Parents be aware: Fluoride is not currently being added to Selbyville town water. The Town was given an exemption until their new water plant comes online.
Typically, local water plants must add fluoride as a public service to help strengthen children’s teeth. Families without fluoridated water may wish to discuss fluoride tablets with their children’s dentist.
Construction at the new supplemental water plant has been delayed by about 30 days because of materials acquisition issues. The end date for the project could be in May.
At the Jan. 9 meeting, Councilman Richard “Rick” Duncan Sr. reminded the council that they need to start thinking long-term for big expenses that are coming down the pike, such as a new water tower or water plant filters that are overdue for replacement.
He also offered an idea that could address Frankford’s and Selbyville’s water woes: “The State recommended [the Town of Frankford] talk to Selbyville about hooking into the Pepper Ridge tower, which is a great idea because we consistently have problems about the Pepper Ridge tower not turning over the water — the water gets stagnant, stuff like that, different chlorine levels. So I see the State and Frankford coming to the Town and asking about a joint interconnect there.”
Cars in a snowstorm: Move it or lose it
During major snowstorms and other governor-declared states of emergency, residents are required to move their vehicles from the road so that snowplows can get through.
Police Chief W. Scott Collins said the municipality has the power to tow vehicles parked on the road, especially if they impede plows.
“We don’t tow normally, unless it’s blocking [the road],” Collins said.
Town Hall sent an automated phone call through CodeRED to Selbyville residents before the Jan. 7 storm to remind them to make sure their vehicles were off the street.
All landlines in the town are registered for the calls, but people can edit or add information to the system by contacting the Selbyville Police Department, or online at www.selbyville.delaware.gov/pd-helpful-resources (click “CodeRED”).
In other Selbyville Town Council news:
• The new Town website is at www.Selbyville.Delaware.gov.
• Candidates may now register for the 2017 Selbyville Town Council election. Polls are scheduled to open Saturday, March 4. The deadline for candidate and voter registration is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, at Town Hall.
Three positions are up for election, which are currently held by Mayor Clifton C. Murray and Councilmen G. Frank Smith III and Clarence W. “Bud” Tingle Jr. Each position carries a two-year term.
Candidates must be at least 21; be a U.S. citizen; and a bona fide resident of the municipality at least one year before election day. Qualified voters must be at least 18; be a U.S. citizen; and be a bona fide resident of the municipality.
Details are available at town hall, at 68 W. Church Street.
• The town council will review the draft of Selbyville’s 2018-fiscal-year budget, with final approval likely in February. The fiscal year begins Feb. 1.
The draft shows a projected income of about $3.7 million, with expenses of $3.6 million. (That’s a decrease from 2017’s $3.9 million, which had been an increase from 2016’s $3.6 million.)
• Beginning this month, all Selbyville police cars should be equipped with mapping software that allows officers to see a digital map of crime scenes. Used by SusCom (Sussex County emergency dispatch service), the service would also show where police cars are and even identify radio microphone malfunctions.
• Mountaire sends a representative to council meetings to answer questions and investigate complaints. Eric Reeves is now taking on the role of Mountaire’s municipal liaison to Selbyville, as Jay Griffith’s duties at the poultry processing company have expanded.
• Flaming Pizza recently obtained a business license, with plans to open soon at 38555 DuPont Boulevard.
• After an executive session, the council voted to sell a piece of property at Victoria Forest. The developer had given Parcel #1 to the Town in lieu of completing the roadway. Selbyville laid the topcoat for the road and may sell the property through a Realtor, officials said.
• The town council unanimously approved more flexibility in the Residential District. Business activities are permitted in the residential district, but only with conditional-use permits. The council amended Zoning Ordinance 200-21 to expand the list of conditional uses permitted in the R-1 Residential District.
Previously, the code only allowed the council to consider customary home-based occupations or private swimming or tennis clubs. The new section will also allow “residential, neighborhood, commercial, business, office, or light industrial uses.” The business must benefit the neighborhood and not “adversely affect the public health, safety or welfare of the citizens.”
The change adds options but still allows the Planning & Zoning Commission and the council to approve businesses on a case-by-case basis.
The town council’s next regular meeting is Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m.