News Briefs 08/07/20

Sussex council meeting Aug. 11

Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is an update and discussion on the proposed Henlopen Transportation Improvement District. See a complete agenda at www.sussexcountyde.gov. The meeting is available via telephone by calling 1-302-394-5036 using conference code 570176. Public comment can be made using the teleconference option. Meeting information is available at www.sussexcountyde.gov/agendas-minutes/county-council. Comments can be submitted via email to rgriffith@sussexcountyde.gov. by 4:30 p.m., Monday, Aug. 11.

Milton food pantry to hold emergency distribution

Milton Community Food Pantry will hold an emergency distribution, 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 10, at the Magnolia Street parking lot. The distribution will last until noon or until supplies run out. To be eligible for an emergency box, the applicant must have a Delaware driver’s license and meet income requirements. The boxes are given to the pantry through a U.S. Department of Agriculture relief program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pantry is also using funds donated by individuals to  purchase fresh products to go with the pre-packed boxes. Food donations are not being accepted at this time, as the pantry has no permanent facility but the intention is to begin accepting food again in the near future. For more information, visit www.miltonpantry.org, and for questions, contact Tom DiOrio at tjdiorio@comcast.net. 

Milton Water Committee to meet

Milton Water Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the gazebo at Milton Memorial Park to discuss current and future water infrastructure projects. The committee will also discuss rates and fees and a back-flow prevention policy.

Rehoboth commissioner workshop Aug. 10

Rehoboth Beach commissioners have scheduled an online workshop for 9 a.m., Monday, Aug. 10. The agenda calls for an update on city finances a quarter of the way through the year, a continued discussion on gross floor area and a discussion on the bid results for Phase II of Lake Avenue streetscape. Members of the public who wish to participate, must pre-registering with Ann Womack, city secretary, at awomack@cityofrehoboth.com at least two full business days prior to the meeting. The public can also submit comments electronically. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible on the city’s portal at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.  For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Dewey planners meet Aug. 21

The Dewey Beach planning and zoning commission will hold a public hearing and meeting at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 21. A link to the virtual meeting is available at www.townofdeweybeach.com. A public hearing will be held on a draft ordinance regarding neglected and/or abandoned homes and properties, with a possible vote on a recommendation regarding the draft ordinance. Another public hearing will be held on a draft ordinance for FARs and changes to use square footage for construction permitting, setbacks and any other town code issues in Table 2, with a possible vote on a recommended draft ordinance to follow.

New Lewes councilmen start Aug. 10

New Lewes Councilmen Tim Ritzert and Andrew Williams will be sworn in during a ceremony at city hall at 5 p.m., Monday, Aug. 10, a few hours before the regular council meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be closed to the public, but it will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel. Deputy Mayor Fred Beaufait and Councilman Dennis Reardon will also be honored at the ceremony on their last day. At the regular meeting, the new council will determine appointments, including the vacant deputy mayor and secretary positions as well as assignments to various committees and commissions. As part of regular business, council will consider a candidate to fill the unexpired term of Lewes Board of Public Works Director Jack Lesher. Officials will also discuss the ongoing efforts to combat the effects of COVID-19 in the city and consideration of extending the requirement to wear face coverings in specific areas. The group will also receive a report from the police department review ad hoc committee, a request from the Lewes Chamber of Commerce for the city to partially fund a TV commercial promoting city businesses, and consider action on a proposed ordinance to amend code related to elections.  Council will consider amending the noise ordinance regarding gas-powered leaf blowers, then discuss the possibility of applying for a loan from the state revolving fund for its portion of the purchase of the Jones Farm property at the corner of Kings Highway and Clay Road. To view the full agenda, go to lewes.civicweb.net. 

Eastern Sussex Dems endorse Mantzavinos

The Eastern Sussex Dems’ Executive Committee have endorsed Spiros Mantzavinos in his campaign to flip the 7th State Senate District from red to blue.  The 7th District is located in New Castle County and includes portions of Elsmere, Marshallton, Mill Creek, Newportand Pike Creek. Even though this district is not in Southern Delaware, the Eastern Sussex Dems felt it important to weigh in on this crucial state Senate contest.  Currently, Democrats control the Senate by a narrow 12-9 margin.  Often, issues - such as healthcare, roads, jobs, etc. - that directly affect Sussex Countians are considered and decided upon by non-Sussex legislators.  After interviewing Mantzavinos, it was clear he had an excellent grasp of the issues affecting Sussex.  Based on his background, his interview and the Democratic performance of the 7th District, (which has been ranked in the top 10 of the most flippable state legislative seats in the country), the Eastern Sussex Dems voted to endorse him for State Senate. Mantzavinos will be facing a well-funded incumbent Republican this November.  His campaign, as have all campaigns this cycle, is operating virtually.  In order for him to build momentum and be competitive through the Fall, his campaign needs financial support plus volunteers to make phone calls.  For more information about Mantzavinos and his campaign - or to donate or volunteer - visit his website: www.spiros4statesenate.com.