[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6127095,"mediaKeyId","2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1","parentId",2664961,"title","Votes at a glance: Seaford city council actions on Jan. 14, 2025","audioSeconds",1515,"startMs",421000,"endMs",1936000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1&start=421&end=1936","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1/thumbnail_421000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6127095/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Votes-at-a-glance-Seaford-city-council-actions-on-Jan-14-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127095-ed63043de2a55ca6a40aadaec7237b51/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154598&Signature=iieQsWHtLWmzmMFm7g7zEOFw4QHgDQM8arCfR~nCN8qLkJ5DZe6JNipwHpeQo9f~slEHt2DaH45qVrsmDOqVaWOPmQThm1veLeyU75q4RiwvdPnsw2qH3DE8gjNakZKKf-JJFEcKpiDnjSgZEMWMcbh6iEQ1eXjs7HTouDSoGkiRrXT7GY6TVfNzWeI0-qHN-YyXxbY75dhqrvilAnLfXCzxdJ6vvQw6h3ds2hy0Ja7Owmr9GS3trn0JlUU94iJZ3gx1XRjLCtJPyCjugspTS8wBlsKy6zi0tDrpTyNEVcfawuGepz4LByUPsOy0bV5nOuLgT4SG2VaQKRl49~jowA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Seaford, DE","date","2025-01-14T00:00:00Z","article","The Seaford Mayor and Council took the following formal actions at its Jan. 14 meeting. All recorded votes below passed by voice vote unless otherwise noted.

Votes at a glance

- Acceptance of minutes (Dec. 10, 2024): Motion to accept council minutes was moved and seconded; passed unanimously.

- Martin Farms Sewer Relocation Phase 1 SRF binding commitment: Motion to approve DNREC SRF binding commitment and permit the city manager to execute loan-closing documents (loan $1,535,000, 2% for 20 years; 0% interest during construction); moved by Councilwoman Stephanie Grasset, seconded by Councilman McQuillan; passed unanimously. (See separate article for full coverage.)

- Zoning amendments (Chapter 15, R‑3 district): Motion to approve proposed edits and proceed with first reading (definitions, uses, area/bulk updates); moved by Councilman Quillen, seconded by Councilman Holland; first reading approved unanimously. (See separate article for details.)

- Recoat Seaford Volunteer Fire Department ambulance bay roof (unbudgeted expenditure): Motion to approve proposal to coat existing membrane roof as an unbudgeted expenditure; moved by Vice Mayor Dan Henderson, seconded by Councilman Holland; passed unanimously. Council record shows $87,975 available in the roof reserve account and the contractor’s estimate was $25,000 for the coating with a 10‑year warranty.

- Award demolition bid: Motion to award bid for demolition of structures to low bidder John Macklin & Son Demolition for $27,625 (a $2,625 budget overrun from $25,000 budgeted); moved by Council McQuillan, seconded by Councilman Mike Bradley; passed unanimously.

- Sale of used bucket truck: Motion to award sale of used bucket truck (2008 Ford F-750, Altec 55-foot boom, 57,881 miles) to Russell Walls for $16,500; moved by Councilman Mike Bradley, seconded by Councilman Holland; passed unanimously.

- Hooper’s Landing transfer to D.R. Horton: Motion to postpone consideration until D.R. Horton can present or provide written response; moved by Vice Mayor Dan Henderson, seconded by Councilman McQuillan; passed unanimously. (See separate article for full coverage.)

Other routine items (introductions, liaison reports, meeting reminders) were presented; the mayor adjourned the meeting after recorded votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Seaford Mayor & Council Meeting 2025 01 14","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and outcomes at the Jan. 14 council meeting, including minutes acceptance, an SRF loan approval, zoning first reading, a roof recoating expenditure, a demolition bid award and a surplus vehicle sale.","taxTitle","Seaford, Sussex County, Delaware","taxId",68854,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6127100,"Seaford public safety report: fire and EMS calls up in 2024; police report steady clearance rate",773,2997000,3770000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1&start=2997&end=3770","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1/thumbnail_2997000.jpg","/articles/6127100/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Seaford-public-safety-report-fire-and-EMS-calls-up-in-2024-police-report-steady-clearance-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127100-04fec2b049d12014e9adc30ce6db3936/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154598&Signature=by~tDVjOJ9Fb6rX5T2RajoeLAeKyHW30kd6bJHjcycOn~JK34WHFh4~bTPH7rmVr4hA8G8Yr7AaaJRzj~2mY37fca0~lNlM7gNxhpmW1TNrDCPPTzTBEDwtgJUvT7XRTc6KQp7-Et4eplSVVvhYeLiZ~BaXlJXk60lcDtUYghbpx07tpUWnPw~fy4Xvm5HTbbJHzCOjVBBGoGEkcuLgyOETjrkwsim16erJZi-wZzh66dl16xdAgS5rzqKf2T5FCnSpSVvB8TnVSSTknPB4XyfjBb83n5gaxPFDqm9QFy5qTt418vZ9upcIkPhbPeSPSiLlUt8dnZfXTgK7Hh2D48w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Vice Mayor Dan Henderson presented annual summaries from Seaford’s fire and police departments on Jan. 14, saying 2024 was a busy year for both services and noting several significant incidents and personnel changes.

Fire and EMS: Henderson reported 1,180 fire-related calls in 2024 and detailed personnel and time metrics included in the chief’s report (total personnel hours and responding miles were provided in the packet). He said EMS recorded 4,716 calls and served about 3,725 patients. Henderson said Chief John Wilson characterized 2024 as the busiest year on record, noting a 9% increase in fire responses and a 13% increase in EMS responses compared with 2023.

Henderson listed recent significant incidents that required multi-unit response: motor-vehicle crashes with entrapment, multiple working residential fires (including Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 assists with neighboring departments), and a New Year’s residential fire on Jan. 1. He noted apparatus status (one engine out of service for leaking fluids) and that the new marine unit is in service. Henderson also described training and personnel milestones: several firefighters completed probation and training programs, and some members completed state fire-officer training and national EMS certification.

Police: Henderson summarized the department’s statistics included in the packet: 323 total crimes (18 felonies, 74 misdemeanors, 15 violations and 216 other incidents), an 86% clearance rate and 396 traffic contacts resulting in 141 citations. He reported 12 DUI arrests (four crash-related), 39 crashes, including one injury crash, five hit‑and‑runs (one on Nylon and Spruce) and one pedestrian incident on private property.

Henderson highlighted a notable criminal investigation that led to an arrest on Dec. 13 in a child‑endangerment case related to an infant with elevated THC levels; the mother was arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of a child. He also noted community programs from the police department, including a Shop with a Cop event and holiday meal and gift distributions.

Council praised the departments for training and community work; no formal council action was required on the reports.","Vice Mayor Dan Henderson presented Seaford Volunteer Fire Department and Police Department summaries: 2024 saw increased fire and EMS activity and multiple significant incidents; police reported an 86% clearance rate and highlighted DUI and search-warrant activity.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6127106,"Seaford council advances zoning code changes for R‑3 high-density residential district",398,2200000,2598000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1&start=2200&end=2598","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1/thumbnail_2200000.jpg","/articles/6127106/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Seaford-council-advances-zoning-code-changes-for-R3-high-density-residential-district","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127106-a1ac36660003e4d8464e769424111bc5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154598&Signature=bKVRUtLu1cc6YTYgHLkR-UOYQTxcRSkfB6I3NHkkDTCp8l0GsfzY6v8QSz0g14JsrW~29j6YKacPnN-fxKopTW1kl079QJD52qnkoDWF1GYYeXJebdb~w5RMBIZILmVPwn1WQPT1wA3tPde-kz8Pzhd1lxnNf8nMTIQum1nVqveZz0lcMnD4wE168TPeQdBZbajNkMxEkWpF2m-r~ouRosPkdpQSCbpXh0JCRMZbKUQxBLqUEFli1c0zDMQ6k-YqEnoUA-vSjWqz6FzJPZ~Idb7fDcoPCyoVIh8L0iYIWN9UuGaAg-Ugh~9DF4jWwFnj4tFNJQAsgelgzQXMxn70lw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Seaford Mayor and Council on Jan. 14 voted unanimously to proceed with the first reading of amendments to Chapter 15 of the city code to update the R‑3 high-density residential district.

City planner (presenter Mike Bailey) told council the changes modernize definitions and replace older terms such as “garden apartment” with “multi‑family dwelling” and add new definitions for “residential condominium” and “residential condominium detached.” The amendments also revise uses by right, accessory uses and special-exception language and update area and bulk regulations, including building setbacks and separations.

Key changes described by Bailey include a clarified definition of “apartment” (multi‑family dwellings up to three stories designed for rental), an expanded definition of “dwelling, multi‑family” to explicitly include apartments, condominiums and townhouses, and a new special-exception category for detached residential condominiums to allow council-controlled review of that emerging product type. The draft updates also require a 25‑foot minimum building setback for apartments from perimeter and interior streets and introduces consistent language for side‑yard, rear‑yard and building‑separation standards across the R‑3 district.

Vice Mayor Dan Henderson asked whether site-amenity requirements would apply to the detached condominium product; Bailey said amenities would be part of the special-exception review. Councilman Quillen moved to approve the edits and proceed with first reading; Councilman Holland seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Because the council approved first reading, the amendments will return for subsequent readings per the city’s ordinance-adoption process and any public-notice requirements for zoning changes.","Council approved first reading of multiple amendments to Chapter 15 (R‑3 district): new definitions (apartments, residential condominiums, detached condominiums), replacement of 'garden apartment' language, and updates to area/bulk and use rules.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6127111,"Seaford approves $1.535 million SRF binding commitment for Martin Farms sewer relocation Phase 1",346,1453000,1799000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1&start=1453&end=1799","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1/thumbnail_1453000.jpg","/articles/6127111/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Seaford-approves-1535-million-SRF-binding-commitment-for-Martin-Farms-sewer-relocation-Phase-1","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127111-d271839c5998a54256fc2a7f8b434d93/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154598&Signature=Z5VsPexG6dmU-QURzIb4834GqD3V3CYt5vwNLmDdG8djrGz3WFRW0uWvpBdGLJOAIIibjepnr-PbkrDIcTJMHAKkvJc1R2TGMz3pee19Zcku-ex45HT4FqlvCN4ZdglpVEd2ivuNT5hDCG8irSy3WH8X9t~eFj1~d5j9YDM7gjYays1hrK0PHqtFU2yv0SaycCavl9fkImA6euwEnNo1dZhKG9bfLw5B1KJsWrPrm3Z6sjl2~ZjWqQ1lUjGCR8WEHBNvAECvgpXnjMknm5s14OUyKPM6l2LSiWroMDCWF8PUo~8TI0Z3dO7Yexz4LxhDUUlpPxGmi~h7G0Tg4zbG6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Seaford Mayor and Council unanimously approved a Delaware DNREC State Revolving Fund (SRF) binding commitment on Jan. 14 to finance Phase 1 of the Martin Farms sewer relocation project. The commitment covers a $1,535,000 loan at 2% interest over 20 years; during construction the loan carries 0% interest.

Director of Public Works Tyler Meares presented the project, describing Phase 1 as approximately 1,750 feet of 12-inch gravity sewer main along Locust Street from Nylon to King and associated water-main work. Meares said the city had included the loan in the current budget and that some principal forgiveness had been obtained connected to lead removal in the broader project; he attributed principal forgiveness to lead-abatement work rather than median household income criteria.

Meares told council the existing sewer and water lines date to roughly the 1950s–1970s, are located largely in homeowners’ back yards and are difficult to access (pools, fences, and sheds complicate maintenance), and that the planned relocation will reverse flows and place lines in more accessible locations in front yards and streets. Meares said the project has been on public works’ plan for three to five years and that the Phase 1 improvements will also serve future development: a planned lift station for a nearby development will flow into the new line.

Specifics presented included water work for the overall project (10-inch, 8-inch and 6-inch mains in various segments) and that the budgeted loan amount of $1,535,000 is in this year’s budget. Meares reiterated the city’s plan to pursue Phase 2 funding while SRF funds are available.

Councilwoman Stephanie Grasset moved to approve DNREC’s binding commitment offer and to permit the city manager to execute all necessary loan closing documents; Councilman McQuillan seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

The approval authorizes the city manager to complete loan-closing steps with DNREC and advance construction planning for Phase 1. Meares said the team will apply for Phase 2 funding while state SRF funds remain available.","Council approved a DE DNREC State Revolving Fund binding commitment: a $1,535,000 loan at 2% for 20 years (0% interest during construction) to relocate aging sewer mains in the Martin Farms area (Phase 1).",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6127115,"Seaford council delays decision on transfer of Hooper’s Landing lots to D.R. Horton",905,552000,1457000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1&start=552&end=1457","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664961-ec0a6219a8e9095c586518482c5e99d1/thumbnail_552000.jpg","/articles/6127115/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Seaford-council-delays-decision-on-transfer-of-Hoopers-Landing-lots-to-DR-Horton","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127115-e2585f8005cb22d4bc332adc6bd6d8ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154598&Signature=asfyDmE~8iGo-~SfGwpIrLlH5LjSv3-SRfDgj2KOVjzQXFFftJYPoF6Odn47TGCqCcWJ3XzzJkzKkT~hfXFhF54qrgb0yfQrj7Uh6pq2au1hH7nWK-Lr4zyb4WAFIRbV6ey9gxahfOglynntkwUkORnqoR7gD1gsNZQTO4smXGnDOXBGwn0ZoSmJPuXjFsLhAgyWS1IiwRKrefcEskfpX4jyapBLKVvCMdowGTIbKGyXpG2gjzNArUhv6O9ZmB69ph2advhP3gBnrcw7kSJm-oeMIo-oJZEdYtna7eWrWiioTHxYghPhdinBLxgcvv4Xk6eUt3TDdEobZKIvsT61IQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Seaford Mayor and Council on Jan. 14 unanimously postponed action on a request from Insight Land Company LLC to transfer five lots at Hooper’s Landing to D.R. Horton until a D.R. Horton representative can present performance specifications.

The items at issue are Lots 1–5 of Hooper’s Landing (tax parcels listed in council materials). Insight’s counsel, Andrew Campanelli, told council Insight installed sewer and the city installed water taps and that utility work and some electric infrastructure were complete. Campanelli said D.R. Horton (doing business as the company’s Tradition series) has agreed to the stipulations that survive the transfer but that he could not confirm D.R. Horton would match Insight’s previously advertised energy performance standards.

The delay follows repeated remarks from Vice Mayor Dan Henderson and other council members that the economic development committee’s 2022 recommendation to select Insight Homes under the RFP was based on factors beyond price, including the quality of construction and energy performance (the RFP materials emphasized a 1,800-square-foot minimum and specific energy expectations). Henderson said he was not comfortable approving a transfer without a D.R. Horton representative available to confirm the product and performance neighbors were told they would receive.

Council discussed the six conditions recorded in the original sale agreement. Those conditions, read into the record by a council member from a city memo, included: no further subdivision after purchase; a single-family house per lot; a minimum house size of 1,800 square feet; a minimum one-car attached garage per home; construction to begin on the first two houses within nine months of purchase; and all remaining lots under construction within 36 months, with the city retaining an option to repurchase if conditions are not met.

Campanelli described D.R. Horton’s Tradition series as a line that is “a step above” some other D.R. Horton products and said the buyer already has a buyer lined up for at least one home, but he acknowledged the Tradition series is not identical to the Insight product that had been the basis of the committee’s recommendation. He could not confirm D.R. Horton would meet the RFP’s zero-energy-ready or equivalent energy specifications.

Vice Mayor Henderson moved to postpone consideration until D.R. Horton can respond in writing or in person; Councilman McQuillan seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Council directed staff to contact D.R. Horton and ask the company to present performance characteristics so neighbors and council can confirm the product meets expectations established by the RFP and the sale conditions.

Next steps: city staff will invite D.R. Horton to a future council meeting or request written documentation of the proposed building specifications and energy performance metrics before the council takes final action on the transfer.","Council postponed a request by Insight Land Company LLC to allow D.R. Horton to buy and build on five lots at Hooper’s Landing, saying D.R. Horton should present performance specs before the sale proceeds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Seaford city council actions on Jan. 14, 2025

Seaford public safety report: fire and EMS calls up in 2024; police report steady clearance rate

Seaford council advances zoning code changes for R‑3 high-density residential district

Seaford approves $1.535 million SRF binding commitment for Martin Farms sewer relocation Phase 1

Seaford council delays decision on transfer of Hooper’s Landing lots to D.R. Horton