By Lynn Schofer
During last Tuesday’s meeting, the Seaford City Council members approved a request by Wayvery Holding Company for a quitclaim deed to relinquish a portion of Oak Street (alleyway) to be vacated and conveyed to Wayverly Holding Company. The alley is unused property and is transferred without any guarantee of free debts or claims.
Director of Public Works Berley Mears appeared before council for the approval to authorize the city to submit an application for participation in the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Financial Assistance Branch Wastewater Matching Planning Grant Program. Mears noted inspections occur every year and this year budgeted $45,000. The grant would allow for the CCTV inspections of some areas that need a more detailed inspection using a CCTV inspection.
Mears also noted that the department will inspect larger sewers that are deep, clay sewers, and more problematic locations. The technology will provide the necessary information to design an action plan. The city might receive funding and financial incentives, specifically up to $99,500.00 ($49,750 in local funds and $49,750 in grant funds). A 50 percent match is required. The city will hire a contractor to inspect selected sewer mains using CCTV equipment.
The council approved a request for the services of an engineer for the wastewater treatment facility phase I expansion project. The agreement covers the bidding, construction administration, and inspection phase services. The engineering firm of George, Miles & Buhr, LLC will provide the services for the city.
Three city residents came before council to speak of their concerns of crime in the city, specifically at 331 Pine Street. All three spoke of loud noise, parties, trespassing, fighting and told council they are completely fed up and sick of living in fear because of one house. The residents said good families are moving away because of the problems at the complained address. One person said the landlord should be held accountable and possibly lose their rental license. Another person noted that at one time it was a beautiful home and now is in disrepair with trash in the yard. Another resident said she and her mother will be moving because they can no longer live in fear. Mayor Matt MacCoy thanked the citizens for coming to the meeting to share their concerns and promised there would be a follow-up within the week.
The council also approved the hiring of an architectural firm for the drawings for an RFP for the new Parks and Recreation Office building. The committee recommended William Byler, Jr. of Delaware to provide the drawings for a 50×50 single story office building. The new office building will include three offices, a meeting room, and storage. The architectural firm will provide the preliminary design, structural design, permit ready construction drawings, material specifications, permit submissions, bidding/negotiations, and construction administration.
The council reviewed a change order for the Western Sussex Business Campus Phase 2 to install additional pavement. Trisha Newcomer, Director of Economic Development, explained that the city must expend by the end of 2025 several funding sources so that monies are not left over. The monies should be allocated to the project which will expend all the funds and meet contractual obligations.
The city will hold a planning session on Oct. 24 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Nanticoke Senior Center.
