At a recent meeting, Councilman Jason James pointed out that changes to the city charter were made in July 2025. Those changes went before the legislature and were approved.
“Senator Wilson, Representatives Shupe and Postles all agreed and signed off on the changes,” James said. “There were several conversations with them prior to their approval. My concern was, and I could be missing something, that when I look online at our charter, the changes that were approved do not appear or they are not reflected online anyway.”
James pointed out that if someone outside of council was looking at the city charter, they would be looking at incorrect information.
“I am not saying that we are doing anything grossly wrong, but we need to make sure that these changes appear online,” James said. ‘There are only four, I think, but because they are the law now, if there is any question, let’s discuss.”
James explained that his main point was to be sure that what was displayed on the city website and other areas was correct. He asked Milanie Velazquez, Deputy City Clerk, who was sitting in for City Clerk Katrina White, to check the online versions and be sure the correct information was provided.
The charter changes in 2025 were not without controversy. The changes extended the term for the mayor and council members from two to three years with the change for the mayor occurring with the 2026 election. The charter also disqualified and vacates the seat of any sitting mayor or council member who falls more than two months behind in city taxes or fees. It also bars anyone in arrears to the city from running for office. The changes also clarified the mayor’s role in establishing committees and the ability to issue official civic/social proclamations.
The most controversial change was required by Representatives Shupe and Postles as well as Senator Wilson. The city initially wanted to restrict the use of eminent domain for recreational purposes outside city limits only. The legislators pushed back and required the city to apply the restriction to both inside and outside of city limits, a requirement no other municipality in Delaware has been required to pass.
There was no discussion among council about the online city charter discrepancy and no information provided as to when the new version would be online.
