News Briefs 3/25/22

Rehoboth Animal Issues Committee meeting March 29

The Rehoboth Beach Animal Issues Committee has scheduled a meeting for 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 29. The agenda calls for a discussion on options for a dog park or dog run, and a discussion on protecting or introducing bee habitats – pollinator gardens – near city lakes or parks.

The meeting will be conducted in-person in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. To comment, a person must attend in-person.

For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.

Lewes council, BPW to meet March 28

Lewes Mayor and City Council and the Lewes Board of Public Works will hold a joint meeting at 5 p.m., Monday, March 28, at the Rollins Community Center and via Zoom. The group will discuss use of American Rescue Plan Act funds, current and future capital projects, a stormwater study for Lewes Beach, a Schley Avenue master plan, 5G and wireless antennas, BPW and city rates, and electric vehicle charging stations. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.

Rehoboth tree commission to hear three cases March 28

The Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission has scheduled three appeal hearings for 10 a.m., Monday, March 28.

The first hearing is related to the removal of one multi-stem shrub located along the unimproved right-of-way adjacent to 30 Park Ave. The second hearing is related to the removal of two specimen pine trees located along an unimproved right-of-way adjacent to 94 Henlopen Ave. The third is related to the removal of one juniper street tree located along an unimproved right-of-way adjacent to 138 Henlopen Ave.

The hearings will be conducted in-person in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave.

A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.

Rehoboth BoA hearing March 28

The Rehoboth Beach Board of Adjustment has scheduled a meeting for 2:30 p.m., Monday, March 28. Representing the Bellmoor Inn, applicant Benjamin Gray is requesting a variance permit for the addition of approximately 588 square feet of concrete surface to the outdoor pool area. The property is located at 6 Christian St.

The hearing will be conducted in-person in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.

Rental program on Sussex council agenda

Sussex County Council will meet at 10:30 a.m, Tuesday, March 29, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is a discussion on proposed amendments to the county's affordably priced rental units program. A full agenda and meeting materials are available at sussexcountyde.gov/agendas-minutes/county-council. Meetings are in person, livestreamed at sussexcountyde.gov/council-chamber-broadcast, and available by phone at 302-394-5036 using code 570176.

Rehoboth wastewater contract awarded

After approving the budget March 18, Rehoboth Beach commissioners awarded a $7.64 million contract to Pennsylvania-based contract Michael F. Ronca & Sons for Phase 3B of upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

This phase is the dewatering process associated with treatment plant upgrades. When the project is complete, the city will no longer need to have a contract for the land application of the leftover sludge, said Rehoboth Beach Interim City Manager Evan Miller. The remaining waste will be shipped to Sussex County, he said.

The awarded amount came in more than $1 million over the estimate of $6.53 million. Miller said the engineer’s estimate came in lower than the bid amount for a few reasons: It’s a highly specialized project that only a few companies can do and also because of inflation. Miller said the contract will be officially awarded in April, with a start time of September.

Dewey Beach Patrol to hold tryouts

The Dewey Beach Patrol will hold tryouts for lifeguard and EMT positions in March and April at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave., and on the beach.

Tryouts will begin at 11:30 a.m. sharp on Sunday, March 27; Sunday, April 3; and Sunday, April 10.

Testing will include a one-mile beach run, 200 meter sand sprint, 500 meter swim, rescue simulations and strength testing.

All accepted applicants must have CPR and first aid certification prior to opening day. Anyone unable to attend tryouts can contact DBP after Memorial Day to inquire about any available positions.

Interested applicants are asked to apply at townofdeweybeach.com/jobs or write to Todd Fritchman, DBP Captain, 105 Rodney Ave., Dewey Beach DE 19971.

Hebron Road closures start March 28

Hebron Road from Rehoboth Avenue Extension to Canal Crossing Road in Rehoboth Beach will have lane closures weekdays from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. starting Monday, March 28, through Friday, May 20, for pedestrian safety improvements.

Improvements will include: Connecting the pedestrian pathway from Rehoboth Avenue Extension east to the Junction & Breakwater trailhead; placing a 6-foot hot mix shoulder on the north side of Hebron Road between Burton Avenue and Canal Crossing Road; tying in the existing sidewalk stub at the eastern limits to Canal Crossing Road.; tie-ins at all entrances and driveways on the north side of Hebron Road; utility and mailbox adjustments; and new signing and pavement markings.

All work will be completed prior to Memorial Day weekend. At all times residents will have access to their homes.