Rehoboth figuring out path forward to replace city manager

After less than a year, citing unforeseen family matters, Rehoboth Beach City Manager Laurence Christian recently announced that his last day on the job will be Friday, Nov. 3. City commissioners are now figuring out how they’ll move forward.

The city’s plans for recruiting candidates are still being developed, said Lynne Coan, city spokesperson, in an email Sept. 21. The city anticipates working with a recruiting firm, she said.

“We expect to start the search soon and will share details of our plan when they are finalized,” said Coan.

Christian, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, took the reins in January, replacing former City Manager Sharon Lynn, who left in May 2022 after being hired in 2013. The city hired a consultant to navigate the months-long search process. Prior to Rehoboth, Christian had been municipal manager in Bethel Park, Pa., since 2019.

Commissioners conducted an executive session Sept. 15 to discuss the qualifications of a new city manager.

As of Sept. 21, it’s not clear if Christian will be paid a full year’s salary or for 10 months. Christian’s annual salary began at $160,000.

Separation agreement details have not been fully worked out, said Coan.

One thing that is clear is that Assistant City Manager Evan Miller will be filling in as city manager, just like when Lynn left.

Coan said Miller will assume interim city manager duties beginning Saturday, Nov. 4, and will be compensated for the additional responsibilities. Miller will receive an increase in pay equal to the percentage he earned when he served as interim city manager in 2022, she said.

The timing of Christian’s announcement puts Rehoboth in direct competition for a city manager with Lewes, which is also aiming to fill the same position. Lewes City Manager Ann Marie Townshend announced in late August she will be leaving in mid-October after six years.

“The City of Rehoboth Beach is the Nation’s Summer Capital, a welcoming and world-class coastal destination, and a role model for other communities in coastal Delaware,” Coan said. “Commissioners’ goal is to attract top-notch city manager candidates as we always have in the past.”

Public works director is also leaving

It’s not just Rehoboth’s city manager that will be leaving soon, as Public Works Director Kevin Williams recently announced his plans to leave. Coan said Williams, who started with the city in May 2018, has indicated he plans to retire within the next year.

The city began advertising for a deputy public works director this summer and a public works director a few weeks ago. During a meeting Sept. 18, Williams said the city had found a possible candidate for the assistant public works position.

As part of succession planning, the city wants to hire someone who can benefit from working alongside Williams, said Coan. The city’s plan is that the assistant public works director will move into the director role upon Williams’ retirement, she said.

Prior to Rehoboth, Williams was in the Army, retiring as a colonel. He worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and served as an engineering consultant with O’Brien & Gere in Washington, D.C. Among the things he has overseen during his tenure were a multiphase reconstruction of the city’s wastewater treatment plant, an overhaul of water and wastewater billing, the implementation of a street repaving program, the implementation of a water meter replacement program and the inspection and cleaning of the city’s stormwater pipes.