The Delmar Commission approved the second reading for an ordinance for the issuance of bonds for phase one of a sewer replacement project. The Commission voted, 5-0, following a public comment session in which there was no public comment.
According to Maryland town attorney Bob Benson, there will be two bonds for $849,552 each with the town paying back one of the bonds while the other one will be forgiven.
Robert Campbell, right, is presented with a proclamation in recognition of his service to the town of Delmar. Photo by Mike McClure
The Commission voted, 5-0, to amend the first payment date (to Feb. 1, 2024) before approving the second reading with the amendment. According to Town Manager Jeff Fleetwood, the loan will be closed on Sept. 27.
The owners of Best Remedy Urgent Care, to be located in the Endoscopy Center, introduced themselves during the meeting. The new business anticipates opening in December and will provide x-rays, labs, and prescription refills.
Lt. Mike Bond presented the police chief’s report. Bond said there has been a countywide case of vehicle break-ins. He advised residents to report suspicious activity. Bond also said that it is getting close to the season when robberies take place.
The police department’s golf tournament will take place on Sept. 30.
Commissioner Jacob Boothe reported on Wicomico County’s planned $4.8 million expansion project at the Mason-Dixon complex. The county is seeking funding for the project from the state and municipalities. It is expected to be a multiyear, multiphase project with a timeframe of three to five years.
During his report Fleetwood said DelDOT approved the speed reduction on Stage Road and Route 54. They are waiting for signage for the Delaware side.
The deadline to file for the Mayor’s seat and two Commission seats ended on Monday. Mayor Ben Jorden is running unopposed while Jack Lennox is running for re-election and two other citizens filed for the two open council seats. Commissioner Lloyd Unsell did not file for re-election.
The deadline to register to vote is Nov. 16 at 4:30 p.m. The election will take place on Nov. 21 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in council chambers.
Fleetwood said Starbuck’s has a tentative grand opening of Sept. 22. A ribbon cutting is scheduled to take place that day.
The town is talking to railroad officials to contract a replica of the former rail station. The railroad will match any funds the town raises. Fleetwood has spoken with Rep. Tim Dukes and Sen. Bryant Richardson about providing funds for the project.
“It would be an awesome project for this community,” Boothe said of the train station.
Fleetwood added that it could be used as a possible public meeting space.
Fleetwood also said that the town is getting sunscreen/sunshade quotes for the State Street and West Tot Lot parks. The target is spring of 2024 and Fleetwood said he is looking to get grants.
The restrooms in State Street Park, which were constructed in 1974 will be reconstructed to be ADA compliant thanks to funding from the state. He hopes they will be open by Jan. 1, 2024.
The town’s farmer’s market will have its inaugural opening this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Prior to the meeting, the Delmar Commission and Council presented a proclamation to Robert Campbell for his behind the scenes work in service to the town.
“Your dedication, focus and overall commitment are to be commended. During your lifetime you have made many contributions that affected this town and its citizens. While you are a citizen to the entire Delmar community, you truly are a person who acts behind the scenes and this speaks volumes of who you truly are,” the proclamation read.
Campbell has done work in service of the high school and the town, including painting the paw prints in the street outside the middle/senior high school.
