Ocean View votes on various fees
After a lengthy public hearing in which the Ocean View Town Council deferred a vote on the requested rezoning of three parcels from residential to general business, the council breezed through the rest of their agenda on Dec. 8, voting unanimously on a resolution to charge fees to non-profits and governmental units. Mayor Gordon Wood said the measure will allow the town to recover costs that the town presently is not recouping.
On Tuesday, the council also introduced an ordinance to annex the last portion of the Lord Baltimore Elementary School property into the town and voted to give the police chief authority for a new policy dealing with bank alarm response.
The council was to have heard from Jim Smith of Delmarva Power on the Mid-Atlantic Power Pathway, but since time was running short, asked if he could come back on Jan. 12.
“It’s discourteous as all get out,” acknowledged the mayor, but Smith agreed to come back. MAPP will be the first item on the Jan. 12 agenda.
Police Chief Ken McLaughlin informed the council that the police department had partnered up with the International Association of Municipal Police Chiefs and will be proving NIXLE, a free system to residents.
NIXLE is a community-based information system that provides “real-time” information to the community through e-mail and text messages. The town plans to start soliciting members, and it is free to register.
“You won’t be bombarded with any e-mails, no ads – and it is free to us,” added the chief.
Noting that there have been incidents in which people who are not currently police officers have flashed badges at people, giving them the idea they currently work as law enforcement officers, Wood also recommended on Tuesday that citizens be prudent if anyone flashes a badge at them who is not known to them to be a police officer and to call McLaughlin in such cases.
Town Manager Conway Gregory reminded everyone that Carols in the Park will be held this Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., at John West Park, and that the next culture lecture will be Dec. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m., at 32 West Avenue, on “Delaware Birds and Sights.” The speaker is Anthony T. Gonzon Jr., and light refreshments will served.
Administrative Official Charlie McMullen added that the new sign for the public safety building has been ordered and offered congratulations to the public works staff for their hard work in putting up the town’s holiday lights.
Finally, the council voted unanimously to have Mitchell sit on a legislative committee formed by the Sussex County Association of Towns, to speak on behalf of the town on SCAT lobbying efforts.
