News Briefs
Lewes planners discuss comp plan July 29
The Lewes Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 29, at city hall, to continue discussion of the comprehensive land-use plan. Discussion will be focused on comment received at two public forums in June, land use and annexation issues, coastal flooding and the city’s aging population. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.
PSC hearing on Artesian rates July 31
The Public Service Commission will hold a public comment session at 7 p.m., Thursday, July 31, at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes. The purpose of the meeting is for the public to comment on Artesian Water Company’s application to increase its water rates 15.91 percent, or $9.98 million over its current revenues.
Artesian says it has invested $20.5 million since its last rate increase on critical supply and distribution projects for well replacements and redevelopment. The company also plans to invest an additional $26.6 million on a number of priority capital projects that will be completed by September 2014. For more information, go to www.depsc.delaware.gov.
Investigation continues into prisoner death
The Department of Correction continues its investigation into the death of an inmate who died Feb. 27 while in custody.
Ronald Shoup, 48, was committed to Sussex Correctional Institution Feb. 20 after his fifth DUI arrest. The medical examiner ruled his death was a homicide caused by multiple blunt-force injuries. The death certificate states Shoup “sustained lethal trauma while being restrained multiple times by prison response team.”
John Painter, spokesman for the Department of Correction, said the investigation is ongoing and all prison employees involved with the incident remain on full-duty status.
From Friday, July 25 paper:
Lewes expanding email program
To enhance service to its citizens and visitors, the City of Lewes will soon implement an expanded email communications program.
Under this program, the city will send out periodic emails about significant city matters. With this additional tool, the city will be able to provide timely information to all who choose to sign up for this service. The city anticipates launching its expanded program on or about Friday, Aug. 1.
Anyone wishing to receive these periodic emails from the city may visit the homepage of the city’s website, www.ci.lewes. de.us., choose the option labeled “get emails,” and enroll by providing an email address. Email addresses provided for purposes of this program will be used solely for the program, will be kept confidential, and will not be shared or otherwise disclosed.
As always, a wealth of material, including the city’s official calendar, and meeting agendas and minutes, is available on the city’s website. The website remains the principal source of information about city matters. For more information contact the Lewes City Manager’s Office at 302-645-7777.
Rehoboth tree commission to meet
The Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission will meet at 2 p.m., Monday, July 28, in the city commissioners’ room to hear two administrative appeals.
Bruce Geyer, owner of 87 and 89 Columbia Ave., has filed both appeals. Geyer is appealing the determination of a mitigation fee or seeking the reduction of mitigation at both properties.
Rehoboth streets committee to meet
The Rehoboth Beach Streets and Transportation Committee will meet at 9 a.m., Monday, July 28, in the city commissioners’ room, to consider possible changes to parking.
Among those changes are locations of parking meters, particularly 30-minute meters; time limits of meters in various areas; and enforcement of time limits.
In old business, the committee will discuss the status of space for bicycle racks on Surf Avenue, speed-control devices on Hickman Street, working with the state on city gateway issues and possible locations for additional crosswalks and “silent policemen,” speed-control devices placed in the middle of the roadway.
The committee will consider problems related to snow removal on Rehoboth Avenue, delaying traffic lights to increase pedestrian safety and discuss the problem of bicycle riders not obeying traffic laws.
Sussex council awards nonprofit grants
Sussex County Council awarded the following councilmanic grants during its July 22 meeting: $500 to Lewes Public Library for its annual writers’ conference; $750 to Chamber of Commerce for Greater Milford for its Riverwalk Freedom Festival; $500 to West Side New Beginnings for its anti-bullying campaign; $750 to Rehoboth Beach Film Society for the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival; $1,000 to Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation to aid in the $500,000 restoration project for the World War II tower south of Dewey Beach; and $1,500 to Town of Millsboro for new welcome signs
Fair Housing Act topic in Milton Aug. 6
Join neighbors and friends at the Milton Library Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and learn what the Fair Housing Act is, who the Fair Housing Act covers, what Fair Housing Rights are, who enforces Fair Housing rights and how to file a Fair Housing Complaint.
This presentation is sponsored by the Delaware Division of Human Relations and presented by Pathways to Success Inc. It is free of charge to Delaware residents, organizations and community groups to educate, inform, and empower.
Contact Sarah Gilmour, Pathways to Success Inc. outreach coordinator at 302-245-2383 or sgilmour@pathways-2-success.org if planning to attend or would like this presentation held for an organization or community group.