Seaford city council members postponed a vote on the sale of property from Insight Land Company to D.R. Horton. The request was to sell lots one through five of Hoopers Landing to D.R. Horton, which agreed to adhere to the six stipulations of the agreement of sale between the city and Insight Land Company. Andrew Campanella, Esquire representing Insight Homes was present at council meeting.
Councilman Dan Henderson voiced his concerns, saying that the council worked on the agreement after listening to the concerns of residents on the quality of home and energy efficient quality of Insight Homes. Henderson inquired if D.R. Horton would be building the equal energy efficient home. Campanella indicated it would not be the same energy efficient home that Insight Homes builds but said that the examples presented in the package to council are all high quality homes. Henderson later added that he believed in all fairness a representative from D.R. Horton should be given an opportunity to attend a meeting and provide the necessary information on the homes that would be built. After council discussion it was voted to postpone the decision and allow D.R. Horton to represent themselves.
The council received a presentation made by Public Works Director Berley Mears who worked for the last five years on a Martin Farms sewer relocation. The current system is approximately 70 years old and contains lead water and is misaligned because many are located in residents’ back yards. The funding approved by council will be loaned through the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control of the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund. The city received $962,400 principal forgiveness for the water work in Phase I. The plans are to install 781 feet 10 inch water main, 220 feet of 8 inch water main; 1180 feet of 6 inch water main, three fire hydrants, five valves, 36 new services and meter pits to residences, 962K principal forgiveness.
The loan is for the sewer work which will include 1750 feet of 12 inch gravity sewer along West Locust Street and Rodney Streets, 185 feet of 10 inch gravity sewer main, seven manholes and covers, and 36 new laterals to residences. The new system will reverse flow. The loan is two percent but during construction it is zero percent. The council voted to give permission to the city manager to execute all necessary loan closing documents.
The council approved work to be performed by Delmarva Roofing and Coatings to the Seaford Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Bay roof in the amount of $25,000 plus permit costs. The non-budgeted expenditure is necessary after a recent leak and cracked roof drain in the structure that was constructed in the 70s as an addition to the fire department. The work will include a 10 year warranty. There is $87,975 in reserve for roof repairs and City Manager Charles Anderson told council the money is available.
The first reading of a proposal to edit the Seaford zoning ordinance chapter 15 was presented by Building Official Mike Bailey. The changes include to the definitions of what an apartment is, multi-dwelling family, and added definitions for residential condominium and residential condominium detached. The garden type apartment wording will be deleted. The department recommended changes to required accessory uses and storage areas that are apart from the buildings. Additional changes are to the building setback line, side yard distances, and rear yards. The proposed changes will return to council for a second reading. Councilwoman Stephanie Grassett thanked the work of the department because it was suggested the city make changes and the department reviewed and worked to make the changes.
Seaford downtown residents will be happy to know that bids on the demolition of 317 North Pine Street was reviewed and the council approved the lowest bid to Macklin and Son. The property, which has been in discussion because of the complaints of unsightliness, will be demolished at a cost of $27,625.00.
Greg Brooke, electric department operations coordinator, reviewed the bid for the sale of a used bucket truck and council approved the sale in the amount of $16,500.
The Seaford municipal elections will take place on Saturday, April 19 and one council member will be elected to a three-year term. Filing deadline is Friday, Feb. 28.