice has been established

97
00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:44,580
Since 2017, we're excited to become part of our Laura community.

98
00:08:45,020 --> 00:08:49,080
I do want to say that holds up enhances established in multiple states as well.

99
00:08:49,680 --> 00:08:55,700
We also serve provide mental health counseling and all of Florida, Maryland,

100
00:08:56,040 --> 00:08:57,580
Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

101
00:08:58,460 --> 00:09:03,760
One exciting example that I'm grateful for is that we're working alongside and

102
00:09:03,760 --> 00:09:07,000
partnering with currently with organizations without loud.

103
00:09:07,000 --> 00:09:13,540
And we hosted an event at the public laurel public library and as you can see there's a picture of us

104
00:09:13,540 --> 00:09:17,440
Of your council first not the got her name in this picture. I believe

105
00:09:18,740 --> 00:09:23,440
Bajane. Yes, sorry miss bajane and the young lady that spoke from little creek

106
00:09:23,440 --> 00:09:28,320
They were part of that event and they were coloring and participating. I was hoping she would be here today

107
00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:32,420
I saw her in the citizens bank. I see here. Where are you?

108
00:09:38,880 --> 00:09:43,760
It was a wonderful event, wonderful event, I absolutely loved it.

109
00:09:43,880 --> 00:09:45,740
Freshness and I still talk about it to this day.

110
00:09:46,600 --> 00:09:47,660
Oh great, great.

111
00:09:48,280 --> 00:09:49,960
Glad you're still on this side.

112
00:09:51,740 --> 00:09:58,420
One exciting example of that collaboration is our back to school bash that we're playing for July 25th.

113
00:09:58,420 --> 00:10:02,420
where Hope's helping him will partner with five other community organizations.

114
00:10:02,580 --> 00:10:07,540
I believe that the Laurel Public Library is supposed to be part of that giveaway.

115
00:10:07,920 --> 00:10:10,260
Maybe not on that day, but Mr. McAllen,

116
00:10:10,640 --> 00:10:14,620
where we're going to be giving out supplies to the community of Laurel residents.

117
00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:19,260
Events like this remind us that when organizations come together,

118
00:10:19,600 --> 00:10:22,320
we can have an even greater impact on our community.

119
00:10:22,880 --> 00:10:23,680
I'm just about done.

120
00:10:23,800 --> 00:10:27,440
We're also excited about our community walk-up on that we're planning for all the

121
00:10:27,440 --> 00:10:32,860
the first, which will bring community together to promote health, wellness, and connection.

122
00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:38,360
Although you see all these boards represent one single mission, to improve emotional

123
00:10:38,360 --> 00:10:43,540
wellness, strengthen families, support children, and build healthier communities through compassion,

124
00:10:44,460 --> 00:10:45,700
collaboration, and hope.

125
00:10:46,400 --> 00:10:50,240
Thank you again for allowing me to share, and I do want to say that I appreciate this

126
00:10:57,950 --> 00:10:58,990
But anyway,

127
00:11:05,650 --> 00:11:07,630
we have actually started building,

128
00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:15,460
although we do own one built up with the

129
00:11:20,490 --> 00:11:27,710
MIT and other community investors, and we started building, we found, it was the old

130
00:11:27,710 --> 00:11:38,680
MIT that we're having. We're refurbishing and renovating the renovation process of hosting

131
00:11:38,680 --> 00:11:45,540
middle-health clinics in there. You can see the reconstruction. This is before, and this is

132
00:11:45,540 --> 00:11:53,780
where we are today for having an area for my office, back in the forest. We're actually at this

133
00:11:53,780 --> 00:11:59,040
building. This area here is an in-pitching, and eventually we want to be able to provide some

134
00:11:59,040 --> 00:12:04,200
brief counseling and other type of counseling services for this community, and I'm obsessed with

135
00:12:04,200 --> 00:12:14,020
this is our contractor, and I'll be here as far as the first time that I came and where I am today and here's some of our other events as well, the children that we are serving.

136
00:12:14,900 --> 00:12:23,320
It's the host of children each week because we have from six to 10 children every week, and we know that we can't change everything.

137
00:12:23,540 --> 00:12:30,480
I realize that I won't have to do that, but if we can just give seats one little heart, that will make it different in my heart.

138
00:12:30,800 --> 00:12:32,660
So thank you so much for coming here.

139
00:12:32,660 --> 00:12:34,180
Thank you

140
00:12:46,760 --> 00:12:48,500
so much and wishing you much, much success.

141
00:12:48,900 --> 00:12:49,500
Thank you, Senator.

142
00:12:55,290 --> 00:12:59,250
Okay, next on the agenda, we have Brandon Cote.

143
00:12:59,790 --> 00:13:02,810
We'll speak about the audit, 2024.

144
00:13:03,790 --> 00:13:04,630
Welcome, Brandon.

145
00:13:05,410 --> 00:13:05,850
Thank you.

146
00:13:06,030 --> 00:13:06,250
How are you?

147
00:13:11,430 --> 00:13:13,350
Alrighty, so my name is Brandon Tall,

148
00:13:13,530 --> 00:13:16,710
and I'm here to present the audited financial statements

149
00:13:16,710 --> 00:13:20,350
of the town of Laurel for the 2024 fiscal year.

150
00:13:20,910 --> 00:13:23,470
There were some copies of the draft financial statements

151
00:13:23,470 --> 00:13:24,510
on the table over there.

152
00:13:24,510 --> 00:13:29,110
I will reference the page numbers as we go along, so if you want to open up to that page,

153
00:13:29,110 --> 00:13:34,550
I'll kind of point out, you know, what we're discussing. This report covers the period from July

154
00:13:34,550 --> 00:13:43,290
1st, 2023 to June 30th, 2024. The auditors report is going to be on page four, so that's the first

155
00:13:43,290 --> 00:13:49,270
important stop. In that second paragraph, we issue an unmodified opinion, which is the highest level

156
00:13:49,270 --> 00:13:54,390
assurance we can provide in a financial statement audit. That means we concluded the financial

157
00:13:54,390 --> 00:14:00,570
statements as presented in this report are fairly misferrally stated in all material

158
00:14:00,570 --> 00:14:06,090
respects. So that's good. It's typically bad when we modify our opinion so the town received an

159
00:14:06,090 --> 00:14:12,210
unmodified opinion or a clean opinion. So a good result. We can move on to management's discussion

160
00:14:12,210 --> 00:14:21,330
analysis, which begins on page 9. And here we have a table that summarizes the

161
00:14:21,330 --> 00:14:25,790
town's statement of net position. This is basically the town's balance sheet. So

162
00:14:25,790 --> 00:14:31,430
it's a snapshot in time at June 30th, 2024. What are the town's assets? What are

163
00:14:31,430 --> 00:14:36,910
its liabilities? What is its net worth? So for for profit business, we would call

164
00:14:36,910 --> 00:14:41,850
that a balance sheet for a town. We call it a statement of net position. A total

165
00:14:41,850 --> 00:14:49,690
net position increased by 3.1 million or 18% from fiscal year 2023 to 2024. That growth

166
00:14:49,690 --> 00:14:54,870
was driven primarily by significant capital investment across both governmental and business

167
00:14:54,870 --> 00:14:59,510
this type of activities, funded largely through grants and forgivable loan proceeds.

168
00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:14,540
Governmental net position, so these first columns, increased by roughly 650,000 or 7%, reflecting capital asset additions, specifically related to the Dumbar Police Station renovation and other town infrastructure projects.

169
00:15:14,540 --> 00:15:30,580
Business type net position increased by 2.5 million or 35% by business type we mean water and sewer or the enterprise funds driven by water main replacement projects funded through the drinking water state revolving fund program.

170
00:15:30,980 --> 00:15:43,700
Government wide total assets increased by 4% due to the aforementioned capital additions while total liabilities decreased by 7% primarily due to the draw down of

171
00:15:43,700 --> 00:15:47,540
unearned grant revenue as eligible expenditures were incurred.

172
00:15:47,700 --> 00:15:52,320
In other words, the town received community reinvestment fund and American Rescue Plan

173
00:15:52,320 --> 00:15:56,760
Act Awards in prior years, and they expended them during 2024.

174
00:15:57,280 --> 00:16:01,900
When the town expends that money, they recognize the revenue to match against the expenditures

175
00:16:01,900 --> 00:16:03,860
as required by GAAP.

176
00:16:04,400 --> 00:16:05,360
On page 10,

177
00:16:07,550 --> 00:16:12,570
this table is going to represent the town's activities during the year.

178
00:16:12,570 --> 00:16:17,270
So, if the town were for profit business, this is your statement of income or loss.

179
00:16:17,810 --> 00:16:21,730
What did you take in? What was your revenue? What did you pay out? Your expenses.

180
00:16:22,330 --> 00:16:27,350
And then basically, you know, your bottom line. Did you make money or lose money? What was your change

181
00:16:27,350 --> 00:16:34,470
in net position? Total revenue is increased by 75% from 6.4 million to 11.1 million.

182
00:16:34,870 --> 00:16:39,550
Most of that increase came from capital grant funding for the Dunbar Police Station renovation.

183
00:16:39,550 --> 00:16:44,130
those water main replacements and other sources of funding for those capital

184
00:16:44,130 --> 00:16:48,870
outlay projects so we recognize that revenue as we make those improvements and

185
00:16:48,870 --> 00:16:52,990
place them in service. The total cost of all programs and services was

186
00:16:52,990 --> 00:16:59,090
essentially flat year over year at about eight million so we see a growth in

187
00:16:59,090 --> 00:17:03,130
revenue significant infrastructure improvements and a controlled spend on

188
00:17:03,130 --> 00:17:09,250
other routine expenditures during fiscal year 2024. The result is a $3.1 million

189
00:17:09,250 --> 00:17:15,270
increase in that position during 2024 compared to a $1.65 million decrease in

190
00:17:15,270 --> 00:17:19,190
the prior year. So that's a swing of about $5 million, but it's important to

191
00:17:19,190 --> 00:17:23,530
understand that most of that improvement came from one-time grant and loan

192
00:17:23,530 --> 00:17:28,810
forgiveness revenue tied specifically to those capital projects. Once they're

193
00:17:28,810 --> 00:17:33,050
finished that revenue will go away again until we have more capital outlay projects

194
00:17:33,050 --> 00:17:38,630
that are of this size. If we isolate those extraordinary or unusual items from

195
00:17:38,630 --> 00:17:41,210
from 2024, the operating side of the budget

196
00:17:41,210 --> 00:17:43,310
was relatively stable by itself.

197
00:17:44,170 --> 00:17:48,370
Detail of total revenue and expenses is presented

198
00:17:48,370 --> 00:17:52,750
on page 13, the most colorful page of the report.

199
00:17:52,950 --> 00:17:54,110
It's got two pie charts.

200
00:17:54,590 --> 00:17:56,870
On the revenue side, grants and contributions

201
00:17:56,870 --> 00:17:59,190
made up the largest share of the town's revenue

202
00:17:59,190 --> 00:18:02,710
at 41%, fees, fines, and charges for services

203
00:18:02,710 --> 00:18:07,130
came in at 18%, followed by taxes at 17%.

204
00:18:07,130 --> 00:18:21,130
On the expense side, the police department represented the largest share of the town's expenses at 32 percent, followed by water and sewer operations at 13 percent, general government at 10 percent, and the street department at 7 percent.

205
00:18:21,830 --> 00:18:34,890
The government-wide financial statements begin on page 14. Everything we just went over. That management's discussion and analysis in the front is summarizing all of the technical schedules you're going to see from page 14 pretty much to the notes.

206
00:18:34,890 --> 00:18:39,730
So, these are the required statements for a local government.

207
00:18:40,010 --> 00:18:44,070
They show you the government-wide view, which takes a look at the whole government.

208
00:18:44,490 --> 00:18:52,230
And then it isolates just the general fund that collects taxes and helps pay for services like public safety and parks and brick.

209
00:18:52,750 --> 00:18:59,490
And then the enterprise statements that will show you how the water and sewer funds operated by themselves.

210
00:19:04,430 --> 00:19:10,090
For 2024, the town was required to undergo a single audit because federal expenditures

211
00:19:10,090 --> 00:19:15,150
exceeded the applicable threshold. Two programs were tested, the drinking water state

212
00:19:15,150 --> 00:19:20,570
revolving fund and the state and local fiscal recovery funds or ARPA. In our draft, the

213
00:19:20,570 --> 00:19:26,390
town received a clean compliance opinion on both programs with no findings and no question

214
00:19:26,390 --> 00:19:31,110
cost. You can start to find that after the notes, but we're getting fairly technical here.

215
00:19:31,470 --> 00:19:37,250
The schedule of expenditures of federal awards is on page 55. That shows you the major federal

216
00:19:37,250 --> 00:19:43,650
sources of funds that the town received and expended during fiscal year 2024 that were a part

217
00:19:43,650 --> 00:19:49,990
of our compliance audit. Now, I do want to talk briefly about two areas where we identified issues

218
00:19:49,990 --> 00:19:55,050
during the audit. First, we made corrections to how certain grant funds and loan draws have been

219
00:19:55,050 --> 00:19:59,750
recorded in prior years. In some cases grant money have been counted as revenue before

220
00:19:59,750 --> 00:20:04,230
the town had actually spent it on eligible costs, and loan draws have been recorded as

221
00:20:04,230 --> 00:20:09,130
revenue instead of debt, although those loan funds were eventually forgivable if all

222
00:20:09,130 --> 00:20:15,190
the terms of those debt agreements were met. These corrections required us to restate the

223
00:20:15,190 --> 00:20:22,030
town's beginning net position and are detailed in note 14 on page 43. Second, we did report

224
00:20:22,030 --> 00:20:25,770
a material weakness in the town's internal control over financial reporting.

225
00:20:26,190 --> 00:20:29,670
This finding can be found at the bottom of page 57.

226
00:20:30,350 --> 00:20:34,750
In plain terms, the town's bookkeeping was not kept current during the year, and we

227
00:20:34,750 --> 00:20:38,970
required a significant number of adjusting journal entries to assist with the preparation,

228
00:20:39,470 --> 00:20:42,950
and ensure the accuracy of the town's audited financial statements.

229
00:20:43,570 --> 00:20:48,390
Internal control findings like this one are not uncommon for small towns, especially in

230
00:20:48,390 --> 00:20:53,570
a single audit that rely on external auditors helped to prepare their financial statements.

231
00:20:54,310 --> 00:20:58,370
Also we understand the conditions of this finding were driven mostly by the loss of the

232
00:20:58,370 --> 00:21:04,270
town's former finance manager which did occur during fiscal year 2024 and then the subsequent

233
00:21:05,070 --> 00:21:10,130
employee turnover which created disruptions in the town's day-to-day financial processes.

234
00:21:10,710 --> 00:21:15,990
We have provided specific recommendations to management to resolve this finding in future

235
00:21:15,990 --> 00:21:16,650
periods.

236
00:21:16,650 --> 00:21:23,530
As a quick update, we are actively working on the 2025 audit where hopeful we can produce

237
00:21:23,530 --> 00:21:29,850
that engagement and if practical, the 2026 audit by the end of this calendar year, we get

238
00:21:29,850 --> 00:21:35,530
both 25 and 26 done, you'll be caught up. We only get 25 done, then we'll have two engagements

239
00:21:35,530 --> 00:21:40,270
next year just like we will have this year and then we'll still be on track with a real

240
00:21:40,270 --> 00:21:45,690
and attainable goal to get everything caught up. I would like to say we appreciate the patience

241
00:21:45,690 --> 00:21:48,550
and cooperation of the town council and the town staff

242
00:21:48,550 --> 00:21:51,510
throughout this process, these are complex engagements

243
00:21:51,510 --> 00:21:53,710
and getting them right does take time.

244
00:21:54,270 --> 00:21:56,830
Our goal is to give you a set of audited financial statements

245
00:21:56,830 --> 00:21:59,670
you can hand to any planner, any lender, any citizen,

246
00:21:59,990 --> 00:22:02,270
and say with confidence, this is where we stand.

247
00:22:02,630 --> 00:22:03,970
That's what this report does

248
00:22:03,970 --> 00:22:06,910
and we're glad to be a part of helping the town get there.

249
00:22:07,430 --> 00:22:09,670
Thank you for choosing like Johnson and Tall CPAs

250
00:22:09,670 --> 00:22:12,190
as the town of Laurel's independent audit firm.

251
00:22:12,470 --> 00:22:14,290
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate

252
00:22:14,290 --> 00:22:15,130
take to let me know.

253
00:22:17,630 --> 00:22:18,350
Thank

254
00:22:23,150 --> 00:22:25,770
you.

255
00:22:32,710 --> 00:22:33,430
Okay.

256
00:22:40,470 --> 00:22:42,190
So you want to amend the charter?

257
00:22:53,190 --> 00:22:54,710
There's a variety

258
00:22:54,710 --> 00:23:00,990
of factors that kind of flayed into that. The predecessor auditor firm does not prepare local

259
00:23:00,990 --> 00:23:06,810
government on its any more, the transition there was fairly difficult. Also the finance manager,

260
00:23:06,810 --> 00:23:12,330
the previous finance manager, the software was configured in a way that made sense for her and

261
00:23:12,330 --> 00:23:19,150
the way that she worked, but she did a lot of things manually outside of the system. So we were kind of,

262
00:23:19,270 --> 00:23:25,150
we got through the first year or the first two, I don't recall exactly. And we kind of had it figured

263
00:23:25,150 --> 00:23:32,110
out and then there was the transition of course. So then we have this period of you know kind of

264
00:23:32,110 --> 00:23:38,090
handing off and trying to get these processes back functioning again. So that was a major obstacle

265
00:23:38,090 --> 00:23:45,050
in being able to prepare 2024. The town's part of accounts is over a thousand accounts. There are

266
00:23:45,050 --> 00:23:52,090
multiple funds. The software itself is probably very complex for a town of the size. So all of these

267
00:23:52,090 --> 00:23:57,790
factors played into, you know, the amount of time that it's taken us to be able to prepare

268
00:23:57,790 --> 00:23:58,330
this one.

269
00:23:59,150 --> 00:24:00,010
So, again,

270
00:24:07,290 --> 00:24:08,270
it's speed up the costs.

271
00:24:10,040 --> 00:24:10,960
Hopefully it does.

272
00:24:11,380 --> 00:24:15,460
You know, I'm hopeful that it does and that we've kind of worked through that, that trouble.

273
00:24:15,460 --> 00:24:19,840
And like I said, it, it's always best to kind of hit while the iron is still hot.

274
00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:25,500
You know, if we can get everything in to do 2025 right now, I would hope to be here before

275
00:24:25,500 --> 00:24:29,060
you again by the end of this calendar year because it's all fresh.

276
00:24:29,900 --> 00:24:39,380
We've just thought about it. We've just put it together now as the easiest time for us to not you lose that synergy and just move right into the next fiscal year that we need to prepare.

277
00:24:42,260 --> 00:24:45,120
We everything that I'm sorry I'm going to cut you off.

278
00:24:45,400 --> 00:24:56,840
Yeah, every every time they send a request we can upload it. Well, let's be able to upload it into their portal. So as soon as they send it, we are getting them the information as quickly as we can.

279
00:25:01,510 --> 00:25:05,470
Yeah, you said that there are some, you know,

280
00:25:13,100 --> 00:25:29,320
there, there's actually well, basically the way that as auditors as independent auditors, we follow up is to do the next year's report and the next year, you'll see a, um, basically an update of the prior years findings.

281
00:25:29,800 --> 00:25:37,860
If you look at the actual finding text itself, which is on page 57, it starts at the very bottom and then just immediately gets cut cut off.

282
00:25:37,860 --> 00:25:44,840
It follows a prescribed format of criteria, condition, cause, effect, and then recommendations

283
00:25:45,220 --> 00:25:46,660
and then management's response.

284
00:25:47,240 --> 00:25:50,860
So I think a lot of your question is probably answered right in that recommendations

285
00:25:51,140 --> 00:25:53,400
and management's plan to response section.

286
00:25:53,860 --> 00:25:59,160
The one thing I will say as long as we're this far behind and we still have to do 25 and 26

287
00:25:59,160 --> 00:26:05,400
after we've done 24, their ability to influence and clear and correct this finding is going

288
00:26:05,400 --> 00:26:10,520
be limited until we're on a regular calendar year basis with this. So we'll probably see

289
00:26:10,520 --> 00:26:12,060
this recur a couple of times.

290
00:26:12,260 --> 00:26:13,600
I'll take this to

291
00:26:17,790 --> 00:26:18,610
the reviews.

292
00:26:19,310 --> 00:26:19,490
No.

293
00:26:30,240 --> 00:26:31,540
In what respect?

294
00:26:31,940 --> 00:26:32,480
Um, my

295
00:26:36,540 --> 00:26:37,680
issues agenda,

296
00:26:40,890 --> 00:26:42,950
how we are, obviously, we've shown

297
00:26:45,350 --> 00:26:46,190
in the past.

298
00:26:50,920 --> 00:26:56,420
I would say it's fairly comparable. Um, the, the theme with local governments in Delaware

299
00:26:56,420 --> 00:27:02,960
is understaffed and under resourced. I would say that that Laurel is probably more

300
00:27:02,960 --> 00:27:07,320
medium-sized in comparison to a lot of our other clients, so there's a better opportunity

301
00:27:07,320 --> 00:27:10,140
for segregation of duties and things like that.

302
00:27:10,540 --> 00:27:15,800
This is a very common finding as far as local governments go, and it had a lot to do with

303
00:27:15,800 --> 00:27:20,600
stepping up to a single law this year, which requires reporting to the federal government.

304
00:27:21,960 --> 00:27:24,280
So hopefully that helps answer your question.

305
00:27:25,040 --> 00:27:30,100
You can also go on any municipality's website, pull up their audit and financial statements,

306
00:27:30,280 --> 00:27:31,600
they're all structured about the same.

307
00:27:32,120 --> 00:27:36,940
So, you certainly could pull up C-furter, pull up Delmar and do some side-by-side comparisons

308
00:27:36,940 --> 00:27:42,860
and say, okay, how does that first table in the MDNA look for Delmar versus Laurel, etc.

309
00:27:45,850 --> 00:27:45,910
Yes.

310
00:27:46,090 --> 00:27:47,750
So, to be clear, the adjustment you

311
00:27:50,570 --> 00:27:51,630
might have to say that.

312
00:27:52,130 --> 00:27:52,350
Right.

313
00:27:52,570 --> 00:27:54,650
That was, too, the beginning fund balance, yes.

314
00:27:59,700 --> 00:28:00,920
Yeah, the question's for Brandon.

315
00:28:05,260 --> 00:28:06,100
Thank you very much.

316
00:28:06,240 --> 00:28:06,620
Thank you, sir.

317
00:28:13,740 --> 00:28:13,920
May I?

318
00:28:14,300 --> 00:28:14,460
Yes.

319
00:28:14,460 --> 00:28:21,280
At this point, I'd like to make a motion to have a workshop before we adopt the 24-24

320
00:28:21,280 --> 00:28:26,700
ordered to give the council myself and our citizens a chance to review the order so

321
00:28:26,700 --> 00:28:31,960
that we can have a better understanding of its content and ask more in-depth

322
00:28:31,960 --> 00:28:34,120
questions as we go through it.

323
00:28:34,620 --> 00:28:38,520
I don't feel that I can vote to accept the order at this time.

324
00:28:38,800 --> 00:28:43,960
I mean, I was given this paper here, like everybody else, when we came here into

325
00:28:43,960 --> 00:28:51,060
this room. And there's a lot here to comprehend and to understand. I'm sure, as I go through this,

326
00:28:51,120 --> 00:28:56,420
I probably would come up with some more questions than the time would allow us to do right here.

327
00:28:57,000 --> 00:29:01,180
I mean, a workshop would get the order more time to explain the report as we go through and

328
00:29:01,180 --> 00:29:06,680
understand it. Council members have more time to ask detailed questions. And the residents,

329
00:29:06,920 --> 00:29:13,000
the opportunity to better understand the town's financial before the Council votes on this audit.

330
00:29:13,000 --> 00:29:19,420
So, I'd like to make a motion that we have a workshop before we move this to adoption.

331
00:29:20,380 --> 00:29:21,940
Do you have a second on that motion?

332
00:29:24,750 --> 00:29:25,770
For this one right here?

333
00:29:25,810 --> 00:29:27,930
Yeah, for the audit itself.

334
00:29:28,050 --> 00:29:34,090
To have a workshop to go over this audit so to better understand.

335
00:29:34,310 --> 00:29:37,470
Like I said, I was giving this paper and there's a lot here.

336
00:29:37,530 --> 00:29:44,270
I know we were explaining some aspects of it, but there's a lot in here for me to go over

337
00:29:44,270 --> 00:29:49,910
in the next five minutes to sit here and vote and say, I accept this audit as it's written.

338
00:29:50,970 --> 00:29:55,210
You know, there are questions that I know I would probably have once I read through it.

339
00:29:55,770 --> 00:29:59,970
And I just think that we need more time to understand it before we accept it.

340
00:30:01,100 --> 00:30:05,220
No, it's just one, you just said the ordinance. So do I hear a second then.

341
00:30:10,770 --> 00:30:18,270
Regiment? So I'm here. No, no, no second.

342
00:30:23,540 --> 00:30:28,300
Yeah, absolutely. I only have a question for you. Well, maybe I'm kind of, I mean,

343
00:30:31,420 --> 00:30:42,660
kind of kind of see where we're out about the question as far as the numbers.

344
00:30:44,580 --> 00:30:46,760
are there going to change?

345
00:30:47,620 --> 00:30:50,080
No, the numbers aren't going to change.

346
00:30:50,260 --> 00:30:53,120
There might be some questions on how we came up with those numbers.

347
00:30:53,640 --> 00:30:54,880
I mean, there's a paper here.

348
00:30:55,180 --> 00:31:00,860
We as a council, we have financial oversight is the council's responsible.

349
00:31:01,020 --> 00:31:01,840
This is on us.

350
00:31:02,240 --> 00:31:06,300
Council members, the financial oversight of the town is on us.

351
00:31:06,980 --> 00:31:11,300
And I, for one, just want to make sure that I exercise that

352
00:31:11,300 --> 00:31:22,020
because if I neglect my role to do a oversight of our financials, I don't know who are my residents

353
00:31:22,020 --> 00:31:28,300
and it kind of just this. I just feel that given the council a book like this year,

354
00:31:29,080 --> 00:31:33,920
a couple of minutes before bringing it up to a vote, is not a very thing to do.

355
00:31:34,580 --> 00:31:38,360
I don't know if the residents have a better, you know, if the day looks through,

356
00:31:38,360 --> 00:31:46,840
Maybe they might have some questions on how we, I mean there were a couple of questions out there already, you know, but, but my thing is, is okay.

357
00:31:48,240 --> 00:32:01,040
The auditor, audited, he said he came up with no discrepancies of how the budget was made for the year.

358
00:32:01,040 --> 00:32:11,420
We have a budget committee that did this, because I wasn't on it, but I believe when

359
00:32:11,420 --> 00:32:19,320
this mark, who you replaced, what she passed, and stuff was diligent in what she did

360
00:32:19,640 --> 00:32:25,560
and when they brought it to us, the budget to us, that was when we went over it.

361
00:32:25,560 --> 00:32:33,420
I mean, I understand you wasn't on the council, but that's what I'm saying is that we went

362
00:32:33,420 --> 00:32:45,360
over, just like we're going to go over 2027, 2026, you know, so I can't see what I'm

363
00:32:45,360 --> 00:32:48,420
going to see any different than being back in 2024.

364
00:32:49,560 --> 00:32:51,020
Jamie, correct me if I'm wrong.

365
00:32:51,020 --> 00:32:55,980
I mean, we have a budget and a budget really isn't this isn't the budget.

366
00:32:56,620 --> 00:32:57,800
It's not the budget.

367
00:32:58,000 --> 00:33:02,760
It's an audit of the finances of the town in the previous year of 2024.

368
00:33:03,760 --> 00:33:10,460
So this isn't the budget and it's not saying that the budget is something wrong in the budget

369
00:33:10,460 --> 00:33:12,560
probably the way the budget was.

370
00:33:13,160 --> 00:33:16,440
This is just going over the finances of the town.

371
00:33:16,440 --> 00:33:22,700
And what I'm saying is, I would like a little bit more time to look at it before I wrote on it.

372
00:33:23,860 --> 00:33:24,720
That's what I'm saying.

373
00:33:25,300 --> 00:33:30,940
And I think the residents should be able to look at it also to ask some questions.

374
00:33:33,840 --> 00:33:36,040
But my thing is behind it, it's not going to change nothing.

375
00:33:36,300 --> 00:33:37,700
No, it's not going to change the thing.

376
00:33:37,840 --> 00:33:38,560
Not going to change it.

377
00:33:38,640 --> 00:33:38,880
Okay.

378
00:33:39,660 --> 00:33:41,660
But give me a better understanding of it, that's all.

379
00:33:44,570 --> 00:33:45,510
So do I have a second?

380
00:33:45,710 --> 00:33:47,310
That's where we're at at at this point.

381
00:33:49,900 --> 00:33:55,040
I mean, I just can't see the relevance of it.

382
00:33:55,700 --> 00:34:03,980
I mean, I understand I see what you say for your satisfaction, but like I said, in

383
00:34:05,100 --> 00:34:12,700
24, when it was presented, we went through it and stuff, but if we had, if we do this,

384
00:34:12,700 --> 00:34:16,500
That means when I'm all for anyone else's off,

385
00:34:16,960 --> 00:34:21,040
if someone else wants to go back two years,

386
00:34:21,380 --> 00:34:22,700
and it was circumstances,

387
00:34:22,700 --> 00:34:26,320
but then we would have to keep going back

388
00:34:26,320 --> 00:34:29,360
and instead of keep going back and keep going back.

389
00:34:29,860 --> 00:34:31,840
Instead of trying to get president,

390
00:34:31,980 --> 00:34:35,880
I don't want nothing swept under the rug.

391
00:34:36,140 --> 00:34:38,820
The movies I know when I was here

392
00:34:38,820 --> 00:34:40,400
and I looked at the budget

393
00:34:40,400 --> 00:34:52,160
And like I said, I wasn't on the budget committee, but it was presented to us just like the last one was presented to us again when we could go over it and look at it and stuff and ask questions.

394
00:34:53,400 --> 00:35:01,720
You know, that was when the time when we asked questions and things, that we hashed it out or whatever.

395
00:35:01,720 --> 00:35:08,620
So even the next ones will be some, I think that would be one that will raise taxes 30%.

396
00:35:09,180 --> 00:35:12,760
So you know, so then we'll have to go over.

397
00:35:12,960 --> 00:35:17,000
The only question I would have is why wasn't just given it to us sooner so that we could

398
00:35:17,000 --> 00:35:17,500
look at it.

399
00:35:17,640 --> 00:35:21,740
You know, I mean, why couldn't this be given to us last week so that we could look at it?

400
00:35:21,780 --> 00:35:24,620
Why wasn't it made available last week so we could look at it?

401
00:35:24,920 --> 00:35:31,240
Why is it something that's just put in front of us and we're told, here's a 60 page report

402
00:35:31,240 --> 00:35:36,060
you have to vote on it today that's all that's all I'm concerned about is why this

403
00:35:36,060 --> 00:35:39,480
could have been given to us last week for us to look at and I would not be making

404
00:35:39,480 --> 00:35:44,000
this statement right now that that's that's my concern it's not whether it was

405
00:35:44,000 --> 00:35:47,760
wrong right or there's things in here that aren't right is why weren't we given

406
00:35:47,760 --> 00:35:53,760
the opportunity to look at it before that that that's a my that's my concern

407
00:35:58,600 --> 00:36:04,460
I received it last week and then got copies and handed them out tonight and you guys can

408
00:36:04,460 --> 00:36:05,020
blame me whatever.

409
00:36:05,300 --> 00:36:09,280
I'm just following the same process that we followed for previous year or so.

410
00:36:13,180 --> 00:36:15,540
And I have no issue what you guys do.

411
00:36:15,740 --> 00:36:23,920
I mean, you know, we're at a point, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

412
00:36:26,010 --> 00:36:28,670
no, no, no, no, no,

413
00:36:28,670 --> 00:36:28,670
no, no, no,

414
00:36:32,860 --> 00:36:33,240
no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,

415
00:36:33,240 --> 00:36:40,860
Yes, so, so how I'm just want to know how long would we postpone this or whatever

416
00:36:43,460 --> 00:36:51,380
But I'm just going to we have a tell me how long would it next next next council meeting we be able to vote on it

417
00:36:51,380 --> 00:37:02,240
Well, we won't I'm sorry James. Yeah, we I have to see what suited brand and schedule to see if he can get back for a workshop, so you could potentially

418
00:37:07,200 --> 00:37:14,840
All this third would be our workshop. I don't know if that suits him. If not, then we would have to, you know, push it back. I'd have to get some dates from Brandon to

419
00:37:17,080 --> 00:37:17,780
check his schedule.

420
00:37:20,310 --> 00:37:22,350
So then once again, we have a second.

421
00:37:24,430 --> 00:37:24,830
Anyway,

422
00:37:31,640 --> 00:37:32,140
hold on there.

423
00:37:32,860 --> 00:37:37,240
I'm going to, I'm going to, I'm going to second it. I'm going to second it and all the super.

424
00:37:38,020 --> 00:37:42,780
I have to, I can't commit to that. I have to work with him.

425
00:37:42,780 --> 00:37:52,900
So if all is the third, it's not going to be a meeting, we can't get him back.

426
00:37:53,580 --> 00:37:59,060
Just a quick question, maybe because is there an issue that this needs to be adopted tonight

427
00:37:59,060 --> 00:38:01,260
or can it be adopted next month?

428
00:38:01,420 --> 00:38:02,880
Really, you're not adopting it.

429
00:38:03,080 --> 00:38:04,980
You're just accepting it as an issue.

430
00:38:04,980 --> 00:38:09,460
Is there an issue that is doing it next month or the month after?

431
00:38:09,620 --> 00:38:10,380
I don't see.

432
00:38:10,500 --> 00:38:12,000
I need to just give us time to look at it.

433
00:38:12,620 --> 00:38:16,020
No, there's nothing in the charter that says it has to be accepted within us.

434
00:38:16,240 --> 00:38:21,640
That's what I want, but we're not going against our charter, you know.

435
00:38:24,720 --> 00:38:28,820
So, and that'll give you time to look at it.

436
00:38:32,590 --> 00:38:32,990
Okay.

437
00:38:33,370 --> 00:38:34,270
So is that a second, John?

438
00:38:34,450 --> 00:38:34,990
Yeah, I'm a second.

439
00:38:35,250 --> 00:38:36,370
Oh, those in favor say aye.

440
00:38:37,550 --> 00:38:37,950
Aye.

441
00:38:39,370 --> 00:38:40,310
Oh, those opposed to any?

442
00:38:40,810 --> 00:38:40,990
No.

443
00:38:40,990 --> 00:38:41,270
Okay.

444
00:38:41,650 --> 00:38:43,570
It's not going to change.

445
00:38:44,250 --> 00:38:44,930
Roger, no.

446
00:38:45,070 --> 00:38:45,750
What was your name?

447
00:38:46,590 --> 00:38:46,910
I'm sorry.

448
00:38:47,670 --> 00:38:48,310
Rodgers said no.

449
00:38:48,810 --> 00:38:48,910
Right.

450
00:38:49,030 --> 00:38:49,630
So it's time.

451
00:38:52,360 --> 00:38:53,120
In case of a time.

452
00:38:54,160 --> 00:38:54,340
Christmas.

453
00:38:55,100 --> 00:38:55,400
Okay.

454
00:38:56,100 --> 00:38:56,640
Thank you.

455
00:39:03,730 --> 00:39:05,270
One other question.

456
00:39:07,320 --> 00:39:14,300
Would council of dollars or dollars still have the key to be able to ask a brand.

457
00:39:14,900 --> 00:39:15,420
Question.

458
00:39:15,640 --> 00:39:16,020
Yeah.

459
00:39:16,020 --> 00:39:16,600
Branded.

460
00:39:16,600 --> 00:39:35,400
We were told last time I could call him, I could call him and ask him questions, I can't, I know that in the past, but I don't know is, are other people going to be allowed to call him and ask questions.

461
00:39:36,880 --> 00:39:45,820
You know, it's not just me. I don't know which is me. I mean, I'm just speaking for myself. I don't know if there's other director questions to Jamie.

462
00:39:47,600 --> 00:39:49,480
Okay. There you go.

463
00:39:50,600 --> 00:39:51,180
That'll work.

464
00:39:53,740 --> 00:39:54,860
Okay, so then we'll move on.

465
00:39:55,760 --> 00:40:02,920
All right. The minutes of the June 15th. Do I have a motion to accept them?

466
00:40:02,920 --> 00:40:10,940
So big do I have a second all those in favor say aye all those opposed say

467
00:40:10,940 --> 00:40:17,200
Now we'll go on to the department heads report James good evening

468
00:41:11,130 --> 00:41:13,250
Okay, thank you James Dan

469
00:41:13,790 --> 00:41:14,550
Go inspector

470
00:41:35,910 --> 00:41:38,570
Thank you Dan. I've been pretty busy. Thank you

471
00:41:38,570 --> 00:41:40,590
Anyone has any questions for Dan?

472
00:41:43,810 --> 00:41:46,390
Now go to Adam and Court and welcome back Judge Ruffin.

473
00:41:46,910 --> 00:41:48,110
Hope your recovery is going well.

474
00:42:02,030 --> 00:42:03,490
Any questions for Adam and Court?

475
00:42:03,650 --> 00:42:04,050
Judge Ruffin?

476
00:42:04,670 --> 00:42:05,070
Yes I do.

477
00:42:06,450 --> 00:42:09,070
I don't believe it's a matter of change in record.

478
00:42:09,250 --> 00:42:11,930
Just a better understanding of it, Judge.

479
00:42:13,610 --> 00:42:22,510
One of my questions is which line items in the report are included in $138,944 total to the town?

480
00:42:24,190 --> 00:42:27,850
I'm looking at the council receivable report in

481
00:42:34,120 --> 00:42:41,160
June in June, it says on the lower part total to the town 138,900 for hours.

482
00:42:42,720 --> 00:42:48,060
That I was asking where that where that figure comes from which which one it is.

483
00:42:51,990 --> 00:42:57,170
Now that's the one above it the one all the way on the bottom the 138904.

484
00:43:16,590 --> 00:43:17,070
Okay.

485
00:43:19,070 --> 00:43:24,830
Of course, I'm just not understanding because I know what it says, do the court's security

486
00:43:24,830 --> 00:43:25,970
fees come back to the town?

487
00:43:26,690 --> 00:43:27,030
Yes.

488
00:43:27,550 --> 00:43:27,750
Okay.

489
00:43:28,110 --> 00:43:33,750
I'm also noticing in the reports, under the collection and the distribution reports, and one

490
00:43:33,750 --> 00:43:39,150
report is called the fee, and the other one is called a fund.

491
00:43:39,770 --> 00:43:40,510
Is there a difference?

492
00:43:40,550 --> 00:43:44,310
It's just the name, Jamie, the Pope, basically, the same things.

493
00:43:44,310 --> 00:43:54,570
Okay. One last question, please. The total number on the top line town fines. On this

494
00:43:54,570 --> 00:44:04,770
one, as soon as June, and we had $97,182 in town fines, where does that number come from?

495
00:44:04,910 --> 00:44:10,390
Is that fiscal year 2026? Is that a year-to-date figure? What is that number to compass?

496
00:44:10,390 --> 00:44:12,370
Absolutely. That's monthly. That's monthly. That's monthly.

497
00:44:12,790 --> 00:44:17,070
We made, we took in $97,182 in June.

498
00:44:17,150 --> 00:44:19,290
And these are receivables. This is what we're,

499
00:44:21,640 --> 00:44:24,100
this is money that is owed to the tank.

500
00:44:25,280 --> 00:44:28,240
Okay. All right. So these aren't receivables for a month.

501
00:44:28,400 --> 00:44:30,920
These are like totally monies that are owed to the town. Yes.

502
00:44:31,280 --> 00:44:34,920
Okay. All right. Because I'm just, I'm reading it different.

503
00:44:35,100 --> 00:44:40,500
I'm just trying to understand it. I appreciate your, let me know how it is.

504
00:44:40,500 --> 00:44:50,880
All right now we're going to finance Melissa I did make some

505
00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:05,060
For the lemon area, we still do get bills in July of the year this year.

506
00:45:08,290 --> 00:45:09,570
I don't have anything else to add.

507
00:45:12,770 --> 00:45:14,510
Anyone has any questions for finance?

508
00:45:16,980 --> 00:45:34,260
Thank you, minister. Now we'll go to the chief. Yes, Mary. Yeah, good evening. I want to highlight a couple things even though they're in your report. But Laura, please pardon, handle the two notes. We're on 42 complaints for calls for service in June of 2026, which is pretty extraordinarily high.

509
00:45:34,260 --> 00:45:40,180
And with that game, the following charge is a 25 and Mr.

510
00:45:40,300 --> 00:45:45,320
Miner charge of 49 for a total arrest of 64, which is,

511
00:45:45,320 --> 00:45:48,560
which is again very, very high this summer.

512
00:45:49,220 --> 00:45:50,780
It's at summertime, for sure.

513
00:45:52,240 --> 00:45:56,420
Going back to June 1st, we had a meeting with the Health Initiative in

514
00:45:56,420 --> 00:45:58,860
Charles Kisserer, which I know you know Mr. Mayor.

515
00:45:59,580 --> 00:46:02,500
He donated a small drone for us for our drone program,

516
00:46:02,500 --> 00:46:04,680
So our thanks go out to him.

517
00:46:06,540 --> 00:46:11,760
On the fifth, Laurel PD hosted the National Gun Violence Awareness

518
00:46:11,760 --> 00:46:11,980
Meeting.

519
00:46:12,100 --> 00:46:14,340
That was attended by, well, the governor

520
00:46:14,340 --> 00:46:16,360
was supposed to be there to cancel it the last minute.

521
00:46:16,960 --> 00:46:18,480
But there were several high profile people

522
00:46:18,480 --> 00:46:21,300
at a lot of media coverage that came all with that.

523
00:46:22,680 --> 00:46:25,360
We took part in the ball and forgot basketball tournament.

524
00:46:28,100 --> 00:46:30,180
at the courts.

525
00:46:32,420 --> 00:46:39,780
We attended the sleep meeting, which is the state law enforcement adjudicated

526
00:46:39,780 --> 00:46:44,960
funds, which is a grant award, and we were lucky enough to receive $8,000, which we're

527
00:46:44,960 --> 00:46:55,300
going to utilize to purchase three new patrol entries. At a meeting on June 16th, with the

528
00:46:55,300 --> 00:46:59,100
the AG's office about legislation for pop-up parties,

529
00:46:59,280 --> 00:47:03,520
which is an event that's not only affects us here in Laurel

530
00:47:03,520 --> 00:47:05,000
and it affects the state of Delaware

531
00:47:05,000 --> 00:47:09,100
but it's a national trend for these pop-up social media

532
00:47:09,100 --> 00:47:11,480
parties that occur, if you're not familiar

533
00:47:11,480 --> 00:47:13,760
then we've had several of those either in Little Creek

534
00:47:13,760 --> 00:47:15,660
or in Hollywood.

535
00:47:16,860 --> 00:47:18,780
So I'm asking Dan to consider legislation

536
00:47:18,780 --> 00:47:20,940
that would outlaw the promotion of those kind of things

537
00:47:20,940 --> 00:47:23,500
through social media and have it a tiered event

538
00:47:23,500 --> 00:47:30,280
where you would be fine or sentenced to a higher level crime, depending on how many people show up, basically.

539
00:47:30,980 --> 00:47:38,580
So we're seeing if we can get support to that up to a percent of the dues and short, and they seem to be on board.

540
00:47:39,180 --> 00:47:47,480
And so now it's just, you know, if you can go ahead and send them letters that would go a long way, probably, it wouldn't support that type of legislation.

541
00:47:48,900 --> 00:47:54,500
We then, we kind of coincidentally, on the 18th, we had a big black party out at Little

542
00:47:54,500 --> 00:47:54,760
Creek.

543
00:47:56,540 --> 00:48:00,280
You know, I always have to thank my brothers and sisters with the state police because

544
00:48:00,280 --> 00:48:01,720
they made that a success for us.

545
00:48:02,000 --> 00:48:02,760
But so did the rain.

546
00:48:03,140 --> 00:48:04,060
The rain really helped us.

547
00:48:04,440 --> 00:48:05,540
That particular rain as well.

548
00:48:07,040 --> 00:48:12,960
And then on the 26th, if you know it or not, but Amy Handy has a group of children who come

549
00:48:12,960 --> 00:48:18,960
to the PD on Fridays and we participated in being a part of that for them to give tours

550
00:48:18,960 --> 00:48:22,540
and I have an interaction with them as well.

551
00:48:22,980 --> 00:48:24,340
I think it's a very successful program.

552
00:48:24,560 --> 00:48:30,760
I think Amy and her group for the work they do with Al just seeing their smiles on

553
00:48:30,760 --> 00:48:32,440
his kids when they leave us.

554
00:48:32,960 --> 00:48:34,940
So that's all I have for you, sir.

555
00:48:36,120 --> 00:48:37,040
Thank you, Chief, for everything.

556
00:48:37,200 --> 00:48:39,540
I know it's been a tough summer, but it's much appreciated.

557
00:48:39,760 --> 00:48:41,160
Anybody has any questions for the Chief?

558
00:48:41,160 --> 00:48:51,140
Yeah, because Jamie, can we get a draft letter that the chief was asking about for the citizens to send in the legislators? Is there any way we could get some kind of draft letter?

559
00:48:52,660 --> 00:49:01,800
Yeah, I can certainly work on that. I've sent it out to Mary Council. Well, we can send one from the town. But then if any citizens want to use, I can come up with some wording that would.

560
00:49:01,800 --> 00:49:13,600
Yeah, just give some points and then they can draft or I think it's a great idea. Thank you. All right. Okay. We'll move on to old business.

561
00:49:13,860 --> 00:49:15,140
I'm going to Smith. My report.

562
00:49:16,540 --> 00:49:17,700
I always do.

563
00:49:17,700 --> 00:49:19,740
And then we get your report please.

564
00:49:19,740 --> 00:49:25,520
I have my report in front of you on economic development.

565
00:49:25,920 --> 00:49:34,760
I am currently working on with some officials at the state level or local legislators

566
00:49:35,120 --> 00:49:41,040
and hoping to be able to pull together a meeting with some state officials about the commercial

567
00:49:41,040 --> 00:49:47,640
development that's proposed between the bargain bills and nanocook immediate care.

568
00:49:47,640 --> 00:49:55,880
So there's we need to work through some things with some state agencies and we're going to be pulling together that meeting hopefully can get that project maybe forward.

569
00:49:56,640 --> 00:50:03,800
I did announce at the last meeting that the Wawa did receive their final approval so they should be starting site work.

570
00:50:03,980 --> 00:50:15,720
They're hoping some time in September or October and he did say at the last meeting that by I think late spring early summer hopefully they'll be opened up and

571
00:50:15,720 --> 00:50:19,400
and be ready for business as long as everything moves forward.

572
00:50:20,080 --> 00:50:24,340
We have a housing development that's proposed on the other side of Route 13.

573
00:50:24,720 --> 00:50:29,280
They have received all their approvals other than soil conservation so they're working

574
00:50:29,280 --> 00:50:30,820
in the soil conservation to get that.

575
00:50:31,580 --> 00:50:36,860
And then one thing I would like to point out on June 10th and I know Brian's here so I don't

576
00:50:36,860 --> 00:50:40,420
want to steal a stunder wherever he got to various back there.

577
00:50:40,420 --> 00:50:47,420
I was able to attend the ribbon cutting for the Boys and Girls Club, their outdoor basketball

578
00:50:47,420 --> 00:50:52,540
port that was they received through grant funding. It's really, really cool port. The kids

579
00:50:52,540 --> 00:50:57,900
really, the really benefit from it. It's a great program. So if you haven't had a chance

580
00:50:57,900 --> 00:51:03,720
to see it, get out with Brian and stop by and check it out. That is all I have, sir.

581
00:51:04,320 --> 00:51:07,340
Thank you, game. Okay, so old business?

582
00:51:07,340 --> 00:51:08,780
Oh, business, yes.

583
00:51:09,180 --> 00:51:11,860
So, Mary and council, at the last council meeting,

584
00:51:12,380 --> 00:51:19,320
Miss Sharon Artisano requested that the May 15th,

585
00:51:19,320 --> 00:51:22,020
I believe, meeting minutes be amended.

586
00:51:22,460 --> 00:51:25,400
Some of her, some of what was tight versus

587
00:51:27,110 --> 00:51:29,080
what she verbally stated was different

588
00:51:29,080 --> 00:51:30,940
so she had typed up a transcript of that

589
00:51:30,940 --> 00:51:35,460
and also requested that an email communication chain

590
00:51:35,460 --> 00:51:41,560
also be attached to those minutes. So I know Mary and council didn't take any action and she

591
00:51:41,560 --> 00:51:47,920
reached out to me about a week and a half ago to see the the process to get that her request

592
00:51:50,200 --> 00:51:55,740
considered for approval. So I told her I would put it on the agenda and I believe that information

593
00:51:56,260 --> 00:52:02,300
should be in your in your packets or she can't and I know she handed it out at the last meeting as well.

594
00:52:02,300 --> 00:52:03,080
We're

595
00:52:10,220 --> 00:52:19,100
simply voting on the changes to adopt. Yeah, it would amend those minutes. And then we would add the information that she requested to the to the minute packet.

596
00:52:19,400 --> 00:52:29,200
Okay, so do I have a motion to I'd like to make a motion that we amend the minutes to say what was said at the meeting.

597
00:52:31,660 --> 00:52:34,560
Thank you, thank

598
00:52:41,760 --> 00:52:47,840
you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you

599
00:52:47,840 --> 00:52:54,150
for the information that I have,

600
00:52:57,630 --> 00:53:05,270
changes to the public, no, no, no, that's what I got, yeah, no, that's that's something that's something different.

601
00:53:05,270 --> 00:53:12,910
That that was what he had added separately. Yeah, that was that was directed. Yes, okay.

602
00:53:15,130 --> 00:53:17,550
Yeah, what was that at?

603
00:53:26,310 --> 00:53:33,230
Her all her comments are tight in the last meeting minutes that she requested for consideration to be changed.

604
00:53:33,230 --> 00:53:33,530
Okay.

605
00:53:34,670 --> 00:53:35,350
I'm sorry.

606
00:53:36,590 --> 00:53:37,030
Yes.

607
00:53:37,230 --> 00:53:37,310
Yes.

608
00:53:37,570 --> 00:53:37,790
Yes.

609
00:53:37,930 --> 00:53:38,370
Yes.

610
00:53:38,810 --> 00:53:39,010
Yes.

611
00:53:41,870 --> 00:53:44,910
And then we do have the email chain as well.

612
00:53:44,990 --> 00:53:45,770
That we have on.

613
00:53:45,930 --> 00:53:46,030
Yeah.

614
00:53:53,840 --> 00:53:54,000
All right.

615
00:53:54,080 --> 00:53:54,680
Your second debt.

616
00:53:57,140 --> 00:53:58,600
Are those in favor say aye.

617
00:53:59,520 --> 00:53:59,960
Aye.

618
00:54:00,480 --> 00:54:00,660
Aye.

619
00:54:01,060 --> 00:54:01,900
Opposed say aye.

620
00:54:06,990 --> 00:54:07,590
All right.

621
00:54:07,710 --> 00:54:08,310
New business.

622
00:54:08,770 --> 00:54:09,210
Consumular.

623
00:54:09,470 --> 00:54:09,910
Communication.

624
00:54:10,470 --> 00:54:12,130
There was one other thing on the old business sir.

625
00:54:12,730 --> 00:54:13,670
Well, yeah.

626
00:54:13,930 --> 00:54:17,430
Jamie, I just want to ask on May, on May.

627
00:54:17,430 --> 00:54:24,850
At the May 18th meeting, there was an issue brought up pertaining to the property at

628
00:54:24,850 --> 00:54:27,030
235 Market Street.

629
00:54:29,030 --> 00:54:34,950
I made a motion to look into the property there and at 235 Market Street prior to

630
00:54:34,950 --> 00:54:42,090
a rezone in President of Council Cali, a second the motion, and it passed five to one that

631
00:54:42,090 --> 00:54:49,090
We would look into an amendment to the zoning for that.

632
00:54:50,290 --> 00:54:52,630
Is that something that should be under open?

633
00:54:53,330 --> 00:54:55,050
I'm working with the attorney on that.

634
00:54:55,330 --> 00:54:57,570
I've sent all that to him after the council meeting.

635
00:54:58,430 --> 00:55:04,810
He and I talked about it a couple of times because he's looking at we may be able to do just a resolution instead of an ordinance amendment.

636
00:55:04,810 --> 00:55:10,770
So, basically my question is should it be covered, you know, because should be covered

637
00:55:10,770 --> 00:55:13,150
under all business until it gets rectified?

638
00:55:14,250 --> 00:55:19,270
I mean, there's nothing to bring up until we get the attorneys' recommendation on how

639
00:55:19,270 --> 00:55:20,170
to move over with it.

640
00:55:20,730 --> 00:55:21,970
So, we don't normally keep that under.

641
00:55:21,990 --> 00:55:25,530
Yeah, no, like I said, and I've always said, my main concern of things not being brought

642
00:55:25,530 --> 00:55:27,850
up over the whole business that they get lost.

643
00:55:28,190 --> 00:55:29,270
Yeah, no, it's at the attorney.

644
00:55:29,430 --> 00:55:30,550
I have a...

645
00:55:30,550 --> 00:55:30,970
Okay.

646
00:55:30,970 --> 00:55:48,330
Thank you. Thank you. That was my only question. Thank you, Gamy. Great. Could you just put it in a line? Sure. Thank you. Great. Thank you, Chris. All right. Communication committee information pamphlet. Consumnet. I doubt. Thank you.

647
00:55:48,330 --> 00:55:50,130
All right.

648
00:55:53,240 --> 00:56:00,560
The committee came up with a pamphlet for and it's it's called welcome to the town of Laurel

649
00:56:02,900 --> 00:56:07,400
I've sent this to mayor counsel so that they could review it.

650
00:56:07,880 --> 00:56:16,400
Last month we brought it up to try and get it passed and we're told that you know the best thing to do is give it to the attorney to let the attorney look it over.

651
00:56:17,560 --> 00:56:24,040
the only thing that he actually changed was to put a disclaimer on there and to put a criteria

652
00:56:24,040 --> 00:56:30,300
to be included in the brochure which we've done. So everything as far as we could tell it has

653
00:56:30,300 --> 00:56:38,100
been taken care of changes that were required were done. And there was one thing that Chris

654
00:56:38,100 --> 00:56:45,800
said that Cheryl did fix and that was bringing Senator Richardson's name to the top of

655
00:56:45,800 --> 00:56:50,940
to listen to local representatives, so that was taken care of.

656
00:56:51,240 --> 00:56:56,660
And that's not in your packet because that was done after it was sent in.

657
00:56:57,060 --> 00:57:06,340
So I'd like to make a motion that the Town and Council accept this brochure as it's been presented

658
00:57:06,340 --> 00:57:14,460
to the Council so that we can get it, get some made up and get them out to the first event

659
00:57:14,460 --> 00:57:21,300
that's coming up would be the Broad Creek Bash and we were able to get a sponsorship that's under

660
00:57:21,300 --> 00:57:26,680
the name of Friends of Laurel is going to have a sponsorship for the Broad Creek Bash and we're

661
00:57:26,680 --> 00:57:32,160
going to have a tent set up and I would be the first to volunteer to sit at that tent and

662
00:57:32,160 --> 00:57:38,560
pass out these broad shorters to people coming to town. So I'd like to get a motion to accept this

663
00:57:38,560 --> 00:57:43,700
sure as it's been presented to Mary Council at this time.

664
00:57:44,940 --> 00:57:45,800
You made a motion?

665
00:57:46,360 --> 00:57:48,620
Yes, sir. I'm making a motion to accept it.

666
00:57:48,660 --> 00:57:52,300
All right, before we go, I just want to say this is God willing.

667
00:57:52,980 --> 00:57:53,560
It's Cheryl.

668
00:57:53,740 --> 00:57:56,780
We're done by the whole group of Cheryl and everyone else.

669
00:57:59,060 --> 00:58:00,420
All right, all those in favor say aye.

670
00:58:01,340 --> 00:58:01,740
Aye.

671
00:58:02,240 --> 00:58:03,300
All those opposed say aye.

672
00:58:03,460 --> 00:58:03,620
Okay.

673
00:58:04,960 --> 00:58:05,560
Thank you.

674
00:58:05,700 --> 00:58:06,000
Thank you.

675
00:58:06,000 --> 00:58:07,680
Okay, now

676
00:58:10,140 --> 00:58:14,240
we're going to go with the adoption of the Sussex County Tax Assessment at this time, and I just moved.

677
00:58:14,620 --> 00:58:19,760
Mayor and Council, I have here the Sussex County Assessment list for all properties with entail limits.

678
00:58:19,920 --> 00:58:24,540
We get this list from Sussex County. We do not offer it until Mayor and Council accept it.

679
00:58:25,180 --> 00:58:32,100
The board of assessment, they come in, they take a review of it, and if they have any questions, certainly try to answer them.

680
00:58:32,680 --> 00:58:36,580
And they sign off on it and recommend that Mayor and Council accept it as presented.

681
00:58:36,580 --> 00:58:46,420
From this point, once it's accepted, then we will use this list and convert it into our system with the tax assessment so we can do the tax bills.

682
00:58:46,940 --> 00:58:52,880
And then at the August meeting, we will have our Court of Appeals. Should any residents have any questions or concerns about their assessment?

683
00:58:53,480 --> 00:59:00,600
Where is this list? I don't know. It's right here. I haven't seen it. It's Sussex Counties. They send it to us.

684
00:59:00,600 --> 00:59:02,040
That's what we said we were going to accept.

685
00:59:02,560 --> 00:59:04,740
So do I

686
00:59:07,910 --> 00:59:08,350
hear motion?

687
00:59:08,590 --> 00:59:09,590
I'll make a motion council,

688
00:59:09,850 --> 00:59:11,510
don't make a motion to accept the so-called

689
00:59:11,510 --> 00:59:12,370
here a second.

690
00:59:13,150 --> 00:59:13,610
Second.

691
00:59:14,670 --> 00:59:15,290
Thank you.

692
00:59:15,610 --> 00:59:16,410
All right.

693
00:59:16,530 --> 00:59:17,550
All those in favor say aye.

694
00:59:18,130 --> 00:59:18,490
Aye.

695
00:59:19,870 --> 00:59:20,530
Thank you.

696
00:59:21,850 --> 00:59:22,470
All right.

697
00:59:22,570 --> 00:59:23,410
Tom, I'm going to just Smith,

698
00:59:23,570 --> 00:59:25,650
adoption of the 2024 audit.

699
00:59:26,030 --> 00:59:30,110
Mayor council, you have the audit before you.

700
00:59:31,170 --> 00:59:39,570
that Brandon presented tonight for fiscal year 24 and it's presented up for adoption or acceptance, not really adoption.

701
00:59:40,470 --> 00:59:42,750
So do I hear a motion for that as well?

702
00:59:47,350 --> 00:59:50,110
Thank you. Do I hear a second?

703
00:59:50,110 --> 00:59:50,550
Second

704
00:59:53,210 --> 00:59:57,270
Like John can have a question. Thank you Regan. Is this what we were talking about?

705
00:59:58,790 --> 00:59:59,190
Yes

706
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:29,500
Yes, of course. So the number of the stuff will change. Brandon, can you answer that question? So it's clear. I mean, if the goal is just understanding the auto-fender, I would never discourage anyone from that. So the only thing I would say the prior discussion about me, just sending questions to the town manager, the report is pretty broad. So probably going to have to research any questions that I have to really give you.

707
01:00:29,500 --> 01:00:34,740
And so I say answer. So if you guys would just like to put some questions together and then I can kind of take that

708
01:00:34,740 --> 01:00:39,920
I do a little research day and then come back to you. We could probably do it most efficiently in that way.

709
01:00:40,020 --> 01:00:42,280
But it's totally your fault. You guys have the point.

710
01:00:43,160 --> 01:00:48,640
This is the only question and I think maybe I'm just getting confused and in this whole thing is

711
01:00:49,400 --> 01:00:56,780
the order really doesn't have anything to do with the budget per se. The order is just to show that

712
01:00:56,780 --> 01:01:01,220
that we, that the count has kept within the budget process, right?

713
01:01:01,480 --> 01:01:04,740
It doesn't really have to do with the budget, or am I misunderstanding this?

714
01:01:04,960 --> 01:01:08,020
A budget is a component of the permanent duty.

715
01:01:08,440 --> 01:01:08,860
Right.

716
01:01:10,790 --> 01:01:11,370
Okay.

717
01:01:11,610 --> 01:01:18,010
I just said that one doesn't, one isn't actually, the order isn't the budget, the budget is not

718
01:01:18,010 --> 01:01:18,490
the audit.

719
01:01:23,990 --> 01:01:24,570
Right.

720
01:01:28,870 --> 01:01:36,550
No, I like being able to put questions together, give the Jamie and let Jamie present them and, you know, there's anything that needs to be questioned.

721
01:01:36,730 --> 01:01:39,450
I mean, now we could read it, but thank you, Mr. Tom.

722
01:01:40,170 --> 01:01:40,790
Appreciate it.

723
01:01:40,890 --> 01:01:42,210
All right. I did get a second on that.

724
01:01:42,930 --> 01:01:44,370
All those in favor say aye.

725
01:01:44,710 --> 01:01:46,650
All those opposed say nay?

726
01:01:46,910 --> 01:01:47,030
No.

727
01:01:47,030 --> 01:01:49,470
Okay, upcoming community events,

728
01:01:49,630 --> 01:01:50,030
time management.

729
01:01:50,330 --> 01:01:51,390
Yeah, Mayor and council,

730
01:01:51,870 --> 01:01:53,650
I just like to point out some events

731
01:01:53,650 --> 01:01:54,570
that we have upcoming.

732
01:01:54,710 --> 01:01:56,110
There's a lot of community events

733
01:01:56,470 --> 01:02:00,150
that we have this weekend, the Saturday.

734
01:02:00,510 --> 01:02:04,790
There's the helping hands, Dr. Harris, she left.

735
01:02:04,930 --> 01:02:06,030
Okay, she talked about that.

736
01:02:06,250 --> 01:02:09,370
That's from one to eight in Roger C. Fisher Park.

737
01:02:10,290 --> 01:02:13,210
On August the eighth is the,

738
01:02:13,210 --> 01:02:16,410
the Arc Jamberry, that's in Genosic Park.

739
01:02:17,310 --> 01:02:20,290
On August 15th, there's another back to school bash.

740
01:02:20,710 --> 01:02:23,050
That's in Rodersey Fisher Park from 10 to 5.

741
01:02:23,730 --> 01:02:26,210
Operation West Law is having their camp of Christ,

742
01:02:26,430 --> 01:02:29,130
August 10th through August 13th.

743
01:02:29,130 --> 01:02:34,390
And August 22nd, it's the second annual Brawl Creek

744
01:02:34,390 --> 01:02:36,490
bash in Genosic Park.

745
01:02:37,130 --> 01:02:41,070
And then back to school bash is August 23rd.

746
01:02:41,070 --> 01:02:49,910
and then I know we have a August, the third, the sixth is St. Andrew's Bible School,

747
01:02:50,150 --> 01:02:56,290
and then on that Friday is the block party, August 7th, or the block party, yes.

748
01:02:56,750 --> 01:03:03,930
So, six and in the seven. Okay. All right, we'll move on to May and Consum's comment.

749
01:03:04,070 --> 01:03:04,510
Roger Nate?

750
01:03:06,630 --> 01:03:11,290
Hello, hello. I know Dr. Michelle here is thank you so much,

751
01:03:11,290 --> 01:03:17,870
Michelle. Thank you so much for everything that you all do. Love out loud out loud is an amazing

752
01:03:18,550 --> 01:03:24,730
program. They help a lot of people. I just want to mention a couple of things. Also thank you to

753
01:03:24,730 --> 01:03:31,770
everyone tonight. August the 8th is the art of the there's 12 annual back to school jamboree

754
01:03:32,370 --> 01:03:40,570
and that's going to be in Janos like park. We are having a youth event. It's going to be on August

755
01:03:40,570 --> 01:03:47,550
first we are working and all using Fisher Park if you know need be will change the date but it's

756
01:03:47,550 --> 01:03:56,990
going to be an event where the youth's voices matter. The program is called Youth Voices Project so

757
01:03:57,790 --> 01:04:05,010
it's a lot that we're doing with it. They're happy that this is coming along and if there's anybody

758
01:04:05,010 --> 01:04:10,090
that would like to reach out and help out please let me know. Like I said August the first is the

759
01:04:10,090 --> 01:04:16,010
date we're aiming for and it's going to be the Youth Voices project where we hear them speak for themselves.

760
01:04:17,210 --> 01:04:22,810
And thanks again for everybody. Thank you, Mayor and Council, and all the department heads. And that's all I have to say tonight.

761
01:04:23,990 --> 01:04:26,270
Thank you, Reginae. How's the minute of that?

762
01:04:26,410 --> 01:04:33,870
First, I'd like to thank Enforcement Director Dan Haag and his department for the detailed events.

763
01:04:34,350 --> 01:04:38,670
I'm sorry, reports that you've been given us, they're really refreshing to see.

764
01:04:39,250 --> 01:04:42,130
And I have taken notice around town on,

765
01:04:44,150 --> 01:04:45,110
it looks different.

766
01:04:45,530 --> 01:04:47,710
If you really look around and see it, it looks different.

767
01:04:47,870 --> 01:04:52,870
I see a lot of grass being cut, the lawns look a lot better.

768
01:04:53,450 --> 01:04:58,870
And I know your people from your reports are out there doing what we ask them to do.

769
01:04:59,470 --> 01:05:02,950
And I just want to tell you, I appreciate it, and it's very refreshing to see.

770
01:05:02,950 --> 01:05:05,430
And also, Melissa, thank you very much.

771
01:05:05,790 --> 01:05:12,630
Your reports that you've given us in our packet tonight are more insightful and more

772
01:05:12,630 --> 01:05:17,290
transparent to see some of the reports that you've put out this month.

773
01:05:17,650 --> 01:05:18,750
Thank you very much.

774
01:05:19,330 --> 01:05:23,810
And Jamie, the updates on upcoming events that are brought up here and in the packets.

775
01:05:24,510 --> 01:05:32,130
Again, you know, I see a lot of positive changes over the last couple of months and I appreciate

776
01:05:32,130 --> 01:05:44,870
From from your staff and in the town staff and there is a lot of changes that I do notice and they are very refreshing and hopefully our residents notice them also.

777
01:05:45,170 --> 01:05:46,570
Thank you.

778
01:05:46,570 --> 01:05:47,150
Thank you.

779
01:05:48,650 --> 01:05:49,390
Thank you.

780
01:05:49,390 --> 01:05:49,910
Councilman Cateo.

781
01:05:50,490 --> 01:05:51,350
Nothing to see me.

782
01:05:51,530 --> 01:05:52,190
Thank you.

783
01:05:52,210 --> 01:05:52,550
Thank you.

784
01:05:53,010 --> 01:05:53,670
Councilman Johnathan.

785
01:05:53,670 --> 01:05:57,450
Come I just want to thank everybody for coming out and

786
01:05:59,410 --> 01:06:00,870
And welcome back

787
01:06:00,870 --> 01:06:11,030
I just like to say I don't

788
01:06:11,890 --> 01:06:18,450
I'm not I'm like I still you've done that I want you to use a talent, but there was a good ribbon

789
01:06:19,370 --> 01:06:23,010
Cut in ceremony down to the boys and girls club in my

790
01:06:23,670 --> 01:06:30,790
favorite library. They're still doing wonderful things. A lot of people don't get the

791
01:06:30,790 --> 01:06:36,310
publicity, they don't get the publicity, but we're one of the best, if not the, well,

792
01:06:36,430 --> 01:06:43,590
I know we're the best library in Delaware. We're small, but we're the heart that they have

793
01:06:43,590 --> 01:06:50,790
and the way I see how they treat the young people and all folks like me too. It's really

794
01:06:50,790 --> 01:06:57,790
refreshing and great to see. Thank you and thank my college here for keeping your

795
01:06:57,790 --> 01:06:58,770
shoulder to the wheel.

796
01:07:02,070 --> 01:07:03,610
Thank you, Council Member.

797
01:07:06,010 --> 01:07:09,630
Mayor, I would like to say something else.

798
01:07:10,170 --> 01:07:15,810
I do also want to give a shout out to the Boys and Girls Club for their ribbon cutting.

799
01:07:15,810 --> 01:07:22,890
it was amazing, genuinely amazing. The kids were so excited. Having Nancy Lieberman there

800
01:07:22,890 --> 01:07:29,110
was amazing. They got to see an actual basketball player right there in their own backyard. So

801
01:07:29,110 --> 01:07:32,310
that was great for the youth, and I greatly appreciate the boys and girls.

802
01:07:35,650 --> 01:07:44,030
Thank you. I just want to thank Alexis also for the fun raising for the 4th of July,

803
01:07:44,030 --> 01:07:48,630
I went off well, including some of nature's fireworks as well.

804
01:07:48,870 --> 01:07:52,890
Those of you that got wet, it was wonderful, but it was beautiful as well and we needed that ring.

805
01:07:53,550 --> 01:07:55,670
Also, keep your cars and properties safe.

806
01:07:56,450 --> 01:08:01,990
It is the summer. You have a bunch of kids going around looking through people's stuff so be careful with that please.

807
01:08:02,650 --> 01:08:06,850
And don't go out on your own. If you see that, just call 911 for your safety please.

808
01:08:07,670 --> 01:08:12,290
And then if you haven't been to the west side, the west side is put together a little community garden.

809
01:08:12,290 --> 01:08:15,790
you ought to go and look at it. It's about, you know,

810
01:08:15,850 --> 01:08:20,450
the San Tide violence is by the in-community violence program

811
01:08:20,450 --> 01:08:25,750
and other angels that come to our town to help us out.

812
01:08:26,270 --> 01:08:31,710
I also want to thank Ron Hamby from the Lib program.

813
01:08:31,910 --> 01:08:34,610
We had a wonderful meeting last week about the labor force

814
01:08:34,610 --> 01:08:37,070
potentially coming here, so we're in the stages of talking

815
01:08:37,070 --> 01:08:39,550
about that, where we can produce opportunities

816
01:08:39,550 --> 01:08:41,770
for these young kids out here and all the folks.

817
01:08:41,770 --> 01:08:46,050
So we got people out now calling us helping us out also the Google program

818
01:08:46,050 --> 01:08:51,610
We had a wonderful meeting last Friday with the Google program, which is a program that's going to offer free certificates

819
01:08:51,610 --> 01:08:54,350
where you can get your certificates for free and

820
01:08:55,570 --> 01:09:00,410
Go ahead and start working even from home. So it's something that Google program is going to come in at town

821
01:09:00,410 --> 01:09:07,930
It's going to sponsor. Yes, and I'd like to add to that. So I have a meeting scheduled with with them this week because we are going to get

822
01:09:07,930 --> 01:09:13,770
some licenses, the town is, so I got to get all that set up, but I have a training scheduled for that.

823
01:09:13,930 --> 01:09:19,070
So as soon as I get all that settled out, let Mayor and Council know and then we can move forward

824
01:09:19,070 --> 01:09:23,570
in advertising that. Thank you, Jamie. Basically just a bunch of wonderful things coming.

825
01:09:23,810 --> 01:09:28,530
And another thing we already mentioned, the Nancy Lieberman thing was wonderful. Obviously

826
01:09:29,030 --> 01:09:33,690
that's a very dedicated woman, just to give you a quick example. There was 142

827
01:09:33,690 --> 01:09:39,070
dedication she's only missed one so that tells you where her heart is for these kind of things so

828
01:09:39,070 --> 01:09:45,490
that's a wonderful thing other than that I have nothing else and we can move on to citizen's

829
01:09:45,490 --> 01:09:50,670
comments I would just remind everybody that please just state your name write it down on the paper

830
01:09:51,210 --> 01:09:58,730
and we'll be implementing the three-minute rule as of today so anyone from citizens comments can

831
01:09:58,730 --> 01:10:02,570
feel free to step on up. Thank you.

832
01:10:19,020 --> 01:10:24,020
Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Council, town management and fellow citizens.

833
01:10:25,240 --> 01:10:30,320
I was driving down South Central Avenue today and I was amazed

834
01:10:31,080 --> 01:10:34,960
at how all of a sudden all these people have cut their lawns

835
01:10:34,960 --> 01:10:40,660
all on the same day. So, Dan, I also want to thank you very much.

836
01:10:40,660 --> 01:10:46,680
I'm sure that was you, and it's amazing the difference it makes, it really is, so thank

837
01:10:46,680 --> 01:10:47,520
you very much.

838
01:10:48,340 --> 01:10:55,240
I would also like to thank the Finance Department, Melissa, for adding the additional data.

839
01:10:55,920 --> 01:11:02,000
I think it's very, very helpful, and I think that other citizens are going to find it useful

840
01:11:02,000 --> 01:11:04,640
as well, so I want to thank you as well.

841
01:11:05,540 --> 01:11:14,640
And when I was looking at this data on Friday, I noticed that since we now see the accounts

842
01:11:14,890 --> 01:11:23,100
are listed, I believe, and Jamie, you can correct me if I'm wrong, when it comes to reserves

843
01:11:24,190 --> 01:11:31,520
that at the minimum, a 10% of your annual budget is recommended, our annual budget this

844
01:11:31,520 --> 01:11:39,500
years 8.5 million. And if you have an old infrastructure, which I would say, James,

845
01:11:39,820 --> 01:11:46,420
would you say we do? Yes. Okay. That at least 20 percent should be in your capital reserves.

846
01:11:47,380 --> 01:11:52,600
And we know this because last year we experienced a problem that cost us all the sudden 200,000.

847
01:11:52,700 --> 01:12:00,220
It was at about right? Yes. Yes. Okay. So, yeah. So, so we know, you know,

848
01:12:00,220 --> 01:12:04,120
So this is going to happen and probably more often rather than less.

849
01:12:05,740 --> 01:12:13,240
So when I look at the accounts, I see a general fund of 113,672.

850
01:12:14,540 --> 01:12:22,520
And then capital reserve fund, which is where the 10% should be, is 267,181.

851
01:12:24,040 --> 01:12:26,140
All right, so that's not a lot of money.

852
01:12:26,800 --> 01:12:32,860
I mean, if we were going to have 10% in there, you know, you'd be looking at $800,000,

853
01:12:33,040 --> 01:12:33,560
right?

854
01:12:34,380 --> 01:12:37,260
And we have 267.

855
01:12:37,920 --> 01:12:39,160
Can I interrupt you?

856
01:12:39,260 --> 01:12:39,520
I promise.

857
01:12:40,060 --> 01:12:45,480
There is one reserve account, the transportation account that's not listed on here.

858
01:12:45,940 --> 01:12:47,820
Only because it's in a sweep account.

859
01:12:48,180 --> 01:12:53,820
And we have to get logged in to, we can look on the account through the bank.

860
01:12:53,820 --> 01:13:00,100
but it only shows the minimum, which is 5,000, so we have about total and don't hold me to this,

861
01:13:00,260 --> 01:13:05,100
but like a hundred and ninety five, two hundred thousand, but we are working with the bank. It's

862
01:13:05,100 --> 01:13:09,540
where the, it's at link bank, it's not link anymore, but where they took over, we got to get access

863
01:13:09,540 --> 01:13:15,720
and working on getting that access to the. Okay, now if it's a transportation account, can it be used

864
01:13:15,720 --> 01:13:22,200
for capital reserves? Is there something happens with water and sewer? Yes, it is all water and sewer, yes.

865
01:13:22,200 --> 01:13:22,420
Yes.

866
01:13:22,640 --> 01:13:22,900
Okay.

867
01:13:23,080 --> 01:13:23,200
Yes.

868
01:13:23,580 --> 01:13:23,800
All right.

869
01:13:23,900 --> 01:13:24,780
Well, that's better.

870
01:13:25,200 --> 01:13:25,340
Yes.

871
01:13:25,460 --> 01:13:30,200
But still quite a bit shy of where we should be at the lowest number.

872
01:13:31,440 --> 01:13:38,160
So, I guess I want to ask you, Mr. Mayor, if that concerns you that our reserves are, you know,

873
01:13:38,300 --> 01:13:41,180
less than the 10% that we really should have in there.

874
01:13:42,620 --> 01:13:45,660
And also, I'll let you answer that if you would.

875
01:13:46,000 --> 01:13:46,780
That's always a concern.

876
01:13:47,200 --> 01:13:48,180
I mean, I won't.

877
01:13:48,180 --> 01:13:49,460
I was going to send it back to the revenue.

878
01:13:49,620 --> 01:13:50,000
That's a book.

879
01:13:50,320 --> 01:13:50,580
All right.

880
01:13:50,580 --> 01:13:56,720
All right, so I guess I would ask then do we have a plan, a capital reserve plan?

881
01:13:56,900 --> 01:14:01,640
Do we have any kind of plan to maybe start putting some money aside for that?

882
01:14:02,220 --> 01:14:05,420
Because I know Jamie, we don't have a sinking fund either, right?

883
01:14:06,260 --> 01:14:11,440
Okay, so the difference in a sinking fund and a capital reserve is capital reserves are for

884
01:14:11,440 --> 01:14:14,620
things that come up that you're not expecting, like the water made stuff.

885
01:14:14,620 --> 01:14:24,720
The sinking fund is for things you know you can predict are going to need replacement and you start putting away for them way before something happens.

886
01:14:25,720 --> 01:14:32,380
So we don't, you know, is it possible to establish a sinking fund and put money into that, start putting money into that?

887
01:14:32,860 --> 01:14:41,440
Because it's just like an HOA. When you know you have to replace the roofs 20 years down the road, you could not put money in your reserve account.

888
01:14:41,440 --> 01:14:45,480
But when the roof's need replacing, you're going to get hit with big assessments.

889
01:14:46,140 --> 01:14:47,760
It's a very, very same thing.

890
01:14:47,940 --> 01:14:51,760
If we don't plan ahead with the sinking funds, then we get hit.

891
01:14:52,600 --> 01:14:56,160
And I know we've been lucky with grants, which is a good thing.

892
01:14:56,860 --> 01:14:59,440
But depending on luck makes me a little nervous.

893
01:15:00,000 --> 01:15:17,700
You know, what if we don't get a grant and something big happens? So I just would like mayor and council to kind of consider that and maybe talk about it a little bit in the next meeting to see if there's something we can do to improve our situation there. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

894
01:15:21,490 --> 01:15:25,110
Is there anyone else from citizens comments?

895
01:15:30,180 --> 01:15:37,280
Okay. Do I have a motion to close today's meeting? Oh, no, we need to read. Yes. We need close session. Okay.

896
01:15:37,280 --> 01:15:39,780
Thank you, thank you for reminding me.

897
01:15:40,280 --> 01:15:42,840
Councilor Dalma, we're going to close this room.

898
01:15:43,240 --> 01:15:43,840
Recess it.

899
01:15:44,040 --> 01:15:44,620
No, recessed.

900
01:15:44,860 --> 01:15:45,600
I'll make a motion.

901
01:15:45,960 --> 01:15:46,620
Recess just reading.

902
01:15:47,360 --> 01:15:47,580
Okay.

903
01:15:47,640 --> 01:15:48,460
I have a second on that.

904
01:15:48,640 --> 01:15:49,020
Thank you.

905
01:15:49,600 --> 01:15:49,820
Okay.

906
01:15:49,900 --> 01:15:50,920
All those in favor say aye.

907
01:15:51,900 --> 01:15:52,100
Aye.

908
01:15:52,320 --> 01:15:52,460
All right.

909
01:15:52,580 --> 01:15:52,840
Recess.

910
01:15:53,180 --> 01:15:53,660
Three minutes.

911
01:15:53,760 --> 01:15:54,060
Please.

912
01:15:54,400 --> 01:15:54,840
Three minutes.

913
01:15:55,080 --> 01:15:55,340
Please.

914
01:16:03,890 --> 01:16:04,350
I

915
01:16:10,780 --> 01:16:11,820
did it after you.