Public Meetings - Milford, Delaware

The Tree Advisory and Tree Preservation Advisory Board met on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, beginning at approximately 5:31 p.m. Board members Holly, Lee, and Tim were present, establishing a quorum; Holly participated virtually. No minutes were included in the meeting packet, so the board moved on. After a 15-minute public comment period with no participants, the board discussed and unanimously approved a draft city tree list, set its next meeting for February 18, 2026, and adjourned. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public signed up to speak or joined online, so the 15-minute public comment period closed with no testimony. Discussion Items - Draft city tree list: Brad introduced the item and asked the board to approve the draft list, which had been developed over the last few meetings. He noted that city planner Mr. Pierce was in the audience and that the list would serve as the city's master tree reference for the planning department. According to Brad, the tree ordinance already contains the relevant language, so the approved list would not need to return to city council. - Holly presented the spreadsheet she had prepared. She described sorting the previous alphabetical list into three size categories: over 50 feet, 30 to 50 feet, and up to 30 feet. The list includes height, width, whether the tree is native to Delaware, soil moisture, tolerance to harsh urban conditions, flowers and fall color, plus common and botanical names. A growth-form column was left blank because Holly wanted input on the most useful terminology, such as conical or pyramidal. She also noted that the document was created in an open-access program and could benefit from formatting improvements such as diagonal column headers. - Lee expressed strong support for the list, describing it as extremely helpful and comparable to nursery reference books. He said the growth-form information could be completed using resources such as the American Society of Nurseries. - Tim also praised the list as user-friendly and suggested changing the column header from native to native to Delaware to avoid confusion about acceptable non-native trees. - Board members discussed treating the list as a living document, reviewing it roughly once a year and updating it as new cultivars emerge or disease issues arise. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved the draft city tree list by voice vote, with three ayes. The approval included follow-up work to complete the growth-form column, change the native column header to native to Delaware, and format the list for city publication and website posting. - The approved list is to be provided to the planning department, and no further council action is required. - No new business was raised. - The next regular meeting was established for February 18, 2026. - The board adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

The Milford Planning Commission convened on November 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM to hear two public hearing items: a preliminary major subdivision application for 609 Walnut Street and an annexation request for a property in Shawnee Acres. The commission also approved the consent calendar and held elections for officers. Acting as a fact-finding body, the commission makes recommendations to the Milford City Council, which will hold its own independent hearings on November 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the March 18th meeting were approved as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - General Comment (Julie Morris, 210 East Street): Ms. Morris expressed frustration that growth in Milford does not match the reality of living in the town. She argued that trust is undermined when decision-makers involved in approving projects also financially benefit from development. She urged the commission to treat public input as more than a checkbox and to plan for residents, not builders. - 609 Walnut Street (Ordinance 2025-19): - In Opposition (Karen Duffy, 607 N. Walnut St.): Ms. Duffy opposed the single-family lot on lot 10, stating it does not match the neighborhood and that street parking will remain a problem despite new driveways. She stated she felt unheard by city officials. - In Opposition (Julie Morris, 210 East St.): Ms. Morris argued the project's density is too intense for the R2 district, stating that cramming six units onto 40-foot wide lots conflicts with the purpose of R2 zoning. She criticized the lot width variance and the reliance on cash-in-lieu of open space. She raised safety concerns regarding 71 new daily trips and eight new driveways on a busy residential corridor. - In Opposition (Greg Kelly, 602 N. Walnut St.): Mr. Kelly stated the applicant's motive for the layout is maximizing profit at the expense of neighbors and altering the character of the main street into town. - In Opposition (Trish Marvel, via Zoom): Ms. Marvel expressed concern about the city making exceptions to zoning codes and questioned how cash-in-lieu fees would be tracked. - Annexation (Ordinance 2025-18): - In Opposition (Julie Morris, 210 East St.): Ms. Morris argued the homeowner would likely qualify for a hardship exemption from Den Rec to replace the septic system, making the annexation unnecessary. She criticized the logistics and legal complexities of the city annexing a single lot within a platted HOA, stating she could find no precedent in Delaware or neighboring states. She noted the homeowner never applied for a septic permit. - In Opposition (Trish Marvel, via Zoom): Ms. Marvel raised concerns about the logistical challenges and potential legal issues for the city in servicing a single property within a larger, privately governed HOA. She suggested helping the homeowner replace the septic system instead. Discussion Items - 609 Walnut Street Subdivision (Ordinance 2025-19): The applicant (Mark Davidson, Pannoni Associates) presented plans to subdivide three parcels (1.44 acres) into eight lots, comprising two single-family detached dwellings and six single-family semi-detached dwellings (duplexes). A variance for lot 10 (reducing minimum lot width from 80 feet to 56.45 feet) was previously granted by the Board of Adjustment. Planning Director Rob Pierce noted the project generally complies with zoning and subdivision codes excepting the variance, and is subject to a cash-in-lieu payment for open space. Commission discussion considered lot density, neighborhood compatibility, traffic safety from the eight driveways, and the impact on the character of North Walnut Street. The applicant confirmed the existing “White House” will be retained. - Annexation of 2 North Brandywine Road (Ordinance 2025-18): The applicant’s realtor, Joanne Milton, stated the homeowner (Pamela Davis Thompson) has a failing septic system and is seeking annexation to connect to city water and sewer. Staff confirmed the annexation is consistent with the comprehensive plan and was supported unanimously by the annexation committee. The city already provides electric service and fire protection to the area. Commission discussion explored whether a hardship exception for a new septic was viable (it was investigated and found not applicable), the precedent for other Shawnee Acres properties, and the logistical complexity of the city providing services to a single home inside an unincorporated HOA. Planning Director Pierce stated the city’s longstanding policy requires annexation when properties become contiguous and connect to city utilities. Key Outcomes - 609 Walnut Street (Ordinance 2025-19): The commission voted 5-1 to recommend approval of the preliminary major subdivision to the City Council. - In favor: Wright, Hammond, Purcell, Sylvester, Reddin. The majority cited general consistency with the codes as the primary reason for the recommendation. - Against: Soles. The commissioner stated the project was too crowded for the neighborhood. - Annexation (Ordinance 2025-18): The commission voted unanimously (6-0) to recommend approval of the annexation to the City Council. Commissioners noted the request was initiated by the homeowner, existing services are available, and the plan is consistent with comprehensive plans. - Election of Officers: Ian Wright was elected Chairperson. Shelby (absent) was elected Vice Chairperson. Jim Purcell was elected Secretary. - Next Steps: The Milford City Council will hold public hearings for both applications on November 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM in City Hall and will make final independent decisions on each matter.

The Milford City Council held its regular meeting on November 10, 2025, at 6:01 PM. Mayor Todd Collada presided. Council members Dan Marabello, Nadia Zykel, Laurie Connor, and others were present. The meeting opened with a prayer and approval of the agenda. Proclamation Mayor Collada read Proclamation 2025-21, designating November 11, 2025, as Veterans Day, honoring employees and council members who are veterans. Public Comments & Testimony - Matt Booker (Buccaneer Educational Foundation): Thanked the council for supporting the Fall Fling, which raised over $40,000 with nearly 200 attendees. - Kim Wills: Expressed appreciation for the council's community engagement and commended the police department for addressing homelessness cleanup. - Julie Morris: Questioned the budget source for the Buccaneer event table; Finance Director Lou Vitola clarified the funds came from the council expense line. During the Cypress Hall hearing, she voiced opposition to the development scale. Discussion Items and Staff Reports - Police Department: 1,309 calls for service, 183 pounds of narcotics collected, officer promotions, and a grant for digital speed signs. - City Manager: Covered emergency preparedness, safety training, and event debriefs. - Public Works: 320 utility locates, 53 fleet work orders, 250 fire hydrants flushed. - Electric Department: Received APPA designation. Completed planned outage ahead of schedule. Repaired EV chargers. - Planning & Zoning: 131 new home permits issued in 2025, down from 208 in 2024. - Parks & Recreation: Recognized Doreen Reutzman for 35 years of service. Kessel Park project advancing with soil borings. - IT Department: Cybersecurity training clicks fell from 5% to 1%. Savings of $68,718 from legacy systems. - Economic Development: $5,000 planning grant for ADA kayak launch plans. - Finance: Tax collections and electric margins ahead of budget. - Police Exterior Lighting: Chief requested additional funding for ground-up lighting. - Police Evidence Facility: Dean Johnson presented bids. Total project cost $2,590,200. - Cypress Hall Subdivision: Staff recommended acceptance of phases 1A and 1B infrastructure. Council clarified this was for existing infrastructure. - DelDOT Lighting Agreement: State to fund $350,000 lighting project on US 113; city to assume maintenance. - Ordinance Introductions: Introduced for a public hearing on Nov 24 (annexation and subdivision). Key Outcomes - Police Lighting: Approved $16,351.39 from General Reserves. Unanimous. - Police Evidence Facility: Approved budget of $2,590,200. Unanimous. - Cypress Hall: Resolution 2025-17 accepted. Passed 7-0. - Tuition Reimbursement: Transfer of $5,250 approved. Unanimous. - Postage Machine: Purchase of $9,000 machine approved. Unanimous. - DelDOT Lighting Agreement: Approved. Unanimous. - Adjournment: Council entered executive session and adjourned.

The Milford Public Works Committee met on November 10, 2025, to discuss a proposal to modify the city's holiday refuse, recycling, and yard waste collection schedule. The proposal, initiated by the solid waste division staff, aims to eliminate collections on city holidays to give workers the day off, saving the city an estimated $17,500 annually while maintaining service by shifting collection to the following day. Discussion Items Proposal Overview: Staff member Willis presented the proposal, noting the current practice cost the city $27,720 in 2024. Comparable municipalities including Dover, Lewes, and Harrington have already eliminated holiday collection. The proposed plan would shift collection by one day (e.g., Monday yard waste to Tuesday, Friday trash to Saturday). Staff Perspectives: Solid Waste Lead Dre Wilson spoke in support of the plan, stating that working on federal holidays creates childcare burdens and it is difficult for staff to get regular days off. Willis confirmed the proposal was initiated by the division, not management. Committee Discussion: A committee member raised a concern about workers losing overtime and holiday pay, noting the savings represent money otherwise earned by staff. Willis and Wilson clarified that staff preferred the time off for work-life balance. Committee members Lori (Laurie Connor) and Nadia expressed strong support, calling the proposal a "no-brainer," "fiscally responsible," and a "win-win all around." Key Outcomes Committee Vote: A motion was made to recommend the proposal to the full City Council for a decision. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Next Steps: The proposal will be forwarded to the City Council for approval. A final decision is needed by December to meet the deadline for the 2026 refuse collection schedule.

The Milford City Council held a regular meeting on October 27, 2025, with six members present and two absent. The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the approval of the agenda and previous minutes. Actions included a public hearing on a church annexation, community sponsorships, infrastructure contracts, and a planning commission appointment. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting. Proclamations & Introductions - A proclamation was read for the 2025 20/20 Extra Mile a Day. - Police Chief introduced new Officer Jessica Lucari, a graduate of the Dover Municipal Police Academy who previously worked in the natural gas field for 10 years before pursuing her dream of law enforcement. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Whitford (former City Manager): Expressed gratitude for his retirement dinner and reiterated his strong support for the city's growth and future direction. Discussion Items - Public Hearing: Ordinance 2025-17 (Iglesia Pentecostal Annexation): The council held a public hearing on the annexation of a 2.7-acre parcel on Johnson Road. The property, currently zoned AR1 in Sussex County, is proposed for R3 zoning (Garden Apartment and Townhouse District) to accommodate a church. Planning Director Rob Pearce reviewed the application, noting a 6-0 recommendation for approval from the planning commission. Applicant representative Troy Adams of Mountain Engineering stated the church was "super excited" about the project. The council unanimously approved the annexation, citing no adverse effects and full compliance with requirements. - Electric Scooters & Bikes: Councilman Jason reported receiving five citizen complaints regarding safety issues with electric scooters and bikes on Front, Walnut, and Church Streets, including near-accidents with pedestrians. Councilman Dan confirmed similar issues in his neighborhood. The council discussed applicable Delaware bicycle laws and agreed to consider potential future action to address the safety concerns. - Seasonal Events & Community Safety: The council discussed the success of a recent community parade, which was noted as the largest in years. The police chief thanked public works for their support during the event. A request for additional portable toilets at future parades was raised. Council also announced a collection drive for hygiene items for Milford students (drop-off at Fur Baby and Pharmacy Market). Key Outcomes - Annexation Approval (Ordinance 2025-17): Council voted to approve the annexation and rezoning from AR1 to R3. (Vote: 6-0). - Buccaneer Education Foundation Sponsorship: Council authorized $1,600 for two tables at the foundation's November 8th fair to support student scholarships, educational trips, and classroom needs. (Vote: 6-0, Mayor recused). - Planning Commission Appointment: Harold Sylvester, a local businessman and part-owner of Atlantic Aluminum, was appointed to the planning commission to fill the vacancy left by the late Marvin Sharp. Term runs through August 2027. (Vote: 6-0). - Celero Head Start Lease: Approved a five-year land lease renewal at $1 per year for the Head Start program on North Church Street. (Vote: 6-0). - Chlorine Scrubber Purchase (Public Works): Authorized the purchase of two gas chlorine scrubber systems from Del Nora for $176,000 ($88,000 each) for the Kenton's and 10th Street water treatment plants. The upgrade is expected to improve water quality and reduce annual chemical costs from approximately $24,000 to $7,000 per plant. (Vote: 6-0). - KCI Water System Design Contract: Authorized a $165,850 contract with KCI for the design of a well and water treatment plant at the Milford Corporate Center, utilizing FY24 capital budget funds. The design phase is expected to take six months. (Vote: 6-0). - Executive Session & Adjournment: Council voted to enter executive session. After returning to open session, the meeting was adjourned with no further votes.

The Finance and Audit Committee of the City of Milford met on October 27, 2025, with three committee members present. The meeting featured a quarterly investment report and a review of financial policies, including the long-term operating plan and cash reserve policies. No public comments were received. Public Comments & Testimony A 15-minute public comment period was held as required by state law, but no members of the public offered comments. Discussion Items Quarterly Investment Report (through September 30, 2025) Senior Accountant Lou Batola introduced Jeff Fasina of PFM Asset Management, who presented the portfolio performance. Key highlights: - The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates for the first time in 2025; additional cuts of 50 basis points are anticipated. - The portfolio's market value is approximately $37.5 million. - Quarter return: 1.33% (benchmark: 1.15%). One-year return: 4.88% (benchmark: 3.91%). Returns are gross of fees. - Management fee is 15 basis points. - Discussion addressed the yield curve, unrealized gains, and cash flow needs for upcoming projects such as the Milford Corporate Center. A council member emphasized that while conservative stewardship is important, being overly conservative can fail to maximize returns for taxpayers. - Council members noted the strong performance net of fees and expressed support for the active management approach. Financial Policies Lou Batola reviewed two areas: Long-Term Operating Plan: A 10-year financial forecast is a strategic goal not yet started. Batola proposed a phased approach: a two-year budget for FY27 (with council approving only the first year), followed by a five-year plan and eventually a ten-year plan. This effort would improve credit ratings and provide early warning of deficits. Council members supported the initiative and stressed its importance for planning and communication with the public. Cash Reserve Policies: The existing policy, approved by council in July 2021, was discussed with proposed amendments. A key change is making the amount of Realty Transfer Tax (RTT) funds reserved for the General Fund dynamic, based on a five-year average of RTT receipts. No action was taken; the committee will review the red-lined changes and revisit the policies next quarter or the quarter after. Key Outcomes - No votes or formal decisions were made. - Staff will continue developing the long-term operating plan and will bring updated reserve policies for further review. - The committee acknowledged the strong investment returns and the importance of proactive financial planning.