The Seaford City Council was presented with the municipal election results during last Tuesday’s meeting. There were 230 total votes with Orlando Holland winning reelection with 145 votes over Jose Santos’ 85 votes. The council member seat is a three-year term.
Community Bank President Jack Riddle announced the opening of the bank located in the new Nylon Capital Shopping Center. Riddle spoke of the original Community Bank branch in the NCSC 40 years ago, and is grateful to be returning to Seaford. Riddle thanked the city and Rob Herrera of 9th Street Development, who supported the project to build and open the Seaford branch. Riddle said it is the rebirth of the center and thanked council, the mayor, and city employees for working together to make the project happen. “You folks made it easy, the team got it done,” said Riddle, who told the council that Governor Matt Meyer will be present for the ribbon cutting.
The council approved a preliminary site plan presented by Cypress Haven who own a vacant lot on Hall Street and plan to construct two six unit townhouses. The R-3 zoned property will include 28 parking spaces. Additionally, council approved the final site plan for the proposed development of an Aldi Food market on Sussex Highway.
Community Bank is open and marks the bank’s return to the Seaford Nylon Capital Shopping Center. Shown in the photo are: Chris Benjamin, Judy Johnson, Wende Palmer, Karen Willin, and Jack Riddle.
The council voted unanimously to enter into a $1,535,000 loan with the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund for the Martin Farms Sewer Relocation Phase I project. The project has been planning the wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) upgrade and expansion project for five years, which will relocate gravity sewer mains from the backyards of private residents to the existing streets located in the Martin Farms residential neighborhood.
The council also approved the $44,657,440 loan through the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion Project. The project will be completed in three phases. The city is receiving $2,5000,000 in federal earmark money and Sussex County is to pay 40 percent of the loan. Additionally, phasing the project allows the city principal forgiveness for each phase of the project. The project will begin in fiscal year 2026, phase two in fiscal year 2029, and phase three in fiscal year 2033. The project work includes improvements to the headworks and primary screening equipment along with rehabilitation and improvement to the influent pump station, the installation of a new grit removal structure with a flow spitter box and provision for future secondary screening equipment. The rehabilitation of both primary clarifiers and installation of a new septage handling facility. Phase I project cost is budgeted for $14,339,000.
Seaford Building Official Mike Bailey presented the first reading to amend Chapter 5 of the municipal code. Bailey told council the changes combine zoning and construction into one that makes it easier for construction. The update will also bring the code up to meet Delaware code which allows mayor to appoint residents to board of adjustments. The changes also address fences on residential property which is a visibility code that restricts fence height in the front yard and the set back.
In a presentation to council Mark Holcombe, project manager with Evergreen Solutions reviewed the results of the general employee compensation study. The project included four phases beginning with data collection, followed by review data and assessment of current conditions, compensation and market positioning, and implementation options and reporting.
Holcombe said the employees provided positive comments about the benefits and the work culture. The concerns raised included external equity and undervalued for longevity or additional compensation once they reach top pay scale.
Holcombe said over half of city employees are over mid-point and told council that is a positive finding and most city employees are paid less than 80 percent of their supervisor salary. Holcombe said this is a good indication that there is not widespread salary compression issues.
The company reviewed market targets to local organizations in a survey of 42 positions. The city slipped in market positions and pay is about 10 percent below market on average. Holcombe said the recommendations included the city to adopt a market-responsive pay plan. This would include consistent increases in range spread and midpoint progression. Pay grades are also assigned to positions based on internal equity and the market results. The changes will see some positions with larger adjustments than other due to the market response. Additionally, he recommended placing employees within their newly recommended pay grades and select an implementation methodology that aligns with the compensation philosophy and financial means of the city. Holcombe said they recommend using “Compa-Ratio.” This will measure an employee’s salary against the midpoint range of their salary thereby setting the salary in the recommended range. The council approved the recommendation of Evergreen Solutions.
Vice Mayor Dan Henderson announced the city will utilize the McGruff the Crime Dog campaign. Seaford Police Chief Marshall Craft said Deputy Chief Tyler Justice began the initiative for community outreach using the mascot. McGruff is used in schools and community for prevention of crime and gun violence. McGruff provides community engagement to get to youth before a certain age to prevent crimes. Craft said it is a way to build relationships, a way to learn about prevention, encourage the community if they see something, say something. The program is made possible with the help of five department members and led by Staff Sergeant Valerie Horn.
