Ocean View public meetings in 2025
28 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance for Mark and Maureen Nicholson to extend their front deck 4x20 feet, encroaching 3.5 feet into the required 25-foot front yard setback. The board added a condition that the deck remain uncovered. The meeting also included the swearing-in of new member Eric Thornton and reorganization of board officers.
- Approved variance V-463 for deck extension at 21 Port Royal Rd (5-0)
- Swore in new board member Eric Thornton
- Elected Greg Neuner as Chair (5-0)
- Approved the agenda (5-0)
- Approved September 15, 2025 minutes (5-0)
Planning & Zoning
The commission reviewed a concept site plan for a design showroom at 100 Atlantic Avenue but took no vote, as the item was for concept review only. The plan requires multiple variances due to existing lot coverage of 79.8% exceeding the 50% maximum, parking shortfalls, and other code issues. The applicant will need to address comments from the town engineer and obtain approvals from DelDOT and the State Fire Marshal before proceeding.
- Reviewed concept plan P-362 for 100 Atlantic Avenue design showroom (no vote taken, concept only)
- Approved agenda unanimously (5-0)
- Approved minutes of November 20, 2025 unanimously (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 4:19pm unanimously (5-0)
Town Meetings
The Town Council voted unanimously to appoint John Planchart to fill the District 1 council seat until the April 2026 election. Eric Thornton was also appointed to replace Planchart on the Board of Adjustment. A second reading of an ordinance to establish a permit process for community demonstrations was held but no vote was taken.
- Appointed John Planchart to District 1 council seat (5-0)
- Appointed Eric Thornton to Board of Adjustment (5-0)
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved minutes of November 18, 2025 meeting (5-0)
Planning & Zoning
The commission voted on a local rezoning request (P-360) to change a 0.572-acre parcel at 32451 Windmill Drive from R-1 Single Family Residential to R-2 One and Two Family Residential. The motion failed 3-2, with members Nicholson, DiNoto, and Maly voting against it due to overcrowding, aesthetic continuity, and negative community impact concerns. A concept plan review for a four-lot subdivision at Elliott Avenue and DeMarie Drive (P-361) was discussed but no vote was taken.
- Approved meeting agenda unanimously (5-0)
- Approved minutes of September 18, 2025 unanimously (5-0)
- Denied rezoning of 32451 Windmill Drive from R-1 to R-2 (motion failed 3-2)
- Discussed concept plan for residual lands at Elliott Avenue and DeMarie Drive; no vote taken
Town Meetings
The Town Council held a workshop to discuss two main items: a presentation on a structured pay scale for the police department by consultant PFM, and a proposal from the Town Manager on how to use $2,103,804 in remaining funds from the water sale. No votes were taken on either item; the meeting was informational only.
- Adopted meeting agenda unanimously (5-0)
- Heard PFM presentation on police pay scale; no action taken
- Discussed Town Manager's recommendation to create a tax stabilization fund and add to Street Repair and Capital Replacement funds; no action taken
Town Meetings
The Ocean View Town Council unanimously approved a structured pay scale for the police department based on years of service for FY27-FY29, accepted streets in Stingray Harbor, and adopted a plan to use remaining proceeds from the water system sale to create a Tax Rate Stabilization Fund and bolster capital funds. A first-reading ordinance on community demonstrations in parks was discussed but not voted on.
- Approved structured police pay scale based on years of service for FY27-FY29 (5-0)
- Accepted streets in Stingray Harbor (5-0)
- Approved recommendation to create Tax Rate Stabilization Fund and allocate remaining water sale proceeds to capital funds and general fund (5-0)
- Adopted agenda (5-0)
- Approved minutes of October 14, 2025 meeting (5-0)
Town Meetings
The Town Council unanimously approved second readings of three ordinances defining and permitting fast-food restaurants in certain zoning districts, adding parking and sign regulations. They also voted 4-0 to hire Connolly Gallagher as the new town solicitor starting November 1, 2025, and approved a $212,750 pipe replacement contract with Richard E. Pierson. Public comment on a separate community activities ordinance was heard but no vote was taken.
- Approved second reading of ordinance defining fast-food restaurant types and adding them as special exceptions in certain zones (4-0)
- Approved second reading of ordinance adding fast-food parking requirements to the code (4-0)
- Approved second reading of ordinance adding fast-food drive-in sign types in GB-1 and GB-2 zones (4-0)
- Approved hiring Connolly Gallagher as town solicitor effective November 1, 2025 (4-0)
- Approved $212,750 Eastgate Blvd pipe replacement contract with Richard E. Pierson (4-0)
- Approved bringing facility cleaning in-house with a part-time Public Works hire (4-0)
- Approved minutes of September 9, 2025 regular meeting (4-0)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance to allow Type 2 Integral Curb and Gutter (rolled curb) instead of the required Type 1 vertical face curb for the Shore Vista subdivision at 142 Woodland Avenue. The town has previously granted similar variances, and staff had no objection.
- Approved variance V-462 for rolled curb at Shore Vista (4-0)
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a land development plan for a proposed retail/office building at 104 Atlantic Avenue, contingent on conditions from the town engineer's September 12, 2025 letter. The property is zoned GB-1 and the use is by-right. The approval requires the applicant to address several technical items including lot coverage calculations, parking layout, landscaping, and updated approvals from outside agencies before final plan approval.
- Approved P-358 land development plan for retail/office building at 104 Atlantic Avenue (5-0), contingent on engineer's September 12, 2025 letter
- Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
- Approved minutes of July 17, 2025 meeting (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 4:14pm (5-0)
Town Meetings
The council approved first readings of three ordinances defining and regulating fast-food restaurants, including permitted uses, parking, and signage. They also approved second readings on seized property disposition and water system fee amendments, and introduced a rezoning for a parcel on Windmill Drive. The FY25 audit received an unmodified opinion with no material weaknesses.
- Approved second reading of ordinance governing disposition of seized, forfeited, or unclaimed property (5-0)
- Approved second reading of ordinance amending water system fees and repealing related articles (5-0)
- Approved first reading of ordinance defining fast-food restaurant types and adding them as special exceptions (5-0)
- Approved first reading of ordinance adding fast-food restaurants to off-street parking requirements (5-0)
- Approved first reading of ordinance adding fast-food restaurant signage types in GB-1 and GB-2 zones (5-0)
- Introduced rezoning of 32451 Windmill Drive parcel from Single Family Residential to unspecified district
- Received and filed FY25 audit with unmodified opinion, under budget by $592,046
- Entered executive session at 4:30pm, returned at 5:17pm, no action taken
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend a revised fast-food restaurant ordinance to the Town Council, with modifications to dumpster-sharing language. They also unanimously approved related parking and sign ordinances. Separately, the commission unanimously approved a lot consolidation at 12 & 14 Oakland Avenue.
- Recommended fast-food restaurant ordinance with dumpster modifications (3-1)
- Approved parking ordinance with no changes (4-0)
- Approved sign ordinance with no changes (4-0)
- Approved lot consolidation at 12 & 14 Oakland Avenue (4-0)
Town Meetings
The Ocean View Town Council approved a second reading of an ordinance establishing guidelines for First Amendment assemblies in parks (5-0), a first reading of the FY2025 budget amendment (5-0), and a $79,400 design contract for ditch cleaning at Cottages and Kelly Estates. They also approved five open-ended, five-year general engineering services contracts with Century Engineering, McCormick Taylor, Wallace Montgomery, AECOM, and Davis, Bowen and Friedel, Inc. (5-0). First readings were introduced for ordinances on seized property disposal and water system fees, but no votes were taken on those items.
- Approved ordinance for First Amendment assemblies in parks (5-0)
- Approved FY2025 budget amendment (5-0)
- Approved $79,400 ditch-cleaning design contract with McCormick and Taylor (5-0)
- Approved five open-ended engineering services contracts (5-0)
- Approved June 10, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
- Introduced but did not vote on seized property disposal ordinance
- Introduced but did not vote on water system fees and private wells ordinance
Town Meetings
The Ocean View Town Council held a regular meeting on June 10, 2025, with all members present. They held a first reading of an ordinance to establish a permitting process for First Amendment assemblies in town parks, approved the previous meeting's minutes, and introduced six new ordinances covering budget amendments, property disposition, water system fees, and fast-food restaurant regulations. After executive session, they unanimously approved a $10,266 salary adjustment for two police officers in the FY26 budget.
- Approved minutes of May 13, 2025 meeting (5-0)
- Adopted agenda as presented (5-0)
- Opened executive session (5-0)
- Returned to regular session (5-0)
- Approved $10,266 salary adjustment for two police officers in FY26 Budget (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 5:03 PM (5-0)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance for property owners at 11 Woodland Road to exceed the maximum 45% lot coverage by 3.8% (309 sq ft) to allow construction of a paver patio and walkway. The board cited the applicant's mobility needs and lack of adverse impact on surrounding properties. The meeting also included reorganization, electing John Planchart as Chair and Ron Galey as Vice-Chair.
- Elected John Planchart as Chair (5-0)
- Elected Ron Galey as Vice-Chair (5-0)
- Approved agenda (5-0)
- Approved minutes from April 17, 2025 (5-0)
- Approved variance V-459 for 11 Woodland Road to exceed lot coverage limit by 3.8% (5-0)
Planning & Zoning
The commission unanimously approved a lot combination at Hickman Avenue and a preliminary development plan for the Howard Subdivision (13 single-family homes on 8.22 acres) by a 4-1 vote. The subdivision approval included conditions addressing floodplain, drainage, open space, and street requirements. One commissioner voted against the subdivision plan.
- Approved lot combination at 6, 4, 0 Hickman Ave. and 47 Betts/2 Hickman Ave. (5-0)
- Approved preliminary development plan for Howard Subdivision (13 lots) at 107 Central Ave., 97 and 99 Woodland Ave. (4-1)
- Approved agenda (5-0)
- Approved minutes of April 17, 2025 (5-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 5:00pm (5-0)
Town Meetings
The Ocean View Town Council approved recurring FY26 contracts with a spending cap increase from $7,500 to $10,000, and introduced an ordinance to regulate First Amendment assemblies in town parks. In executive session, the council unanimously supported bonuses for three town officials and approved a lien settlement for 30 Brighton Street. All votes were 4-0.
- Approved recurring FY26 contract awards with spending cap raised to $10,000 (4-0)
- Introduced ordinance for First Amendment assembly guidelines in town parks and property
- Supported bonuses for Town Manager Houck, Finance Director Parks, and Planning Director Cimino (4-0)
- Approved lien settlement for 30 Brighton Street (4-0)
Town Meetings
The Ocean View Town Council held a reorganization meeting, unanimously reappointing Donald Walsh as Mayor Pro-tem and approving appointments to the Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Board of Elections. The council also adopted the 2025 meeting calendar with a November date change.
- Approved Donald Walsh as Mayor Pro-tem (5-0)
- Approved 2025 meeting calendar, moving November meeting from Nov. 11 to Nov. 18 (5-0)
- Reappointed Preston Coppels and Ron Galey to the Board of Adjustment through May 2028 (5-0)
- Reappointed Sharon DiNoto to the Planning and Zoning Commission through May 2030 (5-0)
- Reappointed Ed Donnelly, Kitty Rehrig, Tom Maly, and Sue Kerwin to the Board of Assessment through 2026 (5-0)
- Reappointed Gayle Driver, Bette Meredith, and Linda Fiscus to the Board of Elections through May 2028 (5-0)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance for an 8-foot fence at 11 Woodland Avenue, exceeding the maximum allowed height of 3 feet in a front yard and 6 feet in a side yard. The lot is uniquely shaped, and the town's planning department did not oppose the request.
- Approved variance V-459 for 8-foot fence at 11 Woodland Avenue (5-0)
Planning & Zoning
The commission reviewed a concept plan for a mixed-use development at 104 Atlantic Avenue but took no vote. Staff comments raised issues with lot coverage, parking, wetlands, floodplain, landscaping, and sidewalk requirements. The applicant, represented by Plitko Engineering, responded to concerns but no decision was made.
- Agenda approved unanimously (5-0)
- Minutes of March 20, 2025 approved unanimously (5-0)
- Concept plan for 104 Atlantic Avenue reviewed, no vote taken
- Meeting adjourned unanimously (5-0)
Town Meetings
The Ocean View Town Council voted 5-0 to approve the FY2026 Annual Budget and the FY2026-2030 Capital Budget after first readings and no public comment. They also held a first reading and discussion on an ordinance defining fast-food restaurant types and adding them as special exceptions in certain zoning districts. Additionally, the council approved appointments to the Board of Assessment and the FY26 Fee Schedule.
- Approved FY2026 Annual Budget as presented (5-0)
- Approved FY2026-2030 Capital Budget as presented (5-0)
- Approved appointments of Mr. Maly and Ms. Kerwin to the Board of Assessment (5-0)
- Approved FY26 Fee Schedule resolution (5-0)
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously (4-0) to recommend a draft ordinance to the Town Council that would amend the land use code to define fast-food restaurants and set standards for them as special exceptions in General Business Districts and MXPC zones. The ordinance also adds and defines fast-food restaurants with drive-through and drive-in as uses requiring special exceptions. The recommendation follows a public comment in favor of the change.
- Approved agenda (4-0)
- Approved minutes of January 16, 2025 (4-0)
- Recommended draft ordinance amending fast-food restaurant definitions and standards to Town Council (4-0)
Town Meetings
The Board of Supervisors of Elections voted unanimously to cancel the 2025 Town Election after certifying that Stephen Cobb (District 1) and Colleen Twardzik (District 2) were the only candidates and are therefore reelected. The board also approved the agenda and swore in election members.
- Approved agenda unanimously (7-0)
- Certified Stephen Cobb as reelected for District 1 (7-0)
- Certified Colleen Twardzik as reelected for District 2 (7-0)
- Cancelled the 2025 Town Election unanimously (7-0)
Town Meetings
The council unanimously approved a $79,284 grant request from the Millville Volunteer Fire Company and introduced the FY26 Annual Budget and FY26-30 Capital Budget. Appointments to the Board of Assessments were approved, and a $239,602.70 street paving contract was awarded to George & Lynch. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved $79,284 grant for Millville Volunteer Fire Company (4-0)
- Introduced FY26 Annual Budget (first reading)
- Introduced FY26-30 Capital Budget (first reading)
- Appointed Tom Maly and Susan Kerwin to Board of Assessments (5-0)
- Authorized advance order of a mosquito sprayer (5-0)
- Approved card access expansion at 201 Central (5-0)
- Awarded FY2025 Street Paving Project to George & Lynch for $239,602.70 (5-0)
Town Meetings
The Town Council held a workshop to review the proposed FY26 budget of $6,377,515, which is balanced and includes a two-cent tax rate increase to $0.2578 per $100. No formal vote was taken; the presentation was informational and council members asked questions that will be answered in writing. Council declined a second workshop.
- Adopted the meeting agenda as presented (5-0)
- No formal decisions made on the FY26 budget; workshop only
- Adjourned the meeting at 4:48 p.m. (5-0)
Town Meetings
The council unanimously approved William Goodwin to fill a vacant Board of Election seat and Melissa Tuttle for a new three-year term. A debarment policy was also approved unanimously. The town manager presented FY26 budget considerations including a proposed two-cent tax increase, but no vote was taken on the budget.
- Approved William Goodwin to Board of Election, District 3, term ending 2027 (5-0)
- Approved Melissa Tuttle to Board of Election for three-year term through 2028 (5-0)
- Approved Debarment Policy for the Policy Manual (5-0)
Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved two variance requests. One allows a new business at 1 Town Road to install two wall signs exceeding the size limit. The other allows up to 56.48% lot coverage on three consolidated parcels at 33-39 Atlantic Avenue, subject to conditions on stormwater management, DelDOT approval, and parking use.
- Approved variance for two wall signs (19 sq ft and 25 sq ft) at 1 Town Road for Bethany Beach Billiards by RR Games (5-0)
- Approved variance to exceed 50% lot coverage by 6.48% on three parcels at 33-39 Atlantic Avenue, with conditions on stormwater, DelDOT no-objection letter, and parking-only use (5-0)
Planning & Zoning
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a preliminary site plan for three parcels at 33-39 Atlantic Avenue, subject to conditions including DelDOT approvals. The plan allows up to 56.48% impervious cover pending a variance from the Board of Adjustment.
- Approved preliminary site plan P-355 for 33-39 Atlantic Avenue (4-0), conditioned on fulfilling items in engineer's December 9, 2024 letter
- Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
- Approved minutes of December 19, 2024 (4-0)
Town Meetings
The Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance prohibiting smoking in any public park, with designated smoking areas allowed. They also awarded a $688,360.30 contract for Woodland Avenue sidewalks, extended the PKS auditor contract three years, and added a capitalization policy to the Town Policy Manual. FY26 budget input and the 2025 election calendar were discussed and approved.
- Approved ordinance banning smoking in all public parks (5-0)
- Awarded $688,360.30 contract to Mumford & Miller for Woodland Avenue sidewalks (5-0)
- Extended PKS auditor contract for three more years (5-0)
- Added Capitalization Policy to Town Policy Manual (5-0)
- Approved 2025 Election Calendar (5-0)
- Introduced ordinance defining fast-food restaurants and adding them as special exceptions in certain zoning districts
- Received ARPA funding update; no vote needed
- Council provided input on FY26 budget items (early property tax discount, transfer tax, employee benefits, wage increase, sick leave, community events, capital contingency, water budget)