Rehoboth commissioners need to get their act together
It’s been a little testy at recent Rehoboth Beach commissioner meetings. I got a taste of it last week. I had some questions about city actions reported by the city manager, but because comments were not permitted, I was not allowed to participate. The mayor would not make an exception, in spite of the fact that this was a first-of-its-kind report. As I said at the meeting in response to his caustic remarks, “I’m being disenfranchised!”
The meeting, which lasted just under four hours, addressed issues such as news racks and committee structure. Do we not have more consequential financial and operational concerns?
I don’t get it. Why is the board eliminating and constricting the functions of committees? Citizen committees function in an advisory capacity; they don’t hold final decision-making power. Their recommendations and reports inform the board. The ultimate authorization and implementation is decided by the board, which does not mean it must accept the recommendation. And significantly, the citizens serve for free! Just as importantly, they don’t take up valuable board time.
News racks? I get that to be constitutionally valid, regulations must be tailored to a significant government interest. But what we’re talking about here is clutter and, more significantly, public safety (obstructing pedestrian traffic), particularly for individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. This is not rocket science! I’m sure hundreds of cities have dealt with the matter already, including all the constitutional issues. This should not be on the agenda until the solicitor and staff have a final code provision and procedures ready for a vote. Fifteen minutes, not the hour it took with no resolution!
And one more thing. I’m not the only one being subjected to inappropriate comments. Indeed, in comparison, I got off easy. One commissioner, it appears, has been subjected to what might be described as constant pestering – vitriol was her word. I gave a lesson to the board on Robert’s Rules and meeting decorum at a prior meeting. However, it does not appear to have slowed the person down. Nevertheless, a solution is necessary; a one-on-one meeting to establish the rules of the road and come to an amicable agreement. Why do I have to say this?
The board needs to pull up its pants, tighten its belt and probably add a pair of suspenders! The next regular meeting is primarily for the purpose of reorganizing, aka, get your act together! As the Nike logo says, just do it!
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