News Briefs 3/7/23

March 7, 2023

Councilwoman Green signs disclosure

Faced with the prospect of losing federal funding, District 2 Sussex County Councilwoman Cindy Green has signed a required conflict-of-interest disclosure form.

Based on an auditor's request, Sussex County staff developed a disclosure form to comply with federal guidelines related to funding.

Four of the five council members signed the form in January. Green held out because she said an ordinance passed by council should be the basis for creating and signing the form.

During council's Feb. 28 meeting, County Finance Director Jenna Jennings and county attorney J. Everett Moore discussed possible ramifications and options that were possible if all council members did not sign the disclosure.

At the meeting, Green said she was even more convinced that an ordinance was needed.

However, at around 8:40 a.m., March 3, Green submitted a signed disclosure to the county finance department.

She did not respond to an inquiry to make a statement about her decision.

Lewes delays Daisey appeal 30 days

The Lewes Board of Adjustment has postponed a public hearing originally set for Tuesday, March 7, to review the Daisey family’s appeal of their application to demolish the structure at 331 Chestnut Street.

Following a denial from the Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission and the Daisey family’s appeal, the law firm representing HPARC has requested a 30-day continuance.

Baird, Mandalas, Brockstedt, Federico & Cardea wrote in a letter dated March 3 that they have a conflict that precludes their participation in the matter, and the delay is to allow ample time for HPARC to seek outside counsel.

Lewes bicycle master plan meeting March 8

The Lewes Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 8, at city hall, to discuss the bicycle master plan.

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

Budget meeting March 10 in Lewes

Lewes Mayor and City Council will meet at 9 a.m., Friday, March 10, at city hall to discuss the budget.

Officials plan to review changes to date, discuss potential revenue sources, talk about HVAC replacement costs, and have a final budget mark-up.

See the budget workshop agenda and meeting link at lewes.civicweb.net.

Rehoboth green group to meet

The Rehoboth Beach Trees and Green Infrastructure Committee will meet at 10 a.m., Friday, March 10, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for continued discussion on mapping for the commemorative tree program and selections for a tree tour, and a new discussion on a campaign against ivy infiltration.

A full agenda, meeting materials and a livestream are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. Only in-person attendees may make comments. For more information, contact the city at 302-227-6181 or information@cityofrehoboth.com.

Rehoboth planning commission to meet

The Rehoboth Beach Planning Commission will meet at 2 p.m., Friday, March 10, in the city hall commissioners room, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a possible vote on recommendations to commissioners concerning amendments to commercial parking requirements and a review of pending site-plan applications.

Twin Masts on March 9 Sussex P&Z agenda

Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission will meet at 3 p.m., Thursday, March 9, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is a public hearing on an application for Twin Masts, a proposed subdivision with 249 single-family home lots on a 133-acre parcel on the west side of Route 1 and the north side of Round Pole Bridge Road near Milton.

See a complete agenda and meeting materials at sussexcountyde.gov. Meetings are available online at sussexcountyde.gov/council-chamber-broadcast and by phone at 302-394-5036 using code 570176.

Dewey commissioners meet March 10

Dewey Beach commissioners will hold their monthly meeting at 3 p.m., Friday, March 10, in the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Possible votes include revising licenses and fees, approving the 2024 fiscal year budget, eliminating the four-hour minimum parking permit rate, increasing the daily parking permit rate, amending the virtual meeting policy, approving the beach concessions contract and eliminating the pedicab permit fee. Commissioners may also vote to request the planning and zoning commission to consider and recommend several possible town code changes. For the full agenda and meeting link, go to townofdeweybeach.com.

Cape school board meets March 9

The Cape Henlopen school board will hold a workshop meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 9, in the cafeteria at H.O. Brittingham Elementary. Members will discuss and possibly take action on several board policies and the 2023-24 district calendar. Agenda and meeting link are available at capehenlopenschools.com.