News Briefs 01/25/19
Rehoboth Parks Commission to meet Jan. 28
The Rehoboth Beach Parks and Shade Tree Commission has scheduled a meeting for 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 28, in the commissioners’ room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for two appeal hearings. The first pertains to a determination of minimum tree-density planting requirements at 123 Norfolk St. The second appeal pertains to a determination of a fee in lieu of mitigation for 10 trees, or 30 inches of caliper, at 48 Wilmington Ave. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.
Lewes downtown parking meeting set Jan. 28
The Lewes Business District Parking Committee will meet at 8:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 28, at city hall. The group will continue to discuss ideas to improve parking in the downtown area. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.
Learn about Social Security changes Jan. 28
One of the most important federal benefits for American seniors is Social Security. But complex and ever-changing rules can be difficult to follow, especially for retirees, the disabled and those planning their financial future - and who need benefits to be consistent.
The Sussex County Advisory Committee on Aging & Adults with Physical Disabilities will host a presentation at its next meeting, at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 28, in which Social Security Administration representative Matthew Baxter will give a presentation titled Social Security 101. Baxter will review the history and purpose of the Social Security Administration; discuss eligibility criteria for all benefit programs (Social Security also offers disability benefits for individuals aged 18 years and older, and survivor benefits for children and spouses); address concerns about the future solvency of programs; and highlight services available through Social Security’s website.
The meeting will be held at the County Administrative Offices West Complex, 22215 N. DuPont Blvd., in Georgetown. The committee is an 11-member panel established by Sussex County Council to be an advocate for programs and policies that benefit older and disabled residents. It meets in January, March, May, July, September and November.
Rehoboth charter changes head to Senate
A bill changing Rehoboth’s charter to limit voting to individuals, while at the same time relaxing some voter registration and eligibility requirements to bring them in line with state law, is now in the Senate.
House Bill 34 was introduced Jan. 7 to the House Administration Committee. It was reported out of the committee Jan. 16 on its merits, 4-0, and then passed through the House unanimously Jan. 22. It has been assigned to the Senate Elections, Government and Community Affairs Committee, and is awaiting consideration. The bill clarifies the one person, one vote rule for all elections – annual municipal, annexation, and borrowing and bond issuance elections; reduces the residency requirement for voter eligibility from six months to 30 days; defines condominium and domicile; changes the voter registration deadline to 30 days prior to the annual municipal election; reduces the amount of time nonresident property owners have to own property in town before they can vote to three months; and changes the city’s process to purge individuals from the books of registered voters. Rehoboth commissioners also approved a charter change creating a lodging tax of up to 3 percent, but as of press deadline Jan. 24, a bill had not been introduced to the General Assembly.
Rehoboth parking committee to meet Jan. 29
The Rehoboth Beach Parking Committee has scheduled a meeting for 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29, in the commissioners’ room of city hall. The agenda calls for a discussion on the status of the committee’s recommendations to the commissioners and the path forward. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.
Rehoboth sets transportation meeting Feb. 1
The Rehoboth Beach Streets and Transportation Committee has scheduled a meeting for 10 a.m., Friday, Feb. 1, in the commissioners’ room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for prioritizing sign suggestions, a discussion of a stop sign at the intersection of Lake and Gerar avenues, and a discussion of one-way streets. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.
Mears nominated for Sussex P&Z seat
Bruce Mears of Ocean View has been nominated to fill a vacant seat on the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission. Mears, who was appointed to the county board of adjustment in 2017, has also served on the county board of appeals for 24 years and as chairman for 16 years. Mears is a home builder and designer who started his own business in 1985. County council will have to approve his nomination and then fill his vacant seat on the board of adjustment. The seat was left open when former commissioner Doug Hudson was elected to county council. Before council can vote on his nomination, Mears must be interviewed in a public meeting.
