Kent County Levy Court Meeting Summary - January 27, 2026
Kent County Levy Court Meeting Summary - January 27, 2026
The Kent County Levy Court convened at 7:00 PM on January 27, 2026, to address routine administrative matters, honor employee achievements, and conduct public hearings on zoning, site plans, and budget amendments. The meeting proceeded with seven commissioners present. Public comments were minimal, with no opposition raised to the agenda items presented.
Consent Calendar
- Ordinance 26-02 (Amended): Unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the appointment of Justin Hurley (Department of Public Works) as the February 2026 Employee of the Month.
- Perfect Attendance Awards: Recognized 62 employees for perfect attendance in 2025; certificates were presented to nine attendees in person during the meeting.
Public Comments & Testimony
- General Public: No members of the public requested to speak during the initial public comment period. During the public hearings, three individuals offered testimony:
- In Support (Alan King): Alan King, representing the applicant for rezoning (Ordinance LC 25-29), expressed full support for expanding the General Business zoning by 1.1 acres to accommodate increased parking for semi-trucks and business growth.
- In Support (Jonathan Street): Jonathan Street, representing the Becker Morgan Group, expressed full support for the fire school sign package application (CS 26-01), explaining that the signage is necessary for a site containing three state entities and an upcoming addition.
- In Support (Commissioner Hertz): While acting in a representative capacity for the commission, Commissioner Hertz expressed support for Mr. King's business, encouraging the public to visit the store.
- Commissioner Angel: Commissioner Angel expressed a position against the potential loss of seniority credit for reinstated employees and requested a future workshop to discuss policy changes regarding how service time is calculated for returning staff.
Discussion Items
- Zoning Amendment (Ordinance LC 25-29): Discussion focused on rezoning 1.1 acres from Industrial General (IG) to Business General (BG) for Alan King's hardware store. The Planning Commission and Staff recommended a modified approval (smaller than the requested 1.3 acres). Commissioner Pepper expressed a position of concern regarding downzoning but voted yes due to the small property size and staff recommendation.
- Conditional Use Site Plan (Application CS 26-01): Discussion covered a comprehensive sign package for the Fire School, Fire Commission, and Fire Marshal's office. Testimony confirmed the signs align with existing site standards and accommodate a new building addition.
- Budget Amendment (Ordinance LC 26-02): Discussion centered on amending the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to fund six additional paramedics in the EMS Division, bringing the total approved positions to 66. Commissioners noted the continued growth of EMS needs in the county.
- Sewage District Extensions (Resolutions 4141, 4142, 4143, 4144): Four resolutions were introduced to call public hearings regarding the extension of the Kent County Sewage Disposal District No. for the Barrett's Chapel Road Subdivision, Twin Maples Mobile Home Park (Canton Area), and Twin Maples Mobile Home Park (Kenton Area). All hearings were scheduled for February 10, 2026.
- Procedural Amendment (Resolution 4145): Discussion took place on amending the Levy Court's Rules of Procedure. Commissioner Sweeney expressed opposition to this specific item, diverging from the other commissioners who supported it.
Key Outcomes
- Zoning Approval (LC 25-29): Approved unanimously (7-0). The property was rezoned from AR/IG to BG for 1.1 acres, accepting the Planning Commission's modified recommendation.
- Site Plan Approval (CS 26-01): Approved unanimously (7-0). Conditional approval granted for the comprehensive sign package at the Fire School.
- Budget Approval (LC 26-02): Approved unanimously (7-0). The Fiscal Year 2026 budget was amended to include funding for six new paramedic positions.
- Sewage Hearings: Public hearings for all four sewage district extension proposals were officially called to be held on February 10, 2026.
- Procedural Vote (Resolution 4145): Adopted by a vote of 6-1 (Commissioner Sweeney voted no). The rules of procedure amendment was passed.
- Next Steps: A workshop has been requested to discuss seniority policies for reinstated employees, which the County Administrator agreed to schedule.
Meeting Transcript
I did not realize how far I was doing. Yeah. This meeting is being transcribed and summarized. How would we get the answer to our two? Can we get any challenge? They come back and tell me that you're something that's four houses united. Yes. I think I can ask you. I just think they're talking. But who would I have to train you have to do? And you're in this point. Try planning for it. Yes. That's good. Yeah. Oh, really? Thanks. Well, we're at CR we're doing that is probably five minutes to be much more. Can County Levy Court business meeting is now called to order at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 555 Bay Road, Dover Delaware. We're in the Levy Court Chambers, room 203. Turn it over now to County Administrator Sipple. Thank you, Madam President. This meeting is being held in person at 555 Bay Road, Dover Delaware and the Levy Court Chambers. We're also making it available via the internet through WebEx. Participants can join us by phone or by computer during the meeting. There will be opportunities for public comment for those attending in person or online. When the President opens a public comment period, those attending in person may step forward to one of the two podiums and be recognized. If you're joining us by phone and wish to comment, please press star three, which will raise your electronic hand. Our operator will identify you and bring you into the meeting. Pressing star six will mute and unmute your line. If you are online, you will see a hand and microphone icon at the bottom of your screen. Please use those at the appropriate times. We ask guests to begin public comments by stating your name and address for the record. The county attorney will administer an oath of affirmation to anyone giving testimony during a public hearing. We ask that public comments relate to the subject announced by the president. In addition, in addition to public hearings, there are two public comment periods. One at the beginning of the meeting for agenda items and one near the end of the meeting for general comments. This meeting is being recorded and will follow the rules and procedures adopted by Levy Court as well as the Mason Rules of Order. Back to you, Madam President. Thank you. I would ask Commissioner Pepper to do the invocation. Commissioner Angel, the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Sweeney, moment of silence for our troops and first responders. Please rise. Please guide us in our decisions and make our decisions not only pleasing to our constituents and residents of Kent County, but also pleasing to you. Amen. Please remain standing for a moment of silence for military law enforcement firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders who have given their lives in the line of duty. Please remember these individual first responders who died over the last two weeks in the line of duty as well as keeping their families in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the loss of their loved ones. Agent Annabelle Morales Aponte from the Puerto Rico Police Department, Puerto Rico, Deputy Sheriff Tim Jordan from the Bocer Paris Sheriff's Department in Louisiana, and firefighter EMT dispatcher Brittany Hathaway from the Cliff Heelah Fire Department in New Mexico.
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