News Briefs 05/28/19
Rehoboth utility rates working group to meet
The Rehoboth working group studying utility rates in Rehoboth has scheduled a meeting for 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 29, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for continued discussion of a proposed rate structure for water and wastewater rates. 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.
Water protection subcommittee to meet
The Source Water Assessment Plan Subcommittee of the Source Water Assessment and Protection Program will meet from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday, May 30, in the training room of Tidewater Utilities, 1100 South Little Creek Road, Dover. The meeting agenda can be found on the Delaware public meeting calendar at https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/Meeting/62635. For more information about the Source Water Assessment and Protection Program, go to http://delawaresourcewater.org, or contact Source Water Program hydrologist Douglas Rambo at 302-739-9945.
DNREC urges caution when navigating Baker’s Channel
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is advising boaters in the Inland Bays to be alert when navigating in Baker’s Channel, which extends from Rehoboth Bay to Indian River Bay around the eastern side of the island known as Lynch’s Thicket. There is only about 1.5 feet of water at low tide for boaters to navigate at the Rehoboth Bay entrance to the channel, between channel marker 1 and the gate at markers 3 and 4. This portion of Baker’s Channel is scheduled to be dredged later this year as part of the Massey’s Ditch maintenance dredging project.
DOJ seeks environmental experts
The Department of Justice is asking private law firms to submit competitive bids by June 14 to be appointed as special counsel in connection with an investigation and possible court proceedings involving violations of environmental laws pertaining to hazardous substances, wastewater, and ground contamination.
“The people of this state are as entitled to environmental justice as they are to public safety, to civil rights, and to freedom from predatory business practices,” said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “If we learn that Delaware’s environmental laws have been violated, then we will seek action to hold accountable those who jeopardize our health and our communities.”
DOJ’s Request for Proposals contains detailed provisions to ensure fairness, competitiveness, and transparency and appropriate state control over any decision to initiate or resolve litigation.
The RFP states that “retention will include significant evaluative and investigative preparatory work and may require the retention of scientific experts in the field of geology, environmental engineering, hydrology, hydrogeology, clinical toxicology, or other related disciplines.” The RFP requires that work is done on a contingency fee basis so that it does not involve the use of state funds.
Call for candidates in Rehoboth by June 3
Rehoboth Beach’s 2019 annual municipal election is Saturday, Aug. 10, and the city has issued a notice of solicitation for candidates. The terms of office are three years for each position. Commissioners Stan Mills and Toni Sharp are the two incumbents up for re-election.
Interested candidates must turn in a petition signed by at least 10 qualified voters, but not more than 25, to the city manager by 4:30 p.m., Monday, June 3. To be eligible to vote, a person must register on or before Thursday, July 11. Any qualified elector may file to request an absentee ballot no later than noon, Friday, Aug. 9. For more information, contact Donna Moore at 302-227-6181, Ext. 108, or go to www.cityofrehoboth.com.
