Seaford City Council approves appointment of Bowden as police department historian

The City of Seaford approved the appointment of Jim Bowden as the Seaford Police Department historian at last Tuesday’s meeting.

Chief Marshall Craft noted Bowden’s grandfather, George Washington Bowden, was a Seaford Police Chief and Bowden is committed to the community and history, including his Facebook page “Seaford, A Look Back in Time.” Bowden, a retired 911 systems technician, is also past president of the Georgetown Historical Society, former vice president of the Seaford Historical Society, former board member with the Delaware State Review Board for historical preservation, and former vice president of the Nanticoke Senior Center.

Jim Bowden received a proclamation from Mayor Matt MacCoy and the city of Seaford after he was appointed the Seaford Police Department official historian. Pictured with Bowden are council members Mike Bradley, Orlando Holland, Dan Henderson, Matthew MacCoy, Police Chief Marshall Craft, City Manager Charles Anderson, council woman Dr. Stephanie Grassett, and councilman Alan Quillen.

Bowden told the council his love of history was ignited by former editor of the Leader and local historian Wright Robinson, who taught Bowden many interesting history facts as they sat together on the porch. Bowden was unanimously approved, followed by a proclamation that names Bowden as the official historian. Bowden said it is an honor to serve Seaford.

Lisa Wool, Executive Director of the Nanticoke Water Shed Alliance, came before council with a plan and design concept for Phase I storm water management and renovations to High Street, and Market to Pine Streets. The project, which would begin upon the award of grant funds, would help clean water that is driven into the Nanticoke River, and will include “tree pits” that look like traditional landscape but capture storm water runoff. The project will also decrease the ponding that is occurring on High and Pine Streets as well as erosion. Engineer Brent Jett reviewed the preliminary drawings and told council the survey work is completed, and once the money is received, it would allow the city to be ahead of the waterfront projects planned in the city. The boxes with planted trees native to the area will capture rain, clean it, and then will flow into the river.

In other business, the council reviewed and provided feedback on first readings of changes to two municipal codes. The first would require all garbage and refuse to be placed in secure bags and inside containers. The purpose for the proposed change is due to numerous complaints of overflowing containers and unsecured trash bags laying outside. A suggestion by council is to clarify with separate language for recyclables since they are not placed into plastic bags. There will be a second reading for a council vote.

The other proposed change is to the code that would permit the sale of adult use marijuana in the city. The change would remove the wording that mandated that marijuana be removed as a Schedule I drug at the federal level.  The Schedule I drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. In May 2024 the Department of Justice proposed a change in scheduling to III under federal law. This change would include accepted medical use, taxable incomes and tax deduction, and banking access for businesses. The change would not legalize marijuana at the federal level for recreational use, which is in conflict with state laws that have legalized the use of marijuana. Additionally, the city council will vote to increase the cost of a retail license to $50,000 per year.

Councilman Mike Bradley voiced his opposition, mentioning that walking outside is most unpleasant at times with the residual smells, but acknowledged it to be the reality of today. The council will listen to a second reading on the proposed changes and will be open to public comments at a meeting set for Aug. 20.