Public Meetings - Millsboro, Delaware

The Millsboro Town Council met on November 2, 2026, in a regular meeting followed by executive session. The council adopted the agenda, approved routine items, heard reports and public comment, and acted on several land-use and policy items. Consent Calendar - Agenda adopted by voice vote. - Minutes of the October 5, 2026 town council meeting were approved. - Bills were approved as presented from designated accounts. Public Comments & Testimony - Charles Appler, 46 Spencer Court, urged the town to act on the fire-damaged property at 51 Spencer Court, saying cleanup had not occurred in six months, the neighboring homeowner at 49 Spencer Court had died, the owner of 53 Spencer Court had not been compensated, and the property attracted trespassers and illegal dumping. He said he called police that afternoon after an unknown man was scavenging on the property. Reports, Recognitions & Community Updates - The council recognized Delaware Representative Rich Collins for 12 years of service; Collins said he was honored and praised council service. - Extra Mile Day proclamations were presented to the Millsboro Garden Club, Millsboro Fire Company, and Christian Storehouse. - Fire Company: Councilman O'Neill reported the department's 100th anniversary celebration on October 17, 2026. Fire Prevention Month included 14 events totaling 51 hours, 66 volunteer personnel contributing 250 man-hours, and more than 1,800 handouts distributed. The department also placed second in a vehicle-rescue competition and is conducting an apparatus feasibility study. - Police: The chief reported 15 property-damage collisions, 12 non-reportable crashes, and two personal-injury collisions. The Halloween event at the town center drew 802 visitors, with Coastline Church drawing a similar number; drones were used for monitoring. Three new Dodge Durango police vehicles were received. The Christmas parade is planned with Main Street closed from 1 p.m., a holiday market at 5 p.m., and the parade starting at 5 p.m.; DelDOT has approved the road closure plan. - Committees: The asset management committee continued work on downtown truck restrictions and asset inventory; the Downtown Millsboro Committee did not meet; the parks committee met October 15, discussed replacing the Cupolo Park bulkhead using possible federal funding, and submitted a grant application for Seven Oaks Road Park, with word not expected until at least May. - Millsboro Theater: Fred Munzer announced his team's purchase of the Millsboro Theater and plans for a year-round arts venue with performances, education programs, and community events. He cited Milton Theater's growth from 75 events in year one to more than 400 events and 70,000 visitors this year, with 30 employees, and estimated $31 in additional local revenue per ticket sold. He expects about 40% of attendees from Millsboro, 30% from greater Sussex County, and the rest from farther away. - YMCA: Lori K. Penn reported an 11-week summer camp with 340 campers from 74 families, free water-safety weeks, swimming evaluations with red-band instruction, and planned teen leadership programming at Millsboro Middle School. She noted the YMCA does not turn anyone away for inability to pay and offered free child care before and after camp. - Christmas event: The council reviewed a December 12, 2026 pedestrian-mall event with vendors, carolers, a tree lighting at the old post office/public works lot, and the parade; the agenda item was labeled "2027 Christmas event," but the date given was December 12, 2026. Discussion Items and Votes - Sewer/Water change orders: Aaron Wednesday presented four proposed change orders and four bid-item quantity reductions. The package was described as a net-negative change order of about $15. The project was about 45% complete, with directional drilling at Plantation Lakes scheduled December through February. The council approved the package. - Ford's Garage site plan: A Preston Automotive Group representative requested conditional approval for interior work at the former Jeep store while Verdantis completed review comments. The council approved the final site plan on a 6–1 roll-call vote, with Councilwoman Khan opposed, conditioned on a satisfactory Verdantis letter by the December meeting and only non-structural interior work in the meantime. - Conditional-use renewals: James Shrepler's applications for 207 North Morris Street and 216 Ellis Street were tabled until code enforcement confirms in writing or verbally that all issues from the October 21, 2026 letter have been corrected. - Radish Road speed resolution: After debate about town jurisdiction, the council struck the "within the corporate limits" language from the title and approved the amended resolution requesting DelDOT reduce the speed limit on Radish Road to 25 mph. - Personnel committee structure: Council discussed making the personnel committee a committee of the whole or keeping a three-member grievance panel. No vote was taken; the matter will be reviewed with employment/union counsel and considered as part of the personnel manual update. - Architectural code committee: Council agreed to explore forming an architectural standards committee and asked for examples from other towns, with a possible proposal next month. - Water/wastewater rates: Waterworth's rate-structure presentation was discussed; a councilmember offered feedback, and a follow-up meeting with the consultant was scheduled. - Lenar water loop: David Steel reported plans were submitted to Verdantis and awaiting review. Councilwoman Khan criticized Lenar's delay against the 2021 agreement and said she wanted the original contract enforced or formally amended. No vote was taken. - Urban Business mixed-use zoning: Council discussed allowing residential uses above commercial as a by-right use for new construction downtown; no public hearing was scheduled until draft ordinance language is prepared. - Senate Bill 23: Staff reported AMI guidance is still expected from the Governor's office, with upcoming training sessions. Discussion covered the town's current process not aligning with SB23's administrative by-right approval requirements. The council voted 4–3 to authorize drafting a moratorium ordinance for discussion at the December meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved agenda, October 5, 2026 minutes, and bill payments. - Approved the sewer/water change-order package and bid-item reductions. - Approved the Ford's Garage conditional site plan, 6–1. - Tabled both James Shrepler conditional-use renewals pending code-enforcement confirmation. - Approved the amended Radish Road speed-reduction resolution. - Authorized drafting of an SB23-related moratorium ordinance, 4–3. - Agreed to bring back draft language for downtown mixed-use zoning and an architectural standards committee proposal. - Entered executive session after the regular agenda; no subsequent public action was reported in the transcript.

The committee met at 16:55:44 UTC on Thursday, October 15, 2026. It adopted its agenda, approved prior minutes, heard an asset management status update, and received a water and sewer rate presentation from Waterworth. No public comments were made. Consent Calendar - The agenda was adopted by voice vote; no opposition was stated. - The previous committee meeting minutes were approved by motion and second. - Roll call confirmed that Mr. Mason, Mr. Burke, Mr. McKee, Ms. Sounder, and Mr. Plack were present. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered; none appeared online. Discussion Items Asset Management Update - The committee chair reported on a recent session with public works directors and Town Manager Jamie Burke. All collected asset data has been entered into the system, and the data structure was described as the right approach based on the chair's 30 years of experience. - Staff recommended obtaining outside consulting help to build out preventive maintenance procedures, estimated labor hours, and asset tags; this consulting cost is not yet in next year's budget. - Rich provided iWORKS data as of October 14, 2026: 2,861 work orders had been recorded, with 8 open, 10 in progress, and 2,803 closed. The transcript gives those component numbers as summing to 2,821, not 2,861, so there is an apparent discrepancy. Staff reported a 115% increase in work orders created since the previous asset management meeting. - The transcript states staff are capturing plus percent of man-hours in work orders; the exact figure is not specified. - Asset expansion is focused on the town's water treatment plant, with 29 assets and 56 preventive maintenance schedule activities entered so far. The next focus is the Church Street water treatment plant and other wastewater facilities. - Proposed outside assistance would include standard operating procedures, estimated labor hours, maintenance tasks, and unique asset identifiers such as barcodes or QR codes. Water Fund Financial Model and Rate Scenarios - Waterworth presented a projection of water operating expenses rising about 3% annually after the 2027 budget increase, plus capital projects including about $3 million for Old Landing Road and about $2 million for Morris Street water main replacement. - The status quo baseline assumes no rate changes; the water fund would fall below its operating threshold and below zero by about 2031-2032. The operating threshold is about three months of operating expenses. - The proposed water revenue scenario is a 10% revenue increase in 2028 and 2029, dropping to 7% thereafter. - Rate structure changes would set the in-town base charge by meter size instead of a flat charge, lower the consumption threshold from 7,500 to 7,000 gallons, and adjust tier rates. Example in-town impact: a 5,000-gallon bill would rise about $2.25, or 4.3%; larger users would see larger increases. - Outside-town water bills would increase by higher dollar amounts; examples cited were $4.50 for 5,000 gallons, $11.70 for 7,500 gallons, and $13.20 for 10,000 gallons. Wastewater Financial Model and Rate Scenarios - The wastewater baseline includes the White Farm Southwest project, estimated around $10 million per year in 2027 and 2028, with proposed debt funding of $14 million in 2027, $9 million in 2028, $3.5 million in 2029, and about $9 million in grant funding in 2028. - With no rate changes, the wastewater fund would reach zero by about 2030 and fall below the operating threshold. - The proposed wastewater scenario assumes a one-time 70% revenue increase in 2028, followed by 7% increases. - The in-town sewer minimum charge would rise from about $104 to $173, the above-threshold per-100-gallon rate from about $1.39 to $2.32, and the threshold would drop from 7,500 to 7,000 gallons. Outside-town sewer rates would also rise 70%, with higher dollar amounts. Debt and Rate Policy Questions - Committee members questioned whether refinancing existing low-interest debt could reduce costs. Staff noted that the town refinanced USDA and SRF loans in 2021 and saved an estimated $1-2 million over the life of the debt, but current higher interest rates make another refinance unattractive. - USDA loans are generally 40-year terms and SRF loans 30-year terms; the town has no fixed policy on loan length. Members asked staff to provide a full loan schedule with balances, interest rates, and years remaining, and to avoid presenting only annual debt service. - Waterworth was asked to compare the proposed rates with similar communities among its nearly 500 municipal clients. - Members discussed charging water-only irrigation meters at a different rate, possibly as a luxury-type rate, and billing them quarterly instead of annually to avoid bill shock. - Members discussed whether commercial sewer customers should pay higher rates than residential customers because of stronger wastewater; a commercial classification list would be feasible to develop. The town has preliminary industrial pre-treatment authority, but staff said a full program is not ready due to staffing. - A committee member raised concerns about fixed-income seniors; staff noted there are local assistance referrals and no income-based utility rate is currently contemplated. Budget Process Timing - Staff explained that department heads generally submit their spending needs before revenue is finalized, and that revenue and rate proposals are built from those submitted needs. - The committee agreed on the goal of establishing a budget timeline and completing most of the budget work in committee before taking it to the full council, in order to avoid a last-minute budget crunch. Key Outcomes - No rate increase was adopted. No formal vote was taken on rate changes. - The committee directed Waterworth and staff to refine the water and sewer scenarios, provide irrigation meter data separated by water-only and combined bills, and return with comparable rate data. - Staff will prepare a full loan schedule showing balances, rates, and remaining terms. - The committee plans to bring the presentation to the full council in November for public education and discussion. - A resident notification, such as a mailer, was discussed before any rate increase; council will decide the effective date, with January 2027 discussed as the earliest practical timing. - The committee agreed to meet again in November, likely the second Thursday (November 12), to review updated rate information and begin work on a budget timeline.

The Millsboro Parks Committee met at 12:00 p.m. on October 15, 2026, and unanimously approved the agenda and the August 13, 2026 meeting minutes. No public comments were offered. The main discussions focused on the failing bulkhead and dredging needs at Cubalo Park, a FEMA/state grant for the proposed Seven Oaks Road Park, security cameras at parks, monthly meeting scheduling, and a potential Starlink internet service evaluation. Consent Calendar - Motion to adopt the meeting agenda passed by voice vote. - Motion to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2026 meeting passed by voice vote. Public Comments & Testimony - None. Bulkhead and Dredging at Cubalo Park - The committee described the bulkhead at Cubalo Park as at a failing point and discussed seeking federal sources to help fund repairs. - They reviewed the Verdantas 2023 bulkhead assessment; one member estimated the project at roughly $2 million with inflation, while another said it could be more than double that. - Staff had met with federal delegation and governor's office staff the prior week about dredging and related issues. The committee planned to raise shoreline resilience funding options at the Center for Inland Bays board meeting on Friday; an EPA representative and DNREC secretary are typically at that meeting. - The desired bulkhead height is at least 2 feet 7 inches, matching Hunter's Point's existing bulkheads. Raising to 4 feet was discussed but could push water around and backfill the park. Hunter's Point has roughly 35 units with individual docking and four street addresses, and its residents would also benefit from the town raising the bulkhead and dredging. - Members agreed no new assessment is needed; the next steps are engineering drawings, permits, construction funding, and updated cost estimates. - A BRIC grant through FEMA for bulkhead engineering is reportedly around $124,000 with no local match; DEMA expects to confirm by the end of October whether full funding will be restored. - The Delaware.gov DNREC page shows $14 million allocated to the dredging project already, but members said that may not reach their end of the waterway and that they need to advocate for the work to be directed their way. - A follow-up request was sent to federal delegation staff asking the Army Corps of Engineers to consider funding the bulkhead as shoreline protection, similar to beach nourishment. Staff planned to call Monica Chaston at the Army Corps Philadelphia district if she did not respond by the end of the day. - A grant was already awarded for restroom ventilation, a water bottle filling station, and associated work, with no local match and a one-year timeframe. One member asked to inspect the restroom before proceeding to see whether additional work is needed. Security Cameras and Dog Park Improvements - Discussion followed up on an August 13, 2026 minutes item: fix the dog park gate and consider installing security cameras. - Staff support cameras; Matt is testing remote cameras, but existing camera relay and line-of-sight systems are expensive and may not work at the dog park because of buildings, topography, and lack of WiFi at the site. - Members supported cameras but differed on priority: one member thought the Little League field should be prioritized over the dog park because of graffiti, vandalism, and prior investment, while another said to do both simultaneously. - The committee directed staff to obtain quotes and bring camera costs to the budget hearings. Seven Oaks Road Park Grant Application - The town submitted final documents and a detailed concept plan to the State of Delaware for the Route 24 West / Seven Oaks Road Park. - The grant decision is expected by the end of May 2027; if awarded, agreement paperwork would take about 10–12 months, with the earliest construction activity around May 2028. - The name Seven Oaks Road Park is based on the entrance street and can be changed later. - Members praised Ashley for assembling a thorough package with letters of support, though they acknowledged approval rates are low. Next Meetings and Other Business - The committee agreed to hold monthly one-hour meetings on the second Thursday, with the next meeting on November 12, 2026, at noon; they may cancel if there is no agenda. - The committee's mission statement will be formally accepted at the next meeting after correcting a clerical/transposing error; members will also propose goals and objectives for all town parks. - A member proposed evaluating Starlink service as a lower-cost or backup internet option for parks and other town properties. Current service uses Crown Castle as the primary fiber provider, MediaCom as backup, and cell phones at pump stations. Staff will prepare quotes and a cost/service comparison for the next parks meeting without disturbing the existing Crown Castle redundancy. - A member suggested considering impact fees to help fund park needs; another cautioned against excessive fees that could invite legal action and noted asset management would discuss related budget topics later that day. Key Outcomes - Agenda and August 13, 2026 minutes approved unanimously. - Consensus to proceed with Cubalo Park bulkhead engineering and construction planning using the Verdantas assessment, pursue the restored BRIC engineering grant, and continue federal and state advocacy for dredging and bulkhead funding. - Staff to obtain camera quotes for the dog park and Little League and bring them to budget hearings. - Seven Oaks Road Park grant application remains under review; no further town action until a decision expected in May 2027. - Committee will meet monthly on the second Thursday; the next meeting is November 12, 2026, with agenda items including formal mission statement acceptance, goals and objectives, and a Starlink quote comparison. - Meeting adjourned by unanimous voice vote.

This meeting of the Millsboro town committee was held on October 14, 2026, with representatives from the town council and the Delaware Department of Transportation (Del Dot) in attendance. The committee discussed infrastructure updates, traffic issues, and potential regulatory changes. Consent Calendar - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. - Adoption of Agenda: The agenda for the meeting was adopted without dissent. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Bypass Data Update: Peter from Del Dot reported that staff are still compiling data comparing traffic before and after the bypass opening. Early impressions are positive. Chief Lawyer noted that crash data shows south 113 and the 113 to Q Globe Bridge corridor remains a collision hotspot. Rob, from a fire department perspective, said truck traffic has reduced but backups still occur around 3-4 pm. The bypass currently carries about 8,500 vehicles per day. - Radish Road Speed Reduction: The committee discussed reducing the speed limit on Radish Road from Delaware Avenue past Summerton Chase development to 25 mph. Peter noted that recent legislation allows residential district speeds down to 20 mph. After debating transition to outside town limits, the committee passed a motion to recommend 25 mph from the stop sign to the western town limit. - Truck Restrictions in Downtown: Progress on restricting truck traffic downtown was reviewed. The committee has engaged with some carriers and is considering exceptions for local deliveries. Del Dot advised consulting state police and legal counsel on any permit system. Concerns were raised about truck spillage on the bypass ramp; no incidents have been reported. - Paving Requests: The committee requested repaving or repairs on Laurel Road, Delaware Avenue, and Handy Road. Peter said these roads are not on Del Dot's current paving program. Potholes can be reported individually. - HB 450 Fee Structure: No update was available. Peter will connect the town with Del Dot's economic development division. - Bridge Dam Rehabilitation: A dam rehabilitation project on the bridge heading east is in early design, not expected for a couple of years. The committee requested soft washing of the bridge and involvement in design for aesthetic improvements. - Bicycle Council Bikeway Innovation Grant: A grant for bicycle racks was mentioned, but no details were available. - Accident Data: Chief Lawyer reported that since a previous conversation about the intersection near town hall (Wilson Highway/Middle Street), there have been two non-injury accidents. On Delaware Avenue and 24, four accidents have occurred year-to-date, plus two non-reportable fender benders. Key Outcomes - Motion Carried: The committee passed a motion to recommend a 25 mph speed limit on Radish Road from the stop sign to the western town limit. - Next Steps: The committee will continue working on truck restrictions, seeking documentation from Mount Air, consulting legal counsel, and contacting state police. The town will follow up with Del Dot on paving issues, HB 450, and the bridge project. - Adjournment: The meeting adjourned with no further business.

The Millsboro Town Council met on Monday, October 5, 2026. No agenda or minutes were provided with the source transcript. The council completed routine approvals, heard department and public comments, approved a final site plan and a street closure, authorized a large grant application, and discussed state housing legislation, personnel committee structure, and Cupola Park bulkhead repairs. Councilmember Conn was initially not present and was listed as on the way. Routine Approvals / Consent Calendar - The council approved the meeting agenda by voice vote; none opposed. - Approved the minutes of the September 8 council meeting as presented. - Approved paying bills from designated accounts as presented in the meeting package. - Approved second-quarter supplemental tax billing for assessment changes from July through September. Accounts owing $5 or more will be billed, totaling $20,114; 22 properties with changes under $5 will receive notice but no bill. The billing excludes lot combinations and subdivisions. Public Comments & Testimony - Mark Kalpis, a Plantation Lakes resident, asked the council for action on serious soil erosion, missing required topsoil, and release of developer performance bonds. He said the Sussex Conservation District documented deficiencies and violations since 2014 and that he has waited since moving in in 2018 for fixes. He asked the town to review approved plans, inspection records, and certifications about the required six inches of topsoil and who verified compliance. He said current corrective work by the builder Lenar was only seeding over a thin topsoil layer without matting or hay, and warned residents could be stuck with repair costs if bonds are released. He also said his neighborhood pays a special tax bond and asked whether council members who live in the development would act. - A resident, Mr. Sharpler, asked to take up unfinished business that was not on the agenda. The town solicitor said the item could not be added under FOIA except for an emergency, and the council agreed to put it on the next month's agenda. Departmental Reports - Fire Company: Councilman O'Neill reported at least eight fire prevention events by the end of the month, including East Millsboro Elementary and Howard TNS; four football standbys; and the 100th anniversary celebration on October 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Police Department: Chief Steve Moyer reported on the 9/11 ceremony, the police advisory committee's new chair, Kerrilli Khan, the community satisfaction survey, and 2027 goals. A council question about September overdose/Narcan data led to the explanation that seven events were reported and two involved Narcan administration, one by a Millsboro officer who will receive a lifesaving award and one by EMS. The chief said drug offenses are up largely because of proactive enforcement and the canine unit, and endangering-the-welfare-of-a-child charges are commonly connected to domestic incidents with children present. Site Plan, Street Closure, and Resolutions - Title Health Revised Final Site Plan: The council approved the revised final site plan for tax parcel 133-11.00-5.01 on Route 113. Kenneth Yusuf of Morrison Richie Associates said all agency approvals were in hand. One council member expressed disappointment about removal of mature trees; the applicant said DelDOT may allow replanting in safe areas and planned road widening was a factor. The motion passed by voice vote. An estimated opening date of June or July was mentioned. - Fire Company street closure: Approved closing Morris Street between East State and Dodd on October 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the fire company's 100th anniversary event. Police said DelDOT had been coordinated with; motion passed. - Radish Road speed reduction: A resolution to request a 25 mph speed limit on Radish Road from Delaware Avenue to Mumford Road was discussed but not adopted. Council members noted part of the road is outside corporate limits, debated whether a 35 mph segment should follow a 25 mph stretch around Summerton Chase, and agreed the wording needed clear start and end points. It was referred back to the DelDOT committee. - Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership grant: The council approved a resolution authorizing the town to apply for the ORLP grant through the National Park Service and DNREC. Staff said the application is for a new all-inclusive park, with project cost estimates in the $5 million to $8 million range and no binding local match at this stage. Award decisions are expected around May 2027, with construction not before May 2028. The deadline to get the application to the state was that week. Council discussion noted the town's lack of public tennis and pickleball courts, a prior $75,000 concept-design grant, interest in soccer and pickleball, and the possibility of USTA funding for tennis courts. Matching funds would require a future budget decision. Motion passed by voice vote; no one opposed. State Housing Legislation - SB 23 and HB 450 - Council members and the town solicitor reviewed the status of Senate Bill 23 and House Bill 450. State officials had provided little concrete guidance on key terms, including Area Median Income, the definition of by-right development, administrative approval authority, and variance criteria. - The council was told the state treats all municipal land as a growth area, requires by-right applications to move through administrative review without public hearings, and limits public comment to written submissions. Council members raised FOIA, ADA, and due-process concerns. - House Bill 450 requires the town to adopt residential growth-area density requirements, including at least four units per acre for single-family homes and higher minimum densities for other housing types, by June 1, 2027, relying on guidance from the Delaware State Housing Authority that has not yet been issued. - The town solicitor advised that, until the town develops a compliant new process, new subdivision applications should not be processed under either the old public-hearing process or the still-undefined administrative process, creating a de facto moratorium. A formal moratorium resolution could be placed on a future agenda but was not voted on this evening. The solicitor also offered to prepare an interim statement for applicants. A pending annexation committee meeting involving the former Raw property was scheduled for Thursday at 9 a.m. and raised separate split-zoning issues; no annexation decision was made. Personnel Committee Discussion - Councilman Presley proposed changing the three-member personnel committee to a committee of the whole so all council members share oversight of personnel matters and executive-session information. He argued personnel costs can represent a large share of the budget and that the current committee's executive-session work is not transparent enough. - Other members raised concerns that a seven-member personnel committee would eliminate existing checks and balances in the employee grievance process, remove the intermediate appeal step before the full council, expose employees to more people, and create potential liability. The town solicitor noted the employee handbook may need to be amended if the committee's role or size changes and recommended consulting the town's employment law attorney. - The council tabled the proposal until a more concrete approach can be developed; staff will make sure any eventual change is reflected in the personnel manual. Cupola Park Bulkhead Repair - The council discussed Cupola Park after severe flooding from a nor'easter. Members described the wooden bulkhead as fragile and noted the most serious damage may be below the waterline. The June 2023 Verdantis condition assessment was included in the meeting materials; the best-protection estimate was about $2.1 million in 2023 dollars, plus escalation. - Council members discussed coordinating bulkhead replacement with dredging, seeking help from Sussex County and the Army Corps of Engineers, and the recently announced $14 million federal dredging allocation for the Indian River and other channels, which was not expected to reach Millsboro. DNREC's dredging program was described as unreliable. Several members said dredging alone will not stop flooding because water seeks its own level, and raising the bulkhead could push flooding elsewhere. - Grant funding was discussed, including a FEMA BRIC grant for engineering that was previously pulled but had returned to soft approval status, and possible future budget decisions. No formal action was taken. Key Outcomes - Approved the agenda, September 8 minutes, and designated-account bills. - Approved the Title Health revised final site plan. - Approved the Morris Street closure for October 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Referred the Radish Road speed reduction back to the DelDOT committee; no vote. - Authorized submission of the ORLP grant application. - Tabled the personnel committee committee-of-whole proposal; the solicitor will prepare interim guidance on subdivision applications, and a formal moratorium may appear on a future agenda. - Approved supplemental tax billing for amounts over $5. - Withdrew the executive session item; no executive session was held. - A resident who said his unfinished business had been carried from the previous month was told it was not on the posted agenda and was asked to return next month; the item was placed on the next agenda.

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

On Friday, August 21, 2026, the Asset Management, Budget and Finance Committee convened to discuss the town's financial stewardship, asset management program, and future water and wastewater rate structures. The committee re-elected its chair, adopted a mission statement, reviewed progress on asset management and paving, and received a financial modeling presentation from Waterworth. Key goals include monthly meetings, a rate proposal by end of September, and a 2028 budget process beginning early. Consent Calendar - The agenda was adopted. - Minutes from the previous meeting were approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Re-election of Chair: Mayor McKee was unanimously re-elected as committee chair. - Mission Statement: The committee adopted the mission statement: "To safeguard the town's financial and physical assets through prudent financial management, transparent reporting, and strategic life cycle planning, ensuring sustainable infrastructure and public trust for our community." - Committee Goals and Objectives: The committee discussed the need for monthly meetings to stay on top of the budget and asset management. Members emphasized the importance of incorporating new water and sewer rates to avoid over-reliance on restricted fund withdrawals. The goals from the previous year (December 2024) were read and will be circulated for member feedback. - Asset Management Program: Staff reported progress on preventative maintenance schedules, particularly for water assets. Challenges include recent staff turnover and the age of the wastewater plant, which is reaching end of life. The committee debated the level of detail needed—whether to focus on criticality and life safety or high-level cost forecasting. The consensus was to aim for a high-level view that informs budgeting, with the understanding that detailed asset management will be phased in, starting with water and streets. - Paving and Streets: The public works director presented a preliminary paving priority list. Members noted discrepancies between the spreadsheet ratings and actual road conditions. The committee agreed to use a $350,000 annual paving budget as a baseline, potentially increasing to $400,000 due to rising costs. A 10-year look ahead was deemed sufficient, with a future bucket for 10-20 year needs. The possibility of using millings for other town projects (e.g., White Farm) was discussed but determined unsuitable due to drainage issues. - Waterworth Financial Model Presentation: Representatives from Waterworth presented baseline financial models for the water and wastewater funds. The models showed current and projected revenues, expenses, debt service, and capital improvements. Without rate increases, the water fund's cash position would fall below the operating threshold (3 months of expenses) by 2031-2032, and the wastewater fund would face similar pressures. The committee discussed the impact of large capital projects (Morris Street water main, Old Landing Road, White Farm wastewater plant) and the potential for principal forgiveness loans. The next step is to incorporate consumption data and propose new rate structures by the end of September 2026. Key Outcomes - Chair Re-elected: Mayor McKee will continue as chair. - Mission Statement Adopted: The committee approved the mission statement as presented. - Goals and Objectives: The list from December 2024 will be emailed to members for edits and additions, to be finalized at the next meeting. - Asset Management: Staff will continue to develop a phased asset management plan, prioritizing water assets and critical infrastructure. The committee will receive a 10-year renewal plan for underground infrastructure. - Paving Budget: The committee agreed to use a $350,000 annual paving budget (with potential escalation to $400,000) and will work with public works to refine the 10-year paving schedule. - Waterworth Rate Proposal: Waterworth will return with a detailed rate proposal (including consumption data and rate structure options) by the end of September 2026. The committee will review and make a recommendation to full council. - Next Meeting: The next meeting will be scheduled after the Waterworth team provides an update, likely within a few weeks. The committee will aim for monthly meetings going forward, with a focus on the 2028 budget cycle.

The Downtown Millsboro Committee convened on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 12:45 PM. Members present included Councilperson DeSova, Ron O'Neill (presiding), Assistant Town Manager Ashley, and Town Manager Jamie Burke. The committee discussed goals and objectives for the downtown area, including code enforcement, property maintenance, downtown organization, signage, and the Downtown Development District (DDD) application. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the meeting. Discussion Items - Code Enforcement and Property Maintenance ("Broken Windows Theory"): Councilperson DeSova raised concerns about dilapidated properties downtown, citing rat holes and boarded-up buildings. The committee discussed the need for stricter code enforcement, possibly a vacant property registration ordinance, and architectural review standards. Town Manager Jamie Burke noted that existing international property maintenance codes apply but enforcement may be lacking. The idea of a facade grant program was also mentioned. - Downtown Millsboro Partnership (Main Street Organization): The committee discussed increasing involvement in the downtown Millsboro partnership, a Main Street program. They considered forming a board of local business owners and property owners to drive downtown vision and events, separate from the Chamber of Commerce. Staff suggested first defining the group's mission and goals before approaching businesses. - Downtown Development District (DDD) Application Update: Jamie Burke reported that Millsboro was selected as one of five finalists out of 13 applicants for the DDD designation. A presentation was made to state cabinet secretaries. The final three towns will be announced before the September cabinet meeting. The theater was highlighted as the key project, with emphasis on its potential to spur investment, housing, and arts access. Millsboro and Selbyville are the only Sussex County towns remaining. - Gateway and Signage Improvements: The committee discussed improving the bridge area as a gateway, including potential sculptural elements (a mill wheel) and better signage. Concerns about attaching anything to the bridge were noted, but embankment options were suggested. A desire for cohesive, attractive signage downtown was expressed, including standardized sign posts, pictorial signs, and a consistent font/logo for the town. A simple "Millsboro Welcomes You" sign was favored. - Council Goals Alignment: The committee reviewed existing council goals related to downtown: RFP for town-owned properties, theater dialogue, parking feasibility near railroad tracks, and festive events. These were discussed as potential committee goals to support. - Park and Dredging Collaboration: Members noted the opportunity to collaborate with the parks committee and leverage dredging efforts (with Army Corps of Engineers involvement) to enhance the park and connect it to downtown. Key Outcomes - The committee tabled the approval of past meeting minutes until the next meeting (motion passed). - The committee will meet monthly going forward; a chairperson will be appointed at the next meeting (agenda item). - Members were assigned homework: each to draft a mission statement for the committee to be discussed at the next meeting. - Staff will research code enforcement options, vacant property registration policies, and signage design/ cost estimates. A field walk downtown to assess signage needs was suggested. - The committee will continue to support the DDD application and await final selection. - No formal votes were taken on substantive policy changes; discussions were preliminary.

The Charter Code Review Committee met on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. to discuss updates on state land-use legislation (Senate Bill 23), proposed charter revisions for mixed-use zoning, and a new ordinance regulating motorized recreational vehicles (e-bikes). The committee also reviewed its mission statement and approved motions to bring items to the September town council agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public were present or offered comments. Discussion Items - State Mandate (SB 23) and Zoning Reform: Town Manager Jamie Burke reported on calls with Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson and the Delaware League of Local Governments. He noted that the county has suspended all public hearings related to zoning to avoid conflicts with state mandates. The committee discussed strategies to push back, including amending the town charter to require public hearings on certain matters, increasing lobbying efforts, and launching a public outreach campaign to highlight the loss of local control. Members expressed frustration that SB 23, while promoted as an affordable housing measure, effectively overrides municipal home rule and zoning authority. The committee also considered the possibility of suspending public hearings in Millsboro until the state clarifies implementation regulations. No formal vote was taken on this point, but the idea will be brought to the September council meeting. - Charter Revisions – Mixed-Use in Urban Business Zone: Assistant Town Manager Ashley presented a staff proposal to update the town code to explicitly allow mixed-use development (residential above commercial) in the Urban Business (UB) district, which currently only permits such uses as grandfathered nonconforming uses. The proposal includes adding definitions for "condominium flat" and "upper-level apartment" based on language from Dagsboro and Selbyville. Discussion touched on height limits (current maximum 35 feet / three stories), design standards, and the potential creation of an architectural review board. Councilman Presley urged considering whether higher densities could satisfy state goals, but several members cautioned against exceeding three stories downtown. The committee also debated the timing of these changes given the uncertainty around SB 23, with some members arguing to wait until state regulations are known. A motion was made to place the mixed-use revision on the September council agenda and to obtain legal language from the town solicitor, with the understanding that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) would be exempted from this specific change. The motion carried with all in favor. - Proposed Ordinance for Motorized Recreational Vehicles (E-bikes): The chief of police requested the committee consider a new ordinance regulating motorized recreational vehicles, including electric dirt bikes, scooters, and similar devices not already covered by state law. The committee discussed safety concerns, particularly after a recent pedestrian collision in Plantation Lakes. Members noted that electric vehicles are silent and can travel at high speeds, posing risks in neighborhoods and parks. The proposal would amend Chapter 165 of the town code (currently covering skateboards) to add definitions and prohibitions on riding such vehicles on public streets, sidewalks, trails, and municipal property unless authorized. A motion to place this matter on the September council agenda passed unanimously. Key Outcomes - Motion carried: To place the mixed-use zoning revision on the September council agenda and direct the town solicitor to draft language, exempting ADUs (all in favor). - Motion carried: To place the proposed ordinance on motorized recreational vehicles on the September council agenda (all in favor). - The committee agreed to circulate the mission statement again for member review and confirmation at the next meeting. Next Steps - The town solicitor will prepare draft amendments for mixed-use and e-bike regulations for the September town council meeting. - Town staff will continue monitoring SB 23 implementation and coordinate with county and state officials. A public outreach effort to inform residents about the impact of the state mandate is planned.