Member Meeting Scheduled for February 9th to discuss Upcoming City Proposals, Beach Parking, and Providing Non-Resident Property Owners with the Right to Vote. (2/2/2022)
On February 9th, starting at 7:00pm, LBCA Members are invited to a discussion of four issues - including beach parking - that could be considered by the Mayor and City Council. The Board would also like to discuss another issue gaining interest - providing property owners who are not residents of Lewes the right to vote in City elections. For a link to our Zoom meeting, click here. The agenda is as follows:
Brief Summary of Agenda for Upcoming Mayor/City Council meeting on February 14th
The City's Beach Parking Proposal
Giving Non-Residents the Right to Vote in City Elections
A lot of us participated in the Jan. 18th City “event” on beach parking. So far, it doesn’t appear that we have a clear understanding of what the City staff is considering or how they will address the numerous questions and concerns that were raised. Even some of the Council members sound unsure what will be recommended. We are hoping by Feb. 9th to have a better idea of what the city is considering and possible next steps.
In addition, there is growing interest among Members, a few City officials, and others in providing non-resident Lewes property owners the right to participate in City elections, as they can in elections for the Lewes Board of Public Works. We want to raise this issue with you to see if there is sufficient Member interest in getting involved.
Finally, it’s expected that during the M/CC February 14th meeting, the City will vote on the three proposed ordinances that were the subject of the January 13th hearing. More than 150 LBCA members signed the LBCA petition on reducing the 10 year Cumulative Cap to 1 year. Thanks again to all who participated. Click here for a copy of the petition. As best as we can tell, this proposal should pass.
The proposal to significantly expand the authority of the City Planner also appears likely to pass, despite the concerns that have been raised. Council Member Saliba could vote in favor, suggesting this is really a City Manager call. Click here for a copy.
The outcome of the proposed Off-Street Parking proposal is not clear. As you may know, the proposal offers minor amendments to an existing Code Section, Section 197-61. Click here to read the Code Section to understand all of what’s being proposed. Despite ample evidence that this section hasn’t been enforced for decades, the City claims it has. Consequently, the LBCA Board submitted questions about the proposal, asked for explanations of confusing terminology and examples of properties in compliance. Click here for a copy of the questions. Not surprisingly, there has been no response to the questions and, based upon experience, none is expected. Click here for a copy of the proposal.