Delmar Council approves tax credit for eligible members of fire department

The May Delmar Council meeting took place last Monday night.As addressed in April’s meeting, the property owned by Mike Myers located at 300 North Eighth Street was poised to be annexed into the town, but he needed to further research his options. 

“The last time that I was here I’d just gotten some information that was unexpected and wanted a chance to do some research,” he said. Upon further investigation he brought his intentions to the council to move forward, with more clarification on driveway paving, which Planning and Zoning Director Twain Evanson was present to discuss.

Also during last month’s meeting, Mayor Tom Bauer provided the first public reading on adopting codification and revisions of ordinance #185 and in May the second reading was given. This ordinance does not make changes to existing code but puts the codes into digital form which Chief Ivan Barkley said, “streamlines our work…if someone has a question about something we did in regards to an ordinance.” It is immediately searchable on the Delmar website under Planning and Zoning. Following the second reading, a public hearing was held and the ordinance passed with no further comment.

Changes were made since the April meeting to the tax incentive for Delmar Volunteer Fire Department members that were proposed following feedback from the town’s Maryland leadership. These changes include removing the eligibility requirement of three-year service and the cap on the year’s tax, which will now just be made equal to the year’s tax. This was requested with recruitment in mind and the draft was read by Mayor Bauer. The following public hearing presented no comments and it passed unanimously.

Delmar has a new code enforcement officer, Kayla Trice, who was officially introduced at the start of covering new business. A charter amendment was later presented to increase the amount of time prior to the election that a person running must submit their name for the ballot. At present, 10 days ahead of an election a person can add their name to the town ballot and the mayor asked to this to be changed to 30 calendar days.

Bauer made the case that serious candidates would know months in advance if they are running. Council Member Mike McClure says it allows the public to figure out who they’re voting for, Council Member Matt Waldman noted that, “Thirty days seems like a reasonable amount of time.” Council Member Todd Lanier shared concerns with the proposal. He argued that it, “makes it that much harder to run,” and if there aren’t candidates, it increases the likelihood of an appointment being made instead. The motioned carried, 4-1, with Lanier in dissent.

The final student advisory report of the school year held a bevy of updates as the semester ends. Notable dates include May 12 progress reports, May 14 middle school band concert, May 15 high school band concert, and June 2 as the last day for seniors.

Further reports remained light. Chief Barkley noted no new crime trends and shared a story of meeting a local whose grandson works for Millsboro Police Department but said how she feels so safe being a resident of Delmar due to the excellent local force. Council Member McClure reported that the first meeting for the New Year’s eve celebration has been held, beginning the planning process. 

Town Manager Jeff Fleetwood reported on a new proposed social media policy in development “for the elected body, do yourselves a favor, please, when somethings controversial or not favorable, you need to be very conscious and cognizant before you chime in.” The draft will be brought to a future meeting. 

The council took turns sharing comments to the public. Vice Mayor Odell Jones, Jr. extended, “thanks for the positive comments for the citizen of the year banquet last week.” Waldman  emphasized the importance of watching more for children at play while the weather warms. McClure also reminded all that June 7 is Delmar Day in the Park.

Two members of the public shared their appreciation for the police and fire departments and emphasized the importance of their visibility to the youth locally. Vince Luca said “they’re doing their job and they’re doing a great job.” 

He suggested a drop box to the fire department to make donating simpler and more accessible.