By Mike McClure

The Delmar Council (Del.) was presented with the police chief’s report and approved a recommendation by Planning and Zoning Commission during last Monday’s teleconference meeting.

Police Chief Ivan Barkley reported that the department dealt with few issues over the holiday season. There was a death at a bus stop in town, but there is no evidence of foul play.

Barkley also reported that one employee tested for COVID-19, was in quarantine, and is now returning to work following a negative test. He also said that half of the department’s personnel are getting vaccinated.

Brock Parker represented Councilman Bill Boyan in the presentation of a Planning and Zoning request to build a new detached garage on Grove Street. The Council voted, 3-0, to approve the Planning and Zoning Commission favorable recommendation of the project.

Student representative Theresa Morelli reported that the Delmar School District was planning to begin hybrid learning on Jan. 11, with one group doing in-school learning on Mondays and Tuesdays and another group attending school on Thursdays and Fridays. Some students will continue to learn virtually all week.

Councilman Greg Smith reported that the Community Love Light Tree, located in State Street Park, will soon come down. While the program was not as successful as it has been in the past, due to the coronavirus, it raised around $2,500 for St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church.