Lewes, DE

BOARD OF ETHICS

The Lewes Board of Ethics meets Monday, October 5, 2026, at 9:30 AM in Council Chambers at City Hall. The agenda calls for approving minutes from the August 25, 2026 meeting, then entering executive session to consider complaints and responses under City Code of Conduct Section 9-9(C), with possible action afterward and a public comment period. The agenda is largely procedural and does not identify the complaints or parties involved.

• Executive session to consider complaints and responses under City Code of Conduct Section 9-9(C)
• Possible action on items discussed in executive session
• Approval of Board of Ethics meeting minutes from 08/25/2026
• Public comment period before adjournment
• Meeting accessible via Zoom (Webinar ID 817 3593 9833) and audio at +1 301 715 8592

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Lewes Mayor & City Council has scheduled an executive session for Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 4:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 114 E. Third Street. The agenda lists approval of prior executive session minutes, public comment, a closed session under 29 Del. Code §10004(b)(4) for legal advice on collective bargaining or pending or potential litigation, and possible action on matters discussed in that closed session. The agenda does not identify specific litigation, bargaining matters, or dollar amounts, and the closed-session minutes are withheld from public disclosure under 29 Del. C. § 10004(f).

• Executive session under 29 Del. Code §10004(b)(4) for strategy or legal advice on collective bargaining or pending/potential litigation
• Approval of 2026 09 09 and 2026 09 18 Executive Session Minutes (open session minutes, pages 3-6)
• Public comment period on the agenda
• Possible consideration and/or action on matters discussed in executive session
• Meeting held in Council Chambers, City Hall, 114 E. Third Street, Lewes DE; also available via Zoom (Webinar ID 860 9043 1843)

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL - Public Hearing and Special Meeting

The Lewes Mayor & City Council holds a public hearing and special meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 5:30 PM in The Bonnie Osler Meeting Room. The single substantive item is a recommendation from the Lewes Planning Commission regarding future review and approval of major residential subdivision applications. After the public hearing, the council moves into a special meeting for discussion and possible action on that recommendation. The agenda is otherwise procedural, and no dollar amounts, project names, or specific subdivision proposals appear in the text.

• Public hearing on a Lewes Planning Commission recommendation about future review and approval of major residential subdivision applications
• Special meeting item: discussion and possible action on the same Planning Commission recommendation
• Public hearing format: city briefing by staff, City Engineer, and City Solicitor; applicant presentation; public comments; council questions
• General public comment period (item F) before adjournment
• Meeting accessible via Zoom (Webinar ID 839 7640 2843) and YouTube; in-person at 101 Adams Avenue, Lewes DE

*RESCHEDULED FROM 10/01/2026* - MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

LEWES AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

JOHNNIE WALKER BEACH SUBCOMMITTEE

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

LEWES PLANNING COMMISSION

FINANCE COMMITTEE

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL / BPW JOINT MEETING

LEWES BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

FINANCE COMMITTEE

PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Lewes Mayor & City Council will meet in executive session on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the Bonnie Osler Meeting Room. The agenda lists a closed session under 29 Del. Code §10004(b)(9) to discuss personnel matters, including the names, competency, and abilities of individual employees or students. The agenda also includes approval of prior executive session minutes, which are withheld from public disclosure under 29 Del. C. § 10004(f), and possible consideration or action on matters discussed in the closed session. No specific personnel names, decisions, or dollar amounts are stated in the agenda.

• Executive session under 29 Del. Code §10004(b)(9) on personnel matters
• Approval of executive session minutes withheld from public disclosure under 29 Del. C. § 10004(f)
• Possible consideration and/or action on matters discussed in executive session
• Public comment period included on the agenda
• Meeting held at Bonnie Osler Meeting Room, City Hall, 114 E. Third Street, Lewes DE

HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION

The Lewes Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission meets Oct. 1, 2026 to review two applications for changes to properties in the historic district and to discuss possible code revisions. The commission will also consider creating a standing agenda item to periodically review existing historic-district structures and will discuss proposed changes to city code Chapter 197 Article VI. No final decisions are recorded in this agenda; items are listed as discussion and possible action.

• H-10-26: Paul Camenisch, on behalf of Lance Alworth and Rob Marino, requests removal of a non-contributing addition and a new roughly 5' x 14' addition at 106 E. Third Street (Tax Parcel # 335-8.08-91.01)
• H-12-26: Joseph and Karen Maher request new roof and siding at 324 W. Third Street (Tax Parcel # 335-8.07-247.00)
• Unfinished business: possible recommendation to change 197-58(C) application submission deadline from ten (10) days to fifteen (15) days, and to suggest a pre-application meeting at least twenty (20) days before the meeting
• New business: possible standing agenda item for periodic review of existing Historic District structures against city historic preservation standards
• New business: discussion of proposed changes to city code Chapter 197 Article VI (Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission)

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE

The Rehoboth Beach & City of Lewes Police Accountability Committee will hold a regular meeting to discuss law enforcement's response to the May 19, 2026 'Takeover' event in Rehoboth Beach, based on the July 26, 2026 findings report. The agenda also includes new business on mental health crisis response, potential gang activity in Sussex County, and policies on publishing arrest photos, including those of juveniles. The committee will hear from guest speakers and receive reports from local police departments.

• Discussion of May 19, 2026 'Takeover' event in Rehoboth Beach and law enforcement's response, per July 26, 2026 findings report
• Law enforcement response to mental health crises and Police Diversion Program, with guest speaker Shawn Hastings
• Information on potential gang activity in Sussex County, with guest speaker Brian Hubbs
• Discussion of policies on publishing arrest photos, including juveniles
• Report from Vice Chair Mary Good on PAC composition and possible expansion

ORDINANCE REVIEW AD-HOC COMMITTEE

The Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee will continue discussing and possibly acting on the use of the term 'imprisonment' in the Lewes City Code, including related charter sections. They will also review proposed revisions to signage rules, floodplain definitions, and beach ordinances. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and public comment.

• Continued discussion on 'imprisonment' term in City Code, including Charter Section 13 (Disqualification) and Section 18 (Alderman)
• Discussion on proposed revisions to Ch.197 Article VIII Signs and Billboards
• Discussion and possible action on §197-73 floodplain definitions of substantial damage and substantial improvement
• Discussion and possible action on proposed revisions to Chapter 63 Beaches
• Approval of September 3, 2026 meeting minutes

PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE

The Lewes Public Art Committee will discuss and possibly take action on the 2027 public art installation, the proposed Lewes Lantern Festival, and the mural at the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center. The agenda also includes introducing new member Yvonne Love, approving the August 26 minutes, and reviewing a Night Sky Pilot Project flyer.

• Continued discussion and possible action on 2027 public art installation (Posey)
• Continued discussion and possible action on proposed Lewes Lantern Festival (draft flyer included)
• Update and possible action on permanent mural at Margaret H. Rollins Community Center
• Night Sky Pilot Project informational flyer (pre-installation version) for review
• Introduction of new member Yvonne Love

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION

The Mayor and City Council will hold a work session to discuss several items, including the potential integration of Historic Lewes Byways as an advisory body and the Sussex County tax assessment beginning April 1, 2027. The meeting also includes discussions on the Harbor Refuge Lighthouse and right-of-way processes for Pilottown Road.

• Discussion of Sussex County tax assessment beginning April 1, 2027
• Potential integration of Historic Lewes Byways as a city advisory body
• Parks and Recreation Commission report on Harbor Refuge Lighthouse
• Right-of-way process for properties along Pilottown Road
• Discussion of Parks and Recreation Commission Bylaws

LEWES BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Lewes Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee will discuss and possibly act on infrastructure changes to East Bound Savannah Road, including parking, signage, and lighting. They will also review updates on street lighting, the TAP project, and prioritized initiatives, and consider new items like educational videos and Canal Bridge signage. Public comment is invited.

• Possible action on parking, signage, lighting, and other bike/pedestrian changes to East Bound Savannah Road from N. Atlantic Drive to DeVries Circle
• Update on street lighting on Savannah Road from 3rd Street to Canal
• Update and continued discussion of TAP Project: American Legion Road Pedestrian Improvements
• Discussion and possible action on signage at Canal Bridge
• Discussion and possible action on short videos for bicycle and pedestrian education

GREAT MARSH PARK SUBCOMMITTEE

The Great Marsh Park Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the purpose and role of the committee, review the planning process and the complete Master Plan for Great Marsh Park, and consider needed studies (cultural, naturalist, hydrology, others). They will also review the land survey and discuss land management, including removal of invasives, and future meeting times. The agenda includes public comment and adjournment.

• Review of the complete Master Plan for Great Marsh Park (pages 3-120 of agenda)
• Discussion and possible action on studies needed: cultural, naturalist, hydrology, others
• Discussion and possible action on land management and removal of invasives
• Review of the land survey
• Discussion and possible action on future meeting times

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting with routine items like approving minutes, project updates, and electing officers. They will also review the condition of pavers in Canalfront Park and re-review draft Chapter 63, which may involve park regulations. Public comment is scheduled.

• Review of condition of pavers in Canalfront Park
• Re-review of draft Chapter 63
• Election of vice chair and secretary
• Approval of August 17, 2026 meeting minutes
• Night Sky Pilot Project contact letter and flyer

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Lewes Mayor and City Council will hold an executive session to discuss strategy involving collective bargaining or litigation, and personnel matters, as permitted by Delaware law. The agenda is procedural and includes approval of prior closed-session minutes and public comment. No public votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Approval of executive session minutes from September 9, 2026
• Executive session on strategy sessions involving legal advice or litigation (29 Del. C. §10004(b)(4))
• Executive session on personnel matters (29 Del. C. §10004(b)(9))
• Public comment period
• Possible action on matters discussed in executive session

JOHNNIE WALKER BEACH SUBCOMMITTEE

The Johnnie Walker Beach Subcommittee will discuss and possibly take action on an update regarding the replica pavilion design and construction, including a design revision. The meeting will also cover the upcoming Johnnie Walker Beach Day event and other announcements. The agenda includes approval of the August 20, 2026 minutes and a night sky pilot project informational flyer.

• Discussion and possible action on replica pavilion design and construction update
• Discussion of upcoming Johnnie Walker Beach Day event
• Approval of August 20, 2026 meeting minutes
• Night Sky Pilot Project contact letter and informational flyer
• Public comments and next meeting date

LEWES AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

The Lewes African American Heritage Commission is meeting to discuss and possibly act on several items, including the FY2028 budget, a video camera purchase for oral histories, and the February 2027 Black History Month program. They will also receive updates on the Night Sky Pilot Project and other community events. The agenda includes routine items like approving minutes and commissioner updates.

• Discussion and possible action on FY2028 budget (begins April 1, 2027)
• Discussion and possible action on purchasing a video camera for oral histories
• Discussion and possible action on February 2027 Black History Month program
• Update from Social and Economic Workgroup by Darnell Daisey
• Night Sky Pilot Project contact letter and informational flyer

LEWES PLANNING COMMISSION

The Lewes Planning Commission will consider setting January 31, 2027 as the target date for adopting the City's Comprehensive Plan, which would exempt Lewes from certain provisions of Senate Substitute 2 of Senate Bill 23 until the next 5-year review. The meeting also includes review of August minutes, updates on the 2027 Comprehensive Plan, and discussion of the Night Sky Pilot Project. Public comment and updates from ex officio members are scheduled.

• Possible action on establishing Jan 31, 2027 as Comprehensive Plan adoption target (SB23 exemption)
• Review and approval of August 19, 2026 meeting minutes
• Night Sky Pilot Project information flyer (street lighting changes in Highland Acres, Pilottown Village, Capes Shores)
• 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update discussion
• Public comment period

FINANCE COMMITTEE SPECIAL MEETING

The Finance Committee will review the FY 2026 audited financial statements and discuss the preparation process for the FY 2028 budget. The meeting also includes discussions on committee bylaws and the non-profit grant program.

• Review of Lewes Audited Financial Statements FY 2026
• Discussion of FY 2028 Budget and review process
• Status report on Non-Profit Grant Program review and revision
• Acceptance of Sussex County property tax assessments
• Recommendation regarding Lewes Finance Committee Draft Bylaws

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Lewes Mayor and City Council are meeting in executive session to discuss preliminary site acquisitions for publicly funded capital improvements, real property sales or leases, and strategy sessions involving legal advice on collective bargaining or litigation. The agenda is limited to these closed-session items, with no public action items listed.

• Preliminary discussions on site acquisitions for publicly funded capital improvements
• Discussions on sales or leases of real property
• Strategy sessions on collective bargaining or pending/potential litigation

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

The Lewes Mayor and City Council will discuss and possibly act on accepting a $150,000 donation from the Schell Family Foundation for a flood mitigation study of the marsh between the canal and Lewes Beach. The agenda also includes several other discussions and possible actions, such as establishing a Night Sky Lighting Ad Hoc Committee, a lot consolidation request from Groome Church, and setting a target date for adopting the Comprehensive Plan.

• Accept $150,000 donation from Schell Family Foundation for marsh flood mitigation study
• Establish Night Sky Lighting Ad Hoc Committee
• Groome Church lot consolidation request
• Set February 1, 2027 as target date for Comprehensive Plan adoption
• Reappoint Thad Truitt to Finance Committee for 3-year term

FOURTH STREET PRESERVE SUBCOMMITTEE

The Fourth Street Preserve Subcommittee is meeting to review the latest update on the Fourth Street Preserve restoration project. The agenda includes approval of prior minutes, a presentation on the preserve's status, and public comment. The update covers permitting, trail development, planting plans, and habitat restoration efforts.

• Approval of August 12, 2026 meeting minutes
• Fourth Street Preserve update presentation
• US Fish and Wildlife permit for eagle nest protection received
• Army Corps of Engineers and DNREC permits for ditch crossings under review
• 630 native shrubs and pollinator plants ordered for fall planting

*CANCELED* MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL - Public Hearing

The scheduled public hearing for the Lewes Mayor & City Council on September 9, 2026, has been canceled. The meeting was originally intended to discuss proposed revisions to floodplain definitions and building code standards.

• ORD 8-26: Proposed revisions to §197-73- Floodplain definitions
• Proposed additions to Chapter 70 of Appendix G of the 2021 IBC
• Proposed substantial improvement/substantial damage standard operating procedures

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Lewes Mayor and City Council is holding an executive session to discuss personnel matters and legal strategy regarding collective bargaining or potential litigation. The agenda is largely procedural, with no public action items listed beyond approval of prior executive session minutes. The session is closed to the public, and no votes are taken during executive session.

• Approval of draft executive session minutes from August 5, 10, and 27, 2026
• Executive session on personnel matters (29 Del. C. §10004(b)(9))
• Executive session on legal advice regarding collective bargaining or litigation (29 Del. C. §10004(b)(4))

Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (EERC)

The Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (EERC) will meet to approve the August 12, 2026 minutes, receive an update from the Master Plan Implementation Task Force, and hear a briefing from Mike Santora, Executive Director of the Carper Collaborative on Climate and Jobs. The agenda also includes announcements about a business resiliency training and public comment.

• Briefing from Mike Santora, Executive Director, Carper Collaborative on Climate and Jobs
• Update from the Master Plan Implementation Task Force
• Approval of August 12, 2026 EERC meeting minutes
• Announcement: Business Resiliency Training, University of Delaware, Sept 14, 2026, Harry L. Cannon Marine Studies Laboratory, Lewes

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

The Lewes Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing and consider a variance request from the University of Delaware to allow construction within 100 feet of a tidal wetland at 700 Pilottown Road. The board will also elect officers, approve prior minutes, and take public comment.

• Public hearing on variance V-13-26 for University of Delaware at 700 Pilottown Road
• Election of officers
• Approval of May 5, 2026 minutes
• Public comment period

LEWES PLANNING COMMISSION - COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WORKING SESSION

The Lewes Planning Commission will hold a working session to discuss the upcoming 2027 Comprehensive Plan, with input from state agencies. Residents may attend in person or view a live stream; no formal decisions are scheduled.

ORDINANCE REVIEW AD-HOC COMMITTEE

The Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee will discuss several proposed updates to the Lewes City Code. Items include revisions to beach regulations, signage and billboard language, and floodplain definitions regarding substantial damage and improvement.

• Proposed revisions to Chapter 63 Beach Ordinance
• Review of 'imprisonment' terminology in City Code and City Charter
• Proposed revisions to Ch. 197 Article VIII regarding Signs and Billboards
• Proposed revisions to §197-73 floodplain definitions

HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION

The Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission will discuss property additions at 106 E. Third Street and 320 Savannah Road. The commission will also consider updating application submission timelines and website content.

• H-10-26: Addition request for 106 E. Third Street
• H-11-26: Alteration request for 320 Savannah Road
• Proposed revision to 197-58(C) to increase application submission deadline from 10 to 15 days
• Proposed suggestion for pre-application meetings 20 days prior to meeting dates
• Discussion regarding historic district updates by CHAD

**REVISED** MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Mayor and City Council will meet in a closed executive session on August 27, 2026. The agenda lists only procedural items and a discussion of personnel matters under Delaware law. No specific public policy decisions, contracts, or ordinances are detailed in the provided text.

• Executive session to discuss personnel matters under 29 Del. Code, §10004(b)(9)

PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE

The Lewes Public Art Committee is meeting to discuss and possibly take action on several items, including proposed sites for the 2027 bus tour, a possible Lewes Lantern Festival, and a permanent art installation at the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center. The committee will also consider changing its regular monthly meeting day and time. The meeting includes approval of minutes from May 27 and June 10, 2026.

• Discussion and possible action on proposed sites for the 2027 Public Art Committee Bus Tour
• Discussion and possible action regarding possible Lewes Lantern Festival
• Discussion and possible action regarding a permanent art installation on the parking lot side of the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center
• Discussion and possible action regarding changing the regular monthly meeting day and time
• Approval of minutes from May 27, 2026 meeting and June 10, 2026 workshop

*REVISED* BOARD OF ETHICS

The Lewes Board of Ethics will meet to consider two complaints in executive session under City Code Section 9-8(G)(2), and may take action on items discussed. The agenda also includes approval of the July 28, 2026 meeting minutes and public comment. This is a routine meeting focused on complaint review.

• Executive session to consider two (2) complaints pursuant to City Code Section 9-8(G)(2)
• Possible action on items discussed in executive session
• Approval of 2026-07-28 Board of Ethics meeting minutes
• Public comment period

LEWES BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Lewes Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee will meet to discuss and possibly act on street lighting changes on Savannah Road, set goals for prioritized initiatives, and review updates on the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant. They will also consider placement of speed radar signs and maintenance issues for bicycles and pedestrians. The agenda includes approval of the July 28, 2026 minutes and public comment.

• Street lighting changes on Savannah Road from 3rd Street to Canal
• Set goals and timelines for prioritized initiatives from July 28 meeting
• Update on SS4A (Safe Streets for All) grant and next steps
• Discussion and possible action on current and future placement of speed radar signs
• Maintenance issues related to bicycles and pedestrians

JOHNNIE WALKER BEACH SUBCOMMITTEE

The Johnnie Walker Beach Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes from July 16, 2026, and discuss updates on Johnnie Walker Beach Day 2026 and the replica pavilion project. The pavilion is awaiting construction plans from GMB, and the beach day is scheduled for September 19, 2026. The agenda includes public comments and next meeting date.

• Approval of July 16, 2026 meeting minutes
• Update on Johnnie Walker Beach Day 2026 (scheduled September 19, 2026)
• Discussion and possible action on replica pavilion update (awaiting GMB construction plans)
• Public comments and questions

LEWES AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

The Lewes African American Heritage Commission will meet to discuss and possibly act on several items, including plans for the February 2027 Black History Month program, Johnnie Walker Beach Day and the pavilion project timeline, locating additional oral history videos, a state historical marker for Peter Lewis, the Fiscal Year 2027 budget update, and the 2026 Juneteenth participant feedback survey. New business includes modifying the Social and Economic Workgroup mission statement and discussing the upcoming Fiscal Year 2028 budget. The agenda also includes approval of the July 16, 2026 meeting minutes, commissioner updates, and public comment.

• Discussion and possible action on February 2027 Black History Month Program
• Discussion and possible action on Johnnie Walker Beach Day plans and Pavilion Project Timeline
• Discussion and possible action on locating additional oral history videos
• Discussion and possible action on Peter Lewis State Historical Marker
• Discussion and possible action on Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update (post Juneteenth)