Public Meetings - Kent County, Delaware

The Kent County Levy Court met in regular business session at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in the Levy Court Chamber, 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware. Six of seven commissioners were present; Commissioner Hall was absent. The meeting included a moment of silence for troops and first responders lost in the preceding month, approval of the consent agenda, a retirement resolution and the November 2026 Employee of the Month recognition, a Narcan administration demonstration, a public hearing with 6–0 approval of the Faith Life Church conditional-use site plan, and several funding, bid, and ordinance-introduction actions. All votes taken were 6–0 with one absence. The posted agenda had been revised before the meeting to correct the LC26-17 public hearing date to December 15, update the LC26-18 title, remove a tentatively scheduled Native American Month Proclamation, and remove a public hearing for an item not yet introduced. Consent Calendar - Adoption of the agenda — approved by roll call, 6–0. - Consent Agenda 26-16 — approval of the Levy Court Business Meeting Minutes of October 13, 2026, by a single roll call vote, 6–0. - Resolution 4184 (for the record only) — retirement of Elaine Cinque, Property Specialist II, Department of Finance Assessment Division, expressing the county’s appreciation and confirming pension eligibility; accepted 6–0. (Note: the agenda lists the honoree as “Elaine Cinque”; the transcript reads “Elaine Sink.”) Presentations & Recognitions - November 2026 Employee of the Month — Michael Helmer: dispatcher/training officer in the Department of Public Safety, Emergency Communications Division; joined Kent County in January 2017 and was promoted to Dispatcher II in January 2019. He serves on the Public Safety Drone Team, is training to become a standalone drone pilot and on the new field communications unit, and is completing a full rewrite of the department’s training manual. He resides in Commissioner Hall’s and Commissioner Pepper’s districts. - Narcan kit demonstration: Lieutenant Kenny Kelly (C Platoon paramedic supervisor and SORT team commander) demonstrated the state-supplied 4 mg nasal-spray naloxone (Narcan) kits distributed since about 2018. He explained that street drugs now include fentanyl (10 times stronger than heroin), carfentanyl (10 times stronger than fentanyl), and “Tranq” (fentanyl mixed with animal tranquilizers such as xylazine or medetomidine); Narcan reverses opioid-induced respiratory depression but not the tranquilizer, and it does not work in cardiac arrest, where CPR is required. He stated that roughly 90% of overdose patients refuse hospital transport, that Good Samaritan provisions protect those who call 911 in good faith, and that free naloxone kits and resources are available through a state QR code. - September new hire introductions: Alexis Hicks (Wills Clerk II, Register of Wills; began September 21, 2026; resides in Commissioner Hertz’s and Pepper’s districts) and Andrea Torellis (Wills Clerk II, Register of Wills; began September 28, 2026; resides in Commissioner Hall’s and Pepper’s districts). Public Comments & Testimony - Public comment periods opened at the start and end of the meeting drew no speakers, in person or online. Public Hearing: CS-26-06 — Faith Life Church - Application: conditional-use/site-plan approval to add 3,500 sq. ft. to an existing detached building for a place of worship, on approximately 1.74 acres on the east side of Ends Road, southwest of Hartley. The site is zoned AR (agricultural residential), is currently residential, and lies outside the Growth Zone Overlay District (Parcel WD-00-090.00-01-25.02-000). Public notice appeared in the October 7, 2026 edition of the Delaware State News. - Staff position: Sarah Kiefer stated that the plan complies with all required conditions of approval and that the Regional Planning Commission (RPC) recommended approval with conditions: add a bike rack, provide three handicapped spaces, and use native plant species in the landscape plan. - Applicant position: Kevin Minick (Minic Engineering, Greenwood, DE), representing Bishop Fisher and Faith Life Church, spoke in favor, agreed with the staff report, and requested approval. - Opposition: none offered, in person or online. - Decision: motion by Commissioner Hertz, seconded by Vice President Scott, to grant conditional approval based on the RPC recommendation report dated October 27, 2026, the October 1, 2026 public hearing testimony, and testimony given that evening. Approved 6–0. New Business - Ordinance LC26-17 introduced (CZ-26-04, Five Star Builders, Inc.): an ordinance to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map designation and the Official Zoning Map of Kent County; public hearing set for Tuesday, December 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Vice President Scott initially read the date as December 17 and corrected it to December 15, matching the agenda revision. - CDBG FY26 funding resolutions (action items from the October 20, 2026 workshop): Resolution 4178 (Authorization to Submit Applications), Resolution 4179 (Administrative Match), and Resolution 4180 (Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing) were approved together by roll call, 6–0. - Change order over 40% — case 23-09 (Harris): Change Order No. 2 in the amount of $13,993 for a housing rehabilitation contract increases the total to $35,591, which is 65.67% above the original base contract amount. Approved 6–0. - Recreation storage building bid award (action item from the October 20, 2026 workshop): Director Shepherd requested award of a storage building with a lean-to add alternate for shelter and shade at the park (identified in the transcript as “Kessel Ring”). The combined bid total was $144,353 from Eastern Shore Pole Building (Harrington, DE), funded through the FY25 General Fund Capital Budget and Parks Contingency. Awarded 6–0. - 2027 EMS vehicle procurement: Chief Tinger requested approval to purchase two 2027 Chevy SSV package Tahoes for conversion into emergency response vehicles, using the State of Delaware contract and funds in the approved FY27 EMS Capital Budget. Commissioner Sweeney stated that re-approving an item already in the approved budget, with no major cost change, was a “waste of time,” and asked that such items not be brought back unless costs change. The motion to approve the purchase and issuance of a purchase order passed 6–0; the quoted amount was read as “10,009 sixty-six dollars.” - Resolution 4183 introduced: extending the Kent County Stormwater Maintenance District for Fork Landing West pursuant to Chapter 52, Title 9 of the Delaware Code and Section 90.4E(10), Chapter 187 of the Kent County Code; public hearing set for November 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM. - Ordinance LC26-18 introduced: Recorder of Deeds fee schedule update, amending Kent County Code Vol. I, §128-44, Chapter 128 Fees, Part 2 Fee Schedule, Article XI, to add a fixed fee to revoke a Transfer on Death Deed; public hearing set for November 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Key Outcomes - All roll call votes passed 6–0, with Commissioner Hall absent. - Conditional-use/site-plan approval granted for Faith Life Church (CS-26-06). - Approved: Consent Agenda 26-16; Resolution 4184; CDBG Resolutions 4178, 4179, and 4180; Change Order No. 2 for case 23-09 Harris; the recreation storage building bid award ($144,353); and the purchase of two 2027 EMS Tahoes. - Public hearings scheduled: Ordinance LC26-17 on December 15, 2026; Resolution 4183 and Ordinance LC26-18 on November 17, 2026. - No executive session was held; the meeting was adjourned by motion and second. - Commissioner Angel suggested that future agenda introductions be placed on commissioners’ desks to save staff time and printing costs (noting that the first introduction had the wrong date). - Commissioners noted attending the Farmington Volunteer Fire Company’s 75th anniversary banquet the previous Sunday (the company name is transcribed as “Farm Can”).

The Kent County Levy Court convened a workshop at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, in the Caucus Room at 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE. The workshop focused on three agenda items: FY26 CDBG funding resolutions, a change order for a housing rehabilitation project, and a bid award for a recreation storage building. Commissioners discussed each item with staff and later moved into executive session. FY26 Application for Funding CDBG Resolutions - County staff presented three resolutions (4178, 4179, 4180) related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for Fiscal Year 2026. Resolution 4178 authorizes submission of the application; Resolution 4179 approves an administrative match of $257,500; Resolution 4180 affirms the county's commitment to fair housing. - The proposed grant request totals approximately $1,964,200, including $1,345,000 in county-directed funds, $309,600 for municipalities, and the administrative match. Target areas include Milford, Smyrna ($100,000), Felton ($80,000), Frederica ($80,000), and scatter sites countywide. - Income limits for the program were noted: a one-person household cannot exceed $54,900 gross income, and an eight-person household limit is $103,500, effective as of June 1, 2025. - Commissioners had no further questions and indicated appreciation for the presentation. Change Order for Case 23-09 Harris - Staff requested approval of a change order exceeding 40% for a housing rehabilitation project (Harris residence) due to unforeseen conditions discovered during work. The additional unanticipated work amounted to $13,993, bringing the total contract cost to $35,591, which remains under the $40,000 cap allowed by the housing authority. - Commissioner Pepper inquired about addressing a crack in the floor, which staff confirmed would be included. Recreation Storage Building Bid Award - Staff recommended awarding the bid to Eastern Shore Pole Building of Harrington for a 64x40 foot post-frame storage building with a 12x64 foot lean-to at Kessel Ring park. The base bid was $115,000 and change; the alternate (lean-to) added approximately $29,000, totaling $144,353, which exceeded the remaining project budget of $138,000. - Staff proposed covering the shortfall from the parks contingency fund, which had been used similarly in the past. The bid includes a standing seam roof, basic electric, and a concrete floor. The location is south of the recreation center near the turf field and restroom building. - Commissioners discussed the building's design and placement. Public Comments - No members of the public offered comments during the designated period. Commissioners' Comments - Vice President Scott praised the success of the recent "First Date Honor Flight" event for veterans, which was approved by the Levy Court. He noted attending the flight and described it as humbling and worthwhile. Key Outcomes - The workshop did not include formal votes on the agenda items except for the motion to enter executive session. All three agenda items (CDBG resolutions, change order, bid award) were presented for discussion and are expected to be considered for formal action at a future Levy Court meeting. - A motion to enter executive session was made by Vice President Scott, seconded by Commissioner Angel, and approved by all commissioners present. The executive session was to discuss site acquisition, legal strategy, and personnel matters.

The Kent County Board of Adjustment held a public hearing and business meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The primary focus was five variance applications submitted by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) for the Bay Beach Nourishment Project, a $60 million joint effort with the US Army Corps of Engineers. The project seeks to provide coastal storm risk management and beach replenishment for bay communities. The board heard testimony on applications for Kitts Hummock and Pickering Beach before unanimously approving all variances and extending their validity. All six board members were present (Jenkins, Simpson, Gallo, Denny, Hudson, and Cusick). Consent Calendar - The board unanimously approved the business meeting minutes from July 16, 2026. - The board approved Notices of Decision for applications A-26-15, A-26-16, and A-26-17 from the previous meeting. Public Comments & Testimony Support for the Bay Beach Nourishment Project: - Michael F. Costello (Kitts Hummock resident) expressed full support, describing the project as vital to saving homes from coastal erosion. He highlighted the 2008 Mother's Day storm to demonstrate the environmental and agricultural stakes for the community. - Dan Burroughs (Kitts Hummock resident) described strong community consensus and noted that the adjacent lot at 16 South Bay Drive has been used informally for public parking for decades, making the formalization a natural step. - Renee Russo (Pickering Beach resident) stated the community is completely supportive but voiced concern about the risk of the project stalling after parking is built if construction bids exceed funding. - Stephen DePuy (Pickering Beach resident) urged the board to avoid delays, testifying that federal funding has a strict deadline, stating it would disappear if not used by 2027. (Note: Another speaker referenced a 10-year window for using funds, creating a discrepancy in testimony on the exact deadline.) - Ellen DePuy (Pickering Beach resident) stressed the environmental need to protect marshlands and farmland from saltwater intrusion. - DNREC representative Josh testified that community outreach has secured the necessary easements and that the requested variances are among the final requirements to put the project out for bid. Concerns Regarding Specific Designs: - Jennifer Masias (Property owner at 240 North Bay Drive, adjacent to A-26-19) opposed the specific design of the application for the lot next door. While fully supporting the nourishment project, she argued the proposed eight-space parking lot with a five-foot setback was an overreach. She raised safety concerns about the proximity of the parking to her property's propane tanks and questioned the necessity of maximizing parking spaces when fewer would allow a greater setback. She requested the board consider a reduced scope or larger buffer. Community Response to Concerns: - A subsequent speaker supported Ms. Masias's safety concerns regarding the propane tanks and fire hazard but acknowledged the difficulty of altering the parking plan due to federal funding requirements. Discussion Items - Board Authority on ADA Variances: The board's legal counsel confirmed that the board has the authority to grant variances from the county code's ADA parking space requirements. The applicant noted that ADA spaces would be provided at a central location at the main beach crossover. - Propane Tank Safety Issue: The board extensively discussed the safety risk of parking spaces located roughly ten to fifteen feet from a neighbor's propane tanks. Board members noted that a physical barrier would be installed and that dawn-to-dusk parking restrictions would mitigate overnight fire risks. The consensus was that the concern, while valid, did not present an exceptional difficulty that justified denying the variances given the project's overall importance. - Required Parking Numbers: Counsel advised the board that the only competent testimony indicated the proposed number of parking spaces was a minimum set by the Army Corps of Engineers. Speculating on whether fewer spaces would suffice was deemed inappropriate. - Funding Urgency: The board acknowledged testimony that further delays could jeopardize the $60 million in federal funding, creating an exceptional practical difficulty for the property owners and the state. Key Outcomes - Application A-26-19 (252 North Bay Drive, Kitts Hummock): Approved (6-0). Variances granted for a 5-foot parking setback, no on-site ADA spaces, and relief from perimeter planting requirements. - Application A-26-20 (16 South Bay Drive, Kitts Hummock): Approved (6-0). Variances granted for no direct drive aisle, no on-site ADA spaces, reduced setbacks, reduced lot dimensions, and relief from plantings. - Application A-26-21 (315 South Bay Drive, Kitts Hummock): Approved (6-0). Variances granted for a 20-foot drive aisle, no on-site ADA spaces, reduced side setbacks, and relief from plantings. - Application A-26-22 (219 South Sandpiper Drive, Pickering Beach): Approved (6-0). Variances granted for backing into the right-of-way, no on-site ADA spaces, a 0-foot front setback, a 6.3-foot side setback, reduced lot dimensions, and relief from plantings. - Application A-26-23 (229 South Sandpiper Drive, Pickering Beach): Approved (6-0). Variances granted for backing into the right-of-way, no on-site ADA spaces, a 0-foot front setback, a 5-foot side setback, reduced lot dimensions, and relief from plantings. - Variance Extension: The board voted unanimously to extend the validity period for all five approved variances to two years to align with the project's construction schedule and funding requirements.

The Kent County Levy Court held a business meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 7:03 PM in the Levy Court Chambers at 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware. The meeting was conducted in person and via WebEx, with six commissioners present and one absent. Key actions included the adoption of the consent agenda and approval of the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Consent Agenda - Consent Agenda 26-15 was approved by a roll call vote of 6-0 (one absent). Items included approval of the Levy Court Business Meeting Minutes of September 1, 2026, and the Kent County Emergency Operations Plan 2026 update. No commissioner requested separate discussion. Discussion Items - Adoption of Agenda: The agenda was adopted with a motion to remove Ordinance LC26-16 (Public Sewer Extension Outside the Growth Zone) from New Business. The motion passed 6-0. - Resolution 4182 – 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan: Vice President Scott introduced Resolution 4182 to adopt the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan for Kent County. Commissioner Scott praised Chief Tinger and his staff for their work. The resolution was approved unanimously (6-0). - Introduction of Ordinance LC26-15: Commissioner Hall introduced Ordinance LC26-15 to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map Designation and Official Zoning Map for a specific property (CZ-26-03: Stoltzfus, John M. and Ruth R.). A public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7 PM. No further discussion or vote was taken at this meeting. Key Outcomes - The agenda was adopted with the removal of Ordinance LC26-15 (Public Sewer Extension) from New Business. - Consent Agenda 26-15 was approved unanimously. - Resolution 4182 adopting the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan was approved unanimously. - Ordinance LC26-15 was introduced, with a public hearing set for November 17, 2026. - No public comments were received. No executive session was held. The meeting adjourned shortly after 7:03 PM.

The Kent County Levy Court held a workshop on October 13, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Caucus Room at 555 Bay Road, Dover, DE. The primary agenda item was Ordinance LC26-16, which proposes amending the county code to permit sewer extensions outside the Kent County Growth Zone for properties that were not provided laterals during the original installation. The discussion focused heavily on a specific vacant lot at Pickering Beach but expanded to questions of countywide policy, system capacity, and procedural precedent. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public offered comments during the designated public comment period. The meeting chair opened the floor to both in-person and virtual attendees, but no requests to speak were received. Discussion Items - Ordinance LC26-16 Presentation: Staff member Sam presented the ordinance, explaining it was drafted to address vacant lots omitted from the original sewer district. The ordinance had already received a favorable recommendation from the Sewer Advisory Board. - Specific Property Case: The case involved a vacant lot in Pickering Beach. The gravity sewer line was installed in 2011-2012 for environmental remediation. A lateral was not placed on the vacant lot at that time. The current owner, who inherited the property, is unable to install a septic system due to poor soil conditions confirmed by a DNREC soil test. Commissioners noted her mother had declined the connection when first offered. Commissioner Angel, who represents the area, was contacted by the homeowner and advocated strongly for her, stating the situation was a "no-brainer" and that the county should automatically provide laterals in such cases. - Procedural Concerns: County Administrator Kevin Seppel and Commissioner Scott noted the homeowner did not follow the standard DNREC permitting process before contacting Commissioner Angel. Commissioner Scott stated she was "dumbfounded" and believed the homeowner had put Commissioner Angel in a difficult position. - System Capacity Constraints: Commissioner Hall voiced strong opposition to expanding the system without first completing pipeline condition assessments. He cited a recent rain event where the treatment plant processed 21 million gallons against its 20 million gallon capacity, arguing the system cannot handle additional load. Commissioner Angel countered that the environmental benefit of connecting lots near marshes outweighed the marginal capacity impact, pointing to ongoing development in Magnolia adding 700 houses per year. - Countywide Policy vs. Specific Relief: Counsel Sarah Kiefer recommended the board not write an ordinance for a single property but instead develop a comprehensive policy for all similar properties countywide. Commissioners debated the potential precedent, with staff noting that over 40 lots along the Pickering Beach line alone could be affected, and potentially many more countywide where gravity sewer lines pass undeveloped properties. Key Outcomes - Vote to Move Ordinance Forward: A motion to advance Ordinance LC26-16 as written failed, receiving 3 votes in favor but lacking the majority needed to pass. - Information Request: Commissioners directed staff to gather data on how many properties countywide could be affected by a similar policy change and present it at the next meeting. - Adjournment: The workshop was adjourned, with the board moving immediately into executive session for discussions on property acquisition and litigation.

The Kent County Regional Planning Commission held a business meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Levy Court Chambers. The meeting was conducted in person and virtually via Webex. The Commission approved two development applications: a conditional use for Faith Life Church and a site plan for Royal Farms 459. No public comments were made. The meeting adjourned unanimously. Meeting Opening and Administrative Actions - The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Mills. - Roll Call: Five members were present (Mr. Peterman, Mr. Servan, Mrs. Carter, Mr. Mills, Mr. Jester), constituting a quorum. Mr. Gaufrey and Mr. Davis were absent. - Approval of Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda carried 5–0. - Approval of Minutes (September 10, 2026): A motion to approve the minutes carried 4–0, with Mrs. Carter not voting as she was not present at that meeting. - Levy Court Action on Commission Recommendations: The Chair noted that the Commission's prior recommendations for CS-26-04 (Pro Cut Tree Service), CS-26-05 (Cattail Creek Propane Facility), and C-26-05 (Sunrise Shaws Corner Rd Solar) had been acted upon by Levy Court (approved or conditionally approved) and referred any questions to staff. - Old Business: The agenda item SLV-26-27 Thompson Ridge (waiver request) had been removed from the agenda at the applicant's request prior to the meeting, as indicated in the revised agenda. Old Business: CS-26-06 Faith Life Church – Conditional Use with Site Plan Approval - Application: Faith Life Church requested a conditional use with site plan approval to add 3,500 sq. ft. to an existing detached building for a place of worship, located outside the Growth Zone Overlay District (Parcel WD-00-090.00-01-25.02-000, zoned AR – Agricultural Residential). - Staff Recommendation: The October 1, 2026 staff report recommended approval with conditions. The applicant agreed to: (1) install a bike rack, (2) include three accessible parking spaces, and (3) use native plant species for required landscaping. - Motion: Commissioner Denise (name inferred from transcript) moved for approval based on the findings of fact that the use is permitted as a conditional use in the AR zone, the public health/safety/welfare will not be adversely affected, and the plan complies with applicable code sections. The motion included conditions requiring compliance with all staff and agency requirements as described in the October 1, 2026 staff report, final plan approval within 24 months, and possible revocation for non-compliance. - Second: Mr. Mills seconded. - Vote: 5–0 in favor of recommending conditional approval to Levy Court. New Business: S-26-05 Royal Farms 459 – Site Plan Approval - Application: Royal Farms 459 (applicant: Two Farms Inc., Charlotte, NC) requested site plan approval for a 5,154 sq. ft. convenience store and a 4,576 sq. ft. gas station on a 2.0258-acre parcel at the southwest corner of DuPont South Highway and Voshell Mill Road (inside the Growth Zone Overlay District, zoned BG – General Business). Water and wastewater services are provided by Tidewater Utilities and Kent County Public Sewer, respectively. The site is in Levy Court District 5 (Canden-Wyoming Station 41). - Staff Recommendation: The October 8, 2026 staff report recommended approval. The plan complies with the comprehensive plan and conditions for permitted uses in the BG zone. - Motion: Commissioner Peterman moved for approval, citing findings that the use is permitted by right with conditions. The motion included a condition that final plan approval must occur within 24 months of preliminary approval and construction must commence within 18 months of final plan approval. - Second: Mr. Mills seconded. - Vote: 5–0 in favor of granting approval. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke or raised an electronic hand to comment. The Chair checked for online participants before adjournment, and none were present. Commission Comments - No additional comments were made by commissioners. Other Business - No other business was discussed. Adjournment - A motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Denise, seconded by Commissioner Peterman, and carried 5–0. The meeting adjourned shortly after 6:00 PM. Key Outcomes - CS-26-06 Faith Life Church: Recommended conditional approval (5–0) to Levy Court with conditions including bike rack, accessible parking, native landscaping, and compliance with staff requirements. - S-26-05 Royal Farms 459: Approved site plan (5–0) with conditions on plan approval and construction timelines. - SLV-26-27 Thompson Ridge: Removed from the agenda by the applicant before the meeting; no action taken. - All votes were unanimous among present commissioners.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM, the Kent County Levy Court held a workshop in the Caucus Room at 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware. Six commissioners were present, establishing a quorum. The meeting featured presentations on a proposed aquatic center, updates to the county’s emergency operations and hazard mitigation plans, public comments, and commissioner remarks. First State Aquatic Center Presentation - Julie Gorman and Courtney Ford, co-founders of the First State Aquatic Center, presented a vision for a multi-pool aquatic venue in Kent County. They highlighted the lack of public swim lessons (the county offers none), limited year-round pool access, and the need for a facility that could host regional competitions and serve diverse programs (swim lessons, fitness, therapy, water polo, military training, etc.). - They noted that the Greensboro Aquatic Center (NC) hosts 65 events per year and that there is no comparable facility on the Delmarva Peninsula. They identified potential locations near DE Turf, Dover Air Force Base, and the Frederica area, and estimated the facility would need about 20 acres. - The group requested $10,000 in matching funds from the county to conduct a feasibility study addressing water usage, operating costs, land acquisition, and market demand. They had already raised $10,000 from community donations. No formal vote was taken; commissioners asked questions about water sourcing (groundwater, annual replenishment), cost to operate, and the source of public interest. Commissioner Pepper noted the county has not built a new indoor pool in nearly 20 years. Commissioner Hurt raised concerns about liability and mentioned past failed aquarium proposals. - The presenters indicated they had not yet formally approached state legislators but had submitted a state sports tourism grant twice. They will follow up with County Administrator Catherine Siball to explore grant opportunities. Kent County Emergency Operations Plan 2026 Update - Deputy Director Tinger presented the updated Emergency Operations Plan (last updated in 2020). The plan includes a base plan, emergency support functions, and hazard-specific annexes. No funding was requested. Commissioners agreed to place the plan on the consent agenda at the next business meeting for adoption. Kent County Hazard Mitigation Plan 2026 Adoption - The Hazard Mitigation Plan, required on a five-year cycle by FEMA, was developed starting in 2024 with a steering committee, municipal meetings, and public input. FEMA has approved the plan. The next step is for Levy Court to adopt it via a resolution at the October 13, 2026 business meeting. The resolution language has been prepared. Public Comments & Testimony - One member of the public commented on the aquatic center presentation, expressing confusion about the shift from a Cheswold location to more southern sites and questioning whether the facility would be accessible to all residents if it became busy with programming. No additional public comments were made in person or online. Commissioners' Comments - Commissioner Pepper reported on tax bill delivery issues: many residents did not receive their bills by the September 30 deadline, though the county's collection rate remained at 96%. He noted a meeting with Senator Coons and Rep. McBride about USPS problems, and encouraged residents who did not receive bills to contact the county. He also suggested allowing taxpayers to make advance payments on future tax bills, which the current system does not support but a new system expected next year may allow. He also addressed complaints about the 1.99% credit card fee, noting that paying by check or in person is free. Key Outcomes - The First State Aquatic Center will follow up with the County Administrator to explore grant opportunities; no county funding was approved at this meeting. - The Emergency Operations Plan will be placed on the consent agenda for the next business meeting. - The Hazard Mitigation Plan will be presented for adoption via a separate resolution at the October 13, 2026 business meeting. - No executive session was held; the meeting adjourned.

The Kent County Regional Planning Commission held a public hearing on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Levy Court Chambers, Dover, Delaware. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation via Webex and phone. The sole agenda item was a public hearing on application CS-26-06 from Faith Life Church for conditional use site plan approval to expand an existing detached building from 1,500 to 3,500 square feet for use as a place of worship on a 5.218-acre parcel located outside the Growth Zone Overlay District. The commission took no final decision at the hearing, keeping the record open for two business days. Public Comments & Testimony - Applicant’s Presentation (Kevin Minick, engineer): Minick presented the application, noting that a variance for setbacks had been approved by the Board of Adjustment in April/May 2026. Stormwater management would be handled under a standard plan, and a pre-submittal meeting with DelDOT was favorable. He agreed to add additional handicap parking spaces and expressed willingness to incorporate conditions from the staff report, including a bicycle rack. - Testimony in Favor (Ronald Fisher, trustee): Fisher expressed excitement about the project and commitment to being good neighbors. He noted that the church aims to make a positive impact in Marydale, similar to their 52-year presence in Chestertown. He commented that he had seen only one bicycle on Ends Road but supported providing a bike rack if needed. - Testimony in Favor (Joshua Jeffers): Jeffers spoke in support, stating the church would add value and community spirit, bringing love, joy, and peace to the neighborhood without taking away. - No Opposition: No members of the public spoke in opposition, either in person or online. Discussion Items - Commissioner Comments and Conditions: - A commissioner raised the need for more than one handicap parking space. Minick initially proposed one based on a 1-per-25 ratio but agreed to add at least two or three spaces after a commissioner noted that even a church of 50-60 people often uses all four of its handicap spots. The commission suggested making three handicap spaces a condition. - Commissioner Gauvery requested that the required 26 trees (from the staff report) be native to Delaware or indigenous to the region to support local habitat. Minick confirmed the landscape plan already uses native trees and agreed to a condition specifying native species. - A commissioner noted that the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (Den Rec) had extensive stock recommendations on trees, but staff clarified that these were standard comments based on maps, not the actual site plan, since the application does not impact existing trees. Key Outcomes - No Decision Tonight: The commission took no final vote on the application at this hearing. The record remains open for two business days (until October 3, 2026) for additional written testimony. - Conditions Discussed: The applicant agreed to add at least two or three handicap parking spaces and to plant native trees as part of the landscape plan. These are expected to be included as conditions if the application is approved at a later meeting. - Public Hearing Closure: The hearing was adjourned after all testimony was received and no further public comments or commission business were raised. The next meeting is scheduled for the following week.

The Kent County Community Board of Appeals held a public hearing on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 1:05 PM (originally scheduled for 12:30 PM) in the Levy Court Chambers. The sole agenda item was an appeal by Michael W. Braun of an administrative fine (ticket 2026-3026) issued for violation of Kent County Code §205-27C(2) regarding an unregistered vehicle on his property at 18 Wimbledon Drive, Dover, DE. The board heard testimony from the appellant and staff, deliberated, and ultimately voted to table the matter for further information due to a split vote. Public Hearing & Testimony - Staff Presentation: Shannon Morris, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, presented the staff recommendation to deny the appeal. He explained that a notice of violation was sent on June 30, 2026, giving 30 days to correct. A follow-up site review on July 31, 2026, found the vehicles still unregistered, and a $100 ticket was issued on August 3, 2026. The violation was later corrected after the appeal was filed, but the county could not refund the $400 appeal fee unless the appeal succeeded. Staff argued enforcement procedures were followed correctly. - Appellant Testimony (Michael Braun): Mr. Braun, an 80-year-old veteran and former executive director of Kent County Habitat for Humanity, testified that he made diligent efforts to comply within the 30-day period but encountered obstacles: the vehicle failed inspection, repair delays, tire issues, and a tow company sending the wrong truck twice. He stated he was never informed he could request an extension, and the county did not contact him to discuss the violation. He also argued that the $400 appeal fee (four times the ticket amount) was punitive and that the county offered to withdraw the ticket after the violation was corrected but still required him to attend the hearing or risk losing his appeal rights. He expressed concern that the process discriminated against his age and that the county encouraged anonymous neighbor complaints without investigation. - Staff Response: Mr. Morris clarified that the correction order explicitly stated the option to request additional time if substantial efforts were made, but Mr. Braun never contacted the county. He acknowledged that a conversation occurred on Monday, September 21, about possibly withdrawing the ticket to save time, but it was not an offer to dismiss the ticket independent of the appeal process. Mr. Morris stated the county's practice is to seek compliance, not to issue tickets. Discussion Items - Board Deliberation: After testimony, the board discussed procedural matters. A motion to enter executive session was withdrawn because it was not on the agenda. The board then considered motions. - Motions and Votes: - Motion to Deny the Appeal: Made and seconded. Vote: 2 in favor (Cahall, Melvin), 2 opposed (Hill, Cooper). Motion failed (tie). - Motion to Approve the Appeal: Made and seconded after clarification. Vote: 2 in favor (Hill, Cooper), 2 opposed (Cahall, Melvin). Motion failed (tie). - Motion to Table the Matter: Made and seconded to table until the next meeting with a full board of seven members or to seek additional information. Vote: 4 in favor (unanimous). Motion passed. Key Outcomes - The board did not approve or deny the appeal due to a 2-2 split on both motions. - The matter was tabled (CBA-26-001) for further information or until a future meeting when the full seven-member board may be seated. - The $100 ticket and $400 appeal fee remain pending pending the board's final decision.