Delmar’s October 2026 council meeting brought extensive discussion to its new business and updates last Monday night. Following a successful Heritage Day and a tug-of-war victory for the Delaware side of town, conflict and crime became the topic for the Delmar (DE) Council. Despite the challenges, progress in ongoing projects moves forward as the year nears its end.

A noise ordinance discussion was the main topic for the council following ongoing noise complaints between two neighboring Delmar businesses. Although both businesses reside on the Maryland side of the town, any changes in one side’s ordinance is expected to have an impact on all of Delmar.

Jeff Fleetwood, Delmar’s town manager, provided pretense for the discussion. He described a complaint on a recent Sunday regarding the noise level of live music coming from The Groove restaurant and the complaint originating from Kylan Barn. He explained that the two neighboring businesses have had ongoing disagreements exchanged in this vein. At present, the noise complaint did not violate the current code, but if issues persist, council awareness of the ordinance and how it is applied is recommended, leading to the discussion.

At present, the noise ordinance reads: Maintaining a commercial establishment from which loud noises emanate, either as a result of mechanical, musical devices, live entertainment, or patrons, shall be in violation of this section if the noise is plainly audible in a residential district or 100 feet from the place where it emanates, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The council members and mayor weighed in on the present ordinance language, with Councilman Todd Lanier not desiring an unnecessary law change, Vice Mayor Odell Jones expressing favor for the current policy, and Councilman Mike McClure stating, “I think the noise ordinance is fine the way it is.” Mayor Bauer agreed that the standards set are stable but worries, “what’s going to stand up in court if it goes to court,” noting desire to develop a standard for what is “loud,” such as a decibel level.

Police Chief Barkley was asked to weigh in and indicated his uncertainty about using a decibel meter for compliance and doesn’t expect court involvement. As the discussion progressed with more input from the public and town manager, the current conclusion landed on emphasizing that there had been minimal residential feedback on either of these venues’ noise levels outside of their standing disagreement. For that reason, the final sentiment was that the feud would best be resolved by the individuals involved before the town should step in, but that this might change based on the discussion the Maryland Commission would have in this Monday’s meeting.

In terms of confirmed violations, Chief Barkley emphasized the return of car thefts trending in Delmar. He advises the people of Delmar; “If you’re going to leave your car open, take your valuables in the house. Very simple. If you remove the opportunities, the issue will take care of itself.” He confirmed to Lanier’s questioning that kids are the typical culprits for this crime trend, and identification is becoming more challenging due to the perpetrators being more aware of how to avoid detection.

Ongoing staffing shortages continue in the police department with three less officers and one PCO short, but applications are being taken. The chief described a successful Heritage Day and the PD’s participation has since been sought by nearby towns, including Seaford and Laurel as a result. A greater police presence is planned for Halloween Night for the safety of trick-or-treaters who are permitted to traverse neighborhoods for candy between 6 and 8 p.m. Oct. 31, if they are ages 12 years-old and under.

A new student advisor was welcomed in his first meeting, prompting commentary from Council Member Lanier; “I feel very lucky that Burak (Kilicasrslan) is here.”

As reported in the last council meeting, phase 3 of Delmar’s I and I project did get underway and slip lining is currently being applied to identified pipes around town which is expected to end near the end of the month. The lead-copper inventory and a federal mandate to identify the water supply lines from homes to main water supply, has been held up by, “procurement issues,” according to Fleetwood. Once that has been addressed, Delaware’s side will move forward as Maryland’s side has.

Fleetwood announced that a current farmer’s market vendor will be taking over when it re-opens in 2027 and “she has some pretty good ideas,” according to Fleetwood.