News Briefs 01-26-17
Dewey investment committee meeting set
The Dewey Beach Investment Committee is scheduled to meet at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, in the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. The agenda calls for a portfolio review and a discussion of the town's investment policy. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall, 105 Rodney Ave., on the message board at the life saving station or online at www.townofdeweybeach.com.
Legislators to speak in Lewes on state budget deficit
A free, public meeting with three local representatives in the state Legislature will speak about the Delaware budget deficit Monday, Jan. 30, 6 to 8 p.m., in the Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., in the large meeting room. A $350 million deficit is projected for FY2018, presenting a serious problem in getting to the required budget balance between revenues and spending.
The Eastern Sussex Republican Club is sponsoring the event. Speakers will be Sen. Ernesto Lopez, R-Lewes, Sen. Bryant Richardson, R-Laurel, and Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton/Lewes. For further information contact Phoebe Cottingham, president, Eastern Sussex Republican Club, pcotting@ix.netcom.com or text 571-242-0354.
Sussex County Council meeting on Jan. 31
Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the county administration building at 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is presentation of a draft ordinance regarding the county's zoning map. See a complete agenda at www.sussexcountyde.gov.
Eastern Sussex Dems meet Feb. 2 in Lewes
The next luncheon meeting of the Eastern Sussex Democratic Club will be held Thursday, Feb. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Bethany Blues, Route 1, Lewes. The keynote speaker will be Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, As a standard-bearer for Delaware's Democrats, Hall-Long will focus on the state of Delaware's Democratic footing in the Legislature. She will also discuss Senate candidate Stephanie Hansen, who is running in a special election to replace Hall-Long in Middletown. Eastern Sussex Democratic Club believes that although Democrat Stephanie Hansen is running for office in a different county (New Castle), her win in the special election will give the Democrats a one-seat majority in the Senate.
Dewey to look at raising of buildings
During a Jan. 14 meeting, Dewey Beach commissioners agreed to send to the planning and zoning commission a request to look at a change in town code allowing property owners in flood zones to preemptively raise their buildings to meet FEMA requirements. The change would broaden the definition of homes that can be raised in flood zones, said Mayor Dale Cooke.
Dewey's town code doesn't address the issue specifically. Chapter 185, section 59, discusses properties that are damaged by fire, storm, infestation or other peril not caused intentionally by the property owner.
As of Jan. 17, the Dewey Planning and Zoning Commission is next scheduled to meet at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 18, in the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station.
Dewey amends holiday construction days
Dewey commissioners voted Jan. 14 in favor of removing Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Columbus Day and Veterans Day from the list of construction-free holidays.
As approved, construction activities on those holidays are to be performed inside, on an enclosed structure and creating no noise or disturbance.
The remaining holidays on which no construction is allowed include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day.
37th District Dems to gather Jan. 28
The 37th Democratic Representative District will be hosting a forum Saturday, Jan. 28, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, at the Democratic Headquarters, 10 Pine St. in Georgetown. The purpose of the forum is to address the issue "Where do we go from here?" Interested registered Democrats throughout the county are invited to attend this forum to discuss and identify strategies for strengthening the presence of the Democratic Party throughout Sussex County. Sussex County Democrat Chair Jane Hovington stated, "This is a first step in re-establishing a formidable presence of Democratic philosophy of inclusion, progress and economic empowerment to Sussex County." Those wishing to attend should RSVP to Hovington at jehovahrohi@aol.com or call 302-258-7182.
Then at 1 p.m., the Democratic Party for the 37th Representative District will hold a caucus to elect a new committee. The caucus is open to all registered Democrats who reside in the 37th RD. The doors will open at noon and close at 1 p.m. when nominations and elections begin. If interested in serving as part of the 37th RD Democratic Committee and interested in being a part of and supporting local Democratic Party politics, this is the opportunity. For more information and to RSVP contact Hovington.
