News Briefs 05/15/20

Initial unemployment claims 12 times prepandemic levels
The number of initial unemployment claims dropped about 1,600 in the week ending May 2 from the previous week. Still, the initial claims remain about 12 times the weekly number logged before the COVID-19 shutdown left workers unemployed. For the week ending May 2 there were 6,183 initial claims, down from 7,754 from April 25. A record weekly high was recorded for the week ending March 28, when there were 18,987 claims filed.

Sussex possibly in line for federal funding
Sussex County officials are waiting to see if the county will receive money from U.S. Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding provided to the state of Delaware and New Castle County. Sussex County did not qualify for direct federal funding because it was available only to cities and counties with populations more than 500,000.

At Sussex County Council’s May 12 teleconference meeting, County Administrator Todd Lawson said state officials have indicated some of the funding would possibly be provided to Sussex and Kent counties. “Staff is working with the state to determine how this process will be established and performed. We anticipate more information in the days ahead,” Lawson said.

The state was awarded $927.2 million and New Castle County received $322.8 million. Lawson said New Castle County officials will use some of the funding to provide $10,000 to all active first responders, which is an option not available to the other counties.

Rehoboth commissioner meeting set May 19
Rehoboth Beach has scheduled a special commissioner meeting for 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 19. The meeting will take place virtually. The agenda calls for further discussion on a comprehensive action plan for reopening the city from restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the public will be allowed to participate in the special meeting, but with limited access. Members of the public who wish to speak will be required to preregister with Ann Womack, city secretary, at awomack@cityofrehoboth.com at least two full business days prior to the meeting.

Citizen comment will be administered by a moderator. Speaking is not allowed until called upon. Members of the public can also submit comments electronically to Womack. All comments shall be submitted at least two full business days prior to the meeting date. Meeting materials are accessible on the city’s portal at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Dewey budget committee to meet May 15
The Dewey Beach Budget and Finance Committee will meet via Zoom at 4 p.m., Friday, May 15. A link to the meeting will be provided at townofdeweybeach.com. Members will discuss a working copy of COVID-19 impact scenarios, as well as most recent financial results, including actual vs. budget and year-over-year comparisons. 

Elaine Bole named chair of Dewey Election Board
Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously May 8 to reappoint Elaine Bole as chair of the town’s Election Board for a term of one year.

Rehoboth commissioner meeting set May 15
Rehoboth Beach commissioners will hold a virtual meeting at 10 a.m., Friday, May 15. The agenda calls for further discussion on a comprehensive action plan for reopening the city from restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the public will be allowed to participate with limited access. Those who wish to speak will be required to preregister with Ann Womack, city secretary, at awomack@cityofrehoboth.com at least two full business days prior to the meeting. Citizen comment will be administered by a moderator; speaking is not allowed until called upon. People can also submit comments via email to Womack at least two full business days prior to the meeting. Meeting materials are accessible at www.cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net. For more information, call 302-227-6181.

Submit comments for IRSD virtual meeting May 18
The Indian River School District Board of Education regular monthly meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, May 18, via Zoom. A link to the meeting and instructions on how to join will be posted at irsd.net on May 18. Public comments will be accepted in written form and will be read into the meeting record. Public comments must be submitted to Jennifer Troublefield at Jennifer.troublefield@irsd.k12.de.us by noon, Friday, May 15. 

Five Points virtual sessions begin May 18
The Delaware Department of Transportation has scheduled a Five Points Transportation Study virtual open house to provide an overview of the annual report, including what transpired in 2019 and what is planned for 2020.

The virtual open house will consist of two parts: Materials will be available at www.5Points.DelDOT.gov to review before registering for a drop-in session. Five drop-in sessions are planned on different dates; each will include a presentation and a moderated question-and-answer period with the study team. There is no need to attend more than one session. Drop-in session dates and times are: 4 p.m., Monday, May 18; 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21; noon, Friday, May 29; 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 3; and 10 a.m., Saturday, June 6. To register, go to www.5Points.DelDOT.gov.

The study is an innovative partnership between DelDOT and Sussex County focused on implementing solutions to address transportation issues in the greater Five Points area.

Budget topic of May 19 Sussex council meeting
Sussex County Council has scheduled a teleconference meeting starting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 19. Included on the agenda are a fiscal year 2021 budget presentation and an update on the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. See a complete agenda at sussexcountyde.gov. To listen to the meeting call 800-988-0494 and enter passcode 1695792. Comments are accepted during the public comment portion of the meeting. Comments can also be sent to rgriffith@sussexcountyde.gov by 4:30 p.m., Monday, May 18. There will be no council meeting May 26.

Lewes drawbridge night closing starts May 18
The Lewes-Rehoboth Canal drawbridge between Savannah Road and Anglers Road will be closed for nighttime repairs from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Monday, May 18, to 6 a.m., Friday, May 22, pending weather. Detour routes: Motorists traveling eastbound on Savannah Road will turn right onto Kings Highway, left on Monroe Avenue, left to Freeman Highway, then left on Cape Henlopen Drive and left to East Savannah Road. Motorists traveling from East Savannah Road will turn onto Henlopen Drive, right onto Freeman Highway, right onto Kings Highway and continue to Savannah Road. Detour signage will be posted. A shuttle for cyclists and pedestrians will be staged at Fisherman’s Wharf and 1812 Memorial Park parking lots.