League of Women Voters sheds light on Sussex government

The League of Women Voters of Sussex County praised county staff while calling for more diversity in appointments to official county positions during its annual Sunshine Report to county council.

Janet Ambrose, League Observer Corps coordinator, began her July 18 report with a statement about water quality: “We urge the cooperation of the council with all relevant government agencies to ensure that water quality is protected for present and future generations,” Ambrose said.

Since 2009, corps members have regularly been attending county meetings.

Ambrose had praise for the cooperation and courtesy given by county staff who respond to league members and the public. “Their professionalism in handling the duties of their positions is recognized and appreciated,” she said.

In addition, she said, the league recognizes the appointment of females to the planning and zoning commissioner and board of adjustment. “Efforts should continue to be made to diversify the members of boards and commissions so that their composition reflects the diverse perspectives of county residents,” Ambrose said.

She also complimented officials for allowing public comment on the 2018 comprehensive land-use plan during planning and zoning commission meetings and workshops.

The league held five forums relating to the comprehensive land-use plan over the past year. “The league has worked diligently to educate citizens about matters which will be considered in the development of this plan,” she said.

Ambrose said the league notes progress toward the proposed Henlopen Transportation Improvement District. However, she said, it's unclear how future land-use projections provided by the county for the district would interface with the new comprehensive plan.

Ambrose noted that the introduction of GIS zoning maps to replace outdated paper maps is a significant accomplishment – it's an issue the league has had concerns about in the past.

Ambrose said the annual report is developed by compiling the major issues and concerns noted during the past year as they relate to positions of the League of Women Voters.

This past year observers attended most planning and zoning meetings and all council meetings.

Other suggestions in the report:

• Diversification of revenue sources beyond heavy reliance on realty transfer taxes.

• Alignment of council and planning and zoning commission districts. Currently, the districts do not match.

• Newly added staff members should be included in the county administrator's report during county council meetings.

• More specific information on land-use applications should be included on agendas.

• An evaluation of the council chamber's amplification system is needed to evaluate its effectiveness.

• Council members should provide reasons for approving or denying councilmanic grants.