[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6217381,"mediaKeyId","3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf","parentId",3646035,"title","Seaford council hears multi‑phase plan to raise wastewater plant to new treatment standard, expand capacity to serve future growth","audioSeconds",1111,"startMs",809000,"endMs",1920000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf&start=809&end=1920","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf/thumbnail_809000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6217381/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Seaford-council-hears-multiphase-plan-to-raise-wastewater-plant-to-new-treatment-standard-expand-capacity-to-serve-future-growth","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217381-b91f860df78e6cad46bb5f03e5daa57c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775331980&Signature=l9Ue90Szxy5C5ZTm1j5MqhYH264TiXPHMj3lp7~hxTBFRRoJbt5hrE-0Ehr7o9AwkB8P2v3CbPlSgJd1CbW0yCn8CI0OPff7S1f-duTrTbK7Fmujw-WO3sPHvMZwi3SCrXU5t~bELbJY5wbdBiMcO54fQcjt69GaIy-moyEgCMQ5B~sar69SWYKBzQixaqAiKoXUMsv2aROfbDYKKhaKj4bBtCrDvzihRuQoEooCVbHJNT-duGNjjkkaSnG0VJ-a1HTlUOHxRWaJE75uh1jZHteItv4BBdVYNZTGpDUYd7-CvSWARqTg36HspUtK4xH3Ue-n34HUW45Zgjjo3U8nYg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Seaford, DE","date","2025-05-28T13:10:12Z","article","Seaford held a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed multi‑phase upgrade and expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment plant that engineers said is needed to meet discharge permit limits, replace aging equipment and prepare for sea‑level rise.

The presentation, led by Chris Derbyshire, said the work began as planning in 2016 and would be delivered in three phases: headworks/headroom upgrades (phase 1), liquid‑stream treatment conversion to a membrane bioreactor (phase 2) and biosolids/effluent disinfection work (phase 3). “It’s been in the works for a number of years. Actually started in 2016,” Derbyshire said.

The project team said phase 1 focuses on the headworks, new screening and grit removal, rehabilitation of primary clarifiers and a new septic receiving and equalization facility. Later phases would convert the biological treatment to a membrane bioreactor to reach the proposed nutrient limits and expanded capacity.

Why it matters: Engineering presenters said load limits tied to the city’s discharge permit effectively reduced the plant’s permitted capacity in recent years even though the physical plant was designed for 2.0 million gallons per day (MGD). Derbyshire said recent load trades and permit changes mean the city now averages about 1.45 MGD and that planning seeks to preserve headroom for growth and partner communities. The county has agreed to pay 40 percent of eligible debt service under the current interlocal arrangement, officials said.

Project scope, timing and cost: The consultants presented a $47 million combined estimate for all three phases. Phase 1 was scoped at about $14 million and includes design work for phase 2. Derbyshire said phase 1 construction is planned for fiscal 2026 and estimated at roughly 20 months; phase 2 is a 30‑month project beginning in fiscal 2028 and phase 3 a 20‑month project beginning in fiscal 2031. The presenters described a State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing structure with a 30‑year term and a low locked interest rate for SRF eligible amounts.

Technical drivers and vulnerabilities: Derbyshire described the selected treatment approach as an Enhanced Nutrient Removal facility using membrane bioreactor technology to lower nitrogen, biological oxygen demand and TSS. He and other staff also pointed to sea‑level rise and flood risk at low elevations of the existing headworks: “With the improvements that are proposed, we’ll obviously flood proof and harden the infrastructure,” Derbyshire said. Presenters showed maps and 60‑year projections for inundation and said each phase would include mitigation measures.

Funding and rates: City Manager Charles Anderson said phase 1 currently includes a $2.5 million federal earmark and SRF financing proposed at about $11.77 million. Anderson provided an engineering‑estimate debt‑service figure of about $523,590 annually for the combined financing and said the city’s share of the phase‑1 loan principal would be about $7.06 million (county paying 40 percent). The presentation estimated a needed sewer rate increase to cover half of the new debt service of about 4.79 percent (raising a $60.88 rate to roughly $63.80, or about $2.92 per month). Anderson cautioned those numbers were engineering estimates and could change after bidding.

Public questions and comments: Residents asked for updated background documents and questioned whether a 3.0 MGD ultimate capacity is necessary. Dan Cannon, a resident, said he supported upgrades but asked for more up‑to‑date PER (preliminary engineering report) work and alternatives analysis. Cannon asked for clarity on “how much and to what extent” the city needs to expand and requested an updated PER; he said “the less money we have to spend to do the expansion, then the less our sewer rates…are going to increase.”

County support and next steps: Hans Medlar, speaking for Sussex County engineering interests, said the county supports the project and urged use of growth‑related connection charges (impact fees) to finance the growth portion of the work: “Your rate payer should not be expected to pay this growth related component,” Medlar said. Council did not vote on final approval of the full plant project at the hearing; staff said next steps include finalizing SRF commitments, completing design and returning to council for bidding and contract approval as phases become bid‑ready.

Discussion vs. decision: The hearing was informational; staff received public comment. No ordinance or contract award for the treatment plant phases was adopted at the meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Seaford Mayor & Council Meeting 2025 04 22","oneSentenceSummary","Seaford held a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed multi‑phase upgrade and expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment plant that engineers said is needed to meet discharge permit limits, replace aging equipment and prepare for sea‑level rise.","taxTitle","Seaford, Sussex County, Delaware","taxId",68854,"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},6217361,"Council approves conditional order of developer electrical inventory for Hearns Crossing North pending escrow",1649,4592000,6241000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf&start=4592&end=6241","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf/thumbnail_4592000.jpg","/articles/6217361/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Council-approves-conditional-order-of-developer-electrical-inventory-for-Hearns-Crossing-North-pending-escrow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217361-04522b75cab06cc98e4496d947e4147c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775331980&Signature=MzDGjGrPl1bi3kOfUKxvWS~j5l3r-9c1F4rerV2DSxK1l-DxFGqc~rDn7BaK2ImP7UbK7jd3a~9SugCo8G84kJ76SeBhy9MamIkcqdfyWHWbiUxQ1CrEJBGuGZKugs9oGF-jpkpsaX30uBRCRYclokkh3xpJUUhjL~sESWDo12tMSuHtxCyDNqccUz3mOZ1Xr~JHPwvHz9a~K73pV043usshKbMP7cqL-bKfQbqYsJMCx67-3PtU5KIvkf2iCHUPlCr0A3CN5eJt3oyOp9yAy~g~cCWOBSAUcPedDD3JbSL5L7rjYXqcsXMhH~65Vwn7h3RDDIgkLE1tXddL9Lx9Ag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council authorized staff Tuesday to place an order for electrical inventory for the Hearns Crossing North subdivision using Sourcewell (state bid) pricing once the developer posts the escrow check required to cover materials and installation.

Director of Electric Operations Bill Bennett asked council to approve placing the Sourcewell order (about $700,000 in inventory) so staff can re‑price and secure material lead times while the developer completes escrow. Bennett said pricing windows for some line items had lapsed and the city must reorder to hold the quoted Sourcewell pricing.

Why it matters: Bennett said the developer’s escrow will make the city whole for materials, equipment and manpower. An assistant director noted the escrow is roughly $900,000 and that the escrow is intended to cover all materials and installation costs for phase 1 infrastructure for the subdivision.

Council action and conditions: Councilman Bradley moved authorization to use Sourcewell pricing conditioned on receipt of the escrow check; Councilman Quillen seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Staff said they will not place the binding order until the escrow arrives.

Discussion vs. decision: The council approved the conditional procurement authorization; the action does not obligate city funds and is contingent on escrow receipt and final pricing confirmation.","Council authorized the electric department to place a Sourcewell inventory order for Hearns Crossing North using state bid pricing once the developer posts an escrow check; staff said the escrow (about $900,000) will cover project materials and labor.",{"_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},6217366,"Seaford increases monthly security light charge to $11.50 to cover LED installation and maintenance costs",703,4920000,5623000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf&start=4920&end=5623","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf/thumbnail_4920000.jpg","/articles/6217366/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Seaford-increases-monthly-security-light-charge-to-1150-to-cover-LED-installation-and-maintenance-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217366-858467309f4d395de89413eedbcad3cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775331980&Signature=Yrp8PhSHxh2HItLg8E9Jk1KmN9KtA~C4J42MNuKUjKzJvgAeppe0YNdXhkghYwSfJCRGp-JSbKa~pY7A2ITSky8VGcFR1TbTaQRCKC76fusbJeiUAv9S~O8zZPc2-fljMrdkAnZDG2-1jAtbwmnc89DlgDLUtzAg7gnavsfDDbGzACNm04v-akt4DKBjZJzrjBkOyaUQnzvwN8wBW7owlnD97BAPeylNQXnofCK0goL7f-JjfzdNuWqS21GgLv5Oz5QhjOGwt99Aeri3XKuHncie0gcd6eLutPhw9rmEOjtnr8nVNWqh4gWdqS58lJTHrhS39EqBgfGzKOuI-CRelg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Seaford’s council voted Tuesday to raise the monthly charge for municipally provided security lights from $6.31 to $11.50 per month, effective with June consumption and July billing.

Bill Bennett, director of electric operations, presented an itemized explanation showing LED fixtures cost about $127.50 and photocell replacement averages about $28.56; estimated installation labor was $276.96 and electricity use about $4.95 per month based on an average 12 hours per night. Bennett proposed adding $2.70 per month to cover maintenance and future price increases and recommended the $11.50 monthly charge to recover costs.

Why it matters: Bennett said the city currently bills for about 50 security lights and that the fee increase would raise annual security‑light revenue from about $3,786 to about $6,900, an additional roughly $3,114 per year. The director described the change as aligning fees with estimated lifecycle costs for LED fixtures, photocells and maintenance.

Council action and implementation: Councilman Mike Bradley moved and Councilman Orlando Holland seconded the motion to approve the new fee; the measure passed unanimously. Staff said the revised fee schedule will be published and applied beginning with June usage and July bills.

Discussion vs. decision: Council approved a rate/fee change; the decision updates the fee and rate schedule for customer billing and is effective the next billing cycle identified by staff.","Council approved raising the monthly charge for city‑provided security lights from $6.31 to $11.50 effective with June consumption (July billing) to cover LED fixture replacement, installation and modest maintenance reserve.",{"_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},6217371,"Seaford to pursue opioid‑settlement funding for peer support and data evaluation; council approves acceptance upon award",486,4156000,4642000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf&start=4156&end=4642","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf/thumbnail_4156000.jpg","/articles/6217371/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Seaford-to-pursue-opioidsettlement-funding-for-peer-support-and-data-evaluation-council-approves-acceptance-upon-award","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217371-670ae540a12a5af1c0dac8c12345a55f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775331980&Signature=Lqfm5tPVkMrFAL4WBPRw-ffT1x7Tf6S71xkbiMqdaGUmU6~qcX1SUw5qvkgHutEcIMiymo70IjseL5iZ6-XtxALzzu9Mi6jUG6oVkU8uuop3keug7EnJizNF3qRpZwSNuw43jmqI8okn7Nh4hY6mvUk8s84UbReK-rjuO9TljyGmpPk68Iar9m~z8oI-enCJkcjY48evsNrKE8zMGfneIE5KHgpnqMf871t-fD6ixvtA1YDP6XCvq-Blge5qoGpYYGZd84MW94kEpar-JW1h3oTmKBI6oQxV-cUTlhDYF8sE6JWiKgVccapBOcVlDc~3wIRBiTGwWTJ~Lq4EeWVE3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Seaford Police Department asked council Tuesday to accept opioid settlement distribution funds if the city’s competitive application is selected; council approved acceptance upon award.

Police Chief Pratt told the council the city applied for $557,700 in phase‑3 funds from the prescription opioid settlement distribution commission to support two peer‑support specialists, a supervisor and a University of Delaware evaluation and data partnership. “The amount of funding we submitted is $557,700 to support this collaboration,” Pratt said.

Why it matters: Chief Pratt said the funding would allow Seaford to re‑establish a peer support and diversion‑style program that previously ran under COSOP funding and give the city a partner for data collection and analysis through the University of Delaware’s REDCap system. Pratt described the program as two years in duration and said the grant is competitive; Seaford’s application relied on regional partnerships and on the city’s prior REDCap participation.

Council action and timing: The grant application closed the week prior to the meeting. Pratt said the distribution commission meets in late June and that the city should expect notification in August about full, partial or declined awards. Vice Mayor Dan Henderson moved the authorization to accept funds upon award; Councilman Orlando Holland seconded. The council approved the motion unanimously.

Funding and local match: Pratt said the application asks for the named amount and that there is no city match if the award is received. The program would begin in September if awarded and run for two years; staff said additional funding opportunities could be pursued after the initial grant period.

Discussion vs. decision: The council approved acceptance of award funds if awarded; the motion was contingent on the city actually receiving the award and did not obligate city funds absent award.","The Seaford Police Department sought city authorization to accept up to $557,700 from a phase‑3 distribution of the prescription opioid settlement for a two‑year peer support and data/evaluation collaboration with the University of Delaware and Community Collaboration of Delaware; council authorized acceptance upon award.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6217376,"Seaford council accepts SRF loan offer for Martin Farms water‑main relocation after public calls for transparency",3483,237000,3720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf&start=237&end=3720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3646035-654bc415d91f7bb7a6cc2dd223c1eedf/thumbnail_237000.jpg","/articles/6217376/Seaford/Sussex-County/Delaware/Seaford-council-accepts-SRF-loan-offer-for-Martin-Farms-watermain-relocation-after-public-calls-for-transparency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6217376-dab549c4b9432bcd7c26701ac49893b2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775331980&Signature=igvAEtx7slH3X8emnqWuaBt7~X~jUL4-8FvRBuGjbHFyIqTPVWWC4-psfIphhpp7EJaN~h~uLU87Asu7dVwruTG-Aa5kWjrn7nfp05k9ZvA4~JkqXPSf05ZuDo5vm8nbjdx-28OA6er1dsTZFWnlV0-wsWrC7WiOMgHYVJo4q7YJ934CXDlEyt-baaeB9~Rf4LDLg26rDg8uOvB-TS6obxX-NfUOxj-8ShUb9QqiYT4psU2KzMXBM8AqDBeNAUbGOkoOfprpVtJrj90yCKQoGx~At2gIiEQx9HD4RDP-Dhazb0MgKajeY5t0xukM2BuDfOGYK00enKxIkL3PxmGXaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Seaford’s mayor and council voted Tuesday to accept a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan offer of $962,400 to fund Martin Farms water main relocation phase 1, after a public hearing and a period for comment.

The loan resolution (2025‑02) authorizes the city to proceed to loan closing for the water relocation work tied to the Martin Farms development. Councilman Alan Quillen moved the resolution and Councilwoman Grasset seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The project will relocate water mains out of private backyards and into public rights‑of‑way. Director of Public Works described the phase‑1 project as covered by an SRF award that included “100% principal forgiveness” for a related water project in a prior presentation; for the Martin Farms phase 1 water relocation the city presented an SRF loan amount of $962,400 to fund the work.

Public concern and requests: Dan Cannon, a resident who spoke during public comment, criticized city staff for what he called limited public information about upcoming multimillion‑dollar water and sewer projects, and urged council to increase oversight and transparency. “We taxpayers of Seaford deserve to know how these major projects will impact us both in our backyards and in our pocketbooks,” Cannon said. He asked council to study and make available preliminary engineering reports (PERs), citing in particular a Martin Farms PER dated September 24 (year not specified in the comment).

City response and timing: Director Mears clarified that the city has not yet closed on the SRF loan and that staff will move to loan closing and final engineering after the council process. “We have not gone to closing on this loan yet. Once we go through this process, then we'll work with our attorneys and the state's attorneys to go to loan closing,” Mears said. Mears said that construction dates depend on closing, bidding and contractor selection and that sewer work is “a little further along.”

Discussion vs. decision: Council took a formal action to adopt the resolution authorizing acceptance of the SRF loan; staff noted additional administrative steps (loan closing, bidding, contract approval) remain before construction starts.","Council approved a resolution to accept a $962,400 SRF loan for Martin Farms water relocation phase 1; a resident urged more transparency on how multistage water/sewer projects will affect future rates and property values.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Seaford council hears multi‑phase plan to raise wastewater plant to new treatment standard, expand capacity to serve future growth

Council approves conditional order of developer electrical inventory for Hearns Crossing North pending escrow

Seaford increases monthly security light charge to $11.50 to cover LED installation and maintenance costs

Seaford to pursue opioid‑settlement funding for peer support and data evaluation; council approves acceptance upon award

Seaford council accepts SRF loan offer for Martin Farms water‑main relocation after public calls for transparency