Sussex County Council Adopts Resolution in Support of the Preservation of Local Governance
The Sussex County Council discussed and adopted a Resolution in support of the preservation of local governance. The vote was unanimous and is similar to resolutions recently adopted by County officials in Kent and New Castle Counties. This measure came about after state lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 159, which would override the County Council’s vote last December to deny a conditional use application for an electric substation near Dagsboro, proposed by US Wind.
County Administrator, Todd Lawson, tells the Council that this is not the first time that the state has acted against County established regulations. After Sussex County established an ordinance for setting up retail marijuana facilities, the state introduced Senate Bill 75 which would limit the County restrictions. That measure has passed in the State Senate and is in the House Administration Committee awaiting action.
The Council heard a presentation from George Chamberlin and members of the Delaware Environmental Coalition to discuss fisheries and aquaculture – enhancing oyster production and more shellfish species like like hard clams. They help to filter the water in the inland bays which suffer from excess nutrients.
They also heard an update from Kevin Roche and Natasha Nau from FACETS Consulting – in reference to the Delaware Fire Service Financial Review. They have been assessing the financial health of the County’s volunteer fire companies over the past year. Overall Sussex County Fire and EMS companies have average grades between 60 and 79. They believe that Sussex County and Fire Service need a strategic plan to move into the future and offered several recommendations.
Three county employees were honored as Shining Stars by Human Resources Director Karen Brewington. She told the Council that the three were chosen from 36 submissions. Valerie Thompson, Engineering and Michael Lowery and Amy Hollis from Planning & Zoning are now also eligible for Employee of the Year.
The Council awarded a contract for over $705,000 to Strobert Tree Service, Inc. for the removal of tall trees and vegetation at the end of runway 4 – which is the primary runway at the Delaware Coastal Airport. The trees will be removed from county-owned property on the opposite side of Old Park Avenue toward the relocated roadway.
The Council also approved the acceptance of FAA Airport Improvement Program Grant Offers, the Authority of Signature and a construction bid award for phase 3 construction of the Parallel Taxiway B at the Delaware Coastal Airport. The cost at $2,828,177. This is a 6-phase project overall – which includes the construction of a new full-length Parallel Taxiway to Runway 4-22. This new taxiway will be designed to serve larger aircraft and will meet FAA new standards that include safety enhancements not available on the current Taxiway A.
The Sussex County Council is scheduled to meet next Tuesday, June 10th at 12:30pm in the County Administration Building on The Circle in Georgetown.
Click here for the Council Agenda