Millsboro Town Council Meeting - September 8, 2026

The Millsboro Town Council held a regular meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered a wide range of topics including committee reports, police department updates, infrastructure funding, land use decisions, and a discussion of the implications of Senate Bill 23. Key actions included approval of a new police chaplain, a policy change to allow officers to live within a 45-mile commute, and the advancement of a preliminary site plan for a Home Depot. The council also grappled with significant cost overruns for the new wastewater treatment plant's pump station.

Consent Calendar

• Agenda adopted unanimously.
• Minutes from the August 3, 2026 meeting approved.
• Bills paid as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made in person or online.

Discussion Items

• Budget Finance and Asset Management Committee: The committee presented a mission statement and discussed goals including monthly budget reviews, new water/sewer rates, underground infrastructure replacement over five years, and a list of streets needing paving. A new rate proposal is expected by the end of September.
• Charter and Code Review Committee: The committee discussed motorized recreational vehicles in town, a review of the urban business zoning code (section 210-16) regarding mixed-use developments, and strategies for Senate Bill 23. The committee recommended placing SB 23 strategies on the council agenda.
• DelDOT Committee: The committee reported on the bypass monitoring, Delaware Avenue/Route 24 intersection (DelDOT supports an all-way stop if council desires), truck traffic analysis, and a request from Merck regarding intersection safety on State Street and Long Branch Road.
• Downtown Millsboro Committee: The committee discussed curb appeal, a merchants association, and a historic society, with a homework assignment to create a mission statement.
• Parks Committee: The committee adopted a mission statement and discussed grant opportunities for park rehabilitation and design work for the Seven Oaks park.
• Millsboro Fire Company: Reported on attendance at the East Millsboro Elementary Open House, upcoming September 11th Memorial, a sold-out crab feast (400 tickets), and the 100th anniversary celebration on October 17th.
• Police Department – Swearing in of Chaplain: Pastor Brian Hollis was sworn in as a police chaplain (honorary lieutenant). He will provide spiritual and emotional support to officers and the community.
• Police Department – New Officer: Officer Kyle Ward, a former Millsboro officer who had worked at Fish and Wildlife, was welcomed back. He brings firearms instructor experience.
• Police Department – Canine Unit Purchase: Chief Moyer presented an opportunity to purchase an entire canine program from another agency, including an experienced officer and a dog. After discussion about budget constraints and the dog's age (6-7 years old), the council voted 5-2 to authorize the chief to research and bring back cost numbers for further consideration. Councilmembers opposing cited budget concerns and the likelihood of the project not proceeding.
• Police Department – Residency Policy: The council approved a change to the residency requirement for police officers from