Milford City Council January 12 Meeting

Milford City Council approves a conditional use application for a proposed fire station during its January meeting. (Photo courtesy of Milford City Council.)

Milford City Council reviewed and approved a conditional use application for a proposed fire station during its December meeting, along with hearing updates from city departments and authorizing several infrastructure and public safety projects.

Conditional Use Application – Fire Station

Council discussed the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Dec. 16 recommendation to approve a conditional use application for a fire station, subject to two conditions: combining parcels 5.02 and 5.03 with parcel 5.01, and establishing a cross-access easement across parcel 5.01.

The applicant submitted a letter of no contention from DelDOT and will be required to obtain all applicable building permits. A detailed analysis of the application was provided, including a location and zoning map, a survey showing existing improvements, and a narrative describing the proposed use.

Public notice was advertised in the Daily State News on Dec. 1, 2025, and mailed to property owners within 200 feet of the subject parcels.

Public Comment and Applicant Presentation

During the public comment period, the applicant explained the need for a substation to improve emergency response times in the southeastern portion of the service territory. A trial period with the State Fire Commission was also referenced.

The applicant stated that nearby property owners and businesses were contacted and expressed support for the project.

Public Hearing and Council Action

No opposition was raised during the public hearing, which was subsequently closed. Council moved to approve the ordinance, and the motion was seconded and passed following a roll call vote.

Police Department Report

The Milford Police Department reported 1,339 calls for service for the month and announced the hiring of three new recruits. The department also noted a successful holiday toy drive.

Police reported 594 contacts through the behavioral health unit, diverting 63 individuals from arrest and 94 from emergency room visits. The department’s Facebook page gained 322 new followers, bringing the total to 19,541.

City Clerk and City Manager Reports

The city clerk reminded residents of the upcoming 2026 election, including filing and voter registration deadlines.

The city manager reported meetings with Bayhealth, Milford Housing Development Corporation, and Kent County related to affordable housing initiatives. Additional updates included attendance at the Holiday Stroll and the T-Mobile grant announcement.

Public Works and Electric Department Updates

Public Works provided updates on the 2025 paving bid, leaf collection efforts, and pothole repairs.

The Electric Department director discussed ongoing projects, including a solar hosting capacity study and a battery energy storage initiative. An update was also provided on the CVR implementation, which is currently in a pilot phase.

Planning and Zoning, Parks and Recreation, and Human Resources

Planning and Zoning reported the issuance of 164 new residential dwelling permits and the review of applications for a clubhouse at Red Cedar Farms.

Parks and Recreation shared updates on winter programming, the Holiday Stroll, and upcoming capital projects.

Human Resources highlighted the onboarding of new police officers and dispatchers, as well as the implementation of the Tyler Munis payroll system.

Economic Development, IT, and Finance Reports

Economic Development and Community Engagement reported on the Main Street T-Mobile grant and meetings with Milford Housing Development Corporation and Sussex Habitat for Humanity.

Information Technology provided updates on the centralized surveillance system and Tyler Munis payroll rollout.

Finance reported electronic deposits increased 4.1% in 2025, representing a 7% improvement over 2024 and a 28% increase from 2023. Electronic payments rose 14%, training hours increased, and the 2024 audit remains ongoing.

Monthly Finance Report

Finance staff reported that cash reserves remain strong and stable. A slight dip in operating cash was noted as typical for this time of year. Interest earnings, permit receipts, and impact fees were strong, with both utilities and general funds ahead of budget and outperforming the same period last year.

Dedications and Correspondence

Council announced the Delaware League of Local Government’s monthly dinner meeting scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, noting that Mayor Culotta will be a presenter highlighting Milford. A council member raised concerns from residents regarding group home regulations and potential impacts on property values, with council agreeing to discuss the issue further.

New Business

The Carlisle Fire Company reported increased activity in December, including 60 fire calls. The department closed 2025 with 836 emergency responses, a 17.3% increase from the previous year. Of those, 547 responses were within city limits and 289 outside the city.

Fire police made 11 responses to assist with traffic control in the city. EMS reported 5,635 responses, an 11.2% increase year over year, with interfacility transfers accounting for 1,285 incidents.

The substation project was noted as ongoing and expected to improve response times.

Council approved a $33,000 enhancement funds request from Carlisle Fire Company to renovate existing facilities, including additional sleeping quarters, relocation of administrative offices, and ADA-accessible improvements.

Authorizations Approved

Council approved the following items:

Verizon Underground Utility Relocation: Authorization of $79,485 for relocation of underground communication lines for Milford Corporate Center Phase 1, funded through Realty Transfer Tax reserves.
Riverwalk Rail LED Lighting: Approval to support up to 50% of project costs, not to exceed $160,000, from general fund reserves due to safety benefits and grant funding opportunities.

Discussion of County Assessments

Staff reported ongoing collaboration with Kent and Sussex counties to reconcile updated property assessment data and integrate it into the city’s upgraded tax billing system. The city will continue using existing assessed values for FY2027 tax billing in August 2026, with a final recommendation expected by December 2026.