Public Meetings - Millsboro, Delaware

The Millsboro Town Council met on Monday, April 6, 2026, at town hall. Mayor Bob McKee presided, with council members Silva, O'Neill, Presley, DeSova (referred to as DeSilva in roll call), and Conn present. Solicitor Shreder Fox and Town Manager Burke were also present. The meeting covered appointment of a new District 3 council member, extensive public comments on road and water issues, police and fire department reports, multiple development applications, and various town administrative matters. No agenda or minutes were available for reference, so this summary relies solely on the meeting transcript. Consent Calendar - Agenda adopted unanimously by voice vote. - Council minutes from the March 2, 2026 meeting were approved. - Bills were approved for payment from designated accounts. Public Comments & Testimony - Diane Surrey (Villages of Millwood) reported that road conditions have deteriorated further since her last visit, with large potholes making the intersection virtually impossible to cross. She stated that developer Leonard Ayacono, president of Daisy Construction (part of Alan Myers Construction), is researching asphalt prices. She noted that Alan Myers Construction is an asphalt company located up the road in Dover, making the research unnecessary. Surrey said she contacted Representative Rich Collins, the Department of Transportation, and news stations, and was told it is "not our concern." She asked the town for guidance on how to make the developer finish the roads and hold developers accountable. - Kathleen Craig (29910 Plantation Drive, Homestead Community) described a four-year brown water problem in her community. Water department employees acknowledged issues ("oh wow," "maybe your septic line is in your water line"), but tests passed because they tested when the water ran clear. Flushing the entire community's system was deemed "too expensive" by the town. Craig said she received no responses from the Board of Health or the town after follow-up emails. She has ruined clothes and porcelain, and a neighbor's new water heater flushed only brown water after a year. - Patty Stilwell (29868 Plantation Drive, Homestead Development) echoed the brown water complaints, saying residents are afraid to drink the water, clothes aren't getting clean, and the problem feels like a "run around." - Evelyn Deutsch (29962 Plantation Drive, Homestead community) confirmed the brown water affects all residents and said she pays $75 per month for delivered water in addition to town water fees. - Joy Illigar (29962 Plantation Drive) stated she witnessed the septic smell through Kathleen Craig's house and noted rust coming from a brand-new washing machine. She observed that Craig lives near an older fire hydrant and pleaded for help. - Steve Ain (33417 Hickler Street) thanked the council for being proactive on the Sheep Pen Road issue, noting the collaboration with DelDOT produced a great solution. - Jack Megar (Homestead) reported rust staining toilets, a problem that began only recently after roughly 10 years without issues. Department Reports - Millsboro Fire Company (Councilman O'Neill): First-quarter call numbers are ahead of last year. There have been fire deaths this year, but none in the district. The annual banquet recognized junior members (most improved junior member and junior member of the year). The Grill and Groove event, benefiting the fire company, will be held April 24, 5:30-10 PM at the Fire Hall. Chamber representative Nadine added that tickets are $45 in advance ($50 at door), featuring Baron Creek Band and Lashers Barbecue. - Chamber of Commerce (Nadine): Coffee Connect will be hosted by William Sippel & Son this Wednesday, 8-9:30 AM. 100 blue pinwheels will be displayed the week of April 13th for Child Abuse Prevention Month. April Business After Hours hosted by US Wind with Capriottis. May 9th pop-up event at the chamber. Progress continues on Stars and Stripes 250. - Police Department (Chief Moyer): Monthly stats include 311 complaints, 64 crime reports, 33 domestic reports, 37 assists to other agencies, 145 field service reports, 10 overdoses (3 with CAN administration, no fatalities), 523 traffic stops, 287 traffic citations, and 6 DUIs (5 more over the preceding weekend). Part 1 crime declined 13.25% year-over-year, Part 2 crime declined 11%, and community services (alarms, animal control, recovered property, suspicious person/vehicle) increased 3%. Crash data shows Rt. 113 at peak hours (8 AM) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, with driver distraction as the leading cause. The Sheep Pen Road covert speed study (March 5-12, posted limit 25 mph) found 7.2% of vehicles exceeded by 15+ mph, 27.9% exceeded by 10+ mph, and 64% exceeded by 5+ mph. Enforcement there produced 18 warnings (all speeding) and 15 tickets (8 for speeding). Chief Moyer also reported on a halfway house rape case (suspect arrested quickly, commending officers and victim bravery), ongoing concerns about tier 3 sex offenders housed at that residence, a gun with obliterated serial number recovered by Senior Corporal Dallas Milner on Route 24 west of Godwin School Road, and announced the 3-on-3 basketball tournament on May 23 (rain date May 30) co-sponsored by Mountaire. PFC Kraft (transferred from Seaford) graduated FTO and is the new DUI expert. Chelsea Schaefer was promoted to the administrative position; the victim advocate role is posted externally until April 17. Road closure on State Street and Main Street is scheduled for April 8 for construction. - CALEA Policy Updates (Lieutenant Rogers): Year 4 accreditation assessment concluded, with on-site inspection beginning April 7. Four policy revisions were approved: (1) Rules of Conduct - sexual harassment complaints against the chief of police now go to the town manager; (2) Policy 19 renamed from "Unusual Occurrences" to "All Hazards Plan" with annual incident command training for all officers; (3) Policy 31 Central Records - juvenile vs. adult records documented with separate color-coded folders and records room retention; (4) Policy 40 Unbiased Enforcement - annual review expanded from administrative staff to all officers, with three additional definitional sections. Remaining policy revisions were tabled with administrative approval. Committee Updates - America 250/Millsboro Celebrates: Community input included a time capsule, community church service, collectible trinket item, walking tour/signage, tree planting in Cupola Park, apple pie eating contest, live band, motorcycle group, and classic cars. - DelDOT Committee: A solution to Sheep Pen Road speeding was proposed - a four-way stop sign between the two traffic circles, to be formally submitted to DelDOT. The committee asked DelDOT to preserve forestry in the White Farm development, expedite a sidewalk on the north side of Route 24 between Plantation Lakes and Rt. 113 (working with Sussex County Land Use), and continue studying downtown truck traffic before proposing restrictions. Repaving of Route 24 (113 to Delaware Avenue) and Handy Road was requested, along with post-storm cleanup of tree limbs. - Downtown Committee: Artist Olga DeShields presented bridge art renditions and historic postcard-style signage ideas for older buildings. QR codes for town history were discussed (modeled on Salisbury's program). The committee is reviewing code standards for downtown buildings, facades, and sign height consistency. The farmers market has volunteer market managers (trained by the Department of Agriculture) and is actively seeking vendors, launching the first Saturday in June through September, 8 AM-noon at the town hall parking lot. A previous downtown survey drew over 400 responses, with 200 people volunteering. - Parks Committee: Survey results highlight demand for a multi-sport field complex, family walking/picnic areas, an amphitheater for small music venues, and playgrounds for all age groups. USTA matching grant program for tennis courts will be considered during budget discussions. Multiple grant opportunities (including Vendre?T1) are being pursued. A design firm has offered to take on the project once a plan is formulated. Public Hearing: Handy Road Rezoning and Lot Line Adjustment - Public hearing was opened for a request by Wineworks Real Estate Holdings LLC (tax parcel 233-5.00-111.00) to rezone from Commercial C to Highway Commercial HC. The property owner explained that the rezoning aligns zoning with Sussex County's adjacent EMS station and facilitates a land swap: the EMS station will move its property line west 50 feet into the applicant's land, retain 50 feet of its own adjacent lot, and the applicant will purchase the balance. The town manager confirmed the property was annexed last month and this eliminates split-zoned parcels. Sussex County submitted a letter of support (packet page 34). Eyecare shop remains an accepted use under the new designation. Public hearing closed; rezoning motion passed unanimously. - The companion lot line adjustment (parcels 233-5.00-111.00 and 233-5.00-110.00) was then approved as presented. The owner noted the swap creates two better-sized parcels, enabling EMS expansion and a better-shaped medical office lot. Development Applications - Merk Parking Area and Site Improvements: Preliminary site plan for parcels 133-16.00 and 15.00 was tabled. Amy (staff) clarified that Merk had already received preliminary approval for all phases and had returned for final approval of Phase 1 (warehouse) previously; the current application for the Phase 2 parking lot may actually be a final site plan. Letters from AECOM and Furgontes conflicted (one said preliminary, one said final), no applicant representative was present, and council agreed the matter needed clarification before a vote. Motion to table passed. - Lewis Derry Miniature Golf - Preliminary Site Plan: Steve Wooden (Apex Engineering) presented a 3.7-acre parcel zoned urban business, previously approved in 2018. The plan adds an 18-hole nature golf course and ice cream parlor, with a half-acre of previously disturbed open space being redeveloped. Site access, parking, utilities, and stormwater facilities are already in place. Council approved the preliminary plan. Construction is expected for summer 2026, with the ice cream parlor opening first. - Mid-Atlantic Commercial Minor Site Plan Amendment: McKenzie Sindelar (attorney, Sol Ewing) represented Millsborough Medical Building LLC. The amendment combines two planned buildings (each just under 10,000 sq ft) into a single 20,000 sq ft building to accommodate a tenant needing consolidated space on the 4-acre highway commercial site. The conservation district re-approved the configuration on January 13, 2026, and no additional impervious surface is proposed. Motion to approve passed. - Proposed Pharmacy (AVP Pharma Inc) - Preliminary Site Plan: Bob Palmer (Beacon Engineering) and applicant Wright Patel presented a pharmacy at 28524 DuPont Boulevard (formerly Anchor Roofing, tax parcel 133-17.17-53.00, with a noted typo of 520). The plan widens the existing 17-foot Old Landing Road entrance to a 25-foot code-compliant full-movement access, adds a drive-thru with an exit-only onto Rt. 113 (as stipulated by DelDOT), expands parking from 7 required to 13 spaces, and disturbs under 5,000 sq ft (exempt from sediment/stormwater regulations; conservation district will issue an exemption letter). No water/sewer improvements are needed. Patel stated his Coastal Drug Pharmacy has served Sussex County for 11 years, particularly after the Rite Aid closure, and will offer delivery, immunizations, medical equipment, and compliance packaging. Councilman O'Neill raised egress concerns about drive-thru traffic entering Rt. 113 near Old Landing Road; Palmer and Patel noted the stop sign proximity, DelDOT's approval, and the metering effect of pharmacy service. Chief Moyer confirmed the intersection is not high accident-prone. Roll call vote: 5 yes (O'Neill, Mason, DeSova, Presley, McKee) and 1 no (Conn). Motion passed. Land Use and Property Items - Election Board Appointments: Fay Lingo, David Mitchell, and Durb (Darwin) Hall were appointed to the election board; Hall previously served as an alternate. Motion passed. - Lenoir Water Distribution System Loop at Plantation Lakes: Town staff reported the fourth alignment version, which avoids routing under the pond, providing redundancy at lower cost. No easements are required. David Steeles (LARP) confirmed the route is easier and shared-cost. Lenard proposed abandoning the loop in exchange for park credits, but staff rejected this because redundancy is needed to prevent catastrophic water service failure. Informational only, with cost proposals to be presented to council. - Partition of Town Parcel (Washington Street & West Railroad Avenue): Parcel 133-17.13-143.00, across Ellis Street from the police department (part of the police parcel but not physically connected, with an L street between). Council approved partitioning it off via survey, as a potential future sale; the parcel also serves storm drainage. - DelDOT Utility Easement: DelDOT requests an extended easement near the dog park for electrical and communications infrastructure redundancy. Phase 3 electric already runs through the parcel, and staff found no conflicts with water, sewer, or the pumping station on site. Council approved. Financial and Tax Matters - No supplemental tax appeals were filed for this month due to fewer permits issued over the winter. The annual tax roll will be posted this week. Total assessed value of town land and improvements is $1,222,486,800. April is the annual assessment appeal window, with appeals to be heard at the May council meeting. Key Outcomes - Gary Mack appointed to council to fill the District 3 vacancy (motion passed; he will resign from the Board of Adjustments on April 13 and be sworn in on May 4). - Public hearing closed and rezoning of 233-5.00-111.00 from Commercial C to Highway Commercial HC approved, along with the related lot line adjustment. - Lewis Derry miniature golf preliminary site plan approved. - Mid-Atlantic Commercial minor site plan amendment approved. - Pharmacy (AVP Pharma) preliminary site plan approved by a 5-1 roll call vote (Conn opposed). - Merk parking/site plan tabled pending clarification of whether it is a preliminary or final site plan and review of supporting letters. - Election board appointments approved: Fay Lingo, David Mitchell, Durb Hall. - Four CALEA policy revisions approved; remaining revisions tabled. - Town parcel partition approved to eventually sell surplus land. - DelDOT utility easement approved. - Offer for purchase of real estate declined following executive session, via motion near the end of the meeting (10:15 PM).

On March 30, 2026, the Millsboro Town Council met to discuss traffic safety, truck routing, sidewalk installation, intersection monitoring, and road maintenance. The meeting began with approval of the agenda and minutes from October 2025, followed by public comments and multiple discussion items involving DelDOT representatives and local stakeholders. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the October 2025 meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Vane (33417 Hickory Street) expressed strong concerns about speeding and lack of safety on Sheep Pen Road. He noted that signage is inaccurate, crosswalks are absent, and large trucks, including cement trucks, frequently exceed 35 mph in a 25 mph zone. He urged the council to install larger warning signs, a stop sign, crosswalks, and truck restrictions, emphasizing that the upcoming hospital development will worsen traffic. - Melissa Tarrenti (33427 Hickory Street, also a town employee) supported Mr. Vane, stating that between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m., Sheep Pen Road becomes a "drag race course" with motorcycles racing. She warned that with the hospital and 50,000-square-foot retail space coming, conditions will become "out of control." Discussion Items - White Farm New Development (Godwin School Road): Council discussed minimizing forest clearing during the realignment of Godwin School Road. DelDOT representative Peter noted that preliminary approval was granted without conditions, but options remain (two roundabouts or a four-way stop). Neighboring developments and the Godwin School historical site raised concerns. The town will provide feedback to DelDOT through its economic development coordination division. - Expediting Sidewalk Installation on Route 24 (north side, Plantation Lakes to 113): The existing sidewalk is discontinuous, forcing pedestrians into bike lanes or the roadway. Peter advised working with Sussex County through the Capital Transportation Program (CTP). The town has already included this project in a recent DelDOT solicitation. - Monitoring Delaware Ave/Route 24 Intersection and Truck Traffic: - Peter presented traffic data from January 2026 showing a 50% reduction in overall downtown volume after the bypass opened. On March 19, 2026, westbound truck counts were 576 near Mountaire and 582 on the bypass; eastbound counts were 611 near Mountaire and 507 on the bypass. - Chief Moyer reported zero injury crashes at the intersection since Plantation Lakes Road opened. The council agreed to continue monitoring through summer before deciding on a four-way stop versus a traffic signal. DelDOT favors a signal if changes are needed. - Peter presented a draft truck restriction for Route 24 Business and Route 30 (Gravel Hill Road) banning trucks over two axles except for local service. Mountaire Farms representatives (Jack and Amanda Irwin) explained that 11 loads per day from Selbyville to their resource recovery facility must use the downtown route due to grade concerns and past spill incidents on the bypass. They assured that all other trucks use the bypass. The restriction would still allow local service, raising enforcement questions. - Council discussed closing Sheep Pen Road at Wrightsville to redirect truck traffic to Godwin School Road. Peter cautioned that closure could shift problems to parallel roads and affect emergency response. - Chief Moyer presented speed study data from March 5–12, 2026 on Godwin School Road: 64% of vehicles exceeded 25 mph by more than 5 mph, 27.9% by more than 9 mph, and 7.2% by more than 15 mph. Council favored installing a stop sign and crosswalk at Claremont and Charleston on Sheep Pen Road as a quick traffic-calming measure. Peter outlined the process: the town passes a resolution, DelDOT legalizes it, and the sign shop fabricates signage. - Road Deterioration and Debris Removal: Residents reported severe pavement breakup on Route 24 (113 to Delaware Ave), Handy Road, and Delaware Avenue south of 24. Peter will check DelDOT's pavement management schedule. Council also noted fallen trees on Hollyville Road and other roads; Peter advised reporting debris on the roadway to DelDOT's TMC. - Peninsula Crossing Bollards Removal: The town seeks to remove bollards to create a service road access, reducing traffic on Route 113. The property owner requested traffic studies and accident data. Peter offered to provide recent traffic data. - Radish Road Speed Limit: With over 1,000 homes planned along Radish Road, council requested reducing the speed limit from the current 50 mph (west of Delaware Ave) to 25 or 35 mph at least through the Summerton Chase development. Peter suggested the town first define its desired limit within town limits, then DelDOT will handle transition zones similar to Route 24. - Route 24/113 Intersection Signal Timing: The current split phasing (eastbound and westbound left turns alternate) causes long queues, especially for trucks turning left to reach the bypass. Peter is conducting an operational analysis to explore converting to concurrent phasing or adding a double left-turn lane. The council expressed interest in improving efficiency for westbound left turns. Key Outcomes - Council will continue monitoring the Delaware Ave/Route 24 intersection; if crashes increase during summer, a traffic signal will be considered. - The town will pursue a stop sign and crosswalk on Sheep Pen Road at Claremont/Charleston as an immediate safety measure. DelDOT will assist with signage and striping plans once the town passes a resolution. - DelDOT will check the pavement rating and schedule for Route 24, Handy Road, and Delaware Avenue. Coordination with developers for Handy Road improvements will be tied to White Farm discussions. - The town will formally request a speed limit reduction on Radish Road, starting with the Summerton Chase frontage. DelDOT will handle transition zones. - DelDOT will complete an operational analysis of the Route 24/113 intersection to optimize signal timing and lane configuration. - No formal votes were taken beyond the consent calendar items.

The Millsboro 250 Committee met on March 23, 2026, to continue planning the town's 250th anniversary celebration scheduled for June 27, 2026. The meeting covered sponsorships, donations, parade logistics, security, and community engagement. Public input was provided by Patricia Olifant, a long-time resident, who shared historical context and ideas. Consent Calendar - The agenda and minutes from February 11 were adopted unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Patricia Olifant, a long-time Millsboro resident, asked where meeting minutes are posted and was directed to the town website. She later contributed numerous ideas from the 1976 bicentennial, including a community church service, a mural, and involving seniors as honorary grand marshals. She offered to share a list of additional ideas. Discussion Items - Sponsorships & Scholarships: The committee reported positive response to sponsorship requests, with a strategy to target larger entities. Ashley is coordinating asks. - Donations & Auction Items: A silent auction will be held at the Chamber. Items secured include rounds of golf, gift cards, and tickets. An art contest with Sussex Academy will display student artwork. - Event Attractions: A live band, Southbound of Delaware, will play from 2–4 PM downtown, followed by a parade at 4 PM. Fireworks are confirmed at the ballfield. Parade registration forms are online and vetted by the town solicitor to require an American patriotic theme. - Parade Route & Street Closures: After discussion, the committee decided to keep Washington Street open for two-way traffic and close Main Street from noon to 6 PM. The parade will start at the middle school, proceed down Main Street, and return to the middle school. Railroad Avenue will be closed only during the parade. Delaware DOT approved both options. - Security & Logistics: Chief Moyer outlined security measures including drones, explosive detection dogs, and dump trucks at Church Street. Bicycle parking will be available. Shuttle buses provided by Dutton Bus Service will run from designated lots (M&T Bank, bowling alley, First State Orthopedic, etc.) with drop-off at the police department. - Community Engagement: Ideas were discussed for a time capsule, tree planting in Cupola Park, an apple pie eating contest, and a drumline competition as people migrate to the ballfield. The Nanticoke Tribe will have a separate event on May 30. - Grand Marshal: Mayor Bob McKee was proposed as parade grand marshal, and he accepted. Key Outcomes - Decision to keep Washington Street open and close Main Street for the event. - Parade route finalized: middle school to Main Street and back. - Sponsorship and donation efforts continue; a grant application for $25,000 (with $2,500 match) is being submitted. - The committee will reach out to downtown businesses, churches, and seniors for participation. - Next steps include finalizing shuttle bus stops, coordinating with Dutton, and sending an editorial to media.

The Downtown Millsboro Committee met on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. to discuss the revival of the Millsboro Farmers Market, the town's application for the Downtown Development District program, potential code amendments for downtown aesthetics, and a mural project for the bridge and other downtown locations. The meeting included a presentation by artist Olga DeShields and concluded with a motion to adjourn. Consent Calendar - Motion to adopt the agenda: made, seconded, all in favor, carried. - Motion to approve the committee minutes from November 20, 2025: made, seconded, all in favor, carried. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Update on Millsboro Farmers Market: Town Manager Jamie Burke and Assistant Town Manager Ashley Sander reported that the market is ready to launch. Market managers have been selected, and the market will run Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., starting June 6, 2026. The market will be held at the same location as before. Marketing materials are available at town hall. Vendors are being solicited, including past vendors from the now-defunct Georgetown farmers market. The town will charge a one-day business license fee of $15.50 or an annual license of $50 (the lowest in the county). Dogs will not be allowed, and raw milk will be prohibited for the first year due to liability concerns. Sixteen volunteers have expressed interest in assisting. The committee discussed using insulated shopping bags as promotional giveaways, costing under $4 each. The market will also participate in the town's July 4th celebration on June 27, 2026. - Update on Downtown Development District (DDD) Program: Ashley Sander attended a mandatory state meeting. Millsboro is one of 13 towns competing for three spots in the DDD program. The application deadline is end of June 2026. A town council resolution supporting the application is needed in May. The program offers a 20% rebate on brick-and-mortar renovation costs for private investments in the downtown district. Millsboro currently has a population of 8,600, which allows it to remain in the lower tier (up to 9,000 residents) with a smaller footprint (120-125 acres). The town can expand the district after the next census if population exceeds 9,000. Key projects must be identified; the theater was mentioned as a candidate. The committee noted that gun shops, liquor stores, and adult entertainment businesses are ineligible, but churches are eligible. The town will need to lobby the governor's office for support. - Discuss Potential Code Amendments for Downtown Aesthetics and Facades: The committee discussed the need to improve property maintenance and signage downtown. Some landlords are not maintaining their buildings or providing adequate signage for tenants. The committee suggested inviting the town's code enforcement officer to a future meeting to discuss current issues. The committee also agreed to coordinate with the Code and Charter Committee to review and update property maintenance codes. Ideas included consistent signage, especially at public parking lots, to direct visitors. The committee noted that the town is working with Mountaire to install a 10x20 welcome sign at the Route 24 entrance to Main Street. Del Tech's property near the fire hall was discussed as a potential public parking area, similar to a previous arrangement with the fire hall. The committee also discussed potential one-way street conversions with angled parking to add 50-60 spaces, and upgrading town-owned signage (e.g., snow route signs). - Discuss Other Goals of the Downtown Millsboro Committee: The committee discussed next steps, including a presentation by artist Olga DeShields on mural concepts. Olga DeShields, a muralist from Snow Hill, Maryland, presented preliminary designs for the bridge just east of downtown. Concepts included a postage-stamp design incorporating elements of Millsboro's history (agriculture, Nanticoke tribe, mills, John Jay Williams). She also showed a simpler flag-themed design. The committee debated the bridge's suitability due to poor maintenance, visibility, and height. Some members preferred using the mural on other downtown walls, such as the old police station, the white wall of the Truitt's Carpet building, or the Dollar General yellow wall across from the Chamber of Commerce. The committee also discussed a community art project for the July 4th celebration, where children could paint panels that would be installed permanently. Olga DeShields offered to create a simpler flag design for the bridge, which could be completed by June 27. The committee agreed to explore sponsorships from local corporations (e.g., Mountaire, Merck). Additionally, the committee noted a bus stop outside the post office lacks a shelter; they will inquire with DelDOT or DART about adding a covered shelter. Key Outcomes - The Millsboro Farmers Market will launch June 6, 2026, with a no-dogs and no-raw-milk policy for the first year. - The town will proceed with the Downtown Development District application, with a resolution needed at the May council meeting. - The committee will invite the code enforcement officer to a future meeting and work with the Code and Charter Committee to review property maintenance codes and signage standards. - The committee will collaborate with artist Olga DeShields on a mural for the bridge, likely a simpler flag design, and explore community art panels for the July 4th celebration. Olga will provide a quote for materials and a revised design. - The committee will pursue a bus shelter at the post office stop through DelDOT or DART. - The committee will attend the state's downtown organization quarterly meeting for networking and grant opportunities. - The meeting was adjourned by motion.

The Millsboro Parks Committee held a work session on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM to review and discuss survey responses for the proposed park on Route 24 in Plantation Lakes. The committee reviewed feedback from 385 respondents, deliberated on amenity priorities, and outlined next steps including potential grant funding and further community outreach. Consent Calendar - Motion to adopt the agenda passed unanimously via roll call. - Motion to approve minutes from the previous meeting passed unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the meeting. Discussion Items - Survey Analysis: The 385 responses were overwhelmingly from respondents over age 40 (likely 90%). Committee members noted that this skew should be considered when evaluating priorities, as younger demographics were underrepresented. The top request was trails and walking paths, followed by picnic facilities, family recreation, passive use, and community events. - Tennis Courts vs. Other Amenities: USTA has offered a matching grant covering half the cost of four tennis courts (estimated by a member at $200,000 to $400,000 total). Some members expressed skepticism about tennis as a dying sport and questioned long-term use, while others supported the grant opportunity and noted tennis courts can later be converted to pickleball. The committee agreed to invite USTA representatives to a future budget hearing to present their case and provide data. - Youth and Athletic Facilities: There was discussion about the lack of facilities for younger residents. The committee considered sending the survey to local middle and high schools to gather input from parents and students. Suggestions included a playground for older children, a multi-purpose field, and possibly basketball courts—though basketball was associated with past community concerns about noise and policing. - Amphitheater/Pavilion: A pavilion similar to the one at Cuplo Park (cost $27,000 after demolition) was seen as a cost-effective way to address several top survey requests, including gathering spaces, picnicking, and community events. - Alternative Funding and Partnerships: A committee member secured a $75,000 grant from Healthy Communities Delaware (non-matching) that could be used for park engineering or matching other grants. Audubon grants for bird-related signage and Native American themed playground grants were also mentioned. An unspent fund from Lennar (2008) for an emergency service building at the same site was noted; committee members will investigate its current status. - Location and Design: The park parcel (approximately 10 acres) already has water and sewer taps installed. Four tennis courts would occupy about 0.7-1 acre, leaving room for other amenities. Parking needs were debated, with the suggestion that adjacent association parking could supplement. Key Outcomes - The committee will schedule a special field trip to walk the property with town staff and USTA representatives. - Ashley (staff) will reach out to local schools to distribute the survey, with responses requested by April 17, 2026. - The committee will invite USTA to present at the upcoming budget hearings (April) to answer questions about demographics, usage data, and long-term viability. - The committee will continue analyzing survey results and developing a phased plan. No formal vote on specific amenities was taken; decisions will follow further information gathering. - Meeting adjourned; next meeting to be scheduled after budget hearings.

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.

The Assembly Finance Committee met on February 17, 2026, chaired by Marty Presley. Attendees included town council members Rob Mason, Bob McKee, Town Manager Jamie Burke, Assistant Town Manager Ashley Sander, Director of Public Works Wastewater Richard Plack, Director of Public Wastewater John, Director of Finance Technology Matthew Wald, and IT specialist Simon. The meeting focused on the progress of the iWorks CMMS implementation, pavement management planning, and budget preparation for the upcoming fiscal year. Consent Calendar - Unanimous approval of the minutes from the November 2025 meeting. Discussion Items - iWorks CMMS Implementation: Richard Plack reported that since the last meeting, 242 work orders have been created, the inventory has expanded to 166 items, 54 pieces of equipment have been cataloged, and there are now 22 active users. The system is approximately 50% implemented. Ongoing efforts include incorporating preventive maintenance schedules, attaching maintenance directions to work orders, and categorizing work orders into preventive, corrective, inspection, and general facility types. A criticality scale (high, medium, low) is being used. Staff training is continuing, and the system will eventually provide data-driven insights for budgeting and staffing. The committee discussed the need to reach out to iWorks for additional assistance in populating preventive maintenance data. - Pavement Management: Matthew Wald presented a report on road paving priorities based on the RSL (remaining service life) ratings. Quotes for Hudson Alley ($25,000 for 605 sq yd) and Sussex Street ($27,900 for 866 sq yd) were received. Discussion centered on prioritizing streets like Railroad and Sussex Alley due to traffic and condition, even though they are not in the top 0-5 year tranche. Council members expressed the need to update the pavement management system with recommended treatments (mill & pave, overlay) to generate cost estimates. They directed staff to use mill & pave as the default treatment for all streets, calculate current square yard costs, and apply time value of money to determine annual reserve contributions for each tranche (0-5, 5-10, 10-20 years). The committee also noted potential grant funding (e.g., CTF) and the importance of coordinating paving with the June 27th 250th anniversary event. - Water Treatment Plant: Richard Plack discussed plans for the Church Street plant: a power survey to address capacity issues, replacement of filter media, and a pilot study for sludge handling equipment to reduce discharge to the sewer. Improvements in water quality were noted, with iron levels reduced from 13 ppm to 0.19 ppm (below the 0.3 ppm target). A flushing schedule was proposed to clean pipes. - Wastewater Treatment Plant: The committee agreed to focus on collection system equipment rather than plant-specific details due to the upcoming new wastewater treatment plant. Jamie Burke reported plans to apply for a $50,000 state planning grant for gravity sewer infrastructure improvements and a grant for pump station conversion to headworks for the new plant. - Cassell Software Implementation: Matthew Wald provided an update: the system remains on track to go live in May 2026 for fiscal year 2027. Data migration is nearly complete, and live training is scheduled. This year's budget will be built in ClearGov and then imported into Cassell; subsequent budgets will be built directly in Cassell. Key Outcomes - The committee directed staff to update the pavement management spreadsheet with mill & pave costs for all street segments, using current cost per square yard, and to calculate annual reserve contributions for each tranche using time value of money. - Staff will continue the iWorks CMMS implementation and seek additional assistance from iWorks for populating preventive maintenance data. - The committee will consider grant applications for sewer infrastructure improvements and pump station conversion. - The budget preparation process will proceed with ClearGov for the upcoming cycle, with transition to Cassell for FY27. - No formal votes were taken beyond the consent calendar. The meeting was adjourned by motion.

The Comprehensive Development Plan Committee met on February 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM to review the goals and implementation sections of the town's comprehensive development plan. The committee discussed the continued relevance of existing goals, potential minor revisions, and map amendment needs for parcels on Union Street. A motion was passed to adopt the goals and implementation items with the exception of a tagline revision. Consent Calendar - Agenda adopted unanimously by voice vote. - Minutes of the previous meeting (February 2, 2026) were approved with one opposed vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Review of Comprehensive Development Plan Goals: The committee examined a table of goals copied from the existing plan. Staff noted all goals remain applicable except for a suggested addition under historic and cultural resources ("encouraged" in parentheses). Members discussed the need to clarify open space percentage requirements and distinguish passive vs. recreational space, potentially as a future code review. - Review of Implementation Items: Approximately 70 implementation items were reviewed. Members raised questions about: - The reference to the southeast side of Old Landing Road (noted as now developed as Alderleaf Meadows). - Low-impact development stormwater management practices (e.g., rain gardens) not commonly used. - Wording in an open space and recreation item that could imply subdivision amenities must be open to the public. - A tagline on the plan that a member requested be removed. - Map Amendment Discussion: The town building official highlighted three parcels on Union Street where the future land use map does not match recorded parcels. One parcel is designated MR (medium residential) while adjacent parcels are commercial; the property owner seeks to reclassify it as urban business commercial. Staff advised that future land use map changes require an amendment process, while zoning map changes can be handled separately if the zoning map is not part of the comp plan. Key Outcomes - Motion to Adopt: The committee voted unanimously to adopt the goals and implementation sections of the comprehensive development plan with the exception of the tagline revision (to be removed). The motion carried. - Next Steps: Staff will provide the committee with updated zoning maps and assist with the amendment process for the Union Street parcels. The next full update of the comprehensive plan is expected in 2030, with preliminary work beginning in 2029. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Millsboro 250 Committee met on February 11, 2026, to continue planning the town's 250th anniversary celebration, which will be combined with the annual Stars and Stripes event. The meeting focused on sponsorship, budget, logistics, scheduling, and vendor placement for the upcoming event on June 27, 2026. Consent Calendar - The agenda was adopted by motion, second, and unanimous vote. - Meeting minutes from January 7, 2025 were approved by motion, second, and unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Event Sponsorship & Budget: The committee discussed the need to secure sponsors for the event. Past sponsorship engagement was low, and the group agreed that requests from the town would carry more weight than from the chamber. Sponsorship levels need to be defined and tied to specific items (e.g., fireworks, kids' zone). The town is applying for a matching grant of $25,000, which requires the town to front the money and be reimbursed by the chamber from sponsor proceeds. Fireworks costs have risen 25% and are expected to be $30,000; total event expenses last year were $35,000. Police overtime and public works costs are not in the current budget and must be addressed. - Event Footprint & Logistics: Considerable debate occurred on whether to hold activities downtown, at the ball field, or both. Options included closing Main Street, Railroad Avenue, or Washington Street. The police raised concerns about crowd safety and traffic. The committee leaned toward a more condensed footprint to reduce police and cleanup costs. - Schedule & Timing: The original plan of 10 a.m.–6 p.m. was reworked. The group favored a later start: downtown activities from 2–5 p.m., a parade at 4 p.m., then migration to the ball field from 5 p.m. through evening fireworks. This reduces the overall time windows and helps manage heat and family attention spans. - Vendors & Activities: It was debated whether to place vendors on Main Street or only at the ball field. Some members argued that vendors on Main Street would compete with existing businesses, while others noted the need for food and drink. A compromise was suggested: downtown activities without food vendors (encouraging patronage of local restaurants) and food trucks/vendors at the ball field. Kids' activities (inflatables, face painting, petting zoo) would be at the ball field. - Parking & Shuttle: Parking lots at the middle school, municipal lot, and possibly the Brazilian Steakhouse lot were discussed. Shuttle buses would run from designated lots to the ball field to alleviate congestion. The police station parking lot was considered as a shuttle hub, but concerns about traffic after fireworks were raised. - Rain Date: The group agreed to set a rain date for the following day (June 28), but noted that the street closure permit must allow for it. Vendors and performers would be informed in advance. - Fundraising Ideas: Additional revenue ideas included selling bricks for a commemorative walkway, a children's art contest, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and reserved seating at the ball field. Key Outcomes - Decision: The event will be held June 27, 2026, with a condensed schedule: downtown activities 2–5 p.m., parade at 4 p.m., ball field activities from 5 p.m. through fireworks (approx. 9 p.m.). Street closure is proposed from noon to 6 p.m., pending DelDOT approval. - Action Items: - Jimmy will contact DelDOT to request closing Washington Street for a short period during the event. - Obtain cost quotes for fireworks, shuttle buses, sound/stage, port‑a‑johns, tents, and tables. - Create a sponsor list and divide assignments among committee members using a shared spreadsheet. - Prepare a save‑the‑date announcement for the community. - Invite local restaurant owners to the next meeting to discuss grab‑and‑go options and participation. - Next Meeting: Not specified; members will gather quotes and updates before the next planning session.