News Briefs 3/10/23

Lewes sets final budget workshop

Lewes Mayor and City Council will host a budget workshop at 9:30 a.m., Monday, March 13, at city hall.  Officials will review changes made to the Fiscal Year 2024 draft budget before doing a final markup.

Mayor and council may vote to approve the final draft that evening during their March monthly meeting, which starts at 6:30 p.m.  See the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes PAC seeking public feedback

Recently elected chair of the Lewes Public Art Committee, Heidi Lowe opted to cancel the group’s February meeting and host a workshop March 1.

During the workshop, Lowe solicited feedback from committee members, meeting attendees, and anyone else who was interested. The chair said the session was strictly brainstorming and there would not be any bad ideas. 

A baseball-themed sculpture at Shipcarpenter Square, decorating streets with chalk art, and increased interaction between the public and local artists were some of the ideas discussed.

Anyone interested in submitting an idea for public art in Lewes should email Janet Reeves, parksandrecreation@ci.lewes.de.us.

The comment period will remain open until March 15. 

Lewes environmental group meets March 13

The Lewes Planning Commission Environmental Subcommittee will meet at 2:30 p.m., Monday, March 13, at city hall.

Committee members will review their operational guideline draft documents, discuss their scope and approach, assess resources and identify their lead assignments. See the full agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Lewes mayor, council monthly meeting set

Lewes Mayor and City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 13, at city hall.

After recognizing the 2022 Elaine Bisbee Service Award winner, officials will hear a presentation from Lewes Public Library and possibly appoint two members to the Lewes Planning Commission.

Mayor and council may vote on off-street parking amendments, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, their 2023 priorities, creating an open space and resiliency fund, contributing funds toward a coastal economic development study, a waiver request from Riverside Park and Marina for 909 Pilottown Road, canal lease extensions for Pilottown Road, and approval of a license agreement for 59 Devries Circle.

Public hearings may be scheduled for the commercial building proposal along Freeman Highway, beekeeping and swimming pool setback requirements.

See the full agenda and link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Dewey audit committee to meet

The Dewey Beach Audit Committee will meet at 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 14, at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Members will discuss and possibly vote to recommend an auditing firm to town commissioners. For the full agenda and meeting link, go to townofdeweybeach.com.

Sussex council not meeting March 14

Sussex County Council will not meet Tuesday, March 14. The next regularly scheduled meeting is at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 21, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown.

Sussex introduces removal ordinance

At its March 7 meeting, Sussex County Council introduced an ordinance regarding removal procedures for members of appointed boards, commissions and advisory committees. Although state code provides regulations establishing the boards and commissions, it does not give county council the authority to remove a member.

Councilman Doug Hudson said his suggestion for an ordinance was not related to any recent issues.

He said board of adjustment member Jordan Warfel appeared on two local radio shows on March 3 saying that the ordinance was being written to get him out of office.

“That is totally fabricated. His name was never mentioned,” Hudson said.