Milford City Council Meeting: June 8, 2026 - Budget Adoption, Public Hearings, and Recognitions

The Milford City Council met on June 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM to conduct its regular business. Key actions included the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budget with a one-cent property tax increase, approval of several conditional use applications, and recognition of waste/recycling workers, the Garden Club, and Juneteenth. Council also authorized matching funds for a July 3rd laser light show hosted by Downtown Milford Inc., and approved multiple resolutions related to infrastructure, public safety, and community development.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as amended (removed discussion of Deep Ranch Park Phase 1 plan).
• Accepted staff reports from the city manager, police chief, and city clerk.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Hearing: Brandy Nauman (Sussex County Community Development) and Aaron Cooper (Kent County) presented the CDBG program, highlighting $290,000 in housing rehabilitation funding for Milford over the last five years (14 households assisted) and a current waiting list of 19 homeowners in the Kent County portion. They requested endorsement of applications for FY27 funding. No public comments were offered.
• Conditional Use – Daycare (Ordinance 2026-07): Jamelia Scott proposed converting 825 sq ft of a shopping center into a before/after school daycare. Gary Rhodes (Southern States Milford Cooperative, the building owner) spoke in favor, praising the applicant's passion. No opposition. Council approved 7-0.
• Conditional Use – Museum (Ordinance 2026-08): John Roach (engineer) and Terry Rogers (trustee, Parson Thorne Mansion) proposed a 2,000 sq ft museum building and a waiver from curbing requirements (Chapter 230-20K) to preserve historic character. The museum would display period artifacts and replicas. No public comments. Council approved the waiver and conditional use, each 7-0.
• Conditional Use – Commercial Redevelopment (Ordinance 2026-09): Alan Dector (Pennoni Associates) represented MLTJ LLC to redevelop 3 acres at 250 N. Rehoboth Blvd. into flex office/warehouse space (four buildings totaling ~34,000 sq ft). The project reduces impervious cover from 95% to ~78% and provides 62 parking spaces. Three waivers were requested: (1) curbing waiver (recommended approved by Planning Commission) – granted 7-0; (2) temporary sidewalk waiver along DelDOT road, with a $5,500 fee-in-lieu paid – granted 7-0; (3) bicycle parking waiver (Planning Commission recommended denial) – council voted 7-0 to approve the waiver, achieving a supermajority. The conditional use was then approved 7-0. Public comment: James Grant spoke in favor, praising the applicant's property maintenance standards and the need for revitalization.

Discussion Items

• Proclamations: Council issued three proclamations: (1) Waste and Recycling Workers Week (June 15–20, 2026); (2) Garden Club Week (noting the club’s 60th anniversary); (3) Juneteenth Celebration in Milford (fourth annual, taking place June 19).
• Electric Department Recognitions: City staff introduced new team member Robert Paladino (returning after private sector experience) and recognized Matt Patterson and Tyler Sewell for volunteering on the “Light Up Navajo” project, which brings electricity to Navajo Nation homes.
• Carlisle Fire Company Update: Chief reported May statistics: 62 fire calls (39 within city), 505 EMS calls (410 within city), average EMS response time 1 minute 31 seconds. Recognized junior member Landon Hill (high school graduate) and two firefighters completing academy.
• Downtown Milford Inc. (DMI) Funding for July 3rd Event: Shade Troy (executive director) and Terry Rogers (president) requested financial support for a laser light show on July 3, 2026, to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Cost $30,000; DMI committed $15,000. Council discussed a matching proposal from Finance Director Lou Vitola. After questions on weather contingencies and budget impact, council voted to match DMI’s fundraising dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000.
• DMI Agreement: City Manager Chris Coleman presented updates to the annual agreement, including performance reviews, insurance requirements, and event limits. Council approved the agreement unanimously.
• Special Election Board: Council appointed members and set the special election for Ward 3 on July 25, 2026 (filing deadline July 2).
• Resolution 2026-12: Set July 27, 2026 as the date for the Board of Revision and Appeal to hear property tax assessment appeals. Approved unanimously.
• Change Orders: (1) Police pole barn roof replacement ($13,219) – approved; (2) Refund to Richard Y. Johnson for building permit fees ($46,000) – approved.
• I&I Rehabilitation Contract: Authorized two proposals from a New Castle County contract to rehabilitate 9 sanitary sewer manholes (Phase 1: 5 manholes for $49,403.37; Phase 2: 4 manholes at a separately stated amount). Approved unanimously.
• DelDOT Bridge Agreement: Authorized the mayor to sign a letter of agreement for utility relocation (water and electric) as part of replacing bridge BR3-927 on Cedar Beach Road (SR 36). Approved unanimously.
• First State Inspection Agency Contract: Renewed on-call building inspection contract for FY27 with no fee increase. Approved unanimously.
• Comprehensive Plan Annual Report: Approved for submission to the Office of State Planning Coordination.
• Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Budget Adoption: City Manager Coleman and Finance Director Vitola presented the final balanced budget (Version 2). Key features: $68.3 million in operating expenditures, $6.1 million in capital projects. The property tax rate increase was reduced from 2.5 cents to 1 cent per $100 of assessed value. Average residential monthly increase is under $4.25 (including utility adjustments). Police deferred two of three requested positions and a part-time red light camera position; general wage increase reduced from 3% to 2% for non-represented employees. After opening the floor for public comment (none offered), council voted 7-0 to adopt Resolution 2026-13.
• Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (FY27–31): Adopted as a planning document (Resolution 2026-14) with a 7-0 vote.

Key Outcomes

• CDBG Resolutions (2026-05 through 2026-09): All five resolutions endorsing housing rehabilitation applications for Sussex and Kent Counties were approved unanimously.
• Conditional Use Approvals: Three applications (daycare, museum, commercial redevelopment) were all approved with 7-0 votes, including necessary waivers.
• FY27 Budget: Adopted with a one-cent property tax increase; total operating budget $68.3 million; capital budget $6.1 million.
• DMI Laser Show Support: Council will match DMI’s fundraising dollar-for-dollar up to $15,000 for the July 3rd event.
• Special Election Schedule: Ward 3 special election set for July 25, 2026; candidate filing deadline July 2.
• Ordinance Introduction: A new conditional use application for an electronic message sign was introduced for future hearing (July 13, 2026).
• Public Hearings Closed: All required public hearings were conducted; no opposition testimony was received for any item.