Milford City Council April 27 Meeting

Milford City Council discussed zoning requests, infrastructure projects, and public safety funding, including opioid settlement resources and behavioral health services, at its recent meeting. (Photo courtesy of Milford City Council.)

Milford City Council addressed a range of planning, infrastructure, and public safety matters during its recent meeting, including zoning applications tied to a proposed commercial development, major capital improvement projects, and discussions on opioid settlement funding and behavioral health services.

Public Comment Period and Invocation
During the public comment period, Julie Morris raised concerns regarding the Public Accountability Council, questioning how members are appointed and whether the group is complying with Freedom of Information Act requirements.

Agenda Approval and Proclamation
City Council approved the meeting agenda and issued a proclamation recognizing the annual Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. The proclamation declared May 9, 2026, as Letter Carriers Food Drive Day in Milford and encouraged residents to participate. The document was signed by the mayor.

Public Hearings and Zoning Applications
Council introduced two related ordinances involving a property owned by Miller Investments LLC: a comprehensive plan map amendment and a change of zone application. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval of both measures by a 5-2 vote.

Traffic and Access Discussion
During the hearing, applicant David Miller addressed questions about traffic and site access, particularly potential impacts along Church Street. Planned traffic improvements in the area were discussed, along with the applicant’s commitment to addressing traffic flow and community concerns.

Public Comment and Council Discussion
Residents raised concerns about the lack of a defined development plan and possible traffic impacts. Officials clarified that any conditional uses would require additional council review during future site plan applications.

Council voted unanimously to approve the comprehensive plan map amendment, with one member absent.

Change of Zone Application
Council then considered the change of zone request to rezone the property to C-3 (highway commercial). Following discussion, the measure was also approved unanimously, with one member absent.

Communications and Correspondence
City officials thanked Downtown Milford Inc. for organizing the Bud and Bug Festival despite challenging weather conditions.

Council also discussed traffic issues along Airport Road, including how road closures have affected school bus routes.

Unofficial results from the Ward Two election were announced, with Mary Nina Pletcher named the winner. A special election for Ward Three is scheduled for June 13, 2026, with voter registration deadlines forthcoming.

Airport Road Corridor Study
City officials reviewed an Airport Road Corridor Study focused on the stretch between Canterbury Road (DE 15) and U.S. 113. The study aims to identify intersection improvements and enhance bicycle and pedestrian connectivity, including proposed shared-use paths.

Plans to relocate the Airpark Plaza entrance were also discussed. The study has been presented to the Public Advisory Committee and City Council, with the next step being review by the regional MPO Council on May 6. Final approval would allow submission to DelDOT for inclusion in future planning, though improvements are not expected immediately.

Capital Improvement Plan
Council discussed long-term planning priorities, including a proposed new Parks and Recreation center currently scheduled between fiscal years 2027 and 2031. A motion to table the Capital Improvement Plan for further review was approved.

Police Pole Barn Bid Award
Council authorized moving forward with a bid from Shore Built Construction in the amount of $93,867 for a police pole barn project.

Subdivision Improvements Accepted
Council approved final acceptance of water, sewer and street improvements for Milford Ponds Phases 1.7 and 1.8, allowing for the release of the developer’s performance bond.

Milford Corporate Center Projects
Council approved multiple items related to the Milford Corporate Center project, including:

A contract amendment with KCI Technologies, Inc. for construction phase services not to exceed $39,624.
Change Order #3 for George & Lynch, Inc. in the amount of $101,530 for additional stormwater system quantities.

Both items will be funded through Realty Transfer Tax reserves.

Opioid Settlement Funding Discussion
Police Chief Ashe shared updated overdose statistics and emphasized the importance of adding a full-time behavioral health clinician to support response efforts.

Council discussed applying for funding through the state’s opioid settlement program and the need to plan for long-term sustainability by incorporating such positions into the police department’s operating budget. Members agreed on the importance of the resource and the need to account for it in future financial planning.