Gregory A. Morris

The meeting agenda included a public hearing and discussion regarding an ordinance to establish the Dagsboro Traffic Code, which assesses fines for specific violations of Title 21 of the Delaware Code. The consent agenda covered reports from the Police Department, Fire Department, Treasurer, Administration, Cemetery, Code Enforcement, and Water Department, as well as correspondence. New business items included an audit presentation, bids for patching holes throughout the town, a Cross Connection Services Agreement with National Water Specialties Co., and a discussion related to the Downtown Development Districts Program. Old business involved the Hydrocorp Contract for Cross Connection services and further discussion/possible decision on proposed Impact Fee Changes. An executive session was scheduled to discuss site acquisitions for publicly funded capital improvements.

The agenda for the Town Council meeting includes a Public Comment period and a Public Hearing scheduled for 6:00 p.m. The Consent Agenda covers reports from various departments, including Police, Fire, Treasurer, Administration, Cemetery, Code Enforcement, and Water, along with correspondence. New Business items involve the presentation of the PKS Audit for 2024-2025, discussion of bids for patching town holes, the Cross Connection Services Agreement with National Water Specialties Co., and discussion and possible vote on an ordinance establishing the Dagsboro Traffic Code. Old Business includes the HydroCorp Contract for Cross Connection and further discussion on proposed Impact Fee Changes. The session concludes with an Executive Session to discuss site acquisitions for capital improvements and a personnel matter.

Key discussions centered on the proposed adjustments to construction impact fees, where an alternative, phased increase strategy was proposed instead of the initially suggested doubling of fire and ambulance fees alongside a new police impact fee. The reorganization of the council included the election of new officers: Jason Russell as Mayor, Carol Thompson as Vice-mayor, John Marvel as Secretary/Treasurer, and CJ Shortridge as Assistant Secretary. The Police Department report detailed receiving Homeland Security seizure funds, the installation of Flock license plate reader cameras, and the assignment of Cpl. Valenti to the detective position. A new initiative was discussed to notify the department about construction activities to ensure adequate police coverage. Policy discussions included an exception to roll over accrued vacation time for Cpl. Cullen due to extended leave, and a motion to investigate options for live-streaming town council meetings for increased transparency. The council voted to immediately adopt a revised ordinance implementing a 0.25% impact fee increase for the Police Protection Fund, mirroring the existing contributions for fire and ambulance, while deferring decisions on other proposed increases and effective timelines. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session regarding site acquisitions for publicly funded capital improvements.

The meeting involved the reorganization of the Commission, confirming the continued roles of the Chairman, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary. Key new business centered on the review and discussion of a proposed restaurant/bar at 33262 Main Street, which involves a 1,500 square foot expansion. Discussion covered compliance with Town Center zoning requirements, including setbacks (noting a grandfathered non-conforming boundary), lot coverage, alcohol service hours, and screening for rooftop equipment. Parking solutions, involving the utilization of on-street parking approved by Del-Dot, were reviewed, as were requirements for pedestrian walkways and utility screenings (dumpsters, grease interceptors). The Commission recommended approval to the Town Council for the site plan contingent upon the inclusion of specific details regarding a paved pad, screening, service paths, and a grease trap in the final plan. Additionally, the Commission reviewed, discussed, and accepted the Planning and Zoning Rules from 2011.

This document, a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, serves as a guide for the future development and direction of the Town of Dagsboro. It encompasses detailed information ranging from the town's history to its future plans, providing a comprehensive source of information for leadership and the community. The plan aims to incorporate community input to shape the town's trajectory.