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City of Lewes opens its doors to the public

Residents meet city employees, learn more about departments
The City of Lewes hosted an open house at the Rollins Community Center April 25, inviting guests to learn more about city services and the people who provide them. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
May 18, 2023

Story Location:
101 Adams Avenue
Lewes, DE 19958
United States

Lewes residents and visitors were given the opportunity April 25 to learn about the services provided by the City of Lewes and meet the people who perform those services.

Kicking off at 6 p.m., the event transformed the Rollins Community Center into a one-stop shop for anyone interested in learning about the city’s various departments. Representatives from the city manager’s office, building and code enforcement, maintenance, parks and marina, Lewes Police Department and parking enforcement were on hand. Delaware Solid Waste Authority joined Lewes employees as well, answering the age-old question of what can and cannot be recycled.

Attendees like Ann Lyn and Bill Martin took full advantage of the opportunity to learn more about where their tax dollars go and to get to know the people keeping the city safe and clean. City planner Janelle Cornwell often works with applicants looking to build and had a computer handy to provide answers or, in the case of Sharon Corbett, look over a site plan. 

Lewes Police Chief Thomas Spell was joined by several members of the department and brought a few pieces of protective equipment for attendees to get a literal feel for. Bravely, Lewes Parking Enforcement Supervisor Dennis Crawford and Parking Enforcement Officer Tim Smith set up shop next to Lewes PD to explain parking enforcement procedures and provide answers to commonly asked questions. Crawford noted one of the primary complaints was drivers being unaware of kiosk locations. It perplexed Crawford personally because he had Smith install spinning fluorescent signs labeled “PAY HERE” on the parking kiosks.

About 20 people attended the event, including Lewes Board of Public Works President Tom Panetta. Panetta said it was a great idea, noting he would like BPW to have a presence at the next event. 

Officials have not established a date for a second open house, but have said it’s something they may do again. 

More information about city services and departments is available at ci.lewes.de.us.

 

City planner Janelle Cornwell reviews a digital site plan with Sharon Corbett. Cornwell works with applicants to ensure they are following code when building or remodeling in Lewes, providing useful information during the critical planning stages.
Ann Lyn and Bill Martin know the value of continuing one’s education and take time to learn more about the services and programs offered in Lewes parks and marinas. Shown are (l-r) dockhand Rich Stickley, Lyn, harbormaster John Lafferty, Parks and Marina Administrator Janet Reeves and Martin.
Diana Reardon attempts to understand the Rubix cube that is Lewes parking by speaking to Lewes Parking Enforcement Supervisor Dennis Crawford and Parking Enforcement Officer Tim Smith during the open house.
Bert Hennessy’s story gets a laugh from the Lewes Police Department, including Chief Thomas Spell. Chief Spell allowed attendees access to safety equipment such as a bulletproof vest. Shown are (l-r) Lt. James Azato, Deputy Mayor Khalil Saliba, Hennessy, officer Tyrone Woodyard, Lewes PD Administrative Assistant Sharon Slater and Spell.
Although they are quick to credit others, Assistant City Manager/Financial Officer Ellen Lorraine McCabe, left, and City Manager Ann Marie Townshend are praised often by staff and council for their hard work and dedication to the City of Lewes.
Lewes Mayor Andrew Williams and Lewes Board of Public Works President Tom Panetta discuss the pressing issues affecting Lewes residents.
Enjoying a brief off season between budget season and the busy summer season, the finance department stands ready to answer all questions related to money. Shown are (l-r) Financial Advisor Debbie Lent, Human Resources & Benefits Administrator Shelby Shockley and Finance Manager Liz Schafer.
The building department enforces city code, while also working with residents to ensure their vision can be achieved in a compliant way. With this group, it’s better to ask first rather than beg for permission later. Shown are (l-r) Permit and Building License Specialist/Recording Secretary Kayla Pendrick, Building Official John Robitaille and Code Enforcement Officer Chelsea Clark.
Ann Carpender attempts to tackle the after-meal dilemma of whether it should go in the can with a yellow top or solid colors. Delaware Solid Waste Authority’s Amana Menasion, left, and Bryn Kolmansberger waste no time in getting information to Carpender.
Former Councilman Rob Morgan chats with Maintenance Department Manager Rick Melendez, Streets Foreman Kenny Morris and Facilities Foreman Alison Kirk.
For those who attended the open house, they were given an entry into a raffle. Some officials believed they should schedule more events in the future to continue connecting with residents and visitors while increasing transparency.

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