Wolfe Runne residents still waiting for sewer

Keith Parsell, representing the Wolfe Runne homeowners association sewer committee, appeared before Sussex County Council July 16, asking for council’s help to resolve an ongoing effort to connect the community to central sewer.

“It’s been one fiasco after another for seven years,” he said. “Now the cost is out of sight for the residents. The HOA was given 60 days to come up with $1.4 million. That’s $17,000 to $20,000 for each resident.”

Wolfe Runne was the first community built along Gills Neck Road in the 1980s. The community’s 82 homes are located on large lots with more than 100 acres of woods, meadows and ponds.

Parsell presented council with a letter – signed by Parsell and HOA President Bob Fischer – detailing the history of the project.

“Where can we get off center?” Parsell asked council.

Parsell said the HOA board has met with county officials dozens of times. “We want county council to look at our proposal and figure out how we can get this matter resolved,” he said. “We respectfullly request the county to immediately work with us to seek a quick and more cost-effective approach to the resolution of this issue.”

Parsell said he has been waiting for central sewer since he purchased his home 18 years ago. He said replacing his septic system would cost more than $80,000.

New bids rejected

“I differ significantly on Mr. Parsell’s view of the last seven years,” said county engineer Hans Medlarz, who is semi-retired and still representing projects he has started.

The lowest bidder on a new round of bids was $1.4 million over the budget for the project.

Medlarz said supplemental funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development must be applied for, but that process cannot be accomplished in the 60-day deadline imposed by the USDA.

Based on that, Medlarz recommended that all bids be rejected. Council concurred.

The USDA has committed $3 million to the project. Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson and Finance Director Gina Jennings will meet later in July with the HOA board to look at options.

“We’ve made an incredible effort,” Medlarz said.

Development along Gills Neck Road now includes Governors, Senators, Hawkseye, Showfield and Admiral’s Chase, all connected to county central sewer. Wolfe Pointe and The Moorings at Lewes retirement/assisted living facility are also on the road.

TIMELINE

Dec. 16, 2017: County officials meet with the Wolfe Runne HOA on potential costs associated with connecting to county sewer.

March 6, 2018: More than 80% of residents vote in favor of a central system to replace on-site septics.

April 17, 2019: Council authorizes USDA funding application.

Sept. 27, 2019: USDA commits $3 million to the project.

Nov. 19, 2019: Engineering firm George, Miles and Buhr is awarded a $204,000 contract for engineering and design of a gravity-fed system.

Sept. 14, 2022: After several attempts at securing an easement that were unsuccessful, the county informs the HOA that the original design will not work. The HOA board then supports a new vacuum design system.

Oct. 26, 2022: County officials submit new design to USDA, which requires engineering and environmental updates within three months. Following that, the HOA board informed county officials it had rejected the vacuum design system and wanted to return to the original design with a new easement plan.

June 7, 2023: Easement is secured and recorded.

Aug. 15, 2023: GMB is awarded an amended contract for $325,000 for redesign and construction plans.

April, 2024: Bids are released for redesign with four submitted.

July 16, 2024: Bids are rejected, with lowest being $1.4 million over budget.

July 16, 2024: Wolfe Runne sewer committee Chairman Keith Parsell asks council to intercede.