Public Meetings - Millsboro, Delaware

On February 11, 2026, the Millsboro Parks Committee met to review and revise a community survey on park amenities and future development, and to hear a presentation from the USTA regarding potential grants for tennis courts. The meeting covered survey question edits, discussion of park programming, and scheduling of future meetings. Consent Calendar - Agenda adopted unanimously. - Minutes from January 20 and February 4 approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Review of Park Survey: The committee went through each question of the proposed survey line by line, making adjustments to streamline and optimize data collection. Notable changes included removing gender (question 3), combining age and household questions, changing question 13 to a priority ranking (top 5) based on question 12, and deleting "don't know" options. The committee also discussed adding phone number as an optional contact and improving question 18 by removing safety as a separate option. The survey will now have approximately 11–15 questions. - USTA Presentation: Debbie, a USTA parks advocate, presented on grant programs for tennis courts. Key points: USTA offers 50% matching grants up to $150,000 for court construction; four courts are recommended for league play (1–1.2 acres); additional funding is available for restrooms, accessibility, and youth programs. She offered to connect the committee with the Delaware community tennis organizer for a site visit and noted that pickleball noise ordinances should be considered. - Future Programming: The committee discussed the potential for a parks and recreation department, volunteer programs, and supervised children's activities leveraging USTA and YMCA resources. Key Outcomes - The survey will be finalized by staff based on the meeting's edits and circulated to members for final approval before distribution. - Next meeting scheduled for February 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM (tentative; may be cancelled if survey is finalized via email). - A March meeting will be held to review survey results, with a target of presenting recommendations to the Town Council at the April 6 council meeting to meet a grant deadline for the Community Reinvestment Fund. - The committee will coordinate with USTA for a site visit to the proposed park location.

This meeting of the Millsboro Parks and Recreation Committee was held on February 4, 2026, at 9:30 AM. The committee reviewed a draft survey for community input on park improvements, consolidated redundant questions, and planned next steps for developing new park amenities. Public comments raised concerns about donor restrictions and fair market rent for donated properties. Public Comments & Testimony - A community member (identified as Monty Hall) stated that the ballpark was donated by Ollie Adkins on behalf of her husband and should include a sign and benefit the people, not a business. They also expressed concern about fair market rent for a property rented to a government agency for $600 per month. The member noted the dog park may also be from Ollie Atkins and requested verification of the will. Discussion Items - The committee reviewed a 34-question survey on park improvements. Members suggested reducing the length, combining duplicate questions, and using multiple-choice options to improve response rates and data sorting. Items such as demographics, frequency of park use, preferred amenities (playgrounds, sports fields, trails, pickleball, splash pads, gardens), and barriers (disability, distance, safety) were discussed. - The committee decided to include descriptions of existing parks (Cupola Park, ballpark, dog park) in the survey to educate the public and to segment questions by park. Acreage, existing features, and restroom conditions at Cupola and the ballpark were reviewed. - Future park concepts were explored, including a Zen garden, butterfly garden, water play area, veterans memorial park, and enhanced restroom facilities at Town Lakes property. Corporate sponsorships and a park and rec program were suggested. - The committee agreed to invite representatives from USTA (Tennis Association) and Longwood/Brandywine Botanical Gardens to the next meeting for input on tennis/pickleball courts and garden design. - Signage consistency across parks and wayfinding improvements were discussed. The committee also noted the need to examine the will for W. Blaine Adkins' donation regarding ballpark signage. Key Outcomes - The survey will be revised to approximately 14 park-related questions, with multiple-choice options and a final open-ended question for additional comments. - The next committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 9:00 AM. USTA and Longwood/Brandywine representatives may be invited. - Ashley Sander will send the revised survey to committee members in advance of the next meeting. - The town will research the will of Ollie Adkins to confirm donation conditions for the ballpark and Chamber of Commerce building. - The committee aims to incorporate a veterans memorial and consistent signage in future park development.

The Millsboro Town Council met on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 7 PM. The meeting covered public comments on traffic and road conditions, promotions in the police department, several land use approvals, code amendments, and a reorganization of the building department. Consent Calendar - The council adopted the agenda, minutes from January 5, 2026, and approved payment of bills from designated accounts by unanimous votes. Public Comments & Testimony - Steve Vane (Hickory Street) expressed concern about speeding trucks on Sheepen Road, urging action before someone gets hurt. He noted the bypass has increased traffic. The mayor suggested he attend the next DelDOT committee meeting. - Alice Altergott (East Church Street) complained about enforcement of snow removal, property damage from plowing, and other issues including chickens. She recounted a history of disputes. - Mark Wagner (VP of IQ Fiber) announced a fiber optic construction project on DelDOT roads in Millsboro, promising door hangers and quick fixes for any damages. - Diane Surrey (Villages of Millwood) and many residents requested help to compel developer Leonard Ayacono to complete promised road improvements, stating the community has been waiting for years. Discussion Items - Police Promotions: Chief Moyer recommended promoting Sergeants Evan Rogers and Jonathan Zabrowski to lieutenant to improve chain of command. The council unanimously approved. - Police Department Updates: Chief reported a 40% increase in Part 1 crimes month-over-month, but noted it's a small sample. Discussed enforcement on Sheepen Road and a license plate reader funded by donation. - Policy Revisions: The council approved several policy updates (directive 3, disciplinary procedures 5, organizational structure 7) after corrections. - Conditional Use – Miniature Golf: Peter Neasel (Lewis Dairy) presented plans for an educational mini-golf course at 237 Mitchell Street. The council approved unanimously. - Annexation Public Hearing: Scheduled a public hearing for the annexation of a property on Handy Road (iClass store) at a future date. - Swimming Pool Code Amendment: Public hearing held, council approved amendments aligning with international standards. - Mobile Food Vendor Code Amendment: Public hearing held, council approved adding definitions and regulations for food trucks, with discussion on fee schedules and limitations. - Merck Warehouse Expansion Final Site Plan: Approved for a 57,000 sq ft warehouse with conditions to return for a parking plan. - White's Farm Subdivision: Developer presented preliminary site plan for 214 homes on 81.6 acres. Discussion on open space, road dedication, and Godwin School. Council voted to table the preliminary approval to allow for a public hearing on subdivision approval, with a target of March 7th. - Building Department Reorganization: Town Manager Jamie Burke proposed creating a Director of Building position to supervise code officials and streamline permits. The council approved after discussion about budget and workload. Key Outcomes - Approved police promotions of Rogers and Zabrowski to lieutenant. - Approved conditional use for miniature golf at 237 Mitchell Street. - Scheduled public hearing for annexation of Handy Road property. - Approved swimming pool code and mobile food vendor code amendments. - Approved final site plan for Merck warehouse expansion. - Tabled preliminary approval for White's Farm subdivision pending public hearing. - Created Director of Building position and promoted Mark to the role. - Approved the Chamber's Stars and Stripes event date (June 27) and use of fireworks.

The Millsboro Comprehensive Development Plan Committee met on January 28, 2026, at 8:35 AM to conduct the required five-year review of the town's comprehensive plan. The committee discussed the scope of the review, potential updates, and next steps in accordance with Delaware State Code. After hearing presentations from staff and consultant AECOM, the committee agreed to review goals and implementation items before deciding on the extent of changes. Committee Organization - Kimberly Khan was nominated and elected as chair of the committee. - The agenda was adopted with a correction: the item originally referencing "Convene the parks committee meeting" was amended to "Convene the comprehensive development plan committee." - Roll call was taken: Mr. Presley, Mr. O'Neill, and Kimberly Khan were present. Staff present included Jamie Burke (town manager), Ashley Sander (assistant town manager), Simon John (IT), and Amy Mendelson (AECOM). Discussion Items - Amy Mendelson (AECOM) outlined the state requirements for comprehensive plan reviews: a full update every 10 years, a five-year review to determine relevance, and an annual report. Millsboro's current 10-year plan was adopted in 2021, making the five-year review technically due in February 2026. The committee can choose to: (1) make no changes, (2) make minor amendments through a comp plan amendment process, or (3) do a complete overhaul (which would reset the 10-year cycle). A full overhaul was estimated to cost over $100,000 (previous cost $120,000–$160,000 five years ago), and no funds were budgeted for it this year. - The committee discussed whether major changes are needed. Consensus was that the plan is still largely relevant, but some data (demographics, population projections) and sections (e.g., climate change, transportation, housing) could use updates. The town's old motto "culture of pro-business" on the cover was noted as outdated and potentially misleading to developers; the committee expressed desire to remove it. - A question was raised about including a mission statement in the plan, as the town lacks one and grant opportunities have been missed. The committee noted this could be addressed as part of the review. - The committee discussed the state's population projections (Delaware Population Consortium) versus the town's own projections. The 2021 plan used a projection of 5,183 for 2030, but current estimates suggest growth is much higher. Updated figures from the consortium show 2025 projection of 8,568 and 2050 projection of 13,300 (though a separate source projected 32,000 for the zip code area). The committee acknowledged data should be refreshed. Key Outcomes - The committee will review the goals and implementation items compiled by AECOM (to be distributed via Ashley Sander). Members will individually assess which sections may need changes. - The next committee meeting is scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM. After that meeting, the committee will decide whether to recommend no changes (submit a letter to the state planning office) or pursue minor amendments. A final recommendation could go to the town council as early as March 2026. - No formal vote was taken; the path forward was agreed upon by consensus.

The Personnel Committee of (millsboro-delaware) met on January 23, 2026, at an unspecified time. Committee member Kimberly Kahn was present, along with staff members Town Clerk Joanne Dory and Assistant Town Manager Ashley Sander. No public comments were offered. The committee unanimously adopted the agenda and then unanimously voted to adjourn into executive session. Key Outcomes - The agenda was adopted unanimously. - A motion to adjourn into executive session was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

A committee meeting of the Town of Millsboro was held on January 20, 2026, at 7:55 PM. Members present included Ashley (appointed chair and acting mayor pro tem), Town Manager Jamie Burke, Councilman Ron O'Neill, and Councilman Ron Mason. Councilwoman Kimberly Conn was absent. The meeting began with a roll call and nomination of Ron as chair, followed by adoption of the agenda. There were no public comments. Discussion Items - Preliminary Discussion of Potential Annexation: The committee considered a request to annex territory contiguous to the present town limits, owned by Adrian Mobella. The parcel is identified as Sussex County Tax Map and parcel number 2-35-5-11-1-11 on Handy Road, Millsboro, Delaware, currently zoned AR-1 (Agricultural). - Applicant Testimony: Adrian Mobella stated that his wife, a doctor at IZ Inc., has a lease expiring at the Food Lion plaza. They purchased the property to construct a building that would allow her to offer more services, hire additional doctors, and move her practice. He requested annexation to the town to obtain water and sewer services and a zoning change to accommodate an office building. - Committee Deliberation: Committee members noted that adjacent properties are already within the town and zoned highway commercial. A motion was made to approve the annexation and the corresponding zoning change at the committee level and forward the recommendation to the full council for final approval. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of the annexation of the Adrian Mobella property and its zoning change (from AR-1 to highway commercial or appropriate designation for office use) to the full Town Council. - The meeting was adjourned following the motion.

The Parks Committee held its first meeting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 18:28 UTC, to organize and begin planning for a new 10-acre park donated to the town by Lennar as part of the Plantation Lakes development. The committee appointed a chair, discussed community engagement through surveys, reviewed potential funding sources (including DNREC grants), and set a timeline for initial proposals. Committee Organization - Chair Appointment: Ron Mason was nominated and seconded as committee chair, and the motion carried unanimously (no roll call vote recorded). - Agenda Adoption: The agenda was adopted by a voice vote of all present members (Mayor McKee, Town Manager Jamie Burke, Councilperson Mary DeSilva, Ron Mason). Public Comments & Testimony - There were no public comments at this time. Discussion Items - Park Overview & Goals: The park is a 10-acre parcel (approximately 8 usable acres after accounting for a stormwater pond) located within Plantation Lakes South. The committee's initial goals include surveying residents, exploring funding mechanisms, and developing a phased plan. No dedicated town budget currently exists for this park. - Survey Planning: The committee agreed to conduct a community survey to gather input on park amenities. The previous survey (about nine years old) may be referenced but is considered outdated. The survey will be distributed via utility bills, town website, churches, schools, and local chambers of commerce. Deadline for committee members to submit survey questions was set for January 30, 2026, to be compiled by staff and finalized at the next meeting. - Funding Sources Discussed: - DNREC's Open Space, Parks, and Trails (ORPT) grant: currently 75% state / 25% town match, but may shift to 50/50 after the next census. Deadline for this grant cycle is May 15, 2026. - Community Reinvestment Fund (100% state funding). - Sussex County Council grants (up to $10,000, 100% match). - Delaware Community Foundation, Carl Freeman Foundation, Rotary, and other local sources. - Potential CTF (Community Transportation Fund) for walking trails. - Park Amenities & Design: The committee reviewed two previous concept plans (Option A with amphitheater, Option B with splash pad). Elements discussed include: parking, restrooms (vandal-proof, institutional grade), irrigation using reclaimed water from a nearby pump station, lighting (likely dawn-to-dusk to avoid after-hours issues), walking trails, a multi-purpose field, playground equipment for younger children, and potential for a community garden. The possibility of naming the park and incorporating Nanticoke Indian Tribe history (via historian Bonnie) was raised. - Coordination with Adjacent Development: Dr. Tam (Nemours) plans to develop a hospital and senior living facility on adjacent BB property, which may include a small park-like area. The committee expressed interest in coordinating with Dr. Tam to align visions and potentially share amenities. - Safety & Security: The committee discussed standardizing security cameras across all town parks, using the existing Advantech system, and including camera funding in grant applications. - Scope for Grants: The committee considered whether to focus ORPT grant requests on the new park (as the most expensive) or to also include improvements at Cupola Park and other town parks. Staff will prepare a grant timeline for the February 4 meeting. Key Outcomes - Next Meeting: Scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 9:30 AM at Town Hall to finalize the survey questions and review grant deadlines. - Committee Deadlines: Members must email proposed survey questions to Jamie Burke and Ashley by January 30, 2026, at noon. - Action Items: - Ashley will compile grant availability and timelines. - Jamie will search for any prior survey data. - Bonnie will distribute the survey to church contacts. - Exploration of partnering with University of Delaware grant assistance (Chase Barnes). - Decision: The committee will bring a recommendation to the Town Council at the April 6, 2026 meeting for possible approval of partial park plans and grant applications. The committee plans to submit ORPT and other grant applications before the May 15, 2026 deadline. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by unanimous motion.

This is the public portion of the Personnel Committee meeting held on January 16, 2026. The committee convened, approved the agenda, and voted to enter executive session to discuss personnel matters involving individual competency and ability pursuant to 29 Delaware Code § 1004(b)(9). No public comments were received. Discussion Items - The committee discussed no substantive items in open session. A motion was made and seconded to adopt the agenda, which passed unanimously. - The committee briefly considered appointing a committee chair but deferred the item as it was not on the agenda. Key Outcomes - Motion to adopt the agenda passed unanimously. - Motion to convene executive session under 29 Del. C. § 1004(b)(9) passed unanimously at 9:56 a.m.