Town of Bethany Beach

The Town Council meeting included the approval of the agenda and prior meeting minutes from November 21, 2025 (Regular and Executive Session) and December 15, 2025 (Special Meeting). Key discussions involved approving the unaudited financial report for the budget through December 31, 2025, noting operating revenue was on budget but expenses were slightly behind pace. A significant portion of the meeting focused on presenting a check for $4,850 raised by the Police Department and others to Justin's Beach House, a foundation honoring Justin Jennings. Officer Chuck Scharp was recognized for 20 years of service. Announcements included updates on potential beach replenishment funding limitations and thanks for organizing holiday events. The Police Accountability Committee reported on promotions, security assessments for local churches, a demonstration rally, and passing a juvenile offender audit, noting low citizen complaints. The Cultural & Historical Affairs Committee reported on recent events and planning for the Town's 125th anniversary. The Budget and Finance Committee reviewed the third quarter budget, forecasting a revenue surplus but noting increased operating costs, and planning for the FY 2027 draft budget. The Town Manager updated the Council on upgrades to the Council room audio-visual system, the upcoming bid opening for boardwalk ramp reconstruction (estimated at $170,000 for two ramps), changes to the Plaza bulkhead repair bid to include paver repair, the advertisement for intersection improvements at SR1 and SR26, and securing a $150,000 grant for park renovation. AEDs were installed following a Public Works employee health incident, and the annual Water Quality Report confirmed minimal lead and copper traces. An update was provided on the Lake Bethany Land Spit Restoration project, which is on schedule for wall construction completion mid-February. Finally, the Council unanimously appointed Matt Kirks to the Board of Adjustment and Donna Neimiller to the Audit Committee. Funds of $50,000 were also approved to meet the match requirement for the Surface Water Matching Planning Grant for the Bethany West Flooding/Drainage Study.

The committee meeting agenda included a presentation by Christophe Tulou, Executive Director of the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, discussing his extensive executive and legislative experience. Bob Collins provided an update on the completion of The Center for the Inland Bays' new Thompson Island Living Shoreline project. The Chairman provided updates on regional resilience efforts, including the status of beach crossovers, hosting the Sussex County Association of Towns meeting, a new DNREC requirement for a public access plan by July 1, and ongoing discussions regarding the Loop Canal dam. Specific town resilience efforts mentioned included current work on Loop Canal bulkheads under a $1,370,000 contract, which includes federal and state grant funding, and plans for a Living Shoreline in Lake Bethany. The Town Manager updated the committee on current stormwater and flood resilience efforts, specifically concerning the Loop Canal / Assawoman Canal Mechanical Flap Dam, Loop Canal Bulkhead and Living Shoreline projects, the Pennoni Engineers Sea Level Rise Study, and the Bethany West Drainage Study. Additionally, Matt Kirks discussed the ongoing distribution of the "Bethany Homeowners Help the Town Fight Flooding" pamphlet.

The agenda for the Town Council meeting includes opening proceedings, committee reports, and consideration of new business items. Key new business discussions involve the presentation of a fundraising initiative check to Justin's Beach House, consideration and possible votes on the appointments of Matt Kirks to the Board of Adjustment and Donna Neimiller to the Audit Committee, and discussion regarding approving $50,000 to meet the match requirement for the Surface Water Matching Planning Grant for the Bethany West Flooding/Drainage Study. The meeting is open to the public and may be subject to agenda changes.

Key discussions included a presentation by Tony Pratt regarding opposition to the DNREC Replenishment Cost Sharing Study and support for the "Seaside to Statewide" economic study, as well as perspectives on local sea level rise and climate change exposure, specifically addressing flooding issues related to the Loop Canal and Assawoman Canal. A report on Inland Bays water quality was presented, noting the 2021 "Poor" or "D" rating and the shift toward focusing on individual water quality parameters measured by sondes. Updates were provided on regional resilience efforts, including the "Seaside to Statewide Economic Study." The Town Manager reported on plans to reestablish banks in the Loop Canal and Lake Bethany by restoring bulkheads and establishing a living shoreline, and noted restarting executive-level discussions with DNREC regarding the loop canal dam permitting. Finally, there was a report on the distribution of "Bethany Homeowners Help the Town Fight Flooding" pamphlets.

The Town Council meeting included the approval of the agenda and financial reports, noting that operating revenue was on budget and operating expenses were on target as of July 31, 2025. The approval of Tax Adjustment List #2 was initially tabled due to a clerical error but later approved. Key announcements included that there would be no Town Council election this year as incumbents and one other candidate were unopposed. The Annual Beach Patrol Report highlighted a fully staffed summer with 76 lifeguards, 505 water rescues, and first-place wins in local competitions. The Council also honored the 100th Anniversary of the Women's Civic Club with a resolution recognizing their century of service. The purchase and installation of light poles at the intersection of SR1 and SR26 for $41,615.00 was approved, and the September 19, 2025, Regular Town Council Meeting was canceled. Updates were provided on the Loop Canal Dam design, Bethany West flooding/drainage issues, and the development of the Bethany Life App. Additionally, the Water Department scheduled power washing for the water towers, and the Police Department announced a seasonal officer accepted a position with the U.S. Secret Service.