Millsboro Town Council Meeting – March 2, 2026

The Millsboro Town Council met on March 2, 2026, to address a range of items including storm response commendations, police personnel promotions and a new civilian position, an annexation, a preliminary subdivision plan for 214 homes, adjustments to impact fees, and planning for the America 250 celebration. The meeting featured public comments, department reports, and council votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Mack (Charlotte Boulevard) expressed strong commendation for Police Chief Moyer and DPW for their exceptional snowstorm response, particularly noting an officer who helped dig out a neighbor. He also thanked Councilman Mason for rapid assistance with a missing water meter cover.
• Residents from Cedar Ridge and Godwin School area voiced concerns during the public hearing on the Whites Farm subdivision regarding traffic, intersection safety, preservation of wooded buffers, and the historic Godwin School property. Several expressed opposition to the development.

Discussion Items

• Millsboro Fire Company Report: Fire company representatives reported 792 EMS calls and 147 fire calls in February, with 11,730 miles on ambulances. They highlighted training for junior firefighters and thanked the town for a collaborative tree-trimming effort.
• Greater Chamber of Commerce Report: Reported 6 new members and upcoming events: a coffee connect (March 3), a Grill and Groove fundraiser on April 24 (tickets $45 advance/$50 door benefiting Fire Company 83), and the Stars and Stripes event on June 26 (rain date June 28) celebrating America's 250th.
• Water and Sewer Resolution: The council approved a resolution to apply for a $50,000 matching planning grant from the state for sewer line replacement on White Street. Staff also noted completion of gravity sewer pipe repairs, CCTV inspection of 75,000 linear feet, and progress on a new wastewater treatment plant design.
• Police Department Report: Chief Moyer reported part-one crimes down year-over-year. February crash data showed no crashes at Laurel and Delaware AB. On Sheep Pen Road, 17 traffic tickets were issued, mostly for speeding. A firearm possession arrest occurred during the storm. Officers Autumn Potter, Ryan Kraft, and Steven Redner were sworn in. The council approved creation of a Police Administrative Specialist position (hybrid paralegal/evidence custodian) with a pay grade increase, replacing a vacant police clerk position (vote passed). Also approved changing the title to Police Administrative Specialist.
• Committee Updates:
  • Parks Committee: Cancelled due to snow; next meeting March 23 to review community survey responses on park preferences.
  • America 250 Committee: Planning for June 27 (rain June 28) event with parade on Main Street, shuttle buses, food, kids' activities, and evening fireworks.
  • Asset Management and Finance Committee: Over 1,000 work orders created for preventive maintenance; hydrant flushing schedule to begin.
• CPI Adjustment for Impact Fees: Staff presented the annual CPI increase (3.89%) based on Philadelphia region index. Councilman Presley argued the Philadelphia CPI is too high compared to national or Social Security averages. Council took no action on the increase, and the matter was referred to the Charter Committee for potential code change.
• Comprehensive Development Plan Committee: The committee found the current plan sufficient except for the tagline; council voted to remove the tagline.
• America 250 Millsboro Celebrates Event: The council approved proceeding with the co-sponsored event, noting increased costs for police overtime (instead of chamber-paid special duty rate). The town will provide road closures and security.
• Employee Handbook Amendment: Approved change to bi-weekly pay in conjunction with new software implementation.
• Sussex County Community Development Block Grant: Council approved participation in the program, which provides funds for lower-income owner-occupied home repairs (windows, roofs, insulation) and potentially infrastructure.

Key Outcomes

• Annexation Approved: The council approved the annexation of a parcel (Wine Works Real Estate Holdings LLC) on Handy Road, with initial zoning as commercial. Unanimous voice vote.
• Whites Farm Subdivision Preliminary Plan Approved: Approved on a 4-3 roll call vote (Davis, Mason, Kahn, McKay in favor; O'Neill, DeSilva, Presley opposed). The approval is conditioned on the roads being dedicated to public use but privately maintained. The developer committed to working with DelDOT to address resident concerns about the Godwin School intersection.
• Police Administrative Specialist Position Created: Job description and title approved; position will handle evidence, subpoenas, and administrative tasks to free up officers.
• No Action on CPI Increase: Council declined to implement the CPI increase for impact fees and will consider changing the CPI index via the Charter Committee.
• Executive Session: The council entered executive session at 9:10 PM on unspecified matters.