Milford City Council December 8 Meeting

Milford City Council reviews departmental updates, recognizes staff contributions, and approves key ordinances to guide future planning and infrastructure work. (Photo credit: Milford City Council.)

Milford City Council met this week to review a wide range of departmental reports, recognize staff contributions across the city, and vote on several key ordinances and agreements that will guide future planning and infrastructure work.

Employee Recognition and Clerk’s Report

Council opened the meeting by acknowledging the work of numerous city departments and committees over the past year. Appreciation was extended to Parks and Recreation, the Electric Department, Public Works, Police, Water, Solid Waste and Streets, IT, Engineering, Planning, Finance and Administration, along with the Board of Adjustment, Planning Commission, Tree Preservation and Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and members of City Council.

City Manager’s Report

City Manager Mark Whitfield highlighted ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, noting continued challenges with the city’s two-way radio system and thanking Vinnie from Public Works for his leadership in addressing the issue.

Whitfield also met with the Carlisle Fire Department Board of Directors and the Safety Working Group to discuss improving local emergency response capabilities. He recently attended SCAT dinner and breakfast events, where speakers provided updates relevant to municipal operations.

In the absence of Public Works leadership, the city manager presented that department’s report, which included updates on sewer backfill inspections, fleet maintenance, and progress on new controls installed at the city’s treatment plant.

Electric Department

The Electric Department reported progress on this year’s RP3 submittal and thanked staff members Lou and James for their assistance. ChargePoint has completed repairs on a damaged downtown charger, bringing all units back online.

The department also responded to a significant Saturday outage caused by a blown fuse, and assisted with the Seabury treatment plant controls project referenced in the Public Works report.

Planning and Zoning

The Planning Department issued 150 new dwelling unit permits this year and has formally submitted the city’s Downtown Development District renewal application to the State of Delaware. Staff continues to process land-use applications and provided updated statistics on permits, inspections, and code violations.

Parks and Recreation

Council praised Parks and Recreation staff for their holiday decorating efforts throughout the city, including support for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. The electric department and public works crews were also recognized for assisting with seasonal preparations.

Human Resources

Human Resources reported that new hires are expected to begin in January 2026. The department continues its payroll system conversion to Tyler Technologies. HR is also coordinating the city holiday party at Carlisle Fire Company and developing a partnership with a financial-wellness organization to support employee budgeting and debt management.

Economic Development & Community Engagement

The department attended the Connect economic partnership meeting, met with the Fiber IQ team, and participated in multiple Small Business tours. Staff successfully coordinated the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and reminded the public of the upcoming City of Milford Holiday Open House on December 11.

Information Technology

IT reported continued progress on the city’s centralized surveillance camera system and preparations for an upcoming go/no-go meeting for payroll system implementation. Department heads and council members were also provided a cybersecurity webinar recommended by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Finance Department

Finance staff completed November financial reporting, continued working with independent auditors on fieldwork and testing, and moved forward with closing out the second tranche of financing for the new Police Department facility.

Tax collections remain on track, with an uptick in utility collections compared to the previous month. The council accepted the report with no questions.

Communications & Correspondence

Residents were reminded of adjustments to Public Works and Solid Waste schedules during the holiday period. A council member requested that Truitt Avenue be evaluated as a potential one-way street for safety reasons; Public Works and the Police Department will investigate and report back.

Unfinished Business: Ordinance 2025-19-609: Final Subdivision Approval

Council reviewed an updated application for subdivision ordinance 2025-19-609. A letter from the applicant stated opposition to reducing the size of the proposed home on Lot 10, citing full compliance with city code and setback requirements.

Following discussion, council approved the final subdivision ordinance.

New Business: Resolution 2025-18 City Holiday Schedule

Council reviewed the 2025 holiday schedule, noting differences for police officers and dispatchers due to union contract requirements.

Monthly Finance Report

The year-to-date October financials show stable cash levels and strong budget performance across both general and enterprise funds.

IQ Fiber Right-of-Way Access Agreement

Council unanimously approved an agreement granting IQ Fiber access to city right-of-way areas for infrastructure installation.

2028 Comprehensive Plan Update

The University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration presented a proposal to assist with the city’s 2028 Comprehensive Plan. The scope includes public engagement, data collection, mapping, goal setting, and final plan preparation.

Council authorized the mayor to execute the $61,800 agreement, funded through FY26 general fund reserves and FY27–28 capital improvement budgets.

DelDOT Agreement: NE Front Street

Council approved a DelDOT agreement involving the donation of city-owned land needed to advance the NE Front Street improvement project at a manageable cost. The agreement of sale included in the meeting packet was approved unanimously.