Holland sworn in, new employee introduced during last week’s Seaford Council meeting

The Seaford Council opened last Tuesday’s session with the administration of Oath of Office by Judge Terri Davis to Orlando Holland who was re-elected to the council. Additionally, Assistant Director of Electric Greg Brooke introduced Jacob Smith as the newly hired line crew superintendent. Brooke told the council Smith has the knowledge and experience and is a great addition to the department.

Scott Lynch, vice president-asset development with Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC), invited the mayor and council to the annual joint council briefing event on June 3. DEMEC is a joint action agency and the wholesale electric utility that distributes the utilities to Seaford and other municipalities in the state. Lynch remarked that DEMEC tracked 20 pieces of legislation pending in government and will update members on federal regulations that impact local municipalities.

Glenn Phillips, the new Seaford High School football coach, came before the council to introduce himself and invite the council to the games and to support Seaford. The 2014 Delaware State Coach of the Year said the team motto is “Why not us” and looks forward to leading the Blue Jays (see story on Phillips on page 37).

Director of Economic Development Trisha Newcomer holds the bible as the oath of office is administered by Judge Terri Davis to Orlando Holland who was re-elected as a Seaford Councilman. 

Beth Barczak presented an update on Merry Lane Drive-Thru Christmas and program information. The drive-thru, located at 8558 Elk Road, is owned by Mike and Rosemary Everton with the objective to carry on a treasured tradition, provide a free event, create opportunities for organizations to connect, also to provide opportunities for the community to be part of the display. Barczak told the council the drive-thru Christmas happens through many volunteers and over 400 hours to set up, 300 hours to run the show, and 120 hours of meetings. In 2024 the drive-thru welcomed 3,324 cars and about 11,000 people. Donations reached over $7,000 as well as items to support local charities and drives. There are many organizations that Merry Lane supports including Heroes Haven, Seaford Kiwanis, TidalHealth Foundation, Nanticoke Little League, Hope & Nathan Toy Drive, Love, Inc., Whimsical Animal Rescue, and many more. In 2025 visitors may see improvements to the tunnel sign and lights as well as expanded synchronized lighting. The program hopes that people will volunteer, especially to help direct traffic. The opening night will be Nov. 29 and it will run through Dec. 27 with Santa visits planned too.

The council approved the recommendation of Kris Smith with Integra for the city’s health and life insurance renewal. The health insurance will continue with Pan American with an increase of approximately 8.61 percent and a projected a maximum increase of five percent. The benefits carried to employees include medical, prescription, dental, vision, hearing, and life insurance.

A request to rename the Oyster House Park to “Larrimore Oyster House Park” was postponed. Councilman Dan Henderson voiced his concern over the historical importance that the park site is built on J.B. Robinson Oyster House. He does not want the historical importance lost and he asked if any inquiries were made to the Seaford Historical Society. Henderson said he supports a way to honor Larrimore but does not want to brush aside the Robinson name.

Trisha Newcomer, director of economic development, reviewed the recommendation for the release of the property located at Poplar and Cedar Avenue. The recommendation is to award the sale of the property to Habitat for Humanity which met neighborhood standards as well as all conditions of the proposal and will settle within 30 days.

Deputy Chief Tyler Justice presented a proposal to establish a third lieutenant position while keeping the current staff sergeant position. Valerie Horn would be a promotion to administrative lieutenant and Toby Laurion to administrative staff sergeant. The reason is due to growing administrative workloads, and the department’s strategic goals related to national accreditation which requires a significant increase in work hours of training requirements, reporting requirements, policy, and oversight. Sergeant Horn’s primary function would be to lead the accreditation processes. The city is also seeking CALEA national accreditation. Council approved the request.

The bid for paving at the Love Inc, lot with CTF funding went to Jerry’s Inc. with the low bid of $21,095.

Brooke reviewed the bids for an electric utility service truck. Brooke said although Altec was less money the turnaround time was close to two years. The higher bid of Versalift, who has a good relationship with the department and Brooke said phenomenal customer service has a delivery date of 11-13 months. Brooke noted in addition to the delivery date the condition of the current service truck is concerning and a critical piece of equipment for the electric department. Council approved the recommendation of the department.

Mayor Matt MacCoy presented the appointments of department liaisons. Councilwoman Stephanie Grassett will change to parks and recreation and councilman Alan Quillen will move to public works. The other appointments are: Council members Dan Henderson, police and fire department; Orlando Holland, administration NS Information technology, and Mike Bradley, electric.

The next city council meeting is scheduled for May 27. A Memorial Day ceremony will be on Monday, Monday 26 at 11 a.m. in Kiwanis Park.