Mayor & Council

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING SMYRNA TOWN COUNCIL September 20, 2021 REGULAR MEETING The meeting was called to order by Mayor Robert C. Johnson at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were Michael A. Rasmussen, Tabitha J. Gott, Valerie M. Forbes, William D. Pressley Sr., Margaret B. Mann, and Gerald L. Brown. Also present were Town Manager Andrew S. Haines, Chief Torrie James, Attorney D. Barrett Edwards, and Recording Secretary Valerie L. Heritage. Chief James led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Johnson asked for a moment of silence. ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO PUBLISHED AGENDA Councilwoman Forbes made the motion to approve the agenda as presented. Motion was seconded by Councilman Brown and carried unanimously. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Councilwoman Forbes made the motion to approve the regular and executive session minutes of September 7, 2021, as presented. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gott and carried unanimously. REPORTS A. Presiding Officer – Mayor Johnson spoke about his meeting with Mr. Haines – the ARPA money and some of the projects, and they discussed some of the policies and procedures and how things should be done; he also spoke with the auditors; he wants to get the contact information for the developer for Lake Como Woods; he said there was an announcement from the State of Delaware about broadband; he spoke about a proposed workshop for Council; and the Finance Committee will be meeting on the 28th. B. Town Attorney – Mr. Edwards said there are a couple of ordinances on the agenda tonight and there will be additional ordinances in the coming weeks. C. Police Chief – Chief James said he did not have anything to really report, but please don’t forget tomorrow is their National Night Out. D. Town Manager – Mr. Haines spoke about our attempt to livestream our meeting on YouTube tonight; as Mayor Johnson said there will be a Finance Committee meeting on the 28th Mayor and Council Page 2 of 3 September 20, 2021 and then take that feedback and come to the October 18th Council meeting and present the 2022 budget; next Thursday, September 30th at 6:00 p.m. the Utility Committee will be hosting, and Duffield will be the presenter at an informational meeting on the North Main Street Capital Project. E. Commissions – Councilman Rasmussen said the Main Street Coordinating Board met September 8th and the next meeting will be November 10th; and the Economic Development Committee will meet October 6th. Councilwoman Gott said the Parks & Recreation Committee met September 14th, and the next meeting will be October 19th. Councilman Pressley said the Charter Review Committee will not meet this month; the Public Safety Committee met September 9th. Councilwoman Mann said the Utility Committee met September 14th, and the next meeting will be October 12th. F. District/Council comments – There were none. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS Visitors present were George DeBenedictis, Janette Tarafa, Corrine Upshur, and Frederick N. Schaber IV. Corrine Upshur thanked Councilwoman Forbes and Councilman Pressley for assisting her with her neighborhood cleanup last month, and also thanked Mayor Johnson for always accepting her phone calls. NEW BUSINESS A. First reading, Ord. No. 011-21, An ordinance amending the Town Code of the Town of Smyrna to update regulations regarding the parking of trailers, boats, and off-highway vehicles – Councilwoman Forbes made the motion to make this the first reading of Ord. No. 011-21, an ordinance amending the Town Code of the Town of Smyrna to update regulations regarding the parking of trailers, boats, and off-highway vehicles. Motion was seconded by Councilman Brown and carried unanimously. B. First reading, Ord. No. 012-21, an ordinance amending the Town Code of the Town of Smyrna to clarify the storage requirements for trash, recycling, and yard waste receptacles – Councilwoman Forbes made the motion to make this the first reading of Ord. No. 012-21, an ordinance amending the Town Code of the Town of Smyrna to clarify the storage requirements Mayor and Council Page 3 of 3 September 20, 2021 for trash, recycling, and yard waste receptacles. Motion was seconded by Councilman Brown and carried unanimously. C. Contract award recommendation for the East Commerce Street Water and Sewer Upgrades – Phase 1 Project to Adel Construction in the amount of $161,599.90 – Councilman Rasmussen made the motion to award the contract for the East Commerce Street Water and Sewer Upgrades – Phase 1 Project to Adel Construction in the amount of $161,599.90. Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gott and carried unanimously. D. Town of Smyrna resolution scheduling a public hearing to consider the abandonment of an undeveloped alley situated on the west side of South Locust Street commencing at East Frazier Street and running north towards East Commerce Street – Councilwoman Forbes made the motion to approve the resolution scheduling a public hearing to consider the abandonment of an undeveloped alley situated on the west side of South Locust Street commencing at East Frazier Street and running north towards East Commerce Street. Motion was seconded by Councilman Brown and carried unanimously. OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS Mayor Johnson spoke about updating the minutes for all of the committees, as well as any videos. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Johnson adjourned the meeting at 7:50 p.m. vlh