During Monday’s meeting, the Delmar Council (Delaware) was updated on the status of the police department’s search for new recruits. Information was also presented on the annual spring cleanup while a pair of citizens spoke against residential developments to be located outside of town which would impact the town.
Delmar Police Chief Ivan Barkley reported that he received 18 new applications and, as of Saturday, had seven applicants left following applicant testing. He intends to put at least three candidates into the next academy class, in July, and at least two more in the following class, in January.
Barkley also said that Corporal Keith Heacook’s name will go on the National Memorial in Washington, D.C. during a dedication on May 13 at the 34th candlelight vigil during police week. More information about this event will be posted on the town’s website.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Delmar resident Tom Bauer asked for an update on the Black Water Creek project, located outside of town limits. He said it would adversely affect the town’s schools, police, fire, and infrastructure.
Town Manager Sara Bynum-King said there was nothing new on the proposed development, which is under Sussex County jurisdiction. She said Delmar Mayor Michael Houlihan did attend a Sussex County Council meeting during which the proposal was discussed.
Linday Morris asked about the Horsey Farm project, which Bynum-King said is tied in with the Black Water Creek project. Morris said the project has been paused.
“I think we have been handed a gift,” she said. “This thing is huge and could have a major impact on Delmar. Delmar needs to be intimately involved and focused on this thing. Delmar needs to be driving the car not sitting in the back seat.”
Morris proposed that the town form a task force to stay in the know. She added that she would like to see the town get cleaned up more before growing more.
“I don’t think we can handle any growth right now,” she said.
During her town manager’s report earlier in the meeting, Bynum-King reported that the town’s annual spring cleanup will take place next month: April 19-20 in Maryland and April 28-29 in Delaware. A list of what will be collected and what areas will be covered each day will be posted on the town’s website and Facebook page.
The town’s next joint budget workshop will take place on March 16 at 6 p.m. Council members were also invited to take part in the Sussex County Association of Towns (SCAT) legislative breakfast on April 8 at CHEER. The breakfast gives municipalities an opportunity to address legislators.
The Council voted, 4-0, to accept the Planning and Zoning Commission’s favorable recommendation for new construction in the Yorkshire development. Mayor Houlihan was not able to attend Monday’s meeting.
The Council’s student advisor reported that the performance of The Wizard of Oz took place at Delmar High School last Friday and Saturday. The school’s Junior and Senior Prom will be held May 6 at the Kylan Barn with the grand march taking place from 6-7 p.m. at the football stadium.
