News Briefs 02/26/18

Cape Point to close March 1
DNREC's Division of Parks & Recreation has announced that the Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half-mile along the bay shoreline, will close beginning Thursday, March 1, for the benefit of threatened and endangered beachnesters and migratory shorebirds, including red knot, piping plovers, oystercatchers, least terns and other species. The nesting habitat on the ocean side will reopen Sept. 1. The bayside beach will remain closed until Oct. 1 for use by shorebirds migrating south for the winter.

DNREC's Divisions of Parks & Recreation, Fish & Wildlife, and Watershed Stewardship have been working together since 1990 to implement a management plan to halt the decline of beachnester and migratory shorebird populations. The Point has been closed annually since 1993. "We appreciate the public's cooperation in this effort," said Park Superintendent Grant Melville. "DNREC is committed to providing protection for these species, hopefully to prevent them from disappearing in Delaware."
For more information, contact Cape Henlopen State Park at 302-645-8983.

Dewey budget committee to meet March 2
The Dewey Beach Budget and Finance Committee has scheduled a meeting for 4 p.m., Friday, March 2, in the Dewey Beach Life Saving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. The agenda calls for a review and discussion of departmental budgets and input from council. Dewey's fiscal year runs April 1 to March 31. A full copy of the agenda can be found on the message board at the life saving station, at www.townofdeweybeach.com, or at town hall.

Rehoboth Boardwalk committee to meet March 2
The Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Beach Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Friday, March 2, in the city commissioners' room, to hold a discussion with police Chief Keith Banks on Boardwalk safety issues. Among the topics to be included in Banks' discussion are the perception of the Boardwalk being less safe at night on the south end, a proposal by the Rehoboth Beach Patrol to create a bike lane on the Boardwalk, proposals by the police department and the beach patrol to establish an emergency lane on the beach next to the dunes, and a proposal by the police to set up a canopy on the Boardwalk at certain times for education and safety checks. The committee will also discuss trash collection, including trash overflowing from the trash cans and alternative trash collection methods to remove large trash trucks off the Boardwalk.

Rehoboth board to hold special meeting March 5
The Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m., Monday, March 5, in the city commissioners' room, to discuss and possibly vote on a change order associated with the force main contract for the city's ocean outfall project. The commissioners will also consider new rates for the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Following the special meeting, the commissioners will hold their workshop meeting, where three presentations will be heard. First, landscape engineer Matt Spong will discuss a proposal to provide access to the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal from Grove Park. Representatives from Rehoboth Beach Main Street will hold a presentation on beautification efforts.

Finally, Mark Thompson of WhyFly Network will discuss improvements to the city's information technology and communications systems. In old business, the commissioners will discuss any updates to the City Hall and ocean outfall projects, and the roles and responsibilities of city committees. In new business, the commissioners will discuss the Greyhound Organization's use of the convention center, livestreaming city meetings and the city flag design. Public comment will be heard prior to the commissioners' beginning the agenda. Anyone wishing to speak can sign up before the meeting.

Milton seeking award nominations
The Mayor and Town Council of the Town of Milton are currently accepting letters of recommendation for 2018 Citizen of the Year, and 2018 Lifetime Volunteer Award. Nominees must be residents of the Town of Milton who have demonstrated exceptional volunteer commitment. The deadline is Thursday, March 15. Nomination letters must include a supporting explanation on how the nominee has displayed significant contributions to the Milton community during the past year, or a lifetime. Letters can be mailed to 2018 Citizen of the Year or 2018 Lifetime Volunteer Award, Attn: Kristy Rogers, Town Manager, 115 Federal St., Milton, DE 19968, dropped off at Town Hall, or emailed to krogers@ci.milton.de.us.