Regional Planning Commission Meeting Summary - January 15, 2016
Regional Planning Commission Meeting Summary - January 15, 2016
The Regional Planning Commission convened its business meeting on January 15, 2016, at 6:00 PM to address zoning amendments, conditional use approvals, and subdivision waivers. The commission first expressed deep sympathy for Commissioner Davis, who noted the recent passing of his wife, and formally approved the agenda and minutes of the previous meeting after an amendment clarifying Commissioner Karcher's attendance. The majority of the session was dedicated to new business items, resulting in unanimous approvals for two routine applications and tabling two significant developments pending additional technical data regarding wetlands and floodplain impacts.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda approved unanimously (7-0).
- Minutes of December 11, 2025, approved as amended with a clarification added for Commissioner Karcher's attendance (7-0).
Public Comments & Testimony
- No public comments were received during the designated public comment portion of the meeting.
Discussion Items
- CZ-26-01 (LC 25-29) - Alan E and Amanda L. King: The commission discussed a request to amend the zoning map from AR/IG to AR/BG (General Business). Staff and the applicant agreed to a modification reducing the requested area from 1.3 acres to 1.1 acres to replace industrial zoning with less intense business zoning. The applicant confirmed the change addressed the modification requirements.
- CS-26-01 - Delaware State Fire School: The commission reviewed a request for conditional use with site plan approval for a comprehensive signage package. Staff recommended approval, noting the use is within an institutional/educational complex and complies with the comprehensive plan. The commission found the application compliant with relevant county codes.
- SLV-25-42 - Taylor Ebert (Minor Subdivision): The applicant, Taylor Ebert, requested approval for a minor subdivision of a 31.826-acre residential property with an advanced treatment septic system. Commissioner Peterman expressed strong concern that the land is predominantly within a floodplain and crops struggle to grow there, citing a lack of a complete flood study. The applicant admitted they were working off FEMA flood maps rather than a complete flood study and had not yet supplied all soil and elevation data requested. The commission voted to table the application for 30 days to allow the applicant to provide complete soil plans and environmental data.
- SLV-25-40 - Delaware Army National Guard: The commission discussed a concept proposal for a $100 million, multi-phase readiness center and maintenance facility. Mark Warndorf (National Guard) and Frank Miller (Engineer) presented concept plans rather than finalized designs, citing ongoing NEPA processes and a recently discovered discrepancy regarding Kent County wetland regulations. Commissioner Davis voiced strong opposition, stating that "concepts" and "intentions" are insufficient for a major taxpayer-funded project involving significant wetland disturbance. He emphasized the commission's historical mandate to protect wetlands and key wildlife habitats. Commissioner Garvey and others echoed the need for specific plans rather than guessing games regarding wetland impacts and tree removal. The commission voted to table the application for 30 days to allow the applicant to present a refined design clarifying impacts on key wildlife habitat and secondary wetland areas.
Key Outcomes
- CZ-26-01 (LC 25-29): Motion passed unanimously (7-0). Recommended modified approval of the ordinance amending the zoning map to include 1.1 acres of General Business (BG) zoning.
- CS-26-01: Motion passed unanimously (7-0). Recommended conditional approval of the application for the comprehensive signage package site plan.
- SLV-25-42: Motion passed unanimously (7-0). Application tabled for 30 days to allow the submission of complete soil, elevation, and CEPIC information before further deliberation.
- SLV-25-40: Motion passed unanimously (7-0). Application tabled for 30 days to allow the submission of a refined design that clarifies impacts on woodlands, wetlands, and key wildlife habitat areas.
- Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Garvey suggested the commission review the Delaware Climate Action Plan for code alignment and raised questions about infrastructure deficiencies potentially impacting future approvals. Commissioner Mills requested that the Levy Court align its meeting time with the Planning Commission to improve coordination for stakeholders. The meeting was adjourned unanimously (7-0).
Note: The transcript date (January 15, 2016) reflects the text provided, though the agenda items reference a 2026 context in the transcript text (e.g., "January the 8th, 2026"). This discrepancy has been noted in the source material but the summary reflects the content as presented.
Meeting Transcript
It's now six PM. I'd like to call to order the Regional Planning Commission business meeting for Thursday, January the fifteenth, twenty twenty sixteen. And we've had a little bad uh we've had some bad things happen this week, and uh Mr. Davis, who's probably online, has lost his wife, so we need to keep him and his family in our prayers. They were married for a long time, and she was a very important part of his life. Now, as we get into tonight's meeting, I would like to ask Mr. Mills if he'd lead us in the pledge of the flag. Thank you all for coming out on such a cold evening. I would ask that if you have any kind of phone or electronic device that you make sure it's either on vibrator or turned off so it don't disturb us during our meeting. We'll now go to roll call and determination of quorum, sir. Mr. Peterman. Present. Mr. Servan. Present. Mrs. Carter, here. Mr. Godfrey. Here. Mr. Mills. Here. Mr. Davis. Mr. Jester. Here. So you have seven present. You do have a quorum. Thank you very much. Commissioners, you also have in front of you tonight's agenda. If there's no deletions, additions or any corrections, I would entertain a motion to approve. Mr. Mills. Mr. Garvey. Second. Sarah called the commission. Mr. Peterman. Yes to approve. Mr. Servan. Yes to approve. Mrs. Carter. Yes to approve. Mr.
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