Dewey commissioners adjust discounted parking permit eligibility

Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 17 on two seasonal parking permit changes.

First, commissioners voted to approve an ordinance amending code regarding the number of discounted seasonal parking permits allotted. 

Previously, code stated that property and business owners with a business physically located in Dewey could purchase up to two discounted seasonal parking permits at $150 per permit under certain criteria.

Commissioners added language to the ordinance stating that property and business owners with a business in town could purchase two discounted seasonal parking permits per property or business.

Council also voted unanimously to approve a resolution providing commissioners with a complimentary seasonal parking permit annually to include years beyond their service to the town.

Town Manager Bill Zolper said complimentary parking permits had been provided to commissioners for a number of years until about 2013. 

Providing complimentary seasonal parking permits would be in line with compensation provided by other small towns, Zolper said, noting that Dewey Beach commissioners are not compensated for their service.

Zolper said Town Clerk Ashleigh Sander’s research showed that the Lewes mayor receives $4,000 a year, Smyrna and Millville council members receive $25 a meeting, the Ocean View mayor receives $1,100 a year, Bridgeville council members receive $450 a quarter, and Milford council members receive $100 a meeting.

Commissioner David Jasinski said he wasn’t thrilled about voting on something for commissioners, but he thought it wasn’t a big deal. Commissioner Paul Bauer agreed, saying it was an incentive for commissioners.

During public comment, former Mayor Dale Cooke said in the past, free permits were given to commissioners under certain conditions. 

Some were told they would receive the complimentary permit only while serving as commissioner, and others were told they would receive a free permit for life, Cooke said. In some instances, Cooke said, former commissioners were receiving a free parking permit although they had moved to Rehoboth.

Cooke suggested the resolution specify that complimentary permits be given to present and future commissioners, but not past commissioners. 

Stevens said the new resolution states that individuals must still own property and/or reside in Dewey to receive a free parking permit.

Jasinski motioned to approve the resolution with the addition that commissioners who served before 2013 would receive a complimentary permit regardless of whether or not they still owned property in town, and those who served after 2013 would need to be property owners to receive the free permit; the motion passed unanimously.