Mayor & Council

MINUTES Town of Smyrna Council Meeting Bi-Monthly Meeting Tuesday, February 20, 2024, 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm Hybrid MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING by teleconference by calling 1-301-715-8592 and entering Meeting ID number: 821 6042 1894 Passcode: 872895 or by visiting Join Zoom meeting at: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82160421894?pwd=CoxOyWAUzDC40DBD1Dfuxib1mmWVzV.1 1. 7:00 PM - Call to order – regular meeting Meeting was called to order by Mayor Robert Johnson 2. Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silence Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence was led by Mayor Robert Johnson. 3. Roll call Roll call was led by Mary Bowers- Johnson. 4. Additions/deletions to published agenda Deletions to the public agenda includes 7A., 7B., 7C. A motion was made to delete items from the public agenda by Councilman Rasmussen. The motion was seconded by Councilman Brown and carried unanimously. Move: Michael Rasmussen Second: Gerald Brown Status: Passed 5. Consent agenda: A motion was made by Councilman Rasmussen to accept the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilman Brown and carried unanimously Move: Michael Rasmussen Second: Gerald Brown Status: Passed a. Council minutes of 02/05/2024 Council minutes were accepted. Move: Michael Rasmussen Second: Gerald Brown Status: Passed b. Executive Session minutes of 02/05/2024 Move: Michael Rasmussen Second: Gerald Brown Status: Passed c. Treasury Report Move: Michael Rasmussen Second: Gerald Brown Status: Passed 6. Non-agenda Items: a. Mayor & Council Members Mayor Johnson deferred his time to police Chief James. Councilman Pressley had nothing at this time. Councilman Brown thanked public works for snow removal and for keeping everyone informed. Also, Councilman Brown deferred time for Jake Mitchell to give his CIP update. Councilman Brown reiterated the Council needs to support staff. Mayor Johnson stated when council makes changes to the budget, it should be recorded immediately. He also would like to see budget amendments recorded. The Mayor would like someone trained in administration to do budget transfers. Councilwoman Upshur stated she would like a proclamation for Chinese New Year however the mayor stated that Chinese New Year would be over before the next council meeting. Councilwoman got gave her list of activities in the town. A comprehensive rezoning presentation will be on February 22nd at 6:00 PM, Saint Patrick's Day Parade will be on March 17th, the first Smyrna at Night will be on June 15th, June 17th is Juneteenth celebration, the 4th of July committee will be hosting a circus in town, December 1st we'll be Caroling on the Square, Pearl Harbor Day will be celebrated on December 7th. b. Police Chief Police Chief James awarded four of his officers for drug arrests, Dui's, officer training and running patrol division. c. Town Manager 7. Old business, including Discussions & Possible Action on the following items: Old business item 7a, 7b, and 7c were removed from the public agenda. a. FY2024 Capital Budget b. FY2024 Operating Budget c. Resolution 001-24 adopting the FY2024 Tax Rate d. An Ordinance to Amendment Chapter 18 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article XX (Annual Registration of Vacant Buildings and Registration Fees) to Designate Vacant Building Registration Fees and Penalties for the Smyrna Slum Clearance and Redevelopment Authority A motion was made by Councilman Rasmussen to accept the first reading. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Forbes and the motion was carried 6 to 1. 8. New Business, Including Discussion & Possible Action on the following Items:  a. Reallocation of American Rescue Plan Act and bond funds A motion was made by Mayor Johnson to reallocate funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and bond funds. The motion was seconded by Councilman Presley and carried 6 to 1. Move: Robert Johnson Second: Michael Rasmussen Status: Passed b. Requests for Federal and State Funding for Capital Projects c. Adoption of Kent County and New Castle County assessment rolls d. Addendum in maintaining the Town's assessments with Tyler Technologies 9. Presentation and public comments (3 minutes) 10. Executive session to discuss personnel matters in which the names, competency, and abilities of individual employees will be discussed. 29 Del. C. § 10004(b)(9) A motion was made by Councilman Rasmussen to go into executive session to discuss matters in which the names, competency, and abilities of individual employees will be discussed. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Upshur and carried unanimously. Mayor and council went into executive session at 8:52 PM. 11. Executive session to discuss the potential acquisition of real property. 29 Del. C. Sec. 10004(b)(2). A motion was made by Councilman Rasmussen to go into executive session to discuss the potential acquisition of real property. The motion was seconded by councilwoman upshur and carried unanimously. 12. Possible action on matters discussed in executive session A motion was made by Councilwoman Gott to come out at executive session. The motion was seconded by Councilman Rasmussen and carried unanimously. 13. Adjournment A motion was made by Councilwoman Upshur to adjourn the meeting of February 20th, 2024. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gott and carried unanimously. Posted on 02/13/2024 at 4:30 PM NOTE: This agenda as listed may not be considered in sequence. This agenda is subject to change to include additional items, including Executive Sessions, and/or deletion of items, including Executive Sessions that arise at time of meeting.