On Monday, August 25, Milford City Council approved extension on terms for members of the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustments, Tree Preservation and Advisory Board as well as the Parks and Recreation Board. The approvals were despite a petition circulating asking council to remove all members of the Board of Adjustments, particularly Brendan Warfel, the chairman.
“Tonight, you’re going to be considering reappointment of the current members of the Board of Adjustment,” Julie Morris, who has filed an ethics complaint against Warfel and Todd Culotta, said during public comments. “I ask you, what message does this send to Milford residents? First, look at the process, the Planning Commission denied Truitt Avenue, yet the Board of Adjustments turned around and granted 32 separate variances for the single development.”
Morris continued, stating that the number of variances issued for that one development was not careful review, it was a rubber stamp.
“If developers understand they can rewrite the rules 32 times in one go, the rules have no meaning under the Milford charter,” Morris continued. “The Board of Adjustment is intended to apply variances only in cases of peculiar and unusual circumstances to prevent unnecessary hardship and uphold the spirit of the zoning code. That is plainly not what is happening here. The board’s actions contradicted its legal duty and erode the public confidence. The board appears to have favored developer interests over community well-being, not just once, but repeatedly, as reported at the August 11, 2025, council meeting.”
According to Morris, residents are describing the board’s conduct as “dereliction of duty” and calling for their removal. A petition, started by Morris and motivated by the Truitt Avenue project, shows that residents no longer feel protected. A review of the petition shows it currently has 83 signatures. Morris continued, stating that she had filed an official ethics complaint with the Office of Public Integrity regarding VIP NASCAR tickets given to Culotta by Warfel which, in her opinion, raises serious ethical questions.
On Planning Commission, Jim Purcell and David Sauls were both up for reappointment. Councilwoman Katrina Wilson motioned to allow both to continue if they choose to remain on the commission which was seconded by Councilman Jason James. The vote was seven to zero to approve the reappointments with Councilwoman Lori Connor absent.
Warfel was the only member of the Board of Adjustments up for reappointment and Wilson again made the motion to reappoint him with a second by James. Council again voted seven to zero for the reappointment.
On the Tree Preservation and Advisory Board, Timothy Metzner was up for reappointment. Eric Johnsen was also up for a new term, but he resigned August 13, leaving a vacancy. Wilson and James again motioned to reappoint Metzner with council approving seven to zero.
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board had one member, Ronny Baltazar-Lopez, up for reappointment. Wilson and James again motioned for Baltazar-Lopez to remain on the board with council voting seven to zero for his reappointment.
Other Planning Commission members include Marvin Sharp, Chairperson; Shelby Nash DiCostanzo; Charles T. Hammond, Jr.; Mark A. Redden and Ian Wright. Board of Adjustment members include Ronald Mescola, Ronald Rizzo, Andria White and Joseph Wiley. The Tree Preservation & Advisory Board includes Holly Heverly, Leigh Muldrow and Eric Wahl. Council is seeking a nominee for that committee to replace Johnsen. The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board includes Darron Johnson Wilson, William Shupe, Meredith Schmidt and Tiffany Walter.
