LED lights coming to Rehoboth Avenue median

The Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners held its organizational meeting Sept. 15, which included the swearing-in of commissioners and the reappointment of volunteers to boards and commissions. The group also approved contracts related to infrastructure projects, OK’d noncontroversial ordinances and set a public hearing related to signs.

The city awarded a contract for about $77,000 to Long Neck-based Harry Caswell for the city’s annual water meter replacement program. The area of replacement is bordered by Christian and Philadelphia streets to the north, the Boardwalk on the east, Stockley Street on the south and Scarborough Avenue on the west.

Commissioners also awarded a contract for just under $84,000 to Harrington-based B.W. Electric for conversion of the streetlights in the median of Rehoboth Avenue to LED.

Public Works Director Kevin Williams said the contract includes the replacement of the arms, light fixtures and bulbs. There are 33 doubles and four singles, he said, adding that work should begin in November.

Code section repealed

Following a number of instances where administrative lot mergers and separations in Rehoboth Beach led to confusion with Sussex County land records, commissioners voted in favor of repealing a section of code that allows for that process to be done administratively.

Put in place about a decade ago, the measure was intended to streamline the process, but it’s turned out to be unworkable when it comes to recordkeeping between the city and Sussex County, said City Solicitor Glenn Mandalas.

Following the vote to repeal, commissioners voted in favor of a second ordinance giving the planning commission the authority to approve consolidations or separations.

Outdoor dining applications

Commissioners approved an amendment to the outdoor dining policy that allows the city manager to administratively approve outdoor dining patios on public space that already exist.

New applications for a license still have to go to the commissioners for initial approval. There is a nonrefundable $150 fee associated with any new application. As part of the approved change, that fee was removed for previously approved applicants.

Language was also added to give the city manager the power to require the property owner to obtain a new license agreement in unique circumstances.

Sign and canopy code

Commissioners set a public hearing for Friday, Oct. 20, related to code amendments that would add definitions and requirements for signs and marquees.

Specifically, as proposed, a canopy or marquee sign would be defined as a sign that is part of or attached to the visible surface of an attached canopy or marquee. Another proposed change includes language that says these signs can be applied on a flat plane to the face of the canopy or marquee, but not to the underside.