[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6127086,"mediaKeyId","2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b","parentId",2664973,"title","Town staff updates council on construction projects, upcoming bids and state bills","audioSeconds",126,"startMs",1777960,"endMs",1904760,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b&start=1777&end=1904","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b/thumbnail_1777960.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6127086/Georgetown/Sussex-County/Delaware/Town-staff-updates-council-on-construction-projects-upcoming-bids-and-state-bills","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127086-475cecfc25b7c08c43e69a8222312588/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186412&Signature=WOTsqGf6tv6Kwq2nFrPuqmJOJ3arhJjMfsH~wgX6pqHsyeBNGOgLmRxl641JV9bKdq9V1Ytce8xmeWACJ7ANc0BuWu8DvhM4ESSwsKmeeDE19SC3ZZhERFZzGDH8ZVQGdcd09tDu~N3-NruBAIb2dLAPXYrKJJzB8sP7ZZF4Ek-7gX5cj9qJiYumUkpO2SdhOypDjnhrZMzrGFULVkCn-CjUB8eHLiIz-pj~0V0Tgr9f~BlN5v-YfzSPXpOyxDaVv8O7Kyz9eoMOnzeqVYrt7zkziQvjixm1Eme4x2QXaSGErCyA8eEs3nxlWsltGUzfD9rWAPWNEmAPgH1323xrPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Georgetown","date","2025-01-13T00:00:00Z","article","Town staff provided project updates and scheduling notes during the council meeting and flagged several items for near-term action and monitoring.

Staff reported construction progress at the Sussex County Family Court facility: third-floor drywall, ceilings and soffits were largely complete, ceiling grid work was underway on the second floor, first-floor mechanical/electrical/plumbing was mostly complete and drywall was in progress. Site work on East Market Street was paused due to temperatures below freezing, and crane and precast work were described for the parking structure and front canopy. Staff also said the clock tower element would start near January.

Regarding town projects, the public works salt barn pre-bid meeting was held Jan. 8 (not mandatory) and the bid opening was scheduled for Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. in Town Hall. Staff described the salt barn schematic: open lean-to bays on either end, and three center drive‑thru doors for storing materials such as sand, salt, hot mix or cold patch and other seasonal items.

On other operational matters, staff said they were awaiting 12 advanced meters (AMI) to complete the rollout, and that the town received three proposals in response to a residential rental inspection RFP issued Dec. 12; the responses were under staff review. Staff reminded the council of the planning commission meeting Jan. 15, town office closure Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and noted the Delaware General Assembly’s session and upcoming gubernatorial inauguration on Jan. 21.

Staff also summarized bills the town is monitoring: House Bill 30 (affordable housing production task force) — the town is neutral; House Bill 32 (funding for school resource officers) — the town is supportive; Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 3 (early voting and absentee ballot constitutional amendments) — the town is neutral and tracking potential impacts.

Staff did not provide budgetary line items or contract awards for the projects in this update; the salt barn had a scheduled bid opening and other items were at the RFP or construction stage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Georgetown January 13, 2025 Town Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Town staff briefed the council on construction progress at the Sussex County Family Court facility, a public works salt barn pre-bid and bid schedule, outstanding metering deliveries, a residential rental inspection RFP, and provided an update on state legislation the town is monitoring.","taxTitle","Georgetown, Sussex County, Delaware","taxId",68855,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6127091,"Georgetown recognizes two police promotions at council meeting",211,684290,895835,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b&start=684&end=895","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b/thumbnail_684290.jpg","/articles/6127091/Georgetown/Sussex-County/Delaware/Georgetown-recognizes-two-police-promotions-at-council-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127091-ee88ce07b1ce85305adb48d53039f488/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186412&Signature=jw9gKrmewM91M-vlogtAdHfc9o-4figZ064l5oiw5d1vUU-3m~OpStLwWsz7367qp0R9mf99VbRq0PV~qVrU9w3paLjhoSiFpgwEK4USI3pnZ5HTbxwHDEOUYi9vJByqUaI66yss8MsV2hhWK3dWJlvioPjdeVDAnqqbGn2UzqG45F1pHREKOfqc3o0hc7AUdXLl1Hj3aoDMPvq2xGh8lN31fOjSK5vvab4TFnHhtynZlIdOtC~6T3~PjwR1sgWCpGNt89Wfjt1fG0~kxLg7THDlFCOKDPOaQrRohTYbgfBVu6tetZUhVW9Defc4oPRdQMszg7HOx0-HHriQvntE-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Georgetown’s council meeting included a promotional ceremony in which the chief of police recognized officers for service and announced promotions.

The police chief presented promotions, naming James Bowen and another officer for advancement and saying they had demonstrated the necessary patrol and investigatory skills to take on increased responsibilities. The chief said he conferred upon the officers the duties, responsibilities and compensation commensurate with the rank of patrolman first. The chief displayed certificates or similar recognition during the meeting and council members thanked the officers for their service.

There was no formal vote recorded for the promotions; the items were ceremonial recognitions by the chief and acknowledgement by the council. The chief noted the promotions as part of the department’s personnel management and said the recognition was intended both for the officers and for the public to see the town’s appreciation.

Council members and others thanked the officers and encouraged community support. The meeting record includes several congratulatory remarks but no implementation details such as effective pay dates or promotional orders beyond the chief’s announcement.","The Georgetown Police Department held a brief promotion ceremony during the council meeting. Chief of Police announced promotions, naming James Bowen to the rank of patrolman first and commending officers for their service.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6127097,"Georgetown council reopens appointment process for vacant commission seat after procedural concerns",438,952895,1391380,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b&start=952&end=1391","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b/thumbnail_952895.jpg","/articles/6127097/Georgetown/Sussex-County/Delaware/Georgetown-council-reopens-appointment-process-for-vacant-commission-seat-after-procedural-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127097-21254889aa22c6b66ec507310841e28f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186412&Signature=mmncTD~ZMD~SQia7lTB21QL8zlzyu4PGa-oezGH~WPl77vYyMGbBlQGB-1TMw87xwVKpoBftQRG~cyJA6SFS0Wfq0lnaSImmHO~bwrvY9Kt~9iz8pXvG7d27A8YG1Dzwy7QnvZ-eB5L7tRXLSLkF6f7vzCjHZaoWNDkanvpp8OPJZ5CoYLLH68hTjQXVtzFD~2A6aTHdUX1w4INXeK87wiY7XfV4lmtl3zQG7sxN7f5FHb2Nc6UntFw6Z3U7zfDJy2YqHofZrkfemRpK8o32YirWO~WYgdmgi1ezKvDKTUR6oNvOamER3wS~0l6cf4tMGlhkBois0YVPJu4gWuVTNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Georgetown Town Council voted to reopen and re-advertise the application process for a vacant commission seat after members said notification and submission procedures were not followed.

Council members said some letters of interest were received after the advertised deadline and that council members had not received a notification email about the opening. One applicant, Angie, told the council she had submitted her letter on the 30th and checked on the fourth; another letter on the agenda was dated the eighth, which she said was after the deadline. After discussing the irregularities, a council member moved to table the current selection and reopen the process so candidates could resubmit letters and the opening could be properly advertised.

The motion to reopen the process was made by a council member who said she had discussed the procedural concerns with the town solicitor and town manager and had been advised to put the matter in an open process. Another council member seconded the motion. Council approved the motion by voice vote; the record shows council members said “aye.” The mover specified the appointment sought was to fill the remainder of a vacant term, not a full term, and recommended not setting a strict expiration date for submissions and suggested a Friday deadline before the Monday meeting as a practical option.

At least one applicant who had filed earlier said she would withdraw her application in favor of the other candidate after a private conversation, but the council’s direction was to reopen submissions and allow anyone interested to apply. Council did not make an appointment at the meeting and did not set a final deadline; staff was directed to re-advertise the vacancy and accept resubmitted letters.","Council members said required notification and submission procedures were not followed for a commission vacancy; they voted to reopen the process, accept resubmitted letters and re-advertise to ensure a clear and fair selection for the remainder of the term.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6127101,"Georgetown approves land purchase, authorizes up to $18 million in bonds for new police station and public works building",345,1402925,1748845,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b&start=1402&end=1748","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2664973-dadcc30cbb45aee93490e349aee18c4b/thumbnail_1402925.jpg","/articles/6127101/Georgetown/Sussex-County/Delaware/Georgetown-approves-land-purchase-authorizes-up-to-18-million-in-bonds-for-new-police-station-and-public-works-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6127101-5d16ac3eea1ab24882eadec770e7d80a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771186412&Signature=LaKphN4Wu8-kb2Vfb-SPlwxtDdAeOUYMqi1fI~AcMJEcpNiMRLCmGPrdunzmSLzuZY8nsJARPLhIOQ2bVVrIVsuXHrHQTysVSFZu9hP2dKnfsiLK02dwjZslXF01vXzZEiZ4mGAIkne~BB6b~u20M8LzlzgkznMrcRIYYyPjWs5HFsuKulGbwjtCgHiymUAb-pAlul-KkJDtUkssTqdZJ9-ffRWCXSj3XUSfeqpXo4BhXOghVPw1xzM0PD4m-jfFo6jVMZobdSYvjNkvYJoWDX4alydkEu1f~1FEXXK4p-gsOpxO1-5~9uCoFTJ3HAuj8F3Aa5SbX0y8eBeZaY3U~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Georgetown’s Town Council voted to buy 2.66 acres for a new police station and public works building and approved a resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $18,000,000 in general obligation bonds to help pay for the project.

The council approved an agreement to purchase a 2.66-acre portion of Sussex County tax parcel 135-14-205 for $1,130,000, the same figure the town said it received in an independent third‑party appraisal. Town staff said the closing is being scheduled with Fuquay, Willard & Schaub, and that, in lieu of cash, the seller agreed to a waiver of fees that otherwise would have been collected, including impact, inspection and building permit fees.

The land purchase moves forward an approved referendum to construct a combined police station and public works facility. Council member Gene (presenter) explained the parcel’s acreage, the appraisal parity with the purchase price and the planned closing; no additional purchase terms were specified in the meeting record.

Council also passed resolution 2025-01 authorizing the issuance of up to $18,000,000 aggregate principal amount of general obligation bonds, tax‑exempt, to finance the construction of the new facilities and to pay issuance costs. The resolution sets a maximum interest rate of 5 percent, names Wilmington Trust as paying agent and the Depository Trust Company in New York as the depository, and authorizes execution of related paying agent and continuing disclosure agreements. Town staff said the $18 million is the maximum approved by referendum and that the town expects to borrow substantially less and at an interest rate lower than the 5 percent maximum.

The bonds vote was taken by roll call and recorded as a four‑zero vote with Ward 4 absent. The land purchase was approved by voice vote at the meeting; council members signaled support verbally.

“This is something that’s desperately needed, and it’s going to help us with recruiting,” the mayor said after the bond vote, thanking residents for approving the referendum and encouraging the public to view schematic renderings the town displayed at the meeting.

The council did not provide a project construction schedule or a final budget at the meeting; staff said details such as final borrowed amount and interest rate will be determined by market conditions and subsequent sale parameters. The closing timeline for the land purchase was described as being scheduled, with no specific date disclosed.","The Georgetown Town Council approved purchase of a 2.66-acre parcel and passed a resolution authorizing up to $18 million in general obligation bonds to finance a new police station and public works building; council said the purchase price matched a third-party appraisal and the bonds set maximum parameters, including a 5% maximum interest rate.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Town staff updates council on construction projects, upcoming bids and state bills

Georgetown recognizes two police promotions at council meeting

Georgetown council reopens appointment process for vacant commission seat after procedural concerns

Georgetown approves land purchase, authorizes up to $18 million in bonds for new police station and public works building