Milford City Council June 8 Meeting

Milford City Council approved housing rehabilitation funding, a daycare and museum project, the FY2027 budget, and up to $15,000 in support for Downtown Milford Inc.’s July 3 laser light show during its June 8 meeting. (Photo courtesy of Milford City Council.)

Milford City Council approved funding for housing rehabilitation programs, conditional uses for a daycare center and museum building, adopted the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget, and agreed to provide up to $15,000 in support for Downtown Milford Inc.’s July 3 laser light show during its June 8 meeting.

Proclamations and recognitions

Council issued proclamations recognizing Waste and Recycling Workers Week, the 60th anniversary of the Milford Garden Club and the city’s upcoming Juneteenth celebration.

The Electric Department also recognized new employee Robert Palladino and honored Matthew Patterson and Tyler Sewell for participating in the Light Up Navajo initiative, a volunteer effort that brings electricity to homes within the Navajo Nation.

Community Development Block Grant approved

Following a public hearing, council unanimously approved Milford’s Community Development Block Grant application through the Delaware State Housing Authority.

Housing and Community Development Coordinator Brandy Nauman said the city has received grant funding for decades and continues to use the program to rehabilitate owner-occupied homes. Community Development Director Aaron Cooper noted demand for assistance continues to grow, with a waiting list currently in place.

Daycare facility receives approval

Council approved Ordinance 2026-07, granting conditional use approval for a daycare facility within approximately 825 square feet of an existing shopping center.

Applicant representative Jamilia Scott answered questions from council regarding operations, while Southern States Milford Cooperative General Manager Gary Rhodes voiced support for the project.

No public opposition was presented during the hearing.

Historical society museum approved

Council also approved Ordinance 2026-08, allowing construction of a 2,000-square-foot museum building and associated parking for the Milford Historical Society.

Attorney John Roach said the new facility will help expand exhibits and improve the presentation of artifacts connected to the historic Parson Thorne Mansion. Trustee Terry Rogers provided additional information about items that will be displayed in the museum.

Council approved the project along with a parking waiver requested by the applicant.

Industrial redevelopment plan advances

Council approved the preliminary conditional use site plan for MLTJ LLC, which proposes redeveloping an existing industrial property.

Plans call for demolition of three existing buildings and construction of two 9,900-square-foot buildings, one 6,000-square-foot building and renovations to an existing 8,200-square-foot structure for flex office and warehouse use.

Council approved all requested waivers associated with the project.

Downtown Milford seeks support for July 3 celebration

Downtown Milford Inc. presented its budget and provided an update on upcoming events, noting sponsorship revenue for the Bug & Bud Festival was lower than expected this year.

Officials said the organization remains under budget in several operational categories and plans to absorb employee overtime costs within its existing budget.

DMI also announced it will replace traditional fireworks with a laser light show during the city’s July 3 celebration, citing benefits for children with sensory sensitivities and pets. The event also coincides with the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.

The organization reported the show will cost approximately $30,000 and requested financial assistance from the city.

Council approved a motion to provide matching funds for any remaining shortfall up to $15,000.

Council also approved a renewed memorandum of understanding between the city and Downtown Milford Inc.

Fire company reports increased call volume

Representatives from the Carlisle Fire Company reported responding to 62 fire-related incidents during May, with 39 occurring within city limits.

Automatic fire alarms accounted for 19 calls, representing the largest category of responses during the month.

The department has responded to 379 fire calls year-to-date through May 31.

Emergency medical services handled 505 calls during May. Officials also reported renovations to EMS quarters will begin soon.

Budget and capital plan adopted

Council adopted Resolution 2026-13, approving the city’s fiscal year 2027 budget and capital program, including authorization for real property tax adjustments.

During discussion, staff reviewed Milford’s tax and utility rates, capital expenditures and comparisons with surrounding municipalities. Council briefly reopened the matter for public comment before taking final action. No members of the public spoke.

Council also approved Resolution 2026-14, adopting the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031.

Additional business

Council approved several additional items, including:

Appointments of Carlene Wilson, Donna Merchant and Doreen Wrightsman to the Board of Elections for the Ward 3 special election.
Resolution 2026-12, scheduling the Board of Revision and Appeal hearing for July 27.
A $13,219 change order to replace the roof on the police department’s existing pole building.
A $46,000 reimbursement to RYJ Construction for permitting costs associated with the police evidence facility project.
Two sanitary sewer rehabilitation contracts totaling approximately $73,900 for inflow and infiltration improvements.
An agreement with DelDOT related to utility relocations associated with the replacement of Bridge 3-927 on Cedar Beach Road.
Renewal of the city’s on-call building review and inspection services agreement with First State Inspection Agency.
Approval of the city’s annual Comprehensive Plan report.

Juneteenth celebration reminder

During communications and correspondence, officials reminded residents about Milford’s fourth annual Juneteenth celebration.

Police Chief Cecilia Ashe also encouraged residents to support the June 11 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Delaware, noting Milford officers continue to lead the state in fundraising efforts.