Possible Dewey charter amendments sent to state

Dewey Beach commissioners voted unanimously March 15 to send a package of proposed charter amendments to the state for consideration by the General Assembly.

Commissioner Gary Persinger said the proposed changes were recommended by the planning and zoning commission. 

Town Counsel Fred Townsend noted that the town charter is state law that can only be amended by the Legislature.

Mayor Bill Stevens said the changes will resolve inconsistent, conflicting or duplicative language. 

They include adding parking administration to the town manager responsibilities, removing duplicate language regarding budget requirements and process, and authorizing the town manager to terminate the auditor contract in agreement with the audit committee.

Other changes will require police chief candidates without Delaware Council on Police Training certification to complete necessary work within one year as a condition of employment, set a contract of no more than three years for the beach patrol captain, and remove redundant language regarding the town’s power to borrow money.