News Briefs 01/03/20

7-Eleven application on Jan. 7 Sussex agenda
Sussex County Council will meet at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7, in the county administration building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown. Included on the agenda is a possible vote on a conditional-use application filed by KH Sussex LLC for a 7-Eleven convenience store with gas pumps on a 3.5-acre parcel at the corner of Angola Road and Route 24 between Lewes and Long Neck. Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission has recommended approval of the application. See a complete agenda at sussexcountyde.gov. Meetings are broadcast live on the county website.

Milton Water Committee to meet Jan. 8
Milton Water Committee will meet at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Milton library to discuss current and future water infrastructure projects. The committee will also discuss a back-flow prevention policy.

Milton Finance Committee meets Jan. 9
Milton Finance Committee will meet at 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9, at Milton library to discuss and possibly vote on a capital improvements and purchase process for town administration. The discussion will include planning, request forms and a policy.

Lewes Public Art Committee meets Jan. 7
The Lewes Public Art Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7, at city hall. The group will discuss education efforts and long-term plans, including proposals for a temporary exhibit. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.

Lewes police review committee meets Jan. 7
The Lewes Police Department Review Ad Hoc Committee will meet at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 7, at city hall. The group will discuss the implementation of a 2005 study and discuss possible areas needing further review. For more information, call city hall at 302-645-7777.

Rehoboth commissioner workshop set Jan. 6
Rehoboth Beach commissioners have a workshop scheduled for 9 a.m., Monday, Jan. 6, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for continued discussions on possible changes to the city’s code regarding animals, parking and a possible shuttle service. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full copy of the agenda can be found at town hall or online at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.

Rehoboth budget workshop Jan. 6
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will begin budgeting for Fiscal Year 2020/21 with a special meeting at 1 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, in the commissioners room of city hall, 229 Rehoboth Ave. The agenda calls for a presentation by City Manager Sharon Lynn. For more information call 302-227-6181. A full agenda can be found at town hall or www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net.

Dewey Beach Patrol posts 2020 tryout dates
Dewey Beach Patrol will hold tryouts for lifeguard and EMT positions in March and April at the Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave. Tryouts will take place at 11:30 a.m. on March 22 and 29, and April 5. Testing will include a one-mile beach run, 200-meter sand sprint, 500-meter swim, rescue simulations and strength testing. Anyone interested in trying out should submit an application, available at townofdeweybeach.com. Submit applications to Capt. Todd Fritchman at todd@townofdeweybeach.com or 105 Rodney Ave., Dewey Beach, DE 19971.

Milton Town Council to meet Jan. 6
Milton Town Council will meet at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, at Milton library to discuss a recommendation from the Historic Preservation Committee not to pursue a paint palette for the historic district. Council will hear presentations from the Milton Fire Department on its capital campaign and construction project, and from Sussex County Community Development regarding a community development block grant. The fire department is also requesting a temporary use of 112 Chestnut St. for emergency medical services. The council will discuss a request from Milton Community Foundation related to Milton Memorial Park.

In new business, Phoenix PCHS Holdings LLC is requesting a rezoning of five parcels at 413, 415 and 423 Mulberry St. and 401 and 402 Reed St. Council will schedule a public hearing on the rezoning application and a proposed amendment to the comprehensive development plan.

Council will discuss the sale of 405 Mulberry St. and a request from Fernmoor Homes at Heritage Creek to review subdivision phases 7 and 8 and send the request to Planning and Zoning Commission. Finally, council will appoint members to an ad hoc finance committee to prepare a formal procurement procedure and discuss the elements the special review committee will use to consider an annexation petition from Milton Attainable Housing LLC.

Rehoboth police hiring cadets for season
The Rehoboth Beach Police Department is hiring police cadets for the 2020 summer season.
Basic qualifications include being 19 years old by June 1, 2020; a high school diploma or GED; a valid driver’s license; and being free from any criminal arrest or felony traffic arrests. Having an interest in future law enforcement/criminal justice careers is preferred. The hiring process includes completing an application, a criminal background check, a written test and an interview with Chief Keith Banks.
Applicants must be able to attend all mandatory training dates – April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26; and May 2 and 3.

A candidate must pass a psychological exam and drug test paid for by the city, and a physical exam paid for by the applicant. Application submission deadline is Tuesday, March 24, and forms are available at the police department, 229 Rehoboth Ave., or online at www.cityofrehoboth.com/government/departments/police/careers.

New dock, pier, pilings proposed for Lewes
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Delaware Coastal Management Program issued a federal consistency certification notice for the reconfiguration of docking facilities on the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal at 640 Pilottown Road, Lewes.

According to the Dec. 29 notice, all existing structures will be removed, with the exception of a 12-by-5-foot walkway, and replaced with a 20-by-4-foot gangway, a 12-by-6-foot floating pier, and a 6-by-60-foot dock with three associated pilings.

Comments concerning this certification will be accepted for 30 days from the date of this notice, which is Monday, Jan. 27. Comments may be sent to Delaware Coastal Programs, Kimberly Cole, Administrator, 100 W. Water St., Suite 7B, Dover, DE 19904, or email DNREC_DCP_PublicComment@state.de.us. For more information call 302-739-9283.

SDARJ to host smart justice program Jan. 14
The Smart Justice group from the American Civil Liberties Union will present its legislative agenda for Criminal Justice Reform during the Town Hall meeting of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice.  The meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Trinity Faith Christian Center, 15516 New Road in Lewes.

SDARJ advocates Nancy Powell and Sandy Spence will discuss significant legislation that will be introduced in the Legislature during the next session. Guest speaker Erica Marshall, manager of the ACLU’s Campaign for Smart Justice, will focus on the Smart Justice blueprint for resolving mass incarceration in Delaware, including a close look at the racial disparities in the criminal justice and prison system, and the impact on people of color. 

The blueprint will afford the audience a comprehensive view of those laws and regulations that negatively impact current efforts toward criminal justice reform in Delaware as well as specify recommendations for positive change. For moreinformation go to www.SDARJ.org.

Delaware GOP condemns local chairs’ remarks
Jane Brady, chair of the Republican Party of Delaware, released a statement this week condemning the language of New Castle County Chair Chris Rowe, who is tendering his resignation at the request of party leaders after he used homophobic language, and Sussex County Vice Chair Nelly Jordan, who is under fire for anti-Semitic remarks made online.

“Neither I nor the Delaware Republican Party, which I represent, condone any statements that demean or show disrespect to others. I have requested Chris Rowe’s resignation and he has agreed to tender it. His comment was offensive and did not reflect the values of respect and tolerance held dear by the Delaware Republican Party. Ultimately, as a result, he lost the support of those he was to lead.  Our party includes individuals from all different backgrounds, joined together to advance the principles we hold dear.  I am proud of Delaware Republicans and their support for the broad range of diversity that makes our party stronger.

“The remarks made by Nelly Jordan, who was elected to her post by the Sussex County GOP Executive Committee, were offensive, hurtful and anti-Semitic. “The process is different for Jordan because she was elected into her post and not appointed, unlike Rowe, who was appointed to his position. Nelly will have to make a choice of either resigning or going through a process to seek her removal,” Brady stated.