By Lynn Schofer
The Seaford Council members were greeted during public comment by Laurel councilman George Lodato, who shared information on the citizen academy. The academy will be on Wednesday evenings beginning April 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Topics include response and resistance, de-escalation, DUI, alcohol impairment, criminal narcotics, investigations, mental health resources, and school resource officers. The program also includes canine demonstrations, a DUI simulator, a firearm simulator, and SWAT presentations. Lodato said the program is open to residents of Laurel but also Seaford, Blades, and anyone with an interest in police operations and community services. The goal of the academy is to grow community relations and improve communications. To attend the 10-week program, an application is available online by going to the Laurel Police Department’s home website.
Zoning ordinance- Building Official Mike Bailey presented revisions to Chapter 13 of the zoning ordinance that added requirements for parking areas for vehicles being used by people with disabilities. The updates are Delaware law that require commercial properties to secure permits to re-pave parking lots or reline parking spots. Local municipalities must review to ensure all ADA parking requirements are met.
Bailey reviewed, and the council voted to approve, the second reading of updated revisions to Chapter 9 of the City Plumbing code to the 2021 edition of the International Plumbing Code. Bailey, at the advice of Councilman Henderson, also included a provision that if the state updates to a newer code edition, the city automatically follows the new plumbing code. This aligns the city with the state, which is helpful to the plumbing businesses performing work in the city. Bailey also, in a first reading, presented the same type of revision for the International Energy Conservation Code and will return for a second reading and council vote.
Hotel plans- Present before the council was Nirav Avaiya, a partner in the recent purchase of the hotel located on the Route 13 Highway in Seaford. Avaiya thanked the council for their willingness to work with the partners to acquire the property and postpone the demolition.
Avaiya announced that the hotel franchise of IHG has entered an agreement, and the hotel will be a Holiday Inn Express. “You know we are here to be part of the community,” he said. The partners went to a settlement on Jan. 26, and in the presentation showed the council drawings of what the property will look like when finished, noting the franchise has strict requirements and standards that they must meet. The partners signed the deal terms with the IHG and then secured engineering and sprinkler system design.
Additionally, stabilization actions of roof replacement, exterior secured with temporary drywall and waterproofing, stucco repair contract awarded, night security, cameras, and solar-powered lighting in the back parking. Plans include the restoration of the outside stucco, installation of the sprinkler system, electrical connections, electrical work, parking area lighting, permanent security camera system, per the Holiday Inn Express guidelines. The partners hope to open the hotel in a timely manner but with care to follow all guidelines. More information will be provided as the work continues on the property.
Audit services- Director of Finance and Human Resources, June Merritt, presented the recommendation for audit services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, through 2030. The city reviewed three responses. Merritt said the recommendation is to continue with SB & Company LLC, which was accepted by council.
Sewer inspection system- Charles Anderson presented bid reviews for closed-circuit TV inspection of portions of the city sewer system. The purpose of the CCTV, closed-circuit TV, and inspection of the sewer system is to address inflow and infiltration problems. Anderson showed on the city map the locations in various areas. Anderson explained that the process will help determine if there are problems with the inflow of groundwater or the infiltration of groundwater. One of the goals is to reduce the inflow of stormwater in various areas flowing into the treatment plant because of the cost associated with treating stormwater. The council approved the recommendation to award the project to Metra Industries in the amount of $65,122.
Ross substation- Director of Electric, Greg Brooke, presented to the council a recommendation from the electric committee on future improvements to the Ross substation. The Ross substation on Herring Run Road was built in 1990. Brooke reviewed the transmission, breakers, and circuits of the station. Also included in the presentation was the condition of the substation, which includes deteriorating breakers, ongoing maintenance issues, some disconnects that were necessary in 2017, outdated controls that are 45 years old, transformer leaks, and transformer containment that does not meet 2026 standards.
The substation provides some back-up for the newer Slatcher Substation, and with economic growth, the updates may become a priority. However, the cost could be $3-10 million dollars, and the Slatcher Station provides ample load capacity and breaker space. Brooke said the city has the substation, and there is an obligation to maintain it and keep usable. The Slatcher substation on Pine Street Extension can support 150 percent of the city’s peak load.
The committee suggests that one new 12kV circuit breaker be installed at Slatcher to feed 310/330 and use circuit 220 to pick up 320. The new circuit would run down Ross Station Road to the old circuit and tie old to the new 310/330. The city would then unload Ross Substation and lightly maintain transformers while installing new radiators and oil containments. Additionally, Ross Station would be outfitted with new concrete block style containment with a new geomembrane liner system with barrier boom. The Ross substation would be lightly maintained in standby form and monthly checks.
Brooke explained the plan allows the city to carefully plan and acquire the funding to refurbish/replace the Ross Substation. Additionally, if there is an emergency, the substation can be used.
Brooke said it would be extremely costly to perform improvements in increments, and engineering costs would be significant. Additionally, the replacement of the transformer and breakers has delivery timelines of years.
Statement- The council approved a non-discrimination policy statement that would be included on the city’s website, as well as a public grievance procedure. City Manager Charles Anderson said when engaged in receiving federal grants, this is a requirement. The city received congressionally directed spending allotments, two for the wastewater treatment plant, one for the headworks and one for the expansion, and then one for Oyster House Park. The policy with a link to the form is on the city website.
Elections- Municipal elections for the city of Seaford will be Saturday, April 18 beginning at 7 a.m. at City Hall, 414 High Street. One mayoral seat (two year term) and two council member seats (three year term). Vice-Mayor Dan Henderson, councilman Mike Bradley have filed for re-election. Roberto Santos has filed for Council. The mayor position is uncontested.
The Seaford Star will print responses to questions sent to each of the three candidates prior to the April 18 election.
