Council adopts consent calendar, multiple appointments and resolutions; $200,000 contract for veteran transitional housing approved

New Castle County Council on March 24 approved a broad consent calendar of resolutions that included appointments, reappointments and commendatory resolutions, and adopted several discrete funding measures and recognitions.

Among the items the council approved were: consenting to appointments to the Planning Board and the Police Accountability Board; reappointments to the Housing Advisory Board; and a series of congratulatory and commemorative resolutions honoring retirees and community leaders. The clerk read items R26‑055 through R26‑070 on the consent calendar; the council voted 13‑0 to adopt the consent items.

Resolution R26‑071 authorized execution of a $200,000 contract with Joseph M. Walls to assist in creation of affordable transitional housing for veterans, administered by the Department of Community Services, Division of Community Development and Housing. Joseph M. Walls identified himself at the podium, thanked the council and described the project as a step forward for veterans transitioning out of shelters.

Other adopted measures included smaller grant appropriations: a HUD CDBG passthrough of $143,979 for a lead‑paint hazard reduction grant administered by the Department of Community Services; a $1,856,000 reallocation within the county affordable housing fund; and a $1,000,000 allocation tied to Delaware Valley Development Corporation projects. The council also adopted Resolution R26‑077 recognizing Saint Patrick’s Center’s service and R26‑081 honoring Middletown High School’s football team for the DIAA Class 3A state championship.

Several honorees and community leaders appeared for presentations, including Yvonne Dedweiler (Chamber of Commerce), Beatrice Patton Dixon, Carol Stanford Wright (recognized for 50 years in education) and representatives of the Delaware National Guard, who presented tokens honoring Councilman Penrose Hollins for military service.

Public comment included remarks from Henry Miller (12th District) thanking staff for help with an appraisal issue and urging residents to file appraisal appeals by March 15. The meeting concluded with member remarks and an adjournment.