Millsboro Town Council Meeting - July 6, 2026

The Millsboro Town Council held a regular meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 9:54 PM ET. The meeting included the swearing-in of new council members, reorganization elections, public comments, committee appointments, approval of water sewer change orders, site plans, and an update on the America 250 event. Several agenda items were deferred or postponed.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda Adoption: Motion to adopt the agenda passed unanimously.
• Minutes Approval: Minutes from the first June 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
• Bills Payment: Motion to pay bills as presented from designated accounts passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charles Appler (46 Spencer Court, Millsboro) provided a historical anecdote about the Pledge of Allegiance and then detailed a fire at 51 Spencer Ford Court on an unspecified date. He reported that the fire destroyed 51 Spencer Court and damaged neighboring properties at 49 and 53 Spencer Court. He alleged that a GoFundMe account established for the uninsured 51 Spencer Court has not been used for repairs, and that residents at 49 have not been allowed to return. He raised concerns about the property being used as a halfway house, with unmarked vans, untagged vehicles, and people heading to work whom he believed to be undocumented. He also requested that the town council be watchful of events in New York.
• Darrell Burton (339 River Drive) stated he also owns 336 River Drive, where the water has been cut off for over two decades and the sewer bill continues. He sought information on procedures to have the sewer capped, having not received responses from the public works department. Town staff John and Rich were asked to speak with him after the meeting.

Swearing In and Reorganization

• Swearing In of New Council Members: Three new council members were sworn in collectively.
• Election of Council President/Mayor: Councilman Bobby Key was nominated for a second term and was unanimously re-elected.
• Council Vice President: Marty Presley was nominated and unanimously elected.
• Council President Pro Tem: Ron O’Neill was nominated and unanimously elected.
• Council Secretary: Mary DeSilva was nominated and unanimously elected (she arrived after the vote and accepted).
• Council Treasurer: Ron Mason was nominated and unanimously elected.

Discussion Items

• Committee Appointments: All standing committees (Asset Management/Budget/Finance, Charter & Code Review, Delta, Downtown Millsboro, Parks, Personnel) were reappointed with the same members, except for the Parks Committee where Councilman Mack replaced Bob McKee.
• Millsboro Fire Company Report (Mr. O’Neil): Fire and EMS call volumes are up compared to last year. As of end of June, fire calls were 408 (30 above last year) and EMS calls were approximately 2,475. The fire company participated in the June 27th parade, fireworks, and other events.
• Police Department Report (Lt. Zrosi): Personnel updates included one sergeant promotion in August 2026 and another in January 2027, with hiring one officer away from full strength. Enforcement data showed a 28.99% decrease in Part 1 crimes year-over-year for June. Part 2 crimes saw an uptick in “other” offenses; details were requested. The K9 program is considered effective, with data tracking ongoing. A rape investigation on Old Landing Road concluded June 3rd with an arrest and confession.
• Community Events: The 2026 Youth Academy graduated 22 middle school students on June 24th. The America 250 event (June 26-27, 2026) was deemed a success despite weather, with no major incidents. The police department thanked DelDOT, fire police, and others for assistance.
• Water Sewer Change Orders (PCO 1 and 3): Two change orders for the force main and beneficial reuse water main project (Contract 1) were presented by KCI Technologies. PCO 1 ($85,000) covers additional pipe due to road widenings and utility conflicts. PCO 3 ($35,000) covers extra shoring for a stormwater pipe found at a different depth than shown on plans. Council members expressed frustration over cost overruns and questioned engineering firm Century Engineering’s performance. The town has a $2.9 million contingency for the overall $29.795 million project. Both change orders were approved unanimously.
• Rezoning Public Hearing (Samuel S. Sloan, Union Street): A public hearing was opened and closed for rezoning three parcels from medium/high density residential to urban business. The hearing was deferred to the August 2026 meeting after council members wanted more evidence regarding a 20-year-old clerical error and the property owner’s presence.
• Annexation Public Hearing Scheduling: A resolution to schedule a public hearing for the annexation of 29494 Millsboro Highway (parcel 133-16.00-138.04) was approved unanimously. The annexation committee recommended approval.
• Final Site Plans:
  • AVP Pharma (Sussex Community Pharmacy): Approved unanimously. The applicant thanked town staff for assistance.
  • BB Healthcare: Approved unanimously.
• Plantation Lakes Pump Station 7C Corrective Dedication: Approved unanimously.
• Summerton Chase Clubhouse Preliminary Site Plan: Approved unanimously.
• Century Engineering Reduction of Services: Motion to reduce Century Engineering’s role on the beneficial reuse and force main project (removing them from construction inspection) passed unanimously. Town staff cited challenges with the firm and a desire to consolidate under KCI.
• Races to Run 5k (July 11, 2026): Request for a 5k run to benefit St. Jude was denied with a directive to refile with a safety plan and contact appropriate authorities. Council cited lack of safety plan, route details, and short notice.
• America 250 Event Recap: Mayor and staff praised the community’s outreach, sponsorship, and volunteer support. The event included a pedestrian mall on Main Street, a magician who donated services, and over 500 attendees at the theater.
• Verdantis Standards and Specs: Updated design standards were approved unanimously.
• Chesapeake Utilities Franchise Agreement: A 20-year non-exclusive franchise agreement, generating approximately $20,000-$30,000 annually, was approved unanimously.
• Employee Handbook Amendment (Section 35.6): The amendment to reimburse employees up to $150 for CDL license fees (from $100) was approved unanimously.
• Review of 2026 Town Council Goals and Objectives: Mayor presented a comprehensive review of accomplishments including traffic management improvements (Route 24 speed reduction, signal at Plantation Lakes, interim stop at Delaware Avenue), new health care facilities, downtown revitalization efforts, police K9 program, school resource officer, body cameras, and water infrastructure work. The council will set 2027 goals at the August meeting.
• Supplemental Tax Lists: Motion to approve supplementary billing of $62,400.78, to be included with annual tax bills, passed unanimously.
• RFP for Town-Owned Properties: Council approved language for a Request for Proposals (RFP) for purchase, lease, or development of six town-owned parcels, plus an additional parcel near the new police station. Deadline for proposals is December 31, 2026. Town staff will serve as contact.
• Status of Water Loop: Town Manager reported that a preliminary drawing has been submitted by the consultant (not Century) for review. An update will be provided at the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Change Orders Approved: PCO 1 ($85,000) and PCO 3 ($35,000) for the water sewer project were approved unanimously, increasing total contract cost.
• Rezoning Deferred: The Union Street rezoning public hearing will be re-noticed and considered in August 2026.
• Annexation Public Hearing Scheduled: The hearing for 29494 Millsboro Highway will be held at a future meeting.
• Site Plans Approved: Final plans for Sussex Community Pharmacy and BB Healthcare, preliminary plan for Summerton Chase Clubhouse, and corrective dedication for Plantation Lakes pump station all approved.
• Century Engineering Reduced: Council voted to reduce Century Engineering’s role on the beneficial reuse/force main project, effective immediately.
• 5k Denied: The Races to Run event on July 11 was denied but may refile with a complete safety plan.
• Franchise Agreement Approved: 20-year agreement with Chesapeake Utilities adopted.
• Handbook Amendment Approved: CDL reimbursement increased to $150.
• RFP Released: Town will issue an RFP for six properties plus the police station parcel, with responses due by December 31, 2026.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting adjourned to a council photograph.