Public Meetings - Kent County, Delaware

The Kent County Levy Court held a business meeting on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 7:14 PM in the Levy Court Chambers at 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware. The meeting was also available via WebEx. The court addressed several routine items, recognized two honorees, introduced an ordinance, approved a new engineering position, and awarded multiple contracts. Seven commissioners were present, with Commissioner Angel experiencing technical difficulties but eventually participating. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda (item 2606) was approved unanimously (7-0) after a brief technical delay with Commissioner Angel's audio. Presentations & Recognitions - Resolution 4153 – Kent Conservation District Stewardship Week 2026: Approved unanimously (7-0). The resolution recognizes April 26 through May 3, 2026, as Stewardship Week in Kent County, with the theme "Soil, Where It All Begins." The resolution was presented to Paul Cartanza Jr., a board member of the Kent Conservation District. Multiple commissioners expressed strong support for agriculture and conservation. - Tribute to Robert Scott: The court honored Commissioner (and Vice President) Robert Scott with a formal tribute for receiving the Houston Fire Company's President's Award. Scott has served 35 years with the Houston Fire Company in various leadership roles. He expressed surprise and gratitude. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made either in person or online at the beginning of the meeting or during the general public comment period. Discussion Items - Ordinance Introduction – Water Supply Facilities (LC 26 TAC 03): Commissioner Hall introduced an ordinance to amend Chapter 187 (Subdivision and Land Development) to require central water service with fire protection for all major subdivisions with 11 or more lots. The public hearing is set for Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7:00 PM. - Engineering Project Manager II Position: The county engineer has retired, and an acting replacement will become permanent June 1, 2026. Staff recommended recruiting for an Engineering Project Manager II instead of a higher-level PM III, citing a larger candidate pool and succession planning. The position is not funded for FY2026 remainder, but funding is available in the Public Works salary budget line. - Contract User Agreement – Little Creek Wildlife Area: Approved for the State of Delaware's Division of Fish and Wildlife to receive county sanitary sewer service at 1318 Bayside Drive. The Sewer Advisory Board approved the proposal in July 2025. The city of Dover indicated minimal impact on their system. The applicant (state) will pay for pump station improvements. Commissioner Hertz abstained. - Biosolids Capacity Expansion – Change Order 4: Approved (7-0) for M2 Construction. The change order includes $120,817 for additional storm drainage and grading, offset by a $63,300 credit for changing exterior walls from brick/cement block to colored split face architectural block, resulting in a net cost of $57,517. - Residential Trash Collection Services Contract (FY26-FY29): Awarded to Casella (waste industries) and Republic Services (BFI waste) for a three-year contract (June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2029) with two one-year renewal options. The contract includes up to 44 weeks of yard waste collection (mid-March to mid-December plus one pickup in January and one in February). Commissioners discussed adding more winter pickups; Commissioner Hall noted constituent demand for monthly or biweekly service. Commissioner Angel suggested coordinating yard waste pickup with recycling days. Key Outcomes - Resolution 4153 (Stewardship Week) passed 7-0. - Ordinance LC 26 TAC 03 introduced; public hearing scheduled for May 26, 2026. - Engineering Project Manager II recruitment authorized; funding from Public Works salary budget line. - Contract User Agreement with State of Delaware/Division of Fish and Wildlife approved, with Commissioner Hertz abstaining (6-1). - Biosolids expansion change order 4 approved 7-0 ($57,517). - Trash collection contract awarded to Casella and Republic Services 7-0. - Meeting adjourned without an executive session.

The Kent County Regional Planning Commission met on April 9, 2026 at 6:00 PM. Seven commissioners were present, establishing a quorum. The revised agenda and the minutes from February 12, 2026 were each approved unanimously. The commission then considered four development applications: Delmarva Power and Light (conditional use for electric station), Barrett's Landing (major subdivision for 244 lots), Lindberry Woods (final approval for 125 lots), and Mad Clay Homes (sidewalk waiver). Commissioner comments and adjournment followed. Consent Calendar - The revised agenda was approved by a vote of 7-0. - The minutes from February 12, 2026 were approved by a vote of 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony No members of the public offered comments during the public comment period. Delmarva Power and Light - Conditional Use Application C 2602 - Proposal: Request for conditional use approval for an electric substation located inside the Growth Zone Overlay District. - Discussion: Commissioners noted that the applicant had answered all questions and presented well. A motion was made to recommend conditional approval based on the staff recommendation report and public hearing testimony. - Outcome: The commission voted 7-0 to recommend conditional approval to Levy Court. Barrett's Landing - Major Subdivision Application SL 2603 - Proposal: Major subdivision for 244 single-family residential lots on Barrett Chapel Road, within the Growth Zone Overlay District. John Falkowski of Becker Morgan Group represented the applicant. - Discussion: Commissioner Mills expressed concern about school bus access and turnaround safety at the entrance. He suggested redesigning the entrance to include a horseshoe turnaround for buses. Mr. Falkowski offered options: using stub roads (which are wider than fire department requirements) as temporary turnarounds, or potentially using two front lots for that purpose. He confirmed the road widening planned for the frontage and that the developer pays into DelDOT's Transportation Improvement District for off-site improvements. Commissioner Davis expressed strong concerns about the safety of Barrett Chapel Road itself, stating the road is "not safe," has no shoulder for breakdowns, and that DelDOT has not included it in the review process. He said he would vote for the project but was "not happy about it." Commissioner Galvery asked to add a condition requiring a bus turnaround in the first phase. Commissioner Peterman questioned the waiver for crossing a blue-line stream and converting a borrow pit to stormwater pond, and noted that Kent Conservation District had approved the approach. The applicant agreed to incorporate the conditions. - Positions: Commissioner Mills expressed support but requested improvements; Commissioner Davis expressed reluctant support due to road safety concerns. - Outcome: A motion for conditional approval was made, including condition E requiring a school bus turnaround area at the entrance and/or road spurs along the first phase. The motion passed 6-1, with Commissioner Peterman voting no. Lindberry Woods - Final Approval Application SL 24-01 - Proposal: Final approval for a 125-single-family-lot subdivision located in the Growth Zone Overlay District. The preliminary plan had been approved in September 2024. - Discussion: The applicant had addressed all prior conditions and obtained all required letters of no objection. The plan was deemed fully compliant. - Outcome: The commission voted 7-0 to grant final approval. Mad Clay Homes - Sidewalk Waiver Application SLV 26-15 - Proposal: A 1.5-acre parcel for an office building on South DuPont Highway and Carpenter Bridge Road. The applicant requested a waiver from the sidewalk and frontage requirements, instead paying a fee-in-lieu to DelDOT. - Discussion: Commissioner Davis moved to approve the waiver, noting the applicant would pay the fee-in-lieu. Commissioner Servon voted against the waiver. - Outcome: The commission voted 6-1 to grant the sidewalk waiver, with Commissioner Servon dissenting. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Galvery queried whether current development patterns aligned with smart growth principles. Staff responded that Kent County's Growth Zone was a way to concentrate development, making it easier to build inside and harder to build outside the zone, and that the philosophy of smart growth was being pursued. - Commissioner Davis expressed personal concerns about the pace of development: roads (specifically Barrett Chapel Road) are unsafe, schools are overloaded, fire departments cannot handle the growth, and the county needs more parks and recreation. He stated he supports the Growth Zone concept but feels DelDOT is not doing its part in long-range planning and road improvements. - The chairman noted that new agenda management software (Granicus) would be rolled out, providing commissioners digital access to agendas and documents. Staff reminded commissioners to sign up for accounts before the link expires; hard copies of plans will still be provided. Key Outcomes - Delmarva Power and Light: Recommended for conditional use approval by Levy Court (7-0). - Barrett's Landing: Granted conditional approval of preliminary plan, with added condition for school bus turnaround (6-1). - Lindberry Woods: Granted final plan approval (7-0). - Mad Clay Homes: Granted fee-in-lieu sidewalk waiver (6-1). - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Jester. Seven commissioners were present, establishing a quorum. The agenda was approved unanimously. The hearing addressed three applications: C26-01 (home daycare), C26-02 (electrical substation upgrades), and SL-26-03 (Barrett's Landing subdivision). No decisions were made; the commission will vote at a business meeting on April 9, 2026. The record remains open for two business days. Public Comments & Testimony Application C26-01 – Private Daycare (Valerie Singleton) - Applicant/Proponent: Valerie Singleton (41 Doe Hill Court) proposed a private, licensed family daycare for up to six children ages 2–5, with no staff, operating 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. She stated the HOA president (CJ Myers) had approved the use. She addressed concerns: traffic would be minimal (only six families), noise limited (30 minutes outdoor play), no commercial activity, and the children would be her grandchildren (three) plus three others. She noted enforcement inconsistencies in the neighborhood (e.g., landscapers, ice cream truck). - In Favor: Annette Fallon (1500 S. Hancock Ave., Dover), a family daycare provider for 20+ years, spoke in support, stating daycare enhances the community, provides affordable care, and gives parents flexibility. Anastasia Jackson (41 Doe Hill Court) supported, noting traffic impact would be minor and noise no greater than lawnmowers. - Opposed: Steve Bay Reader (418 Fawn Path), HOA vice president, expressed concern that the HOA president acted without board vote and that the covenants prohibit businesses on lots. Nicole West (84 Fawn Path) opposed, stating the HOA cannot approve businesses under deed restrictions, and raised concerns about setting a precedent and increased traffic. Rick Stone (64 Country Field Drive) opposed, arguing the HOA president used faulty logic and the development’s covenants were part of purchase agreements. He emphasized property value protection and community adherence to rules. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners and the county attorney clarified that Kent County does not enforce private deed restrictions; that is an HOA/civil matter. The signed approval from the HOA president was noted as the only official document received. No decision was made. Application C26-02 – Delmarva Power Substation Upgrade - Applicant: Attorney McKenzie Sindelar (Saul Ewing) represented Delmarva Power. The existing substation at 3370 Farmington Road has operated for approximately 90 years. The conditional use is to replace the aging control house and upgrade equipment (breakers, switches, relays) within the existing footprint. No increase in capacity, noise, or traffic is expected. Lights will be motion-sensor activated. - Public Comment: No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition. - Commission Discussion: Commissioners asked about capacity (unchanged), noise (none added), lighting (motion sensors), and landscaping (none required for security reasons). Staff recommended approval. Application SL-26-03 – Barrett’s Landing Subdivision - Applicant: Engineer Mike Ryman (Becker Morgan Group) presented a 244-lot single-family subdivision on 90 acres zoned AC, located within the growth zone and sewer district. Two access points on Barrett Chapel Road are planned, along with bus stops coordinated with Lake Forest School District. Five waivers were requested: crossing a wetland buffer for the second entrance, a walking trail within a wetland buffer, converting a borrow pit to a stormwater pond, reduced setback from a stormwater facility (agreed with staff), and a waiver from connecting streets to adjacent land (due to stream barriers). Staff recommended approval of all waivers. - Opposed: Arthur Adams (4793 Barrett Chapel Road, 50-year resident) raised concerns about maintaining a drainage ditch that crosses the property, road widening affecting his frontage, and the borrow pit potentially containing buried farm debris. Irene Larkin (4827 Barrett Chapel Road) opposed because the second entrance would be directly across from her driveway, creating safety and inconvenience during years of construction. Rob Rogers (203 Humphreys Drive, Camden) opposed the density (244 homes on 90 acres) and loss of farmland, arguing infrastructure and services (ambulance, doctors) are already strained. - Commission Discussion: Commissioner Mills raised bus stop phasing safety during construction; the applicant stated phase one would build the rear road and bus stop first. Commissioner Davis requested a preliminary plan showing a separate construction entrance. The applicant agreed to provide a schematic at the next meeting. Commissioner Galvery asked about stream baseline health and pervious surfaces for the walking trail; the applicant committed to working with conservation district. No decision was made. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken on any application. All three will be considered and decided at the Kent County Regional Planning Commission business meeting on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. - The public record for all applications remains open for two business days following the hearing (until end of day April 6, 2026). Written testimony may be submitted to the planning department. - For SL-26-03, the applicant will provide a preliminary sketch of a secondary construction entrance at the April 9 meeting.

The Kent County Levy Court convened a business meeting on March 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Levy Court Chamber at 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware. All seven commissioners were present. The meeting included public comment periods, approval of the consent agenda, recognition of a retiring employee and an employee of the month, a public hearing and approval of a sewer district extension and a budget amendment, establishment of a streetlight district, and introduction of a stormwater maintenance district resolution. The meeting concluded with the rescission of state loan commitments for pipeline condition assessments. Consent Calendar - The agenda was approved unanimously (7-0). - Consent agenda 2605 was approved unanimously (7-0). Presentations - Resolution 4155 – Retirement of Diana T. Gold: The court recognized Diana T. Gold, County Engineer, for her loyal service. The resolution was approved unanimously (7-0). - Employee of the Month – Sharon Statz (April 2026): Sharon Statz, a Licensed Specialist II in the Clerk of the Peace Office, was honored for her initiative, perfect attendance for two consecutive years, and role in improving office efficiency. Multiple commissioners expressed appreciation for her positive demeanor and public service. Public Hearings & Votes - Resolution 4147 – Aquila Farm Sewer District Extension: The proposal extends the Kent County Sewage Disposal District to include a 1,078-unit subdivision (Aquila Farm) and one existing home in the Cheswold area. The developer will pay a $140,000 aid-in-construction fee and is responsible for all sewer system design, permitting, construction, and impact fees. No public comments were made. The resolution was approved unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance LC 26-05 – Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendment: The ordinance amends the FY26 operating budget to include projected expenditures and revenues not in the original budget, specifically adding six paramedics to the Emergency Medical Services Division (increasing total positions from 60 to 66). Commissioner Pepper noted this has enabled two-person staffing at all paramedic stations 24/7. No public comments were made. The ordinance was approved unanimously (7-0). - Resolution 4148 – Carpenter’s Bridge Crossing Streetlight District No. 154: Establishes a streetlight district covering 193 residential lots, authorizing the county to contract for installation/maintenance and levy a tax to recover costs. No public comments were made. The resolution was approved unanimously (7-0). New Business - Resolution 4149 – Introduction of Stormwater Maintenance District Extension: Commissioner Hertz introduced a resolution to extend the Kent County Stormwater Maintenance District. No further details or vote were taken at this meeting; it was only introduced. - Rescission of State Loan Commitments for Pipeline Condition Assessment: Commissioner Hertz moved to rescind two binding commitment offers from the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (totaling $3.1 million for pipes <12” diameter and $2.3 million for pipes ≥12” diameter). The county no longer needs the loans: the <12” project is funded by ARPA and near completion, and the ≥12” project is no longer pursued. The county will seek a new loan for countywide gravity pipeline condition repair. The motion (including authorization for the Levy Court President to sign a rescission letter) was approved unanimously (7-0). Information Items - Commissioner Angel noted the new EMS building in Harrington is operational and that the Delaware Association of Counties meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at the Rome of Restaurant. He also mentioned a fire study board report to be presented virtually next week. Public Comments - No public comments were made during either public comment period. Key Outcomes - All seven commissioners voted unanimously on every action item (7-0 votes). - The court approved the retirement recognition for Diana T. Gold, the employee of the month recognition for Sharon Statz, the Aquila Farm sewer district extension, the FY26 budget amendment adding six paramedics, and the Carpenter’s Bridge Crossing streetlight district. - The court rescinded two state loan commitments for pipeline condition assessments and authorized the Levy Court President to sign the rescission letter. - Resolution 4149 (stormwater maintenance district extension) was introduced for future consideration.

The Kent County Board of Adjustment held a public hearing and business meeting on March 19, 2026, to consider one variance application (A26-05) and to approve previous meeting minutes and two earlier applications. The board voted unanimously to approve the variance. Consent Calendar - Business Meeting Minutes (February 19, 2026): Approved without objection. - Applications A26-03 and A26-04: Approved by a motion and second, with all seven members voting in favor. Public Comments & Testimony - Application A26-05 (Mullen): - Gene Mullen (applicant): Stated the property has a 16.5-foot deeded easement established in the 1920s. He requested a variance from the current 18-foot requirement to build a single-family dwelling (or a "barndominium") after a fire destroyed his previous pole barn. He noted the easement is already in use, has a 62-foot turnaround, and that infrastructure (well, septic, electric) is in place. He emphasized the property is landlocked without the easement and that denial would cause a significant financial hardship. - Fred Zimmerman (neighbor, supporting): Owns the property adjacent to the easement. He recommended the board grant the variance, stating the request is reasonable. - Ronald Emerson (neighbor, opposing): Owns the property over which the easement runs. He expressed concerns about traffic, speeding, and safety due to past use of the property for cabinet making and a shooting range. He stated that the easement was never used before Mullen bought the property. He also worried that a residence would lead to resumed business activities. The board clarified that the variance only concerns the easement width, not land expansion or business use. Discussion Items - Variance Criteria: The board reviewed the four Quick Check Realty factors: zoning district (AC), character of the area, effect on neighboring properties, and exceptional practical difficulty. Staff noted that the property is landlocked and the requested relief (1.5 feet) is minimal. - Legal Context: The easement is 16.5 feet; the code requires 18 feet for residential structures. The variance does not change the easement dimensions or ownership. - Board Deliberation: Members discussed that the applicant faces exceptional practical difficulty due to being landlocked, the financial impact of not being able to build, and the minimal nature of the variance. They noted that neighbor concerns about business or shooting are separate issues not within the board's jurisdiction. Key Outcomes - Application A26-05 (Mullen) – Approved: Motion to approve carried 7-0. The board found that the applicant demonstrated an exceptional practical difficulty (landlocked property, significant financial hardship) and that the variance (allowing a 16.5-foot easement for residential use) is minimally intrusive. The decision permits the applicant to construct a single-family dwelling using the existing 16.5-foot easement. Written notification will be mailed after the next scheduled meeting.

The Kent County Levy Court held its regular business meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Levy Court Chambers at 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware. The meeting was conducted in person and via WebEx. Commissioners unanimously approved the agenda, consent agenda, two resolutions, and an ordinance after a public hearing. The meeting opened with a recognition of law enforcement and fire personnel from multiple states, along with a prayer for firefighters battling a barge fire on the Delaware River. Presentations & Recognitions - Recognition of First Responders: Joel Gardner read a list of approximately 20 law enforcement officers and firefighters from various states (including Mississippi, Arizona, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, New Mexico, Missouri, Texas, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia) and called for prayers for firefighters fighting a barge fire on the Delaware River, noting that his son-in-law was among them. - Resolution 4150 – Honoring Ireland’s Contributions to the U.S. War of Independence: The resolution commemorates the role of Irish immigrants and Irish Americans in the American Revolution, including figures like Commodore John Barry and General Richard Montgomery. Commissioner Angel remarked that he had recently been invited to the Irish Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C., and wished he had known about the resolution to present it there. The resolution was adopted unanimously (7-0). - Resolution 4151 – Procurement Month Proclamation: Commissioner Pepper read the proclamation declaring March 2026 as Procurement Month in Kent County, recognizing the work of procurement professionals in ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. Multiple commissioners thanked the procurement staff present. The resolution was adopted unanimously (7-0). Following the vote, commissioners and procurement staff posed for a photo. Consent Calendar - Agenda Adoption: Motion by Commissioner Angel, second by Commissioner Pepper. Approved 7-0. - Consent Agenda 2604: Motion by Commissioner Pepper, second by Vice President Scott. Commissioner Angel noted he was absent from the previous meeting on county business. Approved 7-0. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Hearing on Ordinance LC 25-05 (Regional Sewer Advisory Board Bylaws): No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition in person or online. The hearing was opened and closed without testimony. Discussion Items - Ordinance LC 25-05 – Bylaws Revisions for the Kent County Regional Sewer Advisory Board: Sam presented the ordinance, which would repeal and replace Chapter 84 of the Kent County Code to update bylaws originally executed in 1996. Revisions address user contracts, membership, communications, election of officers, duties, and other operational matters. The Sewer Advisory Board approved the revisions on January 8, 2025, and the county attorney reviewed the documents. Commissioner Hertz moved adoption, seconded by Commissioner Scott. The ordinance was approved 7-0. New Business (Introductions for Future Public Hearings) - Resolution 4146 – Public Hearing on Extending Kent County Sewage Disposal District No. 1 (Aguilla Farms, Chesal Area): Approved 7-0. Public hearing scheduled for March 24, 2026 at 7:00 PM. - Resolution 4147 – Public Hearing on Extending Kent County Sewage Disposal District No. 1 (Aguilla Farms, JESL Area): Introduced for public hearing on March 24, 2026. - Ordinance LC 26-05 – FY 2026 Annual Operating Budget Amendment: Introduced for public hearing on March 24, 2026. This budget amendment incorporates projected expenditures and revenues not included in the originally adopted budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. - Resolution 4148 – Establishing Cartmers Bridge Crossing Street Lighting District No. 1-54: Introduced by Vice President Scott for public hearing on March 24, 2026. Commissioner Comments - Commissioner Angel reminded attendees of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Smyrna on Sunday, March 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM, starting at St. Polycarp’s Church, Ransom Lane, and Kentway. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda 2604 approved unanimously. - Resolution 4150 (Ireland’s contributions) adopted unanimously. - Resolution 4151 (Procurement Month) adopted unanimously. - Ordinance LC 25-05 (Sewer Advisory Board bylaws) adopted unanimously after public hearing. - Resolution 4146 approved to schedule a public hearing for March 24, 2026. - Resolution 4147, Ordinance LC 26-05, and Resolution 4148 introduced for public hearings on March 24, 2026. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous consent after no executive session. Note No agenda or minutes were provided; the summary is based solely on the transcript. The transcript includes a lengthy list of first responders recognized at the start, which is not a formal agenda item but is included as a recognition.

The Kent County Levy Court held its regular business meeting on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 555 Bay Road, Dover, Delaware. The meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. by the President, with six members present and one absent (Commissioner Angel). Key actions included adopting the agenda, approving the consent calendar, recognizing the March 2026 Employee of the Month, introducing new employees, and holding a public hearing on a conditional use and site plan application for a church expansion. The meeting adjourned after a brief new business item and announcements. Consent Calendar - Consent Agenda 2603: Approved unanimously (6-0, with one absent). Presentations - March 2026 Employee of the Month: Deputy Chief Justin Conrad recognized Ryan Quinn, Paramedic First Class in the Department of Public Safety, as the March 2026 Employee of the Month. Mr. Quinn was praised for his leadership in developing a comprehensive operations manual for the bike team, advancing virtual reality training for paramedics, and playing a pivotal role in the recruit academy that strengthened training and onboarding. Commissioners offered congratulations, highlighting the critical role of paramedics in public safety. - New Employee Introductions: Five new paramedic trainees were introduced: Dan Mills, Thomas Blomquist, Madison McGuinness, Isabella Davenport, and James Cortice (who was on duty). Two additional employees from Public Works were unable to attend due to storm-related duties. Commissioners welcomed the new hires, noting they joined a strong team. Public Hearing - Conditional Use and Site Plan Application CS 2602: The hearing was conducted for an application to expand a church property to include sports fields and a campground. The site is 11.7 acres on the south side of Milford Harrington Highway, east of Bloomfield Drive, and west of Milford. The Regional Planning Commission had recommended approval, finding compliance with all relevant conditions and the comprehensive plan. No public testimony was offered either in favor or in opposition. The levy court granted conditional approval based on staff and RPC recommendations and the absence of opposition. New Business - Ordinance LC 25-05 Introduction: Commissioner Hertz introduced an ordinance to amend the code of Kent County regarding the bylaws of the Regional Sewer Advisory Board. The ordinance was set for public hearing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. Key Outcomes - CS 2602 Approved: The levy court voted 6-0 to grant conditional approval for the church expansion application, based on staff and RPC recommendations and no opposition. - Ordinance LC 25-05 Scheduled for Hearing: The introduction of the ordinance was approved, with a public hearing scheduled for March 10, 2026. - Meeting Schedule Updates: Commissioner announced two meeting changes: the Tax Stitch meeting was rescheduled to March 3, 2026, at the Harrington Moose Lodge; the Farm Bureau meeting was rescheduled to March 9, 2026, at Marble Farms. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned with a motion and second, approved by voice vote.

The Kent County Board of Adjustment held a public hearing and business meeting on February 19, 2026, to consider two variance applications. The meeting opened with a roll call, pledge, and legal counsel's statement on the four-factor test for area variances. Six board members were present, constituting a quorum. Consent Calendar - Approved the meeting minutes from January 22, 2026, by unanimous vote. - Approved application A2601 (no further details provided) by unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony Application A2603 – Sunrise Solar (Variance from 6-foot visual barrier) - Jeff Corman, ag operator of the adjacent airstrip, testified in favor of the variance, stating that trees at the end of the runway would endanger his operation. He noted that trees and airplanes do not mix, and he had previously removed trees from his own airport for safety. - No speakers in opposition. Application A2604 – Myers RV Centers LLC (Variance from 20-foot setback for vehicle sales) - Francis J. Webb, owner of the northern parcel, testified in favor, stating the property has been used for RV sales for 15–16 years without complaints. He noted he built a $12,000 fence for aesthetics and that the RVs have never hindered his farming operation. - Gary Hosking, general manager of the RV business, testified in favor, describing a cooperative relationship with the farming neighbor and noting they move RVs when farming operations require space. - No speakers in opposition. Discussion Items - A2603 – Sunrise Solar: The applicant (COO of Sunrise Solar) requested a variance from the six-foot four-season visual barrier along 665 feet of the rear property line on behalf of the neighboring airstrip (Irish Hill LLC). The barrier would obstruct the approach to the runway. The board discussed safety concerns and that the fence and solar facility are already in place. Staff recommended approval. - A2604 – Myers RV Centers LLC: The applicant sought a variance from the 20-foot setback for motor vehicle sales to allow RV parking closer to property lines. Staff recommended denial for the rear and side setbacks (red areas) but conditional approval for cross-access easements (green areas). The applicant stated a five-foot setback would work. Board members considered the long history of the use, the mobile nature of RVs, good neighbor relations, and the financial hardship of a strict 20-foot setback. Key Outcomes - A2603 – Approved (6-0): Motion to approve the variance to remove the four-season visual barrier along the rear property line (approximately 665 feet) based on staff recommendation and public testimony regarding safety. - A2604 – Two-part approval: 1. Motion 1 (6-0): Conditional approval of a variance from the 20-foot side setbacks of the shared property lines (parcels 46, 48, 49) to allow parking across property lines as shown in green on Exhibit B, with the condition that a cross-access agreement be recorded prior to issuance of a certificate of use. This motion carried 6-0. 2. Motion 2 (6-0): Variance to allow a 5-foot rear setback along the rear property line and the northern side property line of parcel 46 and southern side property line of parcel 49 for operational parking (red areas on Exhibit B). The board found exceptional practical difficulty for the owner in maintaining competitiveness and noted no impact on neighboring properties. Vote: 6-0. The meeting adjourned following these decisions.

The Kent County Regional Planning Commission met on February 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Commissioners present: Peterman, Servan (by telephone), Carter, Golfrey, Mills, and Davis. Commissioner Jester was absent. All six members present constituted a quorum. The meeting covered routine approvals, two waiver applications, a conditional use request, and a site plan approval, all passed unanimously. Consent Calendar - Approval of Agenda: Motion to approve the evening's agenda passed unanimously (6-0). - Approval of Minutes: Minutes from January 15, 2026, were approved as posted unanimously (6-0). Discussion Items - SLV 25-40 – Dollar Army National Guard Waiver: The commission lifted the application from the table. Staff confirmed the applicant (Army National Guard) had met all requirements and agreed to minor changes. A motion to grant a waiver from Subsection 188-77C (wetlands) to enable filling approximately 2.9 acres of non-jurisdictional wetlands for a future Readiness Center inside the Growth Zone Overlay District passed unanimously (6-0). The chair thanked the engineering firm and National Guard for resolving the issue. - SLB 25-42 – Elbert Taylor Waiver: Request for a waiver from 187-57B (floodplain) and 187-77C (wetlands) to enable a two-lot minor subdivision inside the Growth Zone Overlay District. The motion, based on submitted site evaluations and minimal wetland impact, passed unanimously (6-0). - CS 26-02 – (Beverly Community Church / Verdian Community Church) Conditional Use: The application sought conditional use site plan approval to construct a sanctuary, family center, and education building totaling 29,022 square feet outside the Growth Zone Overlay District. Staff recommended conditional approval. The motion, referencing the staff report and public hearing testimony, passed unanimously (6-0). The applicant must comply with all staff and agency requirements. - S 26-01 – Shaw Shranker Incorporated Site Plan Approval: Application for a 11,902-square-foot microbrewery and retail space inside the Growth Zone Overlay District (zoned BG). The motion, based on the February 12, 2026 staff report, included a condition to add a bike rack accommodating four bicycles. The motion passed unanimously (6-0). Key Outcomes - All four applications were approved unanimously (6-0 each). - The meeting concluded with no public comments, no commissioner comments, and a birthday wish for Commissioner Delbert Mills. The meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote (6-0).