Lewes meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Lewes Council agenda includes audited financials, fish-tracking pact; commissions review zoning and beach rules

Lewes city boards and commissions met over the past two weeks to review items ranging from audited financial statements to beach rules and a fish-tracking agreement. The Mayor and City Council met Aug. 10 with an agenda that included adoption of the city's audited FY2025 financials, amendments to the peddling and soliciting code, and a proposed agreement with the University of Delaware to install an audio receiver at Canalfront Park for tracking tagged fish. Minutes from that meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions have been confirmed.

Mayor & City Council

The Aug. 10 council agenda included:

• Discussion and possible action on adopting the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.
• Proposed amendments to Chapter 142 – Peddling & Soliciting.
• A proposed agreement with the University of Delaware to install an audio receiver at the Canalfront Park kayak launch for fish tracking.
• A public hearing scheduled for Sept. 8 on floodplain definition revisions and a Groome Church lot consolidation.
• A resolution supporting a grant application for pervious pavers at Canalfront Park to improve accessibility.

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission met Aug. 6. Its agenda included a resubmitted railing design for a property at 304 Pilottown Road and a review of the City of Lewes Historic Zoning Map. The agenda also listed approvals of roofing and chimney material changes at 305 Mulberry St., window and color changes at 301 Market St., and a porch roof replacement at 213 Second St. Minutes have not been published.

Ordinance Review Committee

The Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee met Aug. 6 to discuss proposed revisions to Chapter 63 (Beaches) and Chapter 197, Article VIII (Signs and Billboards). The committee also reviewed the use of the term "imprisonment" in Sections 13 and 18 of the City Charter. No minutes are available yet.

Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission

The EERC met Aug. 12 and heard a briefing from Mike Santora, executive director of the Carper Collaborative on Climate and Jobs. The commission discussed a potential partnership with the First State AI Institute on Digital Twin technology and received an update from the Master Plan Implementation Task Force. Minutes have not been published.

Fourth Street Preserve Subcommittee

At its Aug. 12 meeting, the subcommittee received a restoration update for the Fourth Street Preserve. The update included ditch crossing permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and DNREC, trail restoration work beginning in early August, and a groundwater study involving five monitoring wells and nine soil borings. Fall 2026 planting plans call for 630 native shrubs and pollinator plants and 70 native trees. The subcommittee also considered a controlled burn as a site preparation tool, with a State Forest Service site visit. Minutes are pending.

Coming up

• **Aug. 17 – Parks & Recreation Commission:** Review of bylaws, FY28 budget preparation files, Stango Park stage area design, fishing platforms in George H.P. Smith Park, and condition of pavers in Canalfront Park.
• **Aug. 17 – Board of Ethics:** Executive session to consider two complaints under City Code Section 9-8(G)(2), with possible action afterward.
• **Aug. 19 – Planning Commission:** Recommendation on Groome Church lot consolidation, proposed revisions to floodplain definitions of substantial damage and improvement, Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 23 impacts, and a request for a temporary pause on residential development applications pending the Comprehensive Plan update.
• **Aug. 20 – Johnnie Walker Beach Subcommittee:** Update on Johnnie Walker Beach Day (scheduled Sept. 19) and the replica pavilion project, which is awaiting construction plans from GMB.
• **Aug. 20 – African American Heritage Commission:** Plans for the February 2027 Black History Month program, Johnnie Walker Beach Day and pavilion timeline, a state historical marker for Peter Lewis, and Fiscal Year 2027 and 2028 budget discussions.

Lewes council to weigh audited FY2025 financials, peddling rules, fish-tracking pact

No decisions have been published from Lewes city meetings held in the past two weeks; all four recent agendas are marked "minutes not yet published." The most consequential items on the horizon are on the Aug. 10 Mayor and City Council agenda, which includes adoption of the audited FY2025 financial statements, amendments to the peddling and soliciting code, and a fish-tracking agreement with the University of Delaware.

Recent meetings (past two weeks)

All four meetings held between July 28 and Aug. 6 were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. No votes or actions were recorded.

• **Board of Ethics (July 28)** – Agenda included election of officers, orientation of new members, discussion of City Code amendments regarding advisory opinions and confidentiality, and an executive session to consider a request for an advisory opinion.
• **Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (July 28)** – Reviewed street lighting improvements on Savannah Road from 3rd Street to Canal, prioritized initiatives from a June 22 workshop, discussed maintenance issues, and announced National Night Out (Aug. 4) and a Bike Rodeo.
• **Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission (Aug. 6)** – Reviewed a resubmitted railing design for a Pilottown Road property, discussed updates to the City of Lewes Historic Zoning Map, and approved several exterior changes: roofing and chimney materials at 305 Mulberry St., window material and color at 301 Market St., and porch roof replacement at 213 Second St.
• **Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee (Aug. 6)** – Discussed proposed revisions to Chapter 63 (Beaches) and Chapter 197 Article VIII (Signs and Billboards), and reviewed the term "imprisonment" in Sections 13 and 18 of the City Charter.

Upcoming meetings

Mayor & City Council (Aug. 10, revised agenda)

The council will discuss and possibly act on:

• Adoption of the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.
• Proposed amendments to Chapter 142 – Peddling & Soliciting.
• A proposed agreement with the University of Delaware to install an audio receiver at the Canalfront Park kayak launch for tracking tagged fish.
• A resolution supporting a grant application for pervious pavers at Canalfront Park to improve accessibility.

The agenda also schedules a public hearing for Sept. 8 on floodplain definition revisions and a Groome Church lot consolidation.

Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (Aug. 12)

The commission will hear a briefing from Mike Santora, Executive Director of the Carper Collaborative on Climate and Jobs, and discuss a potential partnership with the First State AI Institute on Digital Twin technology. An update from the Master Plan Implementation Task Force is also scheduled.

Fourth Street Preserve Subcommittee (Aug. 12)

The subcommittee will receive a restoration update covering permitting, trail development, groundwater study, and fall planting. Specific items include ditch crossing permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and DNREC, trail work beginning in early August (with fallen pine repurposed into six rustic benches), a groundwater study with 5 monitoring wells and 9 soil borings, and fall planting of 630 native shrubs and pollinator plants plus 70 native trees. The subcommittee will also consider a controlled burn with a State Forest Service site visit.

Coming up

• **Aug. 10** – Mayor & City Council (revised agenda)
• **Aug. 12** – Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission
• **Aug. 12** – Fourth Street Preserve Subcommittee

All meetings are open to the public; check the city's official calendar for times and locations.

Lewes committees tackle floodplain rules, finances, public art; no minutes published yet

Lewes boards and commissions met six times over the past two weeks, covering topics from floodplain ordinance revisions to public art installations and street lighting. All six meetings are listed as agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published — so the items below reflect what was scheduled for discussion or possible action, not confirmed outcomes.

Mayor & City Council Work Session

The July 22 work session included the most consequential agenda item for property owners: a proposed amendment to §197-73, which covers floodplain definitions of "substantial damage" and "substantial improvement," along with additions to Chapter 70 of Appendix G of the 2021 International Building Code and related standard operating procedures, accompanied by a resolution. Council was also scheduled to discuss the right-of-way process for properties along Pilottown Road (TMP #335-4.19-95, 95-03/95-04/95-07/95.08), revisions to the Finance Committee's FY28 Small and Large Non-Profit Grant applications, re-establishing a sister-city relationship with the Mayor and Town Council of Lewes, England, and an update on the Brownfields Program for the municipal campus site. No minutes are available, so no action can be confirmed.

Finance Committee

On July 21, the Finance Committee was set to review the city's insurance portfolio, discuss using a financial advisor for long-term planning, and review FY 2025 audited financial statements. The agenda also included a recommendation on draft committee bylaws, the process for accepting Sussex County property tax assessments, and discussion of a subcommittee for the FY28 Non-Profit Grant Program. Outcomes are not yet documented.

Parks & Recreation Commission

The July 20 agenda included a 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 of commission by-laws, and review of recommended skillsets for new commissioners.

Public Art Committee

Also meeting July 22, this committee was scheduled to consider possible action on 2026 and 2027 public art installations and contracts, including a permanent installation at the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center with a quote from Michael Rosato. The agenda also covered planning a bus tour to Grounds for Sculpture installations, discussion of a possible Lewes Lantern Festival, and a committee workshop.

Board of Ethics

The July 28 meeting included election of officers, orientation of new members, discussion of City Code amendments regarding advisory opinions and confidentiality, and an executive session to consider a request for an advisory opinion.

Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee

Also on July 28, this committee was set to review street lighting improvements on Savannah Road from 3rd Street to Canal, prioritize initiatives from a June 22, 2026 workshop, discuss bicycle and pedestrian maintenance issues, and announce National Night Out on August 4 and a Bike Rodeo.

Coming up

Two meetings are scheduled for Thursday, August 6:

• **Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission** — review of a resubmitted railing design for 304 Pilottown Road (H-8-26), updates to the City of Lewes Historic Zoning Map, and several exterior material and fence change requests including roofing and chimney changes at 305 Mulberry St., window changes at 301 Market St., and a porch roof replacement at 213 Second St.
• **Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee** — proposed revisions to Chapter 63 (Beaches) and Ch. 197 Article VIII (Signs and Billboards), plus review of the term "imprisonment" in Sections 13 and 18 of the City Charter.

Lewes meetings cover zoning shift, land donation, and preserve work; outcomes pending as minutes unpublished

Lewes boards and commissions met eight times between July 7 and July 16, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions, so official outcomes and vote tallies are not available. The agendas show the most consequential items up for discussion or possible action were a proposed transfer of zoning administration duties, a potential land donation on Gills Neck Road, and continued restoration work at the Fourth Street Preserve.

Zoning administration shift

On July 7, Mayor and City Council held a public hearing and special meeting on Ordinance 5-26, which would amend sections 197-22, 197-91, 197-95, and 197-102 of the Lewes City Code to shift zoning administrative responsibilities from the City Planner to the City Manager or a designee. The change would affect who receives conditional use applications and temporary use permit filings and would define the appeal process for decisions made by the City Manager. The agenda indicated council would discuss and possibly vote after the hearing; the result is not yet in the public record.

Fourth Street Preserve restoration

The Fourth Street Preserve Subcommittee met July 8 to review restoration progress. The agenda listed 61 native trees planted on the first habitat island, an update on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife permit for a bald eagle nest with a 330-foot no-disturbance radius, and discussion of a Forest Service short-span timber bridge design strengthened to support 14,000 lbs at an 8-foot width. The committee also planned to discuss watering sources, including a state forestry watering truck for six weeks and the feasibility of tapping a municipal water line for a frost-proof hydrant. The only vote expected was on May 13, 2026 minutes.

Beach sand pilot and disaster housing

The Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission met July 8 and was scheduled to consider recommending an extension of the Savannah and Johnnie Walker Beach Sand Movement Pilot Program based on a Delaware Geological Survey progress report. The agenda also included a presentation on a disaster housing pilot project by the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration and the Delaware Housing Authority, nomination of officers, and an update from the Fourth Street Preserve Master Plan Implementation Task Force.

Ordinance review committee

On July 9, the Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee was set to discuss revisions to §197-73 floodplain definitions for substantial damage and improvement, proposed updates to Chapter 197 Article VIII covering signs and billboards, draft revisions to Chapter 63 beach regulations including hole restrictions and night access, and review of charter sections 13 and 18 regarding the term imprisonment.

Council streetscape, leases, and land

The revised Mayor and City Council meeting on July 13 included discussion and possible action to modify the streetscape designs for the W. Fourth Street & Park Avenue Street Improvement Project, a proposed ordinance to memorialize the Lewes African American Heritage Commission in city code, and lease extensions for 100 Cedar Street and 104 (formerly 102) Cedar Street. The agenda also listed a request from the owner of 24 Cape Henlopen Drive to utilize and improve Virginia Avenue for residential access and discussion on accepting a donation of land on Gills Neck Road (Tax Map: 335-8.00-54.00).

Planning, heritage, and beach subcommittees

The Planning Commission met July 15 to review draft focus areas and commissioner assignments for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan and discuss establishing a Community Advisor Working Group. On July 16, the Johnnie Walker Beach Subcommittee was scheduled to discuss a replica pavilion and Johnnie Walker Beach Day, while the Lewes African American Heritage Commission was set to review preliminary recommendations on the Middle Passage Marker, seek volunteers for a February 2027 Black History Month Program Work Group, and discuss a grant solicitation and fundraising timeline.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Parks & Recreation Commission:** Proposal for a donated outdoor community chess board, possible action on a mural for the Rollins building parking lot side, and formation of a Great Marsh Park Development subcommittee.
• **July 21 — Finance Committee:** Summary of the city insurance portfolio, process to accept Sussex County property tax assessments, possible subcommittee for the FY28 Non-Profit Grant Program, and review of FY 2025 audited financial statements.
• **July 22 — Mayor & City Council Work Session:** Presentation on new floodplain software, right-of-way process for Pilottown Road properties, proposed revisions to §197-73 floodplain definitions, discussion of re-establishing a sister-city relationship with Lewes, England, and a Brownfields Program update.
• **July 22 — Public Art Committee:** Possible action on 2026 and 2027 installations, discussion of a permanent installation at the Margaret H. Rollins Community Center with a quote from Michael Rosato, and planning for a bus tour to Grounds for Sculpture.

Lewes Council Weighs Zoning Authority Shift; Beach Sand Pilot, Floodplain Rules Also on the Table

Lewes officials spent the past week reviewing zoning administration, beach restoration, floodplain rules, and sign codes across four meetings. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, outcomes — including any votes — are not yet confirmed in the public record. The agendas below describe what was scheduled for discussion and possible action.

Zoning Administration: Ordinance 5-26

The Mayor and City Council held a public hearing and special meeting July 7 on Ordinance 5-26, which would amend the zoning code to transfer administrative duties from the City Planner to the City Manager or their designee. The ordinance amends sections 197-22, 197-91, 197-95, and 197-102 of the Lewes City Code. The changes would shift who receives conditional use applications and temporary use permit filings, and would define the appeal process for decisions made by the City Manager rather than the former City Planner role. The agenda indicated council would discuss and possibly vote after the hearing, but no minutes are available to confirm the result.

Fourth Street Preserve Restoration

The Fourth Street Preserve Subcommittee met July 8 to review restoration progress. According to the agenda, the first habitat island now has 61 native trees planted, with community collaboration metrics reported. The subcommittee was also scheduled to receive an update on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife permit for a bald eagle nest, including a 330-foot no-disturbance radius. Trail crossing design was on the agenda, featuring a Forest Service short-span timber bridge built to support 14,000 lbs at 8-foot width. Watering sources under discussion included a state forestry watering truck for six weeks and the feasibility of tapping a municipal water line for a frost-proof hydrant. The only vote expected was on approving May 13, 2026 minutes.

Beach Sand Pilot and Disaster Housing

The Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission met July 8 to consider recommending an extension of the Savannah and Johnnie Walker Beach Sand Movement Pilot Program, based on a progress report from the Delaware Geological Survey. The commission was also scheduled to hear a presentation on a disaster housing pilot project from the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration and the Delaware Housing Authority. An organizational meeting to nominate officers and an update from the Fourth Street Preserve Master Plan Implementation Task Force rounded out the agenda.

Ordinance Review: Floodplains, Signs, Beach Access

The Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee met July 9 to continue updating city codes. Items on the agenda included revisions to §197-73 floodplain definitions for substantial damage and improvement, proposed updates to Chapter 197 Article VIII covering signs and billboards, and draft revisions to Chapter 63 beach regulations including hole restrictions and night access. The committee also planned to review charter sections 13 and 18 regarding the term "imprisonment" and adopt its own operating policies and procedures.

Coming Up

• **July 13 — Mayor & City Council:** Discussion and possible action on modifying streetscape designs for the W. Fourth Street and Park Avenue street improvement project; a proposed ordinance to memorialize the Lewes African American Heritage Commission in city code; lease extensions for 100 Cedar Street and 104 (formerly 102) Cedar Street; a request from the owner of 24 Cape Henlopen Drive to use and improve Virginia Avenue for residential access; and discussion on accepting a land donation on Gills Neck Road (Tax Map: 335-8.00-54.00).
• **July 15 — Lewes Planning Commission:** Review of draft focus areas and commissioner assignments for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan, plus discussion on establishing a Community Advisor Working Group for public engagement.
• **July 16 — Johnnie Walker Beach Subcommittee:** Discussion and possible action on a replica pavilion update and Johnnie Walker Beach Day.
• **July 16 — Lewes African American Heritage Commission:** Preliminary recommendations on the Middle Passage Marker, volunteers for a February 2027 Black History Month program work group, and a grant solicitation and fundraising timeline.

Lewes roundup: Council to vote on zoning admin shift; recent meetings focused on housing bill, comprehensive plan

Lewes City Council will hold a public hearing July 7 on Ordinance 5-26, which would shift zoning administrative duties from the City Planner to the City Manager or their designee — the most consequential action on the immediate horizon. Recent meetings over the past two weeks covered state housing legislation, the comprehensive plan update, and a police accountability discussion, though minutes have not yet been published for any of them.

Recent meetings: agendas only, no minutes yet

Three public meetings were held between June 23 and June 24. For all three, only agendas are available; minutes have not been published, so no formal outcomes can be confirmed.

Police Accountability Committee (June 23): The committee discussed whether to hold a dedicated discussion about a May 19, 2026 "takeover" event in Rehoboth Beach. That discussion may occur at a regular meeting or a special session once an independent investigation is complete. The committee also planned to select a date for its third quarter meeting.

Mayor & City Council Work Session (June 24): Council reviewed opposition to state housing bill SB23 and its substitutes, heard a presentation on the DSHA Technical Assistance Pilot for zoning reform, and received an update on the W. Fourth Street & Park Avenue streetscape project. The agenda also included a proposed ordinance to codify the Lewes African American Heritage Commission and discussion of forming a new parking committee. A Historic Book Festival presentation noted a $1.2M economic impact to Lewes.

Legacy Work Group (June 24): The group held its first meeting to launch the 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update. Members received an overview of the plan's scope, timeline, and their role, followed by introductions, a discussion of expectations, and a public comment period.

Coming up: July 7 — City Council public hearing on zoning admin shift

The Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing and special meeting on Ordinance 5-26, which amends sections 197-22, 197-91, 197-95, and 197-102 of the Lewes City Code. The ordinance would transfer administrative responsibilities — including handling conditional use applications, temporary use permits, and administrative appeals — from the City Planner to the City Manager or their designee. After the hearing, council will discuss and possibly vote on the ordinance.

Coming up: July 8 — EERC considers beach sand pilot extension

The Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission will discuss and possibly vote on recommending an extension of the Savannah and Johnnie Walker Beach Sand Movement Pilot Program, based on a progress report from the Delaware Geological Survey. The commission will also hear a presentation on a disaster housing pilot project from the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration and the Delaware Housing Authority, hold an organizational meeting to nominate officers, receive an update from the Fourth Street Preserve Master Plan Implementation Task Force, and consider approval of its June 10, 2026 meeting minutes.

Coming up: July 9 — Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee

The committee will continue work on several code updates: revisions to §197-73 floodplain definitions for substantial damage and improvement, proposed updates to Chapter 197 Article VIII covering signs and billboards, and draft revisions to Chapter 63 beach regulations including hole restrictions and night access. Members will also review charter sections 13 and 18 regarding the term "imprisonment" and adopt internal operating policies and procedures.

Coming up

• **July 7, 2026** — Mayor & City Council Public Hearing and Special Meeting on Ordinance 5-26 (zoning administration transfer)
• **July 8, 2026** — Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission (beach sand pilot extension vote possible)
• **July 9, 2026** — Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee (floodplain, sign, and beach regulation updates)

Lewes boards discuss policing, housing, and comprehensive plan; no final votes taken

City boards in Lewes convened in late June to examine police accountability, opposition to a state housing bill, and the first steps of a new comprehensive plan. The meetings were workshops or agenda-setting sessions, and no formal actions were taken. Minutes from each meeting remain unpublished.

Police panel weighs Rehoboth Beach incident review

The Police Accountability Committee met on June 23 to decide whether to hold a dedicated session on the May 19 “takeover” event in Rehoboth Beach. Members discussed scheduling a third-quarter meeting and the timeline for an independent investigation. No date or format was finalized.

Council discusses housing bill, streetscape, and festival impact

During a revised work session on June 24, the Mayor and City Council reviewed local opposition to state housing legislation SB23 and its substitutes. The body also received a presentation on the Delaware State Housing Authority’s Technical Assistance Pilot for zoning reform.

An update on the West Fourth Street and Park Avenue streetscape project was provided. Separately, organizers of the Historic Book Festival reported that the event generated a $1.2 million economic impact in Lewes. Council members also considered a proposed ordinance to codify the Lewes African American Heritage Commission and discussed the formation of a new parking committee.

Comprehensive plan update kicks off

The Legacy Work Group for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan Update met on the same day for the first time. Members were introduced, received an overview of the plan’s scope and timeline, and discussed expectations. A public comment period was held, but no decisions were made.

Coming up

The next two weeks bring several meetings where actions are expected.

July 7 – Mayor & City Council Public Hearing and Special Meeting. Council will take up Ordinance 5-26, which would transfer zoning administrative duties—including conditional use applications, temporary use permits, and appeals—from the City Planner to the City Manager or a designee. A public hearing will be followed by discussion and a possible vote.

July 8 – Economic, Environment and Resiliency Commission. Members will consider recommending an extension of the Savannah and Johnnie Walker Beach Sand Movement Pilot Program, based on a progress report from the Delaware Geological Survey. A presentation on a disaster housing pilot project led by the University of Delaware and the Delaware Housing Authority is also on the agenda, along with officer nominations and a master plan update for the Fourth Street Preserve.

July 9 – Ordinance Review Ad-Hoc Committee. The committee will continue revising floodplain definitions for substantial damage and improvement, overhauling sign and billboard rules, and updating beach regulations (including hole restrictions and night access). Other items include changing references to imprisonment in the city charter and adopting internal operating procedures.