June brings good news for Dewey Beach

With two decisions issued by the Supreme Court of Delaware during the month of June, one in favor of the Town of Dewey Beach and Dewey Beach Enterprises, and another in favor of Mayor Diane Hanson, all Dewey Beach stakeholders can breathe a little easier.

The assurance of a safe Memorial Day weekend with support of additional police paid for by owners of Ruddertowne/Lighthouse Cove Dewey Beach and  The Starboard, storm-water system maintenance and drainage improvements throughout the bayside of town implemented by DelDOT at the request of Building Official Bill Mears with the support of Delaware Speaker of the House Pete Schwartzkopf, and a unanimous Town Council vote to acquire the eight-camera surveillance system recommended by the Public Safety Task Force combined to make June a very good month for the people of Dewey

Dewey Beach News extends congratulations  to all involved, and reminds everyone in the mood for a celebration that Highway One, Ltd. is sponsoring what promises to be a fabulous (and hopefully Guinness Book of World Records-setting) Fourth of July fireworks display over the Rehoboth Bay.

DEWEY BEACH TOWN COUNCIL 

VOTES "YES" FOR PUBLIC SAFETY

Commissioners unanimously approve task force recommendations for 

eight surveillance cameras

At a June 11 Public Safety Task Force meeting, Mayor Diane Hanson emphatically declared that she and her fellow commissioners take the issue of public safety very seriously. Three days later, Town Council affirmed her statement with a unanimous vote to approve the purchase and installation of an eight-camera surveillance system.

The eight-camera recommendation was developed through a cooperative effort that spanned more than six months and included Public Safety Task Force members, the Dewey Beach Police Department, property owners, residents, and representatives of the business community, and culminated with a proper public request for proposals.

Though Task Force member Jay Rooney presented options for fewer than eight cameras at the June 14 Town Council meeting, he reiterated the belief of the Task Force that an eight-camera system was needed.

Funding the project

Former Commissioner Dale Cooke supported the Task Force's position.

"I'm asking you to fully fund the eight-camera system. I doubt that you're going to, but I'm asking you to do that. They've spent a lot of time, effort and energy to tell you where the cameras are needed. They're telling you these cameras are needed in these eight locations and because they've been arm-twisted by the town on funds, they've given you an option for five or four or eight," said Cooke.

"They say the Town needs eight. For safety, please don't cut them back." Cooke added, pointing out that the funds for the lesser systems would come from a grant obtained by Police Chief Sam Mackert and money raised by the business community at the Winter Gala. He suggested that the Town also contribute some of its money to the project.

Former Budget and Finance Committee Chairman David King said he was in complete agreement with Cooke because the cameras address a public safety issue. King suggested that the money be taken from the infrastructure fund and,if not from there, he suggested the Town access one million dollars it holds in an undesignated town reserve.

"This is as good a use of that money as is anything," King said.

Agreeing with Cooke and King, Commissioner Anna Legates asked Town Manager Marc Appelbaum if he was comfortable using money from the infrastructure fund.

Appelbaum said the Town has money available from its general fund and self-restricted funds, including the $480,000 building permit license fee paid by Dewey Beach Enterprises that should become unfettered upon expiration of the period for a possible appeal of the June 10 Delaware Supreme Court decision rendered in favor of the Town of Dewey Beach and Dewey Beach Enterprises.

"The money is available for you to do it," Appelbaum told the commissioners. "The answer is yes, as I told you a month ago at the meeting, if you all come to the conclusion that this is an imperative item, the money is there."

Voting 'yes' for public safety

Citing complaints about last year's hastily purchased parking meters, Commissioner Joy Howell suggested the Town install five cameras now and, if everyone likes them, that Town Council consider the remaining cameras at its September meeting.

"I'm on the job this time," said Commissioner Gary Mauler, a professional engineer. "The work Jay [Rooney] and I are strong enough to do is going to hold these people to a schedule, a performance standard, and we're going to get the right equipment."

Referring to needs to make Dewey Beach a more people-friendly town, and meet the demands of the citizens for improved public safety, Mauler moved for immediate acquisition and installation of the eight-camera system at a cost not to exceed $95,000. Rooney, Mackert, Mauler, and Appelbaum (whose involvement is limited to sources for payment) will oversee the project, and - at the request of Howell - one camera will be focused down Route 1A to provide additional residential coverage.

The motion passed unanimously (Commissioner Courtney Riordan was absent), prompting sincere expressions of gratitude and appreciation to the commissioners from police, and members of the community and the Public Safety Task Force. Of the authorized expenditure up to $95,000, it appears that approximately $16,000 will come from a state grant, $27,000 will come from funds raised by local businesses, and $52,000 will come from the Town's coffers. 

It is expected that the surveillance system will be installed by the end of summer.