News Briefs 3/5/21

Judicial emergency order extended

An emergency order in place for Delaware courts was extended for another month in an update signed March 3. The order suspends requirements for sworn declarations, verifications, affidavits and other court business. It also tolls speedy trial guidelines.

Sharrows recommended for Rehoboth streets

Looking for easy ways to improve bicycle safety, the Rehoboth Beach Streets & Transportation Committee voted in favor of recommending that city commissioners authorize painting sharrows on Rehoboth, Henlopen and Bayard avenues and State Road. The 4-1 vote took place during a March 1 meeting. Sharrows are arrow-shaped markings used to designate street areas where vehicles and bikes share space. Committee member John Gauger voted against the measure. He said he didn’t think the city should be encouraging biking on Rehoboth Avenue. City Commissioner Pat Coluzzi, who chairs the committee, didn’t disagree with Gauger, but she said people are riding their bikes on Rehoboth Avenue and the city needs to make it as safe for them as possible.

Rehoboth commissioner workshop March 8

Rehoboth Beach commissioners have scheduled an online workshop for 9 a.m., Monday, March 8. The agenda calls for discussions on making the Grove Park parking lot metered and a change to code requiring applications to the city be done in a digital format. The agenda also calls for discussion of a request by the farmers market to increase the number of vendors from 25 to 38. Anyone wishing to speak must preregister at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Special Rehoboth meeting set March 8

Rehoboth Beach commissioners have scheduled a virtual special meeting for 11:30 a.m., Monday, March 8. The agenda calls for a strategy session regarding pending and potential litigation, including whether to indemnify an individual. This may include an executive session. The agenda says commissioners may consider any appropriate action, including indemnification of an individual. Anyone wishing to speak must preregister at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Rehoboth resumes budget discussion

Rehoboth Beach commissioners and city staff are set to resume budget discussions virtually at 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 8. The city’s fiscal year runs April 1 to March 31. City Manager Sharon Lynn presented commissioners with a $27.7 million budget Jan. 15. The proposed budget includes a 2 percent raise for employees and approximately $4.9 million in capital improvements. Anyone wishing to speak must preregister with City Secretary Ann Womack at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Special Rehoboth meeting set March 9

Rehoboth Beach commissioners have scheduled an online special meeting for 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 9. The agenda calls for continued discussion of outdoor dining and the tree code. Anyone wishing to speak must preregister with City Secretary Ann Womack at least 24 hours prior to the meeting by emailing awomack@cityofrehoboth.com. A full agenda and meeting materials are accessible at cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Lewes-Georgetown Trail section will close

The section of the Lewes-to-Georgetown Trail from Log Cabin Hill Road to Nassau Road will be closed for routine maintenance from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, March 22, through Thursday, March 25, pending weather conditions. The rain dates are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, March 26, and Monday, March 29, through Thursday, April 1. Maintenance includes removal of hazardous trees next to the trail and dead wood hanging above the trail.

Sussex council meeting March 9

Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, March 9, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda are a presentation from Atlantic General Hospital CEO Michael Franklin and a 10:30 a.m. public hearing on amending the annual operating budget to incorporate additional realty transfer tax revenue and allowable expenditures. Finance Director Gina Jennings will discuss a memorandum of understanding between the county and state for dog-control enforcement and creation of a Sussex Ambulance Fund through the Delaware Community Foundation. See a complete agenda and meeting materials at sussexcountyde.gov/agendas-minutes/county-council. Meetings are held in person and available via livestream at sussexcountyde.gov/council-chamber-broadcast and by telephone at 302-394-5036 using code 570176.

Dewey joint workshop set March 8

Dewey Beach commissioners will join with the budget and finance, audit, and investment committees to hold a virtual workshop at 5 p.m., Monday, March 8. Attendees will discuss auditors’ recommendations and requirements for a general fund balance policy. A link to the workshop is available at townofdeweybeach.com.

Sussex council awards nonprofit grants

Sussex County Council awarded the following councilmanic grants during its Jan. 5 meeting: $750 to ReTemp Development Center in Laurel for its food outreach program; $500 to Best Buddies International Inc. for its Sussex County inclusion project; $1,000 to Joseph Patrick Fabber Memorial Foundation for a new Caring for Our Caregivers program; $750 to Trinity Foundation, based in Seaford, for its 11th annual Heart & Sole 5K fundraiser; and a $1,000 youth grant to Delaware Agricultural Museum for a virtual field trip program.