Ocean View public meetings in 2023

Board of Adjustment

The Ocean View Board of Adjustment will consider two variance requests. One seeks to keep an existing paver patio with a built-in grill that encroaches into the required rear yard setback at 23 Murrells Court. The other requests a reduction of the driveway setback from 5 feet to 1 foot for townhouse lots at 142 Woodland Avenue. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from the October 19, 2023 meeting.

• V-450: variance to maintain paver patio with built-in grill encroaching into rear yard setback at 23 Murrells Court (PIDN 408.016)
• V-451: variance to reduce driveway setback from 5 feet to 1 foot for townhouse lots at 142 Woodland Avenue (PIDN 034.000)
• Approval of minutes from October 19, 2023 Board of Adjustment meeting

The Board of Adjustment approved two variance requests unanimously. One allowed a patio and grill encroachment into a rear yard setback at 23 Murrells Court, subject to a drainage easement condition. The other reduced the required driveway setback from five feet to one foot for townhouse lots in the Shore Vista subdivision at 142 Woodland Avenue.

• Approved variance V-450 for patio/grill encroachment 1.81 ft into rear yard setback at 23 Murrells Court, with drainage easement condition (5-0)
• Approved variance V-451 reducing driveway setback from 5 ft to 1 ft for Shore Vista townhouse lots at 142 Woodland Avenue (5-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Commission will review a Final Land Development Site Plan for a new subdivision. The proposal by DRB Group of the Eastern Shore, LLC includes 104 townhouse lots, stormwater management, and amenity areas.

• P-342: Final Land Development Site Plan for 142 Woodland Avenue
• Proposed subdivision of 104 townhouse lots in R-3 District

The commission unanimously approved the final land development site plan for Shore Vista (P-342), a townhouse project by DRB Group, subject to four conditions: satisfying all outstanding town engineer comments from November 10, 2023; obtaining all outstanding agency approvals (including Sussex Conservation District and DNREC drainage); amending the master declaration to require the homeowners association to maintain a 30-foot wooded buffer; and providing further information on a Balsa Street drainage issue. The approval followed extensive staff review comments covering grading, drainage, landscaping, ADA compliance, and other technical items.

• Approved P-342 Shore Vista final site plan (5-0) with conditions including engineer comments, agency approvals, buffer maintenance, and Balsa Street drainage info
• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)
• Approved the August 17, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 4:36pm (5-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will meet to consider several items including a sidewalk contract award and an emergency generator recommendation. The meeting also includes a possible appointment to the Board of Assessment and staff awards.

• Contract award to Mumford and Miller for Woodland Avenue and Daisey sidewalks
• Recommendation regarding an emergency generator at 201 Central Avenue
• Appointment of Kittie Rehrig to the Board of Assessment
• Extra Mile Proclamation and Awards to Staff
• Introduction of new ordinance(s)

The Town Council unanimously approved a $495,294.67 contract with Mumford and Miller for Woodland Avenue and Daisey sidewalks, and approved a replacement emergency generator at 201 Central Avenue. The council also appointed Kittie Rehrig to the Board of Assessment and approved a Christmas bonus request not to exceed $1,600. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved $495,294.67 contract for Woodland Avenue and Daisey sidewalks (5-0)
• Approved replacement emergency generator at 201 Central Avenue (5-0)
• Appointed Kittie Rehrig to Board of Assessment (5-0)
• Approved Christmas bonus request not to exceed $1,600 (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Ocean View Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on October 19, 2023, to consider a single new business item: a variance application for a property at 32 Hudson Avenue. The applicant seeks to exceed the maximum lot coverage of 35% and the maximum driveway width of 20 feet. The board will also approve minutes from its July 20, 2023 meeting and swear in a new member.

• Variance request V-449 for 32 Hudson Avenue (R-1 zoning) to exceed 35% lot coverage limit
• Variance request to allow existing driveway to exceed 20-foot maximum width
• Swearing in of Ron Galey
• Approval of July 20, 2023 meeting minutes

The Board of Adjustment unanimously denied two variance requests for a property at 32 Hudson Avenue. The applicant sought variances for exceeding the maximum lot coverage of 35% and for a driveway wider than 20 feet, both due to builder errors. The board found no exceptional practical difficulty to justify the variances.

• Denied variance for lot coverage exceeding 35% (5-0)
• Denied variance for driveway width exceeding 20 feet (5-0)
• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved minutes of July 20, 2023 meeting (5-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on three ordinance amendments concerning land use, licenses, and property maintenance. They will also consider a 15-year lease extension for the Ocean View Historic Society, award an engineering services contract, appoint a Board of Adjustment member, and approve a memorandum of agreement with the state's technology department.

• Public hearing and possible vote on ordinance amending Chapter 140 (Land Use and Development)
• Public hearing and possible vote on ordinance amending Chapter 93 (Licenses)
• Public hearing and possible vote on ordinance amending Chapter 169 (Property Maintenance)
• Vote on 15-year lease extension to Ocean View Historic Society for 39 Central Avenue (Tunnel-West House)
• Vote on appointment of Ron Galey to Board of Adjustment

The Town Council voted unanimously (4-0) to prohibit marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, testing, retail stores, and smoking lounges in all zoning districts. A related ordinance banning licenses for marijuana businesses also passed 4-0. The Council approved a property maintenance code update, a 15-year lease extension for the Ocean View Historic Society, a 3-year engineering contract with KCI, an appointment to the Board of Adjustment, and a memorandum of agreement with the state DTI.

• Approved ordinance banning marijuana cultivation, manufacturing, testing, retail stores, and smoking lounges in all zoning districts (4-0)
• Approved ordinance prohibiting licenses for marijuana-related businesses (4-0)
• Approved property maintenance code amendments adding nuisances and building/yard requirements (4-0)
• Approved 15-year lease extension for Ocean View Historic Society at 39 Central Avenue through 2040 with 5-year option (4-0)
• Awarded 3-year engineering services contract to KCI with two 1-year extension options (4-0)
• Appointed Ron Galey to the Board of Adjustment to fill Bob Lawless's vacancy (4-0)
• Approved memorandum of agreement with Delaware Department of Technology and Information (4-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and possibly vote on purchasing 8 Oakwood Avenue and on a resolution approving a grant application for the Outdoor Recreation and Parks Trail, which includes acquiring that property. Public comment is limited to agenda items.

• Purchase of 8 Oakwood Avenue, Ocean View, DE
• Resolution approving Outdoor Recreation and Parks Trail Grant Application
• Acquisition of 8 Oakwood Avenue as part of grant application

The Town Council unanimously approved the purchase of 8 Oakwood Avenue and a related grant application for the Outdoor Recreation and Parks Trail. No public comment was offered. The meeting lasted 46 minutes.

• Approved purchase of 8 Oakwood Avenue (4-0)
• Approved resolution for Outdoor Recreation and Parks Trail Grant application (4-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council is holding a meeting that consists solely of an executive session to discuss legal advice regarding litigation, personnel, land acquisition, or sale of town assets. No public business or decisions are on the open agenda, and the meeting is expected to adjourn immediately after the closed session.

• Executive session for legal advice on litigation, personnel, land acquisition, or sale of town assets

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will hold a public hearing on three ordinance amendments (land use, licenses, property maintenance) and consider several contracts, including drainage improvements in the Cottages, street dedication for Tidalwalk, and a 5-year extension of real property assessment services. They will also receive an audit report presentation and hear updates from various departments.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending Chapter 140 (Land Use and Development)
• Public hearing on ordinance amending Chapter 93 (Licenses)
• Public hearing on ordinance amending Chapter 169 (Property Maintenance)
• Vote on contract for drainage improvement in the Cottages
• Vote on street acceptance for Tidalwalk and 5-year appraisal services extension (10/1/2023–12/31/2028)

The council unanimously approved a contract with Mumford and Miller for drainage improvements in the Cottages, accepted streets in Tidalwalk, and extended a property assessment contract through 2028. Public hearings on ordinances regarding land use, licenses, and property maintenance were held but no votes were taken.

• Awarded Mumford and Miller $812,861.40 drainage contract (5-0)
• Accepted streets in Tidalwalk (5-0)
• Approved 5-year extension of real property assessment contract through 12/31/2028 (5-0)
• Adopted agenda with amended order (5-0)
• Approved July 11, 2023 meeting minutes (5-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Ocean View Planning & Zoning Commission is meeting to review a proposed ordinance that would amend the town code to prohibit certain marijuana activities. The agenda also includes approval of the July 20, 2023 meeting minutes. No other substantive items are listed.

• Review of Ordinance P-345 amending Chapter 140, Land Use & Development, to prohibit certain marijuana activities
• Approval of July 20, 2023 meeting minutes

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that Town Council adopt an ordinance prohibiting marijuana cultivation, product manufacturing, testing, retail, and smoking lounges within Ocean View.

• Approved agenda unanimously (5-0)
• Approved July 20, 2023 minutes unanimously (5-0)
• Recommended ordinance banning marijuana facilities to Town Council (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Ocean View Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on two variance requests for the proposed Silver Woods Mixed Use Planned Community townhouse district along Beaver Dam Road. The board is deciding whether to allow rolled curb instead of the required vertical-face curb, and whether to reduce the driveway setback from 5 feet to 1.5 feet for 161 townhouse lots. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and standard procedural items.

• V-447: variance to use Type 2 Integral Curb & Gutter (rolled curb) instead of DelDOT PCC Type 1 Vertical Face with 8-inch reveal
• V-448: variance to reduce driveway setback from 5 feet to 1.5 feet for 161 townhouse lots
• Applicant: Robert Thornton, Silverstock WP, LLC, for Silver Woods MXPC along Beaver Dam Road
• Approval of May 18, 2023 meeting minutes

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved two variance requests for the Silver Woods Mixed Use Planned Community townhouse district. One variance allows rolled curb instead of vertical face curb; the other reduces the driveway setback from 5 feet to 1.5 feet for 161 lots. Both were approved 5-0.

• Approved V-447: variance to allow Type 2 Integral Curb & Gutter (rolled curb) instead of Type 1 vertical face curb (5-0)
• Approved V-448: variance to reduce driveway setback from 5 feet to 1.5 feet for 161 townhouse lots (5-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Ocean View Planning & Zoning Commission is meeting to consider a final land development plan for the Townhouse District within the Silver Woods Mixed-Use Planned Community. The application, submitted by Becker Morgan Group on behalf of owner Robert Thornton/Silverstock WP, LLC, is a revision to a prior application. The commission will also approve minutes from the May 18 meeting.

• Final land development plan for Silver Woods Townhouse District (Application P-261)
• Property includes Commercial District Parcel A, Multifamily Parcel B, and part of Mixed Use District Parcel C
• Located along Beaver Dam Road, zoned Mixed-Use Planned Community (MXPC)
• Approval of May 18, 2023 meeting minutes

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved the final land development plan for the townhouse district within the Silver Woods mixed-use planned community, subject to conditions including revisions per the town engineer's July 18, 2023 comments, a ditch-filling timeline, and arborist oversight of tree buffers. The approval followed extensive discussion of drainage, grading, landscaping, and amenities, with public comments raising concerns about tree removal, parking, and noise.

• Approved final land development plan for Silver Woods townhouse district (5-0)
• Required revisions per town engineer's July 18, 2023 comments
• Mandated ditch-filling by 20th certificate of occupancy
• Required arborist inspection and protection of large trees in buffer area
• Required exact list and placement of plantings before certificates of occupancy

Town Meetings

The council unanimously approved a $60,000 contract with Adel Construction for ADA work at 201 Central Avenue, along with a $6,000 funding increase to Mott McDonald. They also approved additional funding for the Lord Baltimore Footbridge ($35,000, awarded to George & Lynch Inc for $124,839), DelDOT TAP Grant coordination ($30,000), and Berzins Parcel engineering ($25,000). Two ordinances restating the FY23 operating and capital budgets were also passed unanimously. No public comments or other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved ordinance restating FY23 annual operating budget (5-0)
• Approved ordinance restating FY23-27 capital improvements budget (5-0)
• Approved $6,000 funding increase to Mott McDonald for ADA project (5-0)
• Approved $60,000 contract with Adel Construction for ADA requirements at 201 Central Avenue (5-0)
• Approved $35,000 additional funding and awarded Lord Baltimore Footbridge project to George & Lynch Inc for $124,839 (5-0)
• Approved $30,000 additional funding for DelDOT TAP Grant coordination for Woodland/Daisey Project (5-0)
• Approved $25,000 additional funding for engineering costs for Berzins Parcel (5-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will hold its regular meeting on June 13, 2023, to consider several items, including introducing restated FY23 operating and capital improvement budgets, voting on banking resolutions related to the new Mayor Pro-Tem, appointing Tom Maly to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and possibly converting a generator from propane to natural gas. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval, reports, and public comment periods.

• Introduction of Ordinance to restate FY23 Annual Operating Budget and FY23-27 Capital Improvement Budget
• Vote on WSFS Banking Resolution for new Mayor Pro-Tem Donald Walsh
• Vote on Fulton Bank Resolution for new Mayor Pro-Tem Donald Walsh
• Appointment of Tom Maly to Planning & Zoning Commission to complete term expiring 2025
• Possible vote on converting generator from propane to natural gas

The Town Council voted unanimously to appoint Tom Maly to the Planning and Zoning Commission to complete Jay Tyminski's term. They also approved banking resolutions for WSFS and Fulton Bank due to the new Mayor Pro-tem, and voted to convert a town generator from propane to natural gas. Two ordinances were introduced to restate the FY23 operating budget and the FY23-27 capital expenditures budget.

• Appointed Tom Maly to Planning & Zoning Commission (5-0)
• Approved WSFS banking resolution (5-0)
• Approved Fulton banking resolution (5-0)
• Approved conversion of generator from propane to natural gas (5-0)
• Introduced ordinance to restate FY23 Annual Operating Budget
• Introduced ordinance to restate FY23-27 Capital Expenditures Budget

Board of Adjustment

The Ocean View Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on May 18, 2023, to consider three variance applications. Each request asks for relief from specific town code requirements related to construction on residential properties. The board will also approve minutes from its April 20 meeting.

• V-442: Variance to build addition below base flood elevation plus 2 ft at 27 Hudson Avenue (Greer)
• V-443: Variance to exceed 35% lot coverage for concrete patio at 14 Seabrook Road (Kenny)
• V-446: Variance to place patio closer than 10 ft to rear lot line at 34 Old Forge Drive (Casparriello)

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved three variance requests: a flood-elevation variance for an addition at 27 Hudson Avenue, a lot-coverage variance for a patio at 14 Seabrook Road, and a rear-yard setback variance for a patio at 34 Old Forge Drive. All votes were 4-0.

• Approved flood-elevation variance for 27 Hudson Avenue addition (4-0)
• Approved lot-coverage variance for 14 Seabrook Road patio (4-0)
• Approved rear-yard setback variance for 34 Old Forge Drive patio (4-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Ocean View Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a preliminary land development site plan for Shore Vista, a proposed 104-lot subdivision at 142 Woodland Avenue. A vote on this plan was deferred from the February 16, 2023 meeting. The agenda also includes approval of minutes and routine administrative items.

• P-342: Preliminary Land Development Site Plan for Shore Vista, 104 lots on R-3 zoned property at 142 Woodland Avenue
• Deferred vote from February 16, 2023 meeting
• Approval of April 20, 2023 meeting minutes

The commission unanimously approved the preliminary site plan for Shore Vista, a 104-lot subdivision at 142 Woodland Avenue. The vote was 3-0 after receiving required documents including a wetlands report and traffic study. Public comments raised concerns about stormwater management, buffers, and trash collection.

• Approved agenda as presented (3-0)
• Approved minutes of April 20, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved preliminary site plan for Shore Vista subdivision (3-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will hold its reorganization meeting, including administering the oath of office to newly elected members John Reddington and Joseph Tyminski, electing a Mayor Pro Tem, and voting on the upcoming year's meeting schedule. The council will also consider reappointments to several boards: Susan Kerwin and Greg Neuner to the Board of Adjustment (terms ending 2026), Kent Liddle to the Planning & Zoning Commission (term ending 2028), Bob Lawless, Ed Donnelly, and Bill Olsen to the Board of Assessment (terms ending 2024), and Baptist Damiano to the Board of Election (term ending 2026).

• Oath of office for John Reddington and Joseph Tyminski
• Election of Mayor Pro Tem
• Vote on 2023-24 meeting schedule
• Reappointments to Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning, Board of Assessment, Board of Election
• Citizens privilege period

The meeting was a routine reorganization session. Council unanimously elected Donald Walsh as Mayor Pro-tem, approved the FY24 meeting calendar, and reappointed members to the Board of Adjustment, Planning & Zoning Commission, Board of Assessment, and Board of Election. No substantive policy decisions were made.

• Elected Donald Walsh as Mayor Pro-tem (5-0)
• Approved FY24 meeting calendar (5-0)
• Reappointed Sue NeGreg and Greg Neuner to Board of Adjustment (5-0)
• Reappointed Kent Liddle to Planning & Zoning Commission (5-0)
• Reappointed Bob Lawless, Ed Donnelly, and Bill Olsen to Board of Assessment (5-0)
• Reappointed Baptist Damiano to Board of Election (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Ocean View Board of Adjustment will meet on April 20, 2023, to consider two variance applications. V-444 seeks a front-yard setback variance for a porch addition at 8 Winchester Drive. V-445 seeks to keep an accessory pole building without a principal dwelling on a proposed lot at 31 Woodland Avenue and 28 Central Avenue. The board will also approve minutes from its February 16, 2023 meeting.

• V-444: variance from §140-32 to allow porch encroaching into 25-foot front yard setback at 8 Winchester Drive
• V-445: variance from §140-25-A to maintain detached pole building without principal structure on proposed lot No. 3
• Properties involved: 31 Woodland Avenue (PIDN 176.000) and 28 Central Avenue (PIDN 175.000)
• Applicants: Glenn and Deborah Merckling (V-444) and Joanne Gichner (V-445)
• Approval of February 16, 2023 meeting minutes

The Board of Adjustment approved a variance for Joanne Gichner to keep a pole building on a lot without a principal dwelling, conditioned on a house being permitted within three years. A separate variance request for a porch addition at 8 Winchester Drive was amended to allow only a one-foot encroachment. Both decisions were unanimous.

• Approved variance V-445 for pole barn without principal dwelling, conditioned on house permit within 3 years (3-0)
• Amended variance V-444 for porch encroachment to allow only 1-foot setback reduction (3-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Ocean View Planning & Zoning Commission is meeting to consider a minor subdivision application (P-344) that would split two R-1 residential lots into four. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes and routine procedural items.

• Application P-344: minor subdivision of 31 Woodland Ave and 28 Central Ave into four lots
• Property owner: Joanne Gichner
• Both lots zoned R-1 Single-Family Residential
• Approval of February 16, 2022 meeting minutes

The Commission approved a minor subdivision application (P-344) to divide two parcels into three lots, subject to final site plan approval. The applicant intends to give each lot to one of her three children for future home construction. Conditions include removal of an existing pole barn or obtaining a variance, and compliance with dimensional, topographic, floodplain, and utility requirements.

• Approved agenda as presented (3-0)
• Approved minutes of February 16, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved minor subdivision P-344 at 31 Woodland Ave and 28 Central Ave, subject to final site plan approval (3-0)

Town Meetings

The Board of Supervisors of Elections is meeting to approve minutes and certify election results for Mayor & Council District 3, with motions to approve Tyminski and certify Reddington. The agenda is otherwise procedural, including agenda approval, citizen's privilege, and adjournment.

• Certification of election results for Mayor & Council District 3
• Motion to approve Tyminski
• Motion to certify Reddington
• Approval of minutes from March 15 and March 27, 2023

The Board of Supervisors of Elections certified the election results for Mayor and Council District 3, proclaiming John Reddington as Mayor and Joseph Tyminski as Town Council member for District 3. Both motions passed unanimously 6-0. The board also approved the minutes from March 15 and March 27, 2023, and appointed Gayle Driver as Chair after Chairman Damiano resigned.

• Approved agenda (6-0)
• Approved minutes of March 15, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved minutes of March 27, 2023 (6-0)
• Approved election of Joseph Tyminski to Town Council District 3 (6-0)
• Certified election results proclaiming John Reddington Mayor (6-0)
• Appointed Gayle Driver as Chair (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:18am (6-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the FY24 operating budget and a revised capital improvements budget for 2024-2028. They will also consider several contracts and agreements, including an ambulance subscription renewal, a water service amendment, a fee schedule, and a maintenance contract award.

• Ordinance establishing FY24 Operating Budget
• Ordinance revising Capital Expenditures Budget for FY2024-2028
• Renewal of ambulance subscription agreement with Millville Volunteer Fire Company
• Water service agreement with Tidewater Utilities, Inc., Amendment #4
• Resolution establishing FY24 fee schedule

The Ocean View Town Council voted unanimously to adopt the FY24 operating budget and a revised capital expenditures budget for 2024-2028. They also approved a three-year ambulance subscription fee increase from $35 to $50 for town properties, a water service agreement amendment, a new fee schedule, a maintenance contract, and additional funding for drainage and culvert projects. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved FY24 Operating Budget (5-0)
• Approved revision of Capital Expenditures Budget for FY2024-2028 (5-0)
• Approved three-year ambulance subscription fee increase to $50 for town properties (5-0)
• Approved Water Service Agreement Amendment #4 with Tidewater Utilities (5-0)
• Approved Resolution establishing a Fee Schedule for the Town (5-0)
• Awarded Municipal Maintenance Contract OVPZ&D 23-10 to George & Lynch Inc. (5-0)
• Approved additional funding for Country Estates Drainage Improvements (5-0)
• Approved additional funding for Hudson Avenue Pipe Culvert (5-0)

Town Meetings

The Board of Supervisors of Elections is holding an emergency meeting to hear a complaint filed by Richard Jennison, a candidate for District 3, regarding the upcoming Candidates' Night on March 29, 2023. The meeting was called on short notice because the complaint was received March 23 and relates to an event before the April 8 election.

• Complaint by Richard Jennison, District 3 candidate, about Candidates' Night on March 29, 2023
• Emergency meeting at 201 Central Avenue, 1st Floor Police Training Room
• Meeting posted with less than 7 days' notice due to timing of complaint and election

The Board of Election Commissioners voted unanimously to keep Candidates' Night on March 29th after hearing a challenge from candidate Richard Jennison. The board also approved Gayle Driver as moderator, allowed audience questions from the microphone, and kept the 3-minute introduction limit, defeating a motion to extend it to 5 minutes.

• Denied request to cancel Candidates' Night (unanimous 6-0)
• Approved Gayle Driver as moderator (5-0, Driver abstained)
• Approved allowing audience to speak and ask questions (5-1)
• Kept 3-minute introduction limit (5-1)
• Defeated motion to extend introduction time to 5 minutes (5-1)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Board of Assessment is meeting to swear in board members and hear a property assessment appeal for 3 Edisto Court, after which they will vote on a decision. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no other substantive items listed.

• Swearing-in of board members
• Property assessment appeal for 3 Edisto Court (SussexCTM#134-16.00-1551.00/PIDN#400.079)

The Board of Assessment unanimously denied Raymond Wockley's appeal of his property assessment at 3 Edisto Court. The board found the assessment fair and standardized, with the only change being a $1,600 increase for a new patio. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Denied Raymond Wockley's property assessment appeal (3-0)
• Nominated Bob Lawless as Chairperson (3-0)
• Approved the agenda as presented (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 1:56pm (3-0)

Town Meetings

The Board of Supervisors of Elections is meeting to reorganize and swear in its members, then certify candidates for Mayor and District 3. The candidates for Mayor are John Reddington and Randy Robust; for District 3, Jay Tyminski and Richard Jennison. This is a procedural election-administration meeting, not a policy discussion.

• Reorganization of Board of Election Members
• Swearing-in of Board of Election Members
• Certification of candidates for Mayor: John Reddington and Randy Robust
• Certification of candidates for District 3: Jay Tyminski and Richard Jennison

The Board of Election Commissioners approved the agenda, reorganized its leadership by electing Baptist Damiano as chair and Caryn Cleveland-Short as vice chair, and certified four candidates for mayor and district seats. The board also voted to keep the three-minute time limit for candidate introductions and decided to hold training at 201 Central Avenue on a Monday afternoon.

• Approved agenda (7-0)
• Elected Baptist Damiano as chair (7-0)
• Elected Caryn Cleveland-Short as vice chair (7-0)
• Certified John Reddington as candidate for mayor (7-0)
• Certified Randy Robust as candidate for mayor (7-0)
• Certified Jay Tyminski as candidate for District 3 (7-0)
• Certified Richard Jennison as candidate for District 3 (7-0)
• Kept three-minute time limit for candidate introductions (7-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will introduce the FY24 operating budget and a revised capital expenditures plan, consider appointments to the Board of Election, and vote on a grant request from the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes and reports from town staff.

• Introduction of FY24 Operating Budget for fiscal year ending April 30, 2024
• Introduction of revised Capital Expenditures Budget for FY2024-2028
• Appointment of Gayle Driver to the Board of Election
• Appointment of Bette Meredith to the Board of Election
• Annual grant request from Millville Volunteer Fire Company via Emergency Services Enhancement Fund

The council introduced ordinances for the FY2024 operating budget and capital expenditures budget, and approved a grant request from the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. Two appointments to the Board of Election Commission were also confirmed. No final votes were taken on the budget ordinances; they were only introduced.

• Introduced ordinance establishing annual operating budget for FY ending April 30, 2024
• Introduced ordinance revising capital expenditures budget for FY 2024-2028
• Approved appointment of Gayle Driver to Board of Election Commission (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Bette Meredith to Board of Election Commission (5-0)
• Approved annual grant request from Millville Volunteer Fire Company (5-0)

Town Meetings

The Town Council discussed the proposed FY24 operating budget, capital improvements budget, and water budget, which includes no tax rate increase and a 6.39% cost-of-living adjustment for most employees. The council decided to move the budget forward as presented and canceled a previously scheduled March 28th workshop. No formal votes were taken on the budget itself.

• Adopted meeting agenda as presented (4-0)
• Decided to move proposed FY24 budget forward as presented
• Canceled March 28th workshop as not needed
• Adjourned meeting at 3:39pm (4-0)

Town Meetings

The Town Council voted unanimously to reinstate the original election calendar dates of February 28 for mayor and March 13 for District 3 council, as recommended by the town solicitor to comply with state code. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved amended election calendar reinstating original dates (5-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Ocean View Board of Adjustment will consider two variance applications. One seeks to exceed lot coverage and accessory structure height limits at 13 Longview Drive, and the other seeks to build an addition below required flood elevation at 27 Hudson Avenue. The meeting also includes approval of prior minutes.

• V-441: Variance for lot coverage over 35% and accessory structure height over 14 feet at 13 Longview Drive
• V-442: Variance to allow lowest floor below base flood elevation plus 2 feet for addition at 27 Hudson Avenue
• Approval of January 19, 2023 meeting minutes

The Board of Adjustment voted 4-0 to deny a variance requested by Shane Truitt to build a detached pole building at 13 Longview Drive. The property is zoned R-1, and the proposed structure would have exceeded the maximum allowable lot coverage (44% vs. 35% limit) and the maximum height for accessory structures (18 feet vs. 14 feet limit). Board members found no exceptional practical difficulty to justify the variance.

• Denied variance V-441 for lot coverage and height at 13 Longview Drive (4-0)

Planning & Zoning

The Commission deferred a vote on the Shore Vista preliminary development plan (104 townhouses) to allow the applicant to address extensive staff comments on wetlands, traffic, drainage, and grading. No substantive decisions were made; the item will return for a future vote.

• Deferred vote on Shore Vista preliminary plan (4-0)
• Approved agenda as presented (4-0)
• Approved November 17, 2022 minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:27 p.m. (4-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an ordinance amending conditions of approval for 115.59 acres annexed into town limits, specifically a lot coverage analysis. They will also discuss and possibly vote on the proposed FY24 operating budget, 5-year capital improvements budget, water utility budget, the 2023 election calendar, and a parking restriction recommendation for Willow Oak and October Glory Avenues in Bear Trap Dunes.

• Public hearing and vote on ordinance amending conditions of approval for 115.59 acres (Silverstock Builders, LLC) — lot coverage analysis
• Presentation and discussion of proposed FY24 Operating Budget, 5-Year Capital Improvements Budget, and Water Utility Budget
• Vote on 2023 Election Calendar
• Vote on parking restriction recommendation for one side of Willow Oak and October Glory Avenues in Bear Trap Dunes

The council unanimously approved an ordinance amending conditions of approval for 115.59 acres annexed into town (Silverstock Builders, LLC) after a public hearing. The council also approved the 2023 election calendar with corrected dates and parking restrictions on Willow Oak and October Glory Avenues. The proposed FY24 budget was presented with no tax increase; a vote is scheduled for April 11.

• Amended conditions of approval for 115.59 acres annexed by Ordinances 282, 321, and 353 (Silverstock Builders, LLC) (4-0)
• Approved 2023 election calendar with amended closing dates for mayor and district 3 (4-0)
• Approved parking restrictions on one side of Willow Oak and October Glory Avenues (4-0)

Board of Adjustment

The Ocean View Board of Adjustment will meet to consider one new business item: a variance request (V-440) from property owner Trevor Clark (24 Village Green, LLC) to install wall signs perpendicular to the building at 24 Village Green Drive, units 101, 102, 201, and 202. The current zoning rule requires signs to be parallel to the wall with a projection of no more than 12 inches; the owner seeks relief to exceed that projection. The board will also approve minutes from its December 15, 2022 meeting.

• Variance V-440 for perpendicular signs at 24 Village Green Drive, units 101, 102, 201 & 202
• Request to exceed 12-inch sign projection limit under Article X, §140-65
• Property zoned Residential Planned Community (RPC) in Bear Trap Dunes
• Approval of December 15, 2022 meeting minutes

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance to allow wall signs perpendicular to the building at 24 Village Green Drive, exceeding the 12-inch projection limit. The applicant cited safety concerns because the building is close to the roadway and parallel signs would be less visible. The town's Planning and Development office did not oppose the request.

• Approved variance V-440 for perpendicular wall signs at 24 Village Green Drive (5-0)

Town Meetings

The Ocean View Town Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance amending conditions for 115.59 acres annexed by Silverstock Builders, LLC, and will discuss and possibly vote on FY2024 budget direction, contracts for Savannahs Landing ADA improvements and Woodland sidewalks, and adoption of the Sussex County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The agenda also includes routine items like minutes approval and reports.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending conditions for 115.59 acres annexed by Silverstock Builders, LLC
• Discussion on FY2024 budget direction
• Contract OVPZ&D 23-03: Savannahs Landing ADA Improvements
• Contract OVPZ&D 23-06: Woodland Sidewalks, SR 26 to Hudson Avenue
• Resolution adopting Sussex County Hazard Mitigation Plan

The council unanimously approved two construction contracts: $299,535 for Savannah's Landing ADA improvements and $323,878 for Woodland Sidewalks from SR26 to Hudson Avenue. They also unanimously adopted the Sussex County Hazard Mitigation Plan and discussed FY24 budget with a goal of no tax increase. A public hearing was held on an ordinance amending conditions for a 115.59-acre annexation (Silverstock Builders), but no vote was taken on that item.

• Approved $299,535 contract with George and Lynch for Savannah's Landing ADA improvements (5-0)
• Approved $323,878 contract with A Del Construction for Woodland Sidewalks, SR26 to Hudson Avenue (5-0)
• Adopted the Sussex County Hazard Mitigation Plan (5-0)
• Approved minutes of November 8, 2022 regular meeting (5-0)
• Adopted agenda as amended (5-0)