Milford City Council Regular Meeting - September 14, 2026

The Milford City Council held a regular meeting at 6:00 PM on September 14, 2026. The agenda included public comments on community support for Haitian families and state land-use policy, the reading of a FOIA settlement statement, a presentation on economic development, approval of several resolutions and easements, and departmental reports. Key actions included tabling a decision on the Kent County Economic Partnership, adopting a fund reserve policy, and approving appointments to the Planning Commission.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimously approved the monthly police report (1,362 calls for service in August).
• Unanimously approved the city clerk's report, which noted the Ward 3 council member (Joan King) would be sworn in on October 12th, and listed upcoming community events.
• Unanimously approved the city manager's and all indirect reports' reports.
• Proclamation 2026-17 declared September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The proclamation stated suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S., with 49,476 annual deaths, an estimated 1.6 million attempts, and the number one killer of police officers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dan Bond (105 North Street, Fourth Ward): Expressed strong support for an estimated 100 Haitian families in Milford facing difficulties due to the revocation of Temporary Protective Status (TPS). He noted that families have lost jobs and are in shock. He urged the city council to consider how it can formally and informally help mobilize churches and organizations to recognize the problem and provide assistance.
• Jen Sidnella Miller (former DelDOT Transportation Planner for Sussex County): Expressed full support for Mr. Bond's comments. She then expressed opposition to Senate Bill 23, arguing that the state was forced to act because some local governments have been unaware of the infrastructure responsibilities that come with local control. She urged the city to make responsible decisions and work with the state, stating that all state taxpayers should not be paying for Milford's responsibilities.

Discussion Items

• FOIA Violation Acknowledgment: As part of a settlement with an individual, the city council read a statement acknowledging that the state Attorney General's office found the Delaware Freedom of Information Act was violated by denying Lance Tressler's rights to speak at the meeting on January 13, 2025. The city agreed to review its meeting and hearing procedures with legal counsel.
• Kent County Economic Partnership (KEP) Presentation: Linda Parkowski, Executive Director of KEP, presented the benefits of rejoining the partnership, citing economic development successes in similar municipalities and requesting a $25,000 annual membership. Council discussed the history of Milford's withdrawal, which occurred when funds were redirected to hire an in-house Economic Development Director. Concerns were raised about existing contractual marketing obligations for the Milford Corporate Center (Emory Hill). A motion to table the decision until a future meeting when council has full information on existing obligations was approved.
• Independence Commons Deed Restriction Amendment: A public hearing was held on the proposed amendment. The council voted to approve the amendment, which revises sign requirements in the deed restrictions to allow signs coordinated with architectural styles and provides an appeal process to the Planning Commission.
• Milford Corporate Center Easements: Council approved two easement agreements. The first was with Blue Wired LLC for 406 square feet ($1,400) of land disturbance from roundabout construction. The second was with Delmarva Vitrio Retinal Building LLC for 46 square feet ($250). Both were funded by Realty Transfer Tax reserves.
• DelDOT Agreement Amendment: Council authorized the mayor to sign an amended maintenance agreement with DelDOT for the Northeast Front Street/Rehoboth Boulevard project.
• Fund Reserve Policy Update: Finance Director Lou Vitola presented an updated Fund Reserve Policy. The policy formalizes utility-to-general fund transfer limits (12.5% for electric, water, sewer) and updates the Realty Transfer Tax pledge formula. The updated policy was approved.
• Carlisle Fire Company Residency Incentive: The fire chief requested a revision to the residency incentive for volunteer firefighters, proposing a reduction in the required annual call volume from 30% to 25%, citing additional community event requirements. The request was referred to the city manager and finance director for further review and a report to council.
• Staff Reports and Deliberations:
  • Planning Director Rob Pierce reported 167 new residential dwelling permits were issued year-to-date (72 apartments, 24 condos, 6 townhouses, 65 single-family). Councilmember Wilson raised concerns about a perceived decline in proactive code enforcement regarding tall grass and overgrowth.
  • Public Works addressed a water leak on Northwest Front Street, confirming it is a city issue and a quote is being sought. Updates were given on cloudy water concerns and the EPA lead pipe inventory program. Council discussed the possibility of a public forum on the lead issue.
  • Councilman Marabella raised safety concerns regarding the North Rehoboth Boulevard and Route 14 intersection, requesting a traffic study.
  • Finance Director Vitola reported that $7.1 million in property taxes was billed for Fiscal Year 2027, $544,000 higher than the previous year. The monthly finance report was tabled to the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Tabled: Decision on rejoining the Kent County Economic Partnership.
• Approved: Fund Reserve Policy, Independence Commons deed restriction amendment, DelDOT agreement amendment, MIFR Corporate Center easements (Blue Wired and Delmarva Vitrio).
• Appointed: Shelby D'Costanzo (reappointed), Robert Longo, and Francis Reagan to the Planning Commission.
• Referred: Carlisle Fire Company's residency incentive revision to the city manager and finance director for study.
• Tabled: Monthly finance report to the next council meeting.
• Acknowledged: Statement regarding the FOIA violation was read into the record.