Sussex County Council confirmed two nominees to land‑use boards and approved a county representative for a state task force during its July 15 meeting.

The council voted to appoint Jeff Allen to the Planning & Zoning Commission, with his term effective Aug. 1 and expiring June 2028. Allen, nominated by Councilman Lloyd, told the council he is “interested in the growth of Sussex County” and emphasized the commission’s role in ensuring development aligns with the county’s comprehensive plan and zoning regulations. He described prior elected service on the Laurel Board of Education and private‑sector management experience.

The council also appointed Nathan Kingry, nominated by Councilman Lloyd, to the Sussex County Board of Adjustment effective Aug. 1 through June 2028. Kingry, a staff attorney for the Delaware Justice of the Peace Court, described legal experience interpreting statutes and administrative procedures and said that service on panels and committees has prepared him to apply legal criteria to zoning appeals and variance requests.

On a separate item the council appointed Jeff Hamer to serve as Sussex County’s representative on the Small Restaurant Regulatory Task Force established by House Joint Resolution 1 (as amended). The task force is charged with identifying regulatory burdens on small restaurants that originate in state Department of Health and Social Services regulations, and recommending changes or funding mechanisms to reduce unnecessary cost burdens while preserving public‑health protections.

Votes: The motions to appoint Allen and Kingry were adopted by recorded vote; council members present voted in favor. The council also approved Hamer’s appointment for the restaurant task force.

Why this matters: The Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment handle rezoning, conditional‑use and variance decisions that shape land use and housing patterns in Sussex County; having appointees with direct local ties and stated familiarity with planning and legal standards affects how those bodies will review future applications. The restaurant task force appointment connects the county to a statewide review of rules affecting small businesses.

These actions were formal appointments; each appointment will take effect Aug. 1 according to the motions the council approved.