Milford City Council October 13 Highlights: Safety, Community, and Growth

The Milford City Council met on October 13 to address community needs and prepare for future growth. (Photo courtesy of Milford City Council.)

The Milford City Council met on October 13 to review updates from city departments and vote on several resolutions impacting the city’s growth, infrastructure, and public services. From public safety updates to major planning decisions, the meeting reflected the city’s ongoing efforts to address community needs, prepare for future growth, and celebrate strong partnerships at every level.

Police Department: Community Outreach and National Recognition

Milford Police Chief Cecilia Ashe reported a busy September with 1,252 calls for service. The department continues to emphasize community engagement, highlighted by a visit to Bethel Church and a touching moment with Zachary, a fifth grader from Mrs. Sharp’s class, who wrote a thank-you letter to officers. Chief Ashe personally visited the classroom to show appreciation.

The department is also building strong partnerships with state and federal agencies. Ashe met with the new U.S. Attorney for Delaware and Attorney General Kathy Jennings to collaborate on gun violence prevention.

The city’s Behavioral Health Unit has diverted 44 individuals from arrest this year, an initiative that earned Milford a place at a national conference in Denver.

City Staff Updates Highlight Community Events and Planning

City Clerk – Katrina White

White hosted the Delaware Municipal Clerks Association Membership Committee in September and volunteered at the Food Bank. She announced a packed events calendar, including the Milford Community Parade, Homecoming Parade, and Comic-On.

Public Works – Willis Shafer

Shafer reported progress on capital improvement projects, including plans for a road rehabilitation bill set to launch this winter. The department completed 296 utility markings in September and reviewed 39 permits.

City Manager – Christopher Coleman

Coleman detailed ongoing coordination with state officials, including Rep. Shupe and transportation leaders. He emphasized improved communication systems during city events and announced new emergency preparedness training for staff. He also toured the under-construction Milford Museum and praised the city’s continued momentum with public events like the Riverwalk Festival.

Electric – Anthony Chipola

Two promotions were announced in the electric department, along with a new safety manual rollout. Chipola also highlighted a planned 8-hour outage to upgrade infrastructure near Bayhealth and Nemours Children’s Center.

Planning – Rob Pierce

Pierce shared that 127 new residential construction permits have been issued in 2025. He also discussed a proposed annexation of land related to a church on Johnson Road.

Parks & Recreation – Brad Dennehy

Dennehy recognized staff for their support of the Riverwalk Freedom Festival and the success of the Girls Only Soccer League.

Human Resources – Jamesha Williams

Williams is working with the Electric Department on the 2025 Reliable Public Power Provider application. She thanked all who attended the Service Awards Ceremony on October 10.

Economic Development – Laura Swain

Swain took part in a Kent Economic Partnership tour, met with state officials to assist a business navigating fire marshal compliance, and submitted a T-Mobile Hometown Grant for the downtown bathroom project. Her department also launched Power Saver tips through a collaboration with DEMEC.

Information Technology – Bill Pettigrew

Pettigrew announced the launch of Cybersecurity Awareness Training, noting that most security issues stem from phishing links. He reminded everyone of the importance of vigilance.

Finance – Louis Vitola

Vitola praised his team for managing tax billing in a new system and reported that property tax revenues are expected to exceed projections. Utility collections remain stable, although August’s income was slightly lower than July’s due to mild weather affecting energy usage.

Council Action Items and Resolutions

Carlisle Lane Subdivision Application

The council tabled a vote on the Carlisle Lane LLC preliminary major subdivision application, aiming to review additional information at the November 11 meeting. Council noted that prior discussions around affordable housing could not influence the current application.

NE Front Street Road Project

Council approved a land donation to DelDOT to support the NE Front Street improvement project, which will add road shoulders and improve traffic flow.

Bayhealth 340B Program Partnership

A memorandum of understanding was authorized to allow Bayhealth to participate in the federal 340B program, enhancing healthcare access for low-income, uninsured residents.

Infrastructure Acceptance Resolutions

Lighthouse Phase 1: Council accepted the infrastructure for water, sewer, and streets. Phase 2 was previously accepted.
West Shores Subdivision: Council approved acceptance after resolving past issues.

State and Development Grant Applications

Delaware State Housing Authority – Technical Assistance for Zoning & Land Use Reform: Approved submission of a grant application for zoning and land use reform technical assistance through the Delaware State Housing Authority.
Downtown Development District Renewal Application: Supported a 5-year renewal application for Milford’s Downtown Development District, originally designated in 2016.

Electric Department Bucket Truck Replacement

Council approved the $268,339 purchase of a new bucket truck to replace the aging 2012 model, essential for maintaining electric infrastructure.

Annexation Proposal

A proposed annexation request by Iglesia Pentecostal La Senda Antigua was moved to executive session for further discussion.

Looking Ahead

The Sussex County Association of Towns (SCAT) Dinner will take place on November 5 at Harvest Tide in Bethany, and is open to the public. Tickets are $55 per person.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 27 at 6:00 pm.