Dewey Beach public meetings in 2023
36 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Town Meeting(s) Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Council will hold its monthly meeting and executive session on December 15, 2023. The council will discuss and possibly vote on several ordinances, including changes to parking meter rates, daily and seasonal parking permit fees, free parking days, and the hours and dates when parking fees apply. They will also consider allowing dogs on the beach when no lifeguard is present, increasing the building permit threshold, amending the virtual meeting policy, and approving a contract for a code review. Other items include a presentation on the 2023 beach patrol statistics, review of November financials, and possible amendments to the FY 2024 budget and the town manager's salary.
- Ordinances to revise parking meter rates, daily and seasonal permit fees, free parking days, and fee hours/dates
- Ordinance to permit dogs on the beach when no lifeguard is present
- Ordinance to increase the cost threshold for building permits
- Possible vote to amend FY 2024 budget and increase Town Manager salary
- Proposal from General Code for editorial and legal review of town code
Town Meeting(s) Calendar
The Association of Coastal Towns holds a public meeting followed by a non-public session. The public portion includes updates from the CIB, DNREC, and Sea Grant, plus a legislative update. The non-public session covers approval of minutes, a coastal economic contribution report, an economic study, and a financial review.
- CIB updates by Christophe Tulou
- DNREC updates by Jesse Hayden
- Sea Grant updates by Danielle Swallow
- Legislative update by Mayor Hardiman
- Coastal Economic Contribution Report and Economic Study
Board of Adjustment Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on December 7, 2023, at 6:00pm to consider three variance requests. Two requests concern properties at 13 Chicago Street, and one concerns a property at 23 Bellevue Street. Applicants must appear in person or by representation to advance their applications.
- Variance to divide existing six-bedroom unit at 23 Bellevue Street into two three-bedroom units (RB-2 district, requested by Mystic Harbor Corporation)
- Front yard setback variance for multi-level porch and deck extending 8 feet into 20-foot setback at 13 Chicago Street (PR district, requested by Seagate 15, LLC)
- Front yard setback variance for hot tub extending into 20-foot setback at 13 Chicago Street (PR district, requested by Seagate 15, LLC)
Charter & Code Review Committee Meeting Calendar
The Charter & Code Review Committee will discuss several proposed changes to the Town Charter. The committee may also vote on recommendations regarding building permit requirements for property repairs.
- Proposed Charter amendments regarding Mayor and Commissioner qualifications
- Proposed Charter amendments regarding borrowing money and issuing bonds
- Proposed Code amendments for residential and commercial building permit repairs
- Discussion of Charter amendments regarding the Police Force and Beach Patrol
- Discussion of Charter amendments regarding the prohibition on gambling
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Town Council will hold a public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the municipal code. The proposed change relates to minimum allowable distances between driveway entrances and intersections.
- Public hearing on amendment to Chapter 185-87, Streets and rights-of-ways
Infrastructure Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Infrastructure Committee will hear presentations from two engineering firms on flood mitigation for Read Avenue and Phase 2 of the Stormwater Pipe Relining Project. The committee may vote on recommendations to the Town Commissioners for both projects. It will also consider appointing a Chairperson Pro Tem and approve prior meeting minutes.
- Presentation by Beacon Engineering on flood mitigation proposal for Read Avenue
- Presentation by Remington & Vernick Engineers on flood mitigation for Read Avenue and Phase 2 of Stormwater Pipe Relining Project
- Possible vote on recommendation to Town Commissioners for Read Avenue flood mitigation
- Possible vote on recommendation for Phase 2 of Stormwater Pipe Relining Project
- Possible appointment of Chairperson Pro Tem
Marketing Committee Meeting Calendar
The committee will review the September 12, 2023, meeting minutes. Members may discuss and vote on recommendations for a fundraising campaign to support the proposed Town Hall & Police Station.
- Fundraising campaign ideas for the proposed Town Hall & Police Station
Charter & Code Review Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Charter & Code Review Committee is meeting to discuss and possibly vote on recommendations to the Town Commissioners regarding pending code items, including accessory buildings and impervious materials, and smoke/carbon monoxide/propane detectors. They will also discuss next areas of focus and member assignments as requested by Town Council. The agenda includes public comment and approval of prior meeting minutes.
- Discuss and possibly vote on recommendations for §185-51 and §93-1 (accessory buildings and impervious materials)
- Discuss and possibly vote on recommendations for §185-21 (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, propane detectors)
- Discuss next areas of focus and member assignments as requested by Town Council
- Approve May 24, 2022 meeting minutes
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Council will discuss and possibly vote on several items, including an ordinance to amend the lodging tax, a request to evaluate financial impacts of parking and beach assessment changes, and an ordinance to revise the beach assessment tax purpose. The council will also review September financials, hear the 2023 beach patrol statistics, and consider multiple committee appointments.
- Ordinance to amend Chapter 167-20 relating to lodging tax
- Request to evaluate financial impacts of reducing free parking hours, extending parking season, and changing beach assessment tax base
- Ordinance to amend Chapter 167-9 to include public safety and waste management in beach assessment tax purpose
- Review of September financials
- Appointments to Marketing, Board of Adjustment, Infrastructure, Charter & Code, Investment, and Audit Committees
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Council is holding its organizational meeting to swear in three newly elected commissioners, then vote among commissioners to appoint the town's mayor and council secretary for one-year terms. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with public comment allowed on each item and brief comments from the town manager and commissioners.
- Swear in three newly elected Commissioners for a two-year term
- Vote to appoint Town Mayor for a one-year term
- Vote to appoint Town Council Secretary for a one-year term
- Comments from Town Manager and Commissioners
Marketing Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Marketing Committee is meeting to discuss and possibly vote on recommending fundraising ideas for the proposed Town Hall & Police Station to the Town Commissioners. They will also review updates on organizing the Jaws on the Bay movie event and consider public comments.
- Discuss and possibly vote on fundraising campaign ideas for proposed Town Hall & Police Station
- Updates on Jaws on the Bay movie event organization
- Approval of June 6, 2023 meeting minutes
- Public comments
Resiliency & Sustainability Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Climate Change Committee is meeting to review and possibly vote on a list of previously discussed policy recommendations to send to the Town Council. They will also discuss progress and partnership opportunities with nearby municipalities and organizations.
- Vote on policy recommendations to forward to Town Council
- Review May 6, 2023 meeting minutes
- Discuss partnerships with nearby municipalities and organizations
Town Meeting(s) Calendar
The Association of Coastal Towns is holding a non-public meeting followed by a public meeting. The agenda includes approving June minutes, a discussion with Bonnie Ram, a financial review, and updates from the CIB, DNREC, and Sea Grant, plus a legislative update. Most items are routine updates and procedural matters.
- Approve June minutes
- Bonnie Ram discussion
- Financial review
- CIB updates from Michelle Schmidt
- DNREC updates from Jesse Hayden
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Council is meeting to discuss and possibly vote on several items, including zoning code changes for townhouses and driveways, a curfew amendment for minors, acceptance of the draft audit, and a committee appointment. They will also review the progress of the new Town Hall and Police Station project and July financials.
- Discuss and possibly vote to request Planning & Zoning to consider changes to Chapter 185-53 (townhouses) and Zoning Table 2 (minimum lot area)
- Discuss and possibly vote to refer an ordinance to amend Chapter 185-87 (streets/right-of-way) on driveway distance from intersections
- Discuss and possibly vote on ordinance to amend Chapter 85-1321A (curfew for minors) to revise effective times
- Discuss and possibly vote to accept the Draft Audit as recommended by the Audit Committee
- Discuss and possibly vote to appoint Dave Lyons as chairperson of the Charter & Code Review Committee
Audit Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Audit Committee is meeting to review the draft audit and discuss whether to recommend its acceptance to the Town Commissioners. The agenda includes approval of minutes from three prior meetings and public comment on each item. This is a routine financial oversight meeting.
- Presentation of draft audit
- Discussion and possible vote to recommend acceptance of draft audit to Town Commissioners
- Approval of minutes from July 28, 2022, March 14, 2023, and March 28, 2023
Infrastructure Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Infrastructure Committee will discuss and possibly vote on recommending a Remington & Vernick Engineers proposal to improve flooding on Read Avenue. The committee will also approve minutes from January and set the next meeting date.
- Discuss and possibly vote on Remington & Vernick Engineers proposal for Read Avenue flooding
- Approve January 10, 2023 meeting minutes
- Set next meeting date
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Council will consider several ordinances and appointments at its July 21 meeting. Key items include granting the police chief authority to close the beach, extending parking fee dates, revising parking permit and meter hours, and increasing curfew penalties. The council will also vote on appointments to the Board of Elections and Planning & Zoning Commission, and discuss an infrastructure project to improve flooding on Read Avenue.
- Reappoint Elaine Bole, Kay Sullivan, Marlene Tarr to Board of Elections (1-year term)
- Approve Election Officials for 2023 municipal election
- Reappoint Dave Lyons to Planning & Zoning Commission (3-year term)
- Approve Remington & Vernick Engineers proposal for Read Avenue flooding infrastructure
- Ordinances: beach closure authority, parking fee dates, parking permit/meter hours, curfew penalties
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on June 30, 2023, to consider a Conditional Use permit and Restaurant Permit of Compliance application to expand the conditional use for Starboard Claw at 1818 Coastal Highway. The parcel is in the RB-2 Zoning District. Interested parties may attend in person, via Zoom, or watch on YouTube and offer testimony.
- Public hearing on Conditional Use permit and Restaurant Permit of Compliance for Starboard Claw at 1818 Coastal Highway
- Parcel north of Dagsworthy Avenue, south of Bellevue Street, Tax Parcel Number 334-20.18-149.00
- RB-2 Zoning District
- Meeting at Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave, 2:00pm
Board of Adjustment Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on June 26, 2023, to consider two zoning requests. One is a special exception to extend a second-floor deck into a front yard setback at 7 Cullen Street. The other is a variance to add a half story to a non-conforming townhome at 4 Seastrand Court, Unit 16. Applicants must appear in person or by representation.
- Special exception to extend second-floor deck 3 feet into 18-foot front yard setback at 7 Cullen Street (NR district)
- Variance to add half story to non-conforming townhome with party walls extending into 8-foot side yard setback at 4 Seastrand Court, Unit 16
- Public hearing at Dewey Beach LifeSaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave, with livestream and Zoom option
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Council will hold public hearings on June 16, 2023, to consider temporary expansions for the Starboard for two events, a conditional use and restaurant permit for Starboard Claw, and two zoning ordinance amendments regarding lapse of special exceptions/variance and driveway entrance limits. The meetings are open for public testimony.
- Public hearing for Starboard temporary expansion for Running of the Bull on June 24, 2023
- Public hearing for Starboard temporary expansion for Dewey Goes Pink on October 7, 2023
- Public hearing on conditional use and restaurant permit for Starboard Claw at 1818 Coastal Highway
- Ordinance to amend Chapter 185 on lapse of special exceptions and variances
- Ordinance to amend Chapter 185 on driveway entrance specifications
Marketing Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Marketing Committee will meet to discuss and possibly vote on recommendations to the Town Commissioners regarding awareness campaigns for the new town tagline, fundraising ideas for the proposed Town Hall & Police Station, and ideas for town-sponsored public events. The meeting will also include approval of the May 2, 2023 minutes and public comments.
- Discuss and possibly vote on awareness campaigns for the new town tagline
- Discuss and possibly vote on fundraising campaign ideas for the proposed Town Hall & Police Station
- Discuss and possibly vote on ideas for town-sponsored public events
- Approval of May 2, 2023 Marketing Committee Meeting Minutes
- Public comments
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Council is holding a workshop and meeting to discuss and possibly vote on key parameters for the proposed Town Hall & Police Station, including construction budget, building height, square footage, parking, and exterior design. Public comment is allowed on each agenda item.
- Vote on construction budget for proposed Town Hall & Police Station
- Vote on maximum building height for proposed Town Hall & Police Station
- Vote on maximum square footage for proposed Town Hall & Police Station
- Vote on location and number of parking spaces at proposed Town Hall & Police Station
- Vote on exterior design style of proposed Town Hall & Police Station
Town Meeting(s) Calendar
The Association of Coastal Towns holds a public meeting to hear updates from state agencies and discuss legislative and financial matters. The agenda includes reports from the CIB, DNREC, and Sea Grant, followed by a legislative update conversation and a financial review.
- Updates from CIB presented by Michelle Schmidt
- DNREC updates from Jesse Hayden
- Sea Grant updates from Danielle Swallow
- Legislative update conversation
- Financial review
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Council is holding public hearings on three proposed ordinances amending the municipal code. The changes address signage standards, zoning limits on floor area and bedrooms, and building permit renewal provisions. Residents may attend in person, via Zoom, or watch the livestream and offer testimony.
- Public hearing on ordinance to amend Chapter 185-30 to allow signage consistent with current standards and practice
- Public hearing on ordinance to amend Chapter 185, Zoning Table 2, regarding maximum floor area and maximum number of bedrooms
- Public hearing on ordinance to amend Chapter 185-60 concerning extension of nonconforming properties
- Public hearing on ordinance to amend Chapter 185-80 relating to renewal of building permits
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Planning & Zoning Commission is holding public hearings on May 12, 2023, to consider amendments to the municipal code. Topics include signage standards, zoning rules for floor area and bedrooms, building permit renewals, and time limits for special exceptions or variances. The commission will also discuss driveway entrance limits and may make recommendations to the Town Council.
- Public hearing on amending Chapter 185-30 to allow signage consistent with current standards
- Public hearing on amending Chapter 185 Zoning Table 2 for maximum floor area and bedrooms, and Chapter 185-60 on nonconforming properties
- Public hearing on draft ordinance amending Chapter 185-80 on building permit renewals
- Discussion on time requirements for expiration of special exceptions or variances (Chapter 185-70)
- Discussion on specifications for number of driveway entrances per lot (Chapter 185-87)
Marketing Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Marketing Committee will discuss and possibly vote on the two winning submissions from the Dewey Beach Tagline Contest, and may recommend a town tagline to the Town Commissioners. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and public comments.
- Vote on two winning Dewey Beach Tagline Contest submissions
- Possible recommendation of a Town tagline to Town Commissioners
- Approval of April 4, 2023 Marketing Committee Meeting Minutes
- Public comments
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Commissioners will hold their monthly meeting on April 21, 2023, at 3:00 PM. The agenda includes presentations from DelDOT, Sussex County EMS, and the Center for Inland Bays, followed by votes on appointments, an auditor contract, and several ordinance changes. Key items include amending building permit fees, revising parking ticket late fees, and approving landscaping and trash collection contracts. The meeting will be held at the Dewey Beach LifeSaving Station and livestreamed on YouTube.
- Vote to hire Mitchell & Titus LLP as town auditor
- Ordinance to amend building permit fees and eliminate limousine business license fee
- Ordinance to revise late fees for unpaid parking tickets
- Resolution to approve town landscaping contract
- Resolution to approve beach trash collection contract
Marketing Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Marketing Committee is meeting to conduct 2023 marketing business. The main item is discussing and possibly voting on a recommendation to the Town Commissioners for the top five tagline submissions from the town's tagline contest. The committee will also approve prior meeting minutes and discuss potential agenda items for the next meeting.
- Discuss and possibly vote on top five tagline contest submissions to recommend to Town Commissioners
- Approve January 10, 2023 Marketing Committee meeting minutes
- Discuss potential items for next meeting's agenda
- Public comments period
Audit Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Audit Committee is meeting virtually to discuss and possibly vote on ratifying its March 14 recommendation to select Mitchell Titus to perform the town's annual audit. The agenda also includes public comments and committee member comments. This is a short, focused meeting with one substantive action item.
- Vote to ratify recommendation to select Mitchell Titus for annual audit
- Public comments on agenda items
- Committee member comments
Audit Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Audit Committee is meeting to discuss and possibly vote on recommending an auditing firm to the Town Commissioners. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from a previous meeting and public comments.
- Discuss and possibly vote to recommend an auditing firm to the Town Commissioners
- Approval of July 28, 2022 Audit Committee Minutes
- Public comments for items not enumerated on the agenda
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Commissioners will hold their monthly meeting on March 10, 2023, to discuss and potentially vote on several ordinances and resolutions. Key items include the FY 2024 budget, changes to parking permit fees, a beach concessions contract, and a pedicab permit fee elimination. The council will also hear an update on the Sunset Park living shoreline project and review February financials.
- Vote on FY 2024 Budget
- Ordinance to amend §117-13 revising licenses and fees
- Ordinance to eliminate four-hour minimum parking permit rate (§93-5)
- Ordinance to increase daily parking permit rate (§93-5)
- Resolution to approve beach concessions provider contract
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Commissioners will hold a public hearing on two proposed ordinances that would add a definition of "tent" to the municipal code and amend zoning rules to permit tents over outside service areas in Resort Business Districts. The hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2023, at the Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station. Interested parties may attend and offer testimony.
- Public hearing on ordinance adding definition of "tent" to municipal code
- Public hearing on ordinance amending Table 3 of Section 185-25 B to permit tents over outside service areas
- Hearing at Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave, Dewey Beach, DE
Town Council Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Town Commissioners will hold their monthly meeting, starting with an executive session for personnel and legal matters, followed by a public session. The council will discuss and possibly vote on several items, including appointing a new police chief, increasing the hotel lodging tax, raising parking meter fees, and a rezoning request. They will also review the preliminary FY 2024 budget and December financials.
- Resolution to appoint Constance Speake as Police Chief, contingent on Delaware COPT certification
- Ordinance to rezone 100 Buena Road from Resort Business-2 (RB-2) to Resort Residential (RR)
- Ordinance to increase hotel lodging tax from 2.0% to 2.5%
- Ordinance to increase parking meter fees to $3.00 per hour
- Resolution to participate in Sussex County Hazard Mitigation Plan
Infrastructure Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Infrastructure Committee will discuss and possibly vote on recommendations for six proposed long-term infrastructure projects, including stormwater improvements, a pump station repair, and a street repaving. The committee will also consider approving the minutes from its November 15, 2022 meeting and set the next meeting date.
- Replace flap valves at Read Avenue Bayside Outfall ($36,000)
- Repair wall at Bayard Avenue Pump Station ($9,900)
- Stormwater Phase I Project from Swedes Street to Read Avenue ($20,000)
- Evaluate and reline Stormwater Phase II Project from Rodney Avenue to Collins Avenue ($45,000)
- Raise crown and repave New Orleans Street bayside ($50,000, DelDOT/CTF funding)
Marketing Committee Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Marketing Committee is meeting to conduct business related to promoting the town for 2023. The main item is a discussion and possible vote on recommending an email campaign for the Dewey Beach tagline contest to the Town Commissioners. The committee will also approve minutes from its November 1, 2022 meeting and discuss potential items for the next agenda.
- Possible recommendation to Town Commissioners on email campaign for Dewey Beach tagline contest
- Approval of November 1, 2022 Marketing Committee meeting minutes
- Discussion of potential items for next meeting's agenda
Board of Adjustment Meeting Calendar
The Dewey Beach Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on January 5, 2023, to consider a variance request to add a half story to six non-conforming townhomes at 2 Seastrand Court, Building D. The variance is needed because the townhomes' party walls extend into the 8-foot side yard setback in the Neighborhood Residential Zoning District. The applicants must appear in person or by representation to advance the request.
- Variance request under Section 185-60(B) of the Dewey Beach Code
- Six townhomes at 2 Seastrand Court, Building D, units 31-36
- Party walls extend into 8-foot side yard setback
- Applicants include Paul Reneau, Sylvia Cueto, Claudia Cueto, Karen McManness, Matt McManness, Leanne Posko, Henry Posko, Laraine Demshock, and Tom Demshock
- Public hearing at Dewey Beach Lifesaving Station, 1 Dagsworthy Ave, 6:00pm