City of Seaford presents proclamation to retiring fire chief Wilson during city council meeting

The retirement of Seaford Fire Department Chief Jack Wilson took center stage at the recent Seaford City Council meeting last Tuesday. Wilson, whose career spans 44 years, led the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department the last eight years. Wilson worked diligently to bring funds to the city to attract fire fighters and emergency medical technicians (EMT) as well as new equipment and trainings. 

“I am filled with gratitude and pride for the journey we have shared in serving our community,” said Wilson, who noted hat during his tenure the department responded to 7,665 fire and rescue calls and 31,656 emergency medical service calls. “These numbers reflect the unwavering commitment and professionalism of our firefighters and EMS personnel, as well as the trust our community places in all of us.” 

Wilson assisted in the change of the 911 center, safety at the River Fest activities, parades, and many events that required the assistance or presence of the fire department. Wilson said nothing could be accomplished without the commitment of the staff, many of whom were present at the council meeting. Wilson added building trust within the community was an important goal. “These efforts fostered strong bonds with the residents we serve, ensuring that SVFD will remain a trusted and respected presence in Seaford,” he said.

The city of Seaford congratulated Jack Wilson at a recent meeting. Shown (l to r) are: council members Mike Bradley, Orlando Holland, and Dan Henderson, Chief Wilson, Mayor Matt MacCoy, Council Member Stephanie Grassett, City Manager Charles Henderson, and Council Member Alan Quillen.

Mayor Matt MacCoy presented Wilson with a city proclamation and Vice Mayor Dan Henderson, who is the liaison for the fire department said, “Under Chief Wilson’s leadership, the transparency has increased manifold, we are the recipients of so much information not made available in previous years to the public who are much more informed.” 

Henderson said of Wilson, “Later tonight I will be giving a report that indicates the dedication to training and your dedication to the fire service over 44 years, and I am really appreciative to you for heading the clarion call with what are immense challenges.” 

Henderson pointed out his unwavering battle for funding for the future of the department and said the council is very appreciative of his dedication. Wilson thanked his family, who were present, and in his emotional speech told the council of the honor he felt serving as the fire chief to Seaford Volunteer Fire Department.

The department appointed, by vote, Matthew Read as the new fire chief. Read served as Deputy Chief under Wilson.

Director of Public Works Berley Mears presented the second public hearing and the request to enter a binding commitment for the financing of the Martin Farms Sewer and Water Relocation Phase 2 project through the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. The project total costs for Martin Farms sewer relocation phase 2 is receiving a 20 year $2,090,000 loan with zero percent interest during construction. The second loan is for the Martin Farms Water relocation phase 2 in the amount of $1,250,000 with $388,902 with principal forgiveness. The project will be in the FY 2027 budget and the state is granting the loans for 2027 budget.

Mears’ second presentation was a loan through the Delaware Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the construction of two new wells and a new treatment station along Nylon Blvd. in the amount of $2,700,000. The Nylon well improvements project loan is $2,700,000 with the entire amount under principal forgiveness. Both project fundings were approved by council.

Robert Herrera updated council on the progress of the Nylon Capital Center. Herrera noted with slides of progress that includes the opening of the Bright Bloom center which is fully operational with children. The Del Tech building is in progress and construction may be completed in the summer of 2026. The opening will depend on Del Tech. The roofs are completed on most buildings and progress is being made on the TidalHealth building that is approximately 25,000 square feet which will include an outdoor canopy covered orthopedic service. The new court yard is beginning to take shape. The underground work of utilities is close to completion and the exterior work of curbing will be later due to the use of heavy machinery on the job site. 

Herrera noted there will be a lot of activity over the next several months.

At The Mill, the old grocery store, framing is completing and the shape is beginning to take place inside. Herrera said he is very excited about the endless possibilities. Herrera said, “We want The Mill to be really active and vibrant, cost effective offices.” The Mill will be able to handle large to very small meetings and is currently offering 50 percent off the first six months of rent. The Mill will offer shared work stations up to large office rentals, meeting rooms and an auditorium. There will be more information as the work continues and if interested the Mill webpage is located at millspace.com.

Tiffany Garcia, DC, FIAMA presented to council information on the opening of a new chiropractic and acupuncture business in Seaford which is associated with the Peninsula Chiropractic Center. Dr. Garcia is a graduate of Seaford High School and Life University College of Chiropractic, graduating in 2012, and now has over 14 years of experience. Dr. Garcia joins Peninsula Chiropractic Center from Newark. The office is located at 26685 Sussex Highway.

The council listened to the bid orientation by George, Miles & Buhr, Inc. (GMB), the city’s project management company, on the Phase I Wastewater Project. The two bids were from companies with good qualifications and positive project competent contractors. The estimated cost of the project was $10,300,000 and the lowest bid was $13,100,500 submitted by Bearing Construction of Maryland.

The rate of inflation in current economic conditions as well as tariffs was noted as one of the contributing factors for the larger cost. The bidder has experience in wastewater treatment plant projects and both submitted all the certifications required. The project is vital to the city’s waste water treatment and scheduling and management of subcontractors is vital so GMB recommended to move forward with awarding the bid to Bearing Construction. In order to meet funding adjustment, the city will utilize contingency funding in Phase 2 and 3 budgets to fund contingency for Phase 1 and Phase 2 design contract. The city will utilize funding in Phase 2 and 3 budgets to fund construction contingencies for phase 1 and Phase 2 design contract. Furthermore, the city will seek additional funding for phase 2 and 3 as project proceeds forward.

The final site plan was approved by council for the new childcare center of TidalHealth Nanticoke, Inc. located on Rawlins Drive.

The city offices will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Dec. 25 and 26.