News Briefs 6/29/21
Special Rehoboth meeting June 30
Rehoboth Beach commissioners have scheduled a special meeting for 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 30, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave., and online.
The sole purpose of this meeting is to conduct an appeal hearing of the planning commission’s approval of the preliminary site plan for Clear Space Theatre Company’s proposed Rehoboth Avenue theater complex. In the event the commissioners do not complete deliberation and vote during this meeting, the hearing shall recommence at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 1.
Members of the public wishing to speak must preregister with Ann Womack, city secretary, by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com.
Lewes Board of Public Works meets June 30
The Lewes Board of Public Works will meet at 4 p.m., Wednesday, June 30, in city hall council chambers. The group will receive the American Public Power Association Certificate of Excellence in Reliability for significantly exceeding the national average of reliability. The board will also discuss a renewal of an interconnection agreement with the University of Delaware for the wind turbine. Also on the agenda is a discussion about lessons learned from the May election, review and update of the employee handbook, and a discussion regarding the appointment of an interim general manager when Darrin Gordon leaves in July. The meeting will be livestreamed on the BPW’s YouTube page.
Lewes public art meets June 30
The Lewes Public Art Committee will meet virtually at 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 30. The group will discuss the recent installation of two public art projects in city parks. They will also discuss a mosaic project application, a public forum for this fall and a mural in 2022. A link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.
Lewes historic preservation to meet
The Lewes Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 1. The meeting will be held in person and streamed on the city’s YouTube channel. The group will consider a request from M&T Bank for the replacement of roof materials at 134 Second St. They will also discuss a resurvey of the Historic District. A Zoom link to the meeting can be found on the agenda at lewes.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth workshop set for July 2
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a workshop for 9 a.m., Friday, July 2, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave., and online. The workshop is typically held the first Monday of the month, but that’s the federally recognized holiday for July 4 this year.
The agenda includes discussions on a change in fees for residential recycling, how the lifting of Delaware’s state of emergency affects the city, and what the city should do with its federal COVID relief funds.
People wishing to speak must preregister by emailing City Secretary Ann Womack, awomack@cityofrehoboth.com, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.
Rehoboth committee meeting July 2
The Rehoboth Beach Environment Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Friday, July 2, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave., and online.
The agenda calls for continued discussions on elimination of single-use plastic products, “bring your own bag” signage and a sustainable action plan.
People wishing to speak must preregister by emailing City Secretary Ann Womack, awomack@cityofrehoboth.com, at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.
Rehoboth charter change progressing
A legislative charter change allowing the Rehoboth Beach city manager to delegate all supervisory authority, including oversight of the beach patrol, is now awaiting the signature of Gov. John Carney.
House Bill 156, introduced in April, amends the city charter in a number of ways. Primarily, it gives the city manager the power to delegate supervisory authority to others, including management of the beach patrol.
The bill clarifies that the city manager has the authority to determine the composition of the beach patrol, and establish rules and regulations covering the qualifications of its members. Currently, city commissioners are the officials with this power.
This bill also deletes provisions vesting members of the beach patrol with all the authority of members of the police force.
The bill passed through the House in May and was passed by the Senate June 24. The governor’s signature is the next step.
