Lewes, DE

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)

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 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

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

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

FINANCE COMMITTEE

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION

FINANCE COMMITTEE

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

LEWES PLANNING COMMISSION

The Lewes Planning Commission will discuss and possibly act on a recommendation to Mayor and City Council regarding a lot consolidation application from Groome Church, proposed revisions to floodplain definitions of substantial damage and improvement, and a recommendation on Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23 and its impacts on plan reviews. The agenda also includes updates on the 2027 Comprehensive Plan, public comment, and approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Lot consolidation application from Groome Church
• Proposed revisions to §197-73 floodplain definitions of substantial damage and improvement
• Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23 implementation and impacts on plan reviews
• Request for temporary pause on residential development applications pending Comprehensive Plan update
• HPARC Decision Letter for 601 Savannah Road

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

The Lewes Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a regular meeting to review and possibly act on its bylaws, discuss updated strategic planning files for the FY28 budget, and review the Stango Park stage area design. They will also receive updates on fishing platforms in George H.P. Smith Park and the condition of pavers in Canalfront Park. The agenda includes standard items like call to order, minutes approval, and public comment.

• Review and possible action on commission's By-laws (updated draft)
• Review and discussion of Strategic Planning files for FY28 budget preparation
• Sally Boswell's update on fishing platforms in George H.P. Smith Park
• Review of Stango Park stage area design
• Review of condition of pavers in Canalfront Park

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

Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (EERC)

The Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission will hear a briefing from the Carper Collaborative on Climate and Jobs and discuss a potential partnership with the First State AI Institute on Digital Twin technology. The meeting also includes an update from the Master Plan Implementation Task Force and approval of prior minutes.

• Briefing from Mike Santora, Executive Director, Carper Collaborative on Climate and Jobs
• Discussion of potential partnership with City of Lewes and First State AI Institute (FSAI) on Digital Twin technology
• Update from the Master Plan Implementation Task Force

FOURTH STREET PRESERVE SUBCOMMITTEE

The subcommittee will receive a restoration update on the Fourth Street Preserve, covering permitting, trail development, groundwater study, and fall planting plans. They will also consider a controlled burn as a site preparation tool. The meeting includes approval of July 8, 2026 minutes and an announcement about the Historic Lewes Farmer's Market event.

• Restoration update includes ditch crossing permits from Army Corps of Engineers and DNREC
• Trail restoration work to begin in early August, with fallen pine repurposed into six rustic benches
• Groundwater study: 5 monitoring wells and 9 soil borings planned
• Fall 2026 planting: 630 native shrubs and pollinator plants, 70 native trees
• Controlled burn consideration with State Forest Service site visit

*REVISED* MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

The Lewes Mayor and City Council will discuss and possibly adopt the audited financial statements for fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, and consider amendments to the peddling and soliciting code. They will also consider an agreement with the University of Delaware to install an audio receiver at Canalfront Park for tracking tagged fish. The agenda includes several consent items, proclamations, and updates on city processes.

• Discussion and possible action on adoption of Lewes Audited Financial Statements for FY ending March 31, 2025
• Proposed amendments to Chapter 142 – Peddling & Soliciting
• Proposed agreement with University of Delaware to install audio receiver at Canalfront Park kayak launch for fish tracking
• Public hearing scheduled for September 8, 2026 on floodplain definition revisions and Groome Church lot consolidation
• Resolution supporting grant application for pervious pavers at Canalfront Park to improve accessibility

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

HISTORIC PRESERVATION ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION

The Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission will review a resubmitted railing design for a Pilottown Road property and discuss updates to the City of Lewes Historic Zoning Map. The meeting also includes approvals of several exterior material changes and fence installations across the city.

• H-8-26: Resubmission of railing type for 304 Pilottown Road property
• Review of City of Lewes Historic Zoning Map
• C&S 15-26: Approved roofing and chimney material changes at 305 Mulberry St.
• C&S 19-26: Approved window material and color changes at 301 Market St.
• C&S 23-26: Approved porch roof replacement at 213 Second St.

ORDINANCE REVIEW AD-HOC COMMITTEE

The Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee will discuss proposed revisions to the city code regarding beaches, signs, and billboards. The body is also considering the use of the term 'imprisonment' within the City Code and City Charter.

• Proposed revisions to Chapter 63 - Beaches
• Proposed revisions to Ch.197 Article VIII Signs and Billboards
• Review of the term 'imprisonment' in Section 13 and Section 18 of the City Charter

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

LEWES BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The committee will discuss prioritizing initiatives identified in a June workshop and review the status of street lighting improvements on Savannah Road. The body will also address pending and new maintenance issues related to bicycles and pedestrians.

• Review of street lighting improvements on Savannah Road from 3rd Street to Canal
• Prioritization of initiatives identified at the June 22, 2026 workshop
• Discussion of bicycle and pedestrian maintenance issues
• Announcement of National Night Out on August 4th
• Bike Rodeo announcement

BOARD OF ETHICS

The Board of Ethics will meet to elect officers and orient new members. The body will discuss possible amendments to the City Code regarding confidentiality and requests for advisory opinions.

• Election of officers
• Orientation of new members
• Discussion of City Code amendments regarding advisory opinions and confidentiality
• Executive session to consider a request for an advisory opinion

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL / BPW JOINT MEETING

PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE

The committee is meeting to discuss and potentially take action on public art installations for 2026 and 2027. The agenda includes a proposal for a permanent installation at the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center and plans for a committee bus tour.

• Possible action on 2026 and 2027 public art installations and contracts
• Discussion of permanent art installation at Margaret H. Rollins Community Center with quote from Michael Rosato
• Planning for a Public Art Committee Bus Tour to Grounds for Sculpture Installations
• Discussion regarding a possible Lewes Lantern Festival
• Planning for a Public Art Committee Workshop

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION

The Lewes Mayor and City Council work session will discuss several ongoing initiatives. Items include a presentation on new floodplain software, a review of right‑of‑way processes for properties along Pilottown Road, updates on the Governance Working Group’s ex‑officio roles, possible revisions to the Finance Committee’s FY28 non‑profit grant applications, and a proposed amendment to §197-73‑Floodplain definitions and Chapter 70 of Appendix G of the 2021 IBC with an accompanying resolution.

• Discussion of right‑of‑way process for properties along Pilottown Road, TMP #335-4.19-95, 95-03/95-04/95-07/95.08
• Proposed revisions to §197-73‑Floodplain definitions of substantial damage and improvement, additions to Chapter 70 of Appendix G of the 2021 IBC, and related SOPs with a resolution
• Consideration of revisions to the Lewes Finance Committee FY28 Small and Large Non‑Profit Grant applications
• Discussion of re‑establishing a sister‑city relationship with the Mayor and Town Council of Lewes, England
• Update and path forward on the Brownfields Program for the municipal campus site

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee will discuss the city's insurance portfolio and explore the use of a financial advisor for long-term planning. The body is also considering recommendations for committee bylaws and the process for accepting Sussex County property tax assessments.

• Recommendation on Lewes Finance Committee Draft Bylaws
• Process to accept Sussex County property tax assessments
• Summary presentation on the City of Lewes Insurance Portfolio
• Discussion on establishing a subcommittee for the FY28 Small and Large Non-Profit Grant Program
• Review of FY 2025 Audited Financial Statements

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

The commission will review proposals for a donated outdoor community chess board and a mural for the Rollins building. Members will also discuss the formation of a Great Marsh Park Development subcommittee and review the commission's by-laws.

• Proposal for a donated large outdoor community chess board
• Possible action on a mural for the Rollins building parking lot side
• Formation of a Great Marsh Park Development subcommittee or workgroup
• Review and possible action on commission by-laws
• Review of recommended skillset for new commissioners

LEWES AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

The Lewes African American Heritage Commission will meet to discuss preliminary recommendations for the Middle Passage Marker. The body will also consider a work group for the February 2027 Black History Month program and a fundraising timeline.

• Preliminary recommendations on the Middle Passage Marker from the Social & Economic Work Group
• Volunteers for the February 2027 Black History Month Program Work Group
• Grant solicitation and fundraising timeline

JOHNNIE WALKER BEACH SUBCOMMITTEE

The Johnnie Walker Beach Subcommittee will meet to discuss and potentially take action on updates regarding a replica pavilion. The body will also review updates and possible actions concerning Johnnie Walker Beach Day.

• Discussion and possible action on replica pavilion update
• Update and possible action regarding Johnnie Walker Beach Day
• Approval of May 21, 2026 meeting minutes

LEWES PLANNING COMMISSION

La Comisión de Planificación de Lewes revisará los borradores de las áreas de enfoque y las asignaciones de los comisionados para la actualización del Plan Integral de 2027. El organismo también discutirá la estructura de un nuevo Grupo de Trabajo de Asesores Comunitarios para la participación pública.

• Revisión de los borradores de las áreas de enfoque y las asignaciones de los comisionados para el Plan Integral de 2027
• Discusión sobre la creación de un Grupo de Trabajo de Asesores Comunitarios (CAW)
• Aprobación de las actas de la reunión del 20 de mayo de 2026
• Revisión de las actas de las sesiones de trabajo del 8 de mayo y 17 de junio de 2026
• Actualizaciones de los miembros ex officio y del personal de la ciudad

REVISED - MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL

El concejo considerará la modificación de los diseños del paisaje urbano para el proyecto de Fourth Street y Park Avenue, una ordenanza para conmemorar a la Lewes African American Heritage Commission, y revisiones a la autoridad de administración de zonificación. La agenda de consentimiento incluye extensiones de arrendamiento para 100 y 104 Cedar Street. Los temas de asuntos nuevos incluyen una donación de tierras, una solicitud de exención de impuestos y una extensión del estudio de movimiento de arena.

• Discusión y posible acción para modificar la moción con respecto a los diseños del paisaje urbano del W. Fourth Street & Park Avenue Street Improvement Project
• Propuesta de ordenanza para conmemorar a la Lewes African American Heritage Commission en el código de la ciudad
• Extensiones de arrendamiento solicitadas para 100 Cedar Street y 104 (anteriormente 102) Cedar Street
• Solicitud del propietario de 24 Cape Henlopen Drive para utilizar y mejorar Virginia Avenue para el acceso residencial
• Discusión sobre la aceptación de la donación de tierras en Gills Neck Road (Tax Map: 335-8.00-54.00)

*REVISED* ORDINANCE REVIEW AD-HOC COMMITTEE

El Comité Ad-Hoc de Revisión de Ordenanzas continúa trabajando en la actualización de varios códigos de la ciudad de Lewes. Los miembros discutirán reemplazar el término prisión en la carta municipal, revisar las definiciones de llanura aluvial para daños sustanciales y mejoras, y reformar las regulaciones de letreros y vallas publicitarias. El comité también revisará los cambios propuestos a las reglas de acceso a la playa y adoptará procedimientos operativos internos.

• Revisiones a las definiciones de llanura aluvial §197-73 para daños sustanciales y mejoras
• Actualizaciones propuestas al Capítulo 197 Artículo VIII sobre letreros y vallas publicitarias
• Borrador de revisiones al Capítulo 63 de regulaciones de playa, incluyendo restricciones de hoyos y acceso nocturno
• Revisión de las secciones 13 y 18 de la carta sobre el término prisión
• Adopción de políticas y procedimientos operativos para el comité ad-hoc

Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (EERC)

El EERC discutirá y posiblemente votará sobre la extensión del Programa Piloto de Movimiento de Arena de las Playas Savannah y Johnnie Walker, basándose en un informe de progreso del Delaware Geological Survey. También escucharán una presentación sobre un proyecto piloto de viviendas de desastre de la Universidad de Delaware y la Delaware Housing Authority. Además, la comisión sostendrá una reunión organizativa para nominar funcionarios y recibirá una actualización sobre la implementación del Plan Maestro de Fourth Street Preserve.

• Discusión y posible acción para recomendar la extensión del Programa Piloto de Movimiento de Arena de las Playas Savannah y Johnnie Walker
• Presentación sobre proyecto piloto de viviendas de desastre por el UD Institute for Public Administration y la Delaware Housing Authority
• Reunión organizativa / nominación de funcionarios
• Actualización del Grupo de Trabajo de Implementación del Plan Maestro de Fourth Street Preserve
• Aprobación de las actas de la reunión del 10 de junio de 2026

FOURTH STREET PRESERVE SUBCOMMITTEE

El Subcomité de Fourth Street Preserve se reunirá para discutir los esfuerzos de restauración en curso, incluyendo la finalización de la isla de hábitat, el diseño del puente de senderos y los permisos para nidos de águila calva. El comité también considerará la aprobación de las actas de la reunión del 13 de mayo de 2026. No se esperan votos oficiales sobre temas sustantivos más allá de las actas.

• Aprobar las actas de la reunión del subcomité del 13 de mayo de 2026
• Actualización sobre la primera isla de hábitat: 61 árboles nativos plantados, métricas de colaboración comunitaria
• Estado del permiso de U.S. Fish and Wildlife para el nido de águila calva, incluyendo un radio de no perturbación de 330 pies
• Discusión del diseño de puente de madera de tramos cortos del Forest Service para cruces de senderos, con fortalecimiento estructural para soportar 14,000 lbs y un ancho de 8 pies
• Progreso en las fuentes de riego: camión de riego de la estatal de silvicultura durante seis semanas; viabilidad de conectar a la línea de agua municipal para un hidrante resistente a las heladas

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL - Public Hearing and Special Meeting

El Alcalde y el Concejo Municipal de Lewes llevarán a cabo una audiencia pública y una reunión especial para considerar la Ordenanza 5-26, que modifica el código de zonificación para transferir las responsabilidades administrativas del City Planner al City Manager o su designado. Esto incluye el manejo de solicitudes de uso condicional, permisos de uso temporal y apelaciones administrativas. Después de la audiencia, el concejo discutirá y posiblemente votará sobre la ordenanza.

• Audiencia pública sobre ORD 5-26 para transferir las funciones administrativas de zonificación del City Planner al City Manager/designado
• Modifica las secciones 197-22, 197-91, 197-95 y 197-102 del Código Municipal de Lewes
• Cambia quién recibe las solicitudes de uso condicional y las presentaciones de permisos de uso temporal
• Define el proceso de apelación para decisiones tomadas por el City Manager en comparación con el rol anterior del City Planner

MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL EXECUTIVE SESSION

**REVISED** MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION

El Alcalde y el Concejo Municipal celebrarán una sesión de trabajo para discutir las respuestas locales a la legislación estatal de vivienda SB23, revisar un piloto de reforma de zonificación patrocinado por el estado, y actualizar a los residentes sobre el proyecto de paisaje urbano de W. Fourth Street y Park Avenue. El cuerpo también considerará una ordenanza propuesta para codificar la Comisión del Patrimonio Afroamericano de Lewes y discutirá la formación de un nuevo comité de estacionamiento.

• Oposición al proyecto de ley estatal de vivienda SB23 y sus sustitutos
• Presentación sobre el Piloto de Asistencia Técnica de DSHA para la reforma de zonificación
• Actualización del diseño de paisaje urbano para el proyecto de W. Fourth Street y Park Avenue
• Ordenanza propuesta para codificar la Comisión del Patrimonio Afroamericano de Lewes
• La presentación del Historic Book Festival destaca un impacto económico de $1.2M en Lewes

Legacy Work Group Meeting - Lewes Comprehensive Plan Update

El Legacy Work Group se reúne por primera vez para iniciar la actualización del Comprehensive Plan 2027. Recibirán una visión general del alcance, el cronograma y su rol en el plan. La reunión incluye presentaciones y una discusión de expectativas. Se proporciona un período de comentarios públicos.

• Presentación de los miembros del grupo de trabajo
• Presentación de la visión general del proceso del Comprehensive Plan
• Expectativas de los miembros del Legacy Work Group
• Discusión general y preguntas y respuestas
• Período de comentarios públicos

POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE

El comité está decidiendo si llevar a cabo una discusión dedicada sobre el reciente evento de 'toma de control' del 19 de mayo en Rehoboth Beach. Esta discusión podría ocurrir durante una reunión regular o mediante una sesión especial una vez que se complete una investigación independiente.

• Discusión del evento de 'toma de control' del 19 de mayo de 2026
• Selección de una fecha para la reunión del tercer trimestre
• Investigación independiente del reciente incidente en Rehoboth Beach

LEWES BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORKSHOP