Townsend

NOTICE OF SOLICITATION: Board of Elections Member

SOLICITATION BOARD OF ELECTIONS MEMBERS

There is ONE Board of Election Seat open for appointment by Town Council.  The position serves for an Indefinite Term until a successor is duly appointed.  Please note that the 2024 Town of Townsend Election is scheduled for the first Saturday in May; May 4^th, 2024. 

If you are interested in serving as a Member of the Board of Elections, please reach out by emailing Town Clerk, Mariaelena Rivera, at  mrivera@townsend.delaware.gov

The qualifications for Board of Election Members can be found below.

Qualifications for Board of Elections Members

Townsend Municipal Code: 2.20.080 Board of Elections

The Town of Townsend Board of Elections (to be referred to as “board of elections”) is hereby established, having three members to be appointed by town council.

1. Each board member shall be a resident of the town and shall serve an indefinite term until his successor is duly appointed.
2. The board of elections shall be authorized to perform the duties and obligations set forth in 15 Del. C. § 7551, as amended, and to exercise any other such duties specifically authorized by the town council pursuant to the Charter and ordinances of the town, as amended.

15 Del. C. § 7551

• 7551. Boards of Election; appointment, authority.

(a) A Board of Elections shall be appointed as provided in the municipality’s charter or code and shall oversee the election of the municipality’s government.

(b) Members of municipal Boards of Elections shall be qualified electors in the municipality for which they are appointed and shall not be an elected official or candidate or an immediate family member of an elected official or candidate (mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, including half-brothers and sisters, stepfamily members and in-laws).

(c) Members of municipal Boards of Elections shall serve terms as provided in the municipality’s charter or code.

(d) Upon confirmation of a member to a municipality’s Board of Elections, the municipality shall issue a Certificate of Appointment to the member and the member shall swear or affirm the following oath orally and in writing:

I, ________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Delaware, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties as a member of the Board of Elections for the city (or town) of ________ by ensuring that elections within the city (or town) are conducted fairly, impartially and in accordance with the Delaware Code and city (or town) charter and ordinances to the best of my ability.

(e) A municipal Board of Elections member shall not participate in electioneering. Electioneering includes political discussion of issues, candidates or partisan topics; the wearing of any button, banner or other object referring to issues, candidates or partisan topics; the display, distribution or other handling of literature or any writing or drawing referring to issues, candidates or partisan topics; and the deliberate projection of sound referring to issues, candidates or partisan topics from loudspeakers or otherwise. A Board of Elections member who violates this section shall be fined not more than $500 and shall forfeit that Board of Election member’s position on the Board.

(f) Municipal Boards of Elections shall consist of an odd number of members as stated in the municipality’s charter or code, but in no case shall there be fewer than 3 members on the Board.

(g) Unless otherwise provided in the municipality’s charter or code, the municipality’s Board of Elections shall oversee the absentee ballot process for elections conducted in accordance with subchapters IV and V of this chapter.

(h) The Department of Elections shall make training available for the members of the municipality’s Board of Elections on their roles and responsibilities.

(i) A municipal Board of Elections may request, in writing, advice and guidance from the Department of Elections. The Department to which a Board of Elections makes a request shall provide a written response as soon as practical but no later than 7 business days following receipt of the request.

(j) Municipalities shall post the names and contact information for its Board of Elections in the city/town hall or in the building where the municipal government meets, and on the municipality’s website if it has one.

(k) A municipality shall notify the State Election Commissioner of the members of its Board of Elections when such members are installed.

Additional details on the election can be here: Article V Nominations and Elections

SIGN-UP TODAY!!! – CodeRED Notifications

Code Red is an important tool which allows for the Town of Townsend to reach out and communicate important information and emergency messages to residents. Please take advantage of this important service and sign up.  Should you need assistance with registration, please contact Townsend Town Hall 302-378-8082 or townhall@townsend.delaware.gov.

• What is CodeRED and why is it important to me?
  CodeRED is an emergency notification service that allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email and social media regarding time-sensitive general and emergency notifications. Only authorized officials have access to the CodeRED system.
• When will CodeRED be used?
  Any message regarding the safety, property or welfare of the community will be disseminated using the CodeRED system. These may include AMBER alerts, notifications of hazardous traffic or road conditions, boil water advisories or evacuation notices.

To sign-up for CodeRed, please click the following link: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/BFE540570CAF

For additional information please click “HERE”

COMMUNITY NOTICE: 2024 National Wildlife Photo Contest

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is holding their 53rd Annual National Wildlife Photo Contest.  The contest entry period is open from “12:01 am North American Eastern Standard Time (EST) on January 17, 2024 and the final date for submitting photos is March 31, 2024, at 11:59 pm North American Eastern Daylight Time”.  All entries must be submitted directly to NWF; general information regarding the contest may be found below.  For additional details concerning the entry rules, please click the following link:  2024 National Wildlife Photo Contest Information and Rules. 

 Enter the 2024 National Wildlife Photo Contest Today!

Now entering its 53rd year, the prestigious National Wildlife^® Photo Contest celebrates wildlife, habitats and the natural world, with an emphasis on conservation and ethical photography honoring the well-being of animals in the wild. All entries support the conservation mission of the National Wildlife Federation, which is dedicated to saving wildlife species and habitats. Amateur and professional photographers alike are encouraged to share their best images of wildlife and wild lands, from around the world and their own backyards.

We welcome submissions in nine categories:

• • • Birds
    • Mammals
    • Baby Animals: young of any species
    • Other Wildlife: underwater life, reptiles, amphibians, insects, spiders, macro and more
    • Landscapes & Plants: from broad vistas to single blooms
    • People in Nature: responsibly enjoying wildlife or the outdoors
    • Mobile: taken with phones or tablets
    • Young Nature Photographers: open to ages 13 to 17
    • Portfolio: a collection of up to 10 images built around a common theme related to nature or conservation

A panel of judges will award the following prizes:

• • • Grand Prize: One winner receives the Nature’s Witness Award and a cash prize of $5,000.
    • Portfolio Prize: One winner receives a cash prize of $750.
    • First Place: One winner in each of the eight subject categories receives a cash prize of $500.
    • Second Place: One winner in each of the eight subject categories receives a cash prize of $250.
    • Honorable Mentions: Each receives a certificate of distinction and a National Wildlife Federation calendar.

In addition to cash prizes, a selection of the winning photographs and honorable mentions from the 2024 contest will be announced in a press release, featured on our social media channels and published online and/or in the Winter 2025 issue of National Wildlife magazine. Photo contest entrants are also eligible for the People’s Choice Award.

Modest entry fees support the National Wildlife Federation’s conservation work, and your photos inspire our millions of members and supporters to care about wildlife and to act on its behalf. Prizes are made possible by the entry fee; no NWF funds are used for these prizes.

There is no limit on the number of submissions allowed per entrant. Packages include:

• • • Enter up to 15 photos for $25: BEST VALUE, includes free one-year digital subscription to National Wildlife magazine
    • Enter up to 10 photos for $20
    • Enter one photo for $15
    • Enter one Portfolio for $20; can be combined with any other entry package

Consider donating your photos: The National Wildlife Federation greatly appreciates photographers who choose to donate images. These donations help support our mission of protecting wildlife and their habitats. Photographers who donate images to NWF retain ownership and rights. See contest rules for more information on donating photos.

Become a member: You can further support our mission by becoming a member of the National Wildlife Federation, which entitles you to receive National Wildlife magazine as a benefit of membership. Learn how to join and receive the magazine.

SOURCED FROM: National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org) 

Townsend Town Council Recognizes Townsend Police Department’s Sergeant McCloskey

During last month’s regular Town Council meeting, Council members formally recognized Sergeant Earl McCloskey for the 2023 Delaware Crime Stoppers Robert J. Seinsoth Memorial Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award he received in December.   Resolution 2024-001 sponsored by Councilman Suhr and Councilman Mertz recognized Sergeant McCloskey’s “dedication and service to the safety of the Town of Townsend” and for his hard work on a months long investigation; all while completing his other responsibilities and duties for the Townsend Police Department.

“Mayor Scott Lobdell, and Council Members Joshua Mertz, Joseph Bangura, Matthew Chapman, and Marcus Suhr along with the Town Staff and Town Residents….wish to congratulate, Sergeant McCloskey, for his award of the 2023 Delaware Crime Stoppers Robert J. Seinsoth Memorial Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.” 

To see the signed resolution presented to Sergeant McCloskey in the picture below, click HERE. 

2024 TOWN FAIR: Parade Information – Categories & Registration

The Town of Townsend is seeking participants for the Annual Townsend Parade that will be held RAIN or SHINE on Saturday, June 1st, 2024! 

Participants may enter the contest to be considered a winner in the following categories: 

• Best Performance 
• Best Classic Vehicle (25+ years)
• Best Antique Vehicle (Pre-1980)
• Best Vintage Vehicle (WW2 and earlier)
• Best Float (Float or Themed Car) 
• Largest Group

To register and sign-up for the contest, please click HERE.  **Deadline to register is Saturday, May 12th, 2024.** 

Parade Registration Flyer

CLOSED: JOB OPENING: Part-time Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer

*This posting has been updated to revise the contact information*

Job Opening

Part-time Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer

Telephone: 302-378-8082

Email: townhall@townsend.delaware.gov

The Town of Townsend, DE is seeking applications for the position of Part-time Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Town of Townsend is anticipating hiring a flexible part-time Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer to work approximately 15 to 25 hrs. weekly.

The Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer will be responsible for conducting investigations and ensuring compliance with relevant building codes and related Town and  property management ordinances. The employee may issue citations and bring violations to the Justice of the Peace Court and may testify if necessary. The Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer will be required to maintain confidentiality and prepare reports and keep appropriate records.

Qualified applicants must have excellent communication skills to communicate information from the Town Charter, Codes, general law and policies to businesses, citizens, and employees. Additionally,  must be proficient with computers, and have a valid driver’s license with good driving record. Qualified candidate may be appointed a Code Enforcement Constable pursuant to State law to make actions legally effective.

The essential ability to perform investigations and appropriate code research to ensure conformance to codes in a manner that effectively communicates, both verbally and in written violations, the concerns of the Town. Professional Engineers looking to work part time are strongly encouraged to apply.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will have at least three (3) to five (5) years of experience in work related to building code enforcement. The ideal candidate will possess the following ICC certifications:

• ICC:B1 (Residential Building inspector)
• ICC: B2 or (Commercial Building inspector)
• ICC: M2 (Mechanical Inspector)
• ICC:64 (Property Maintenance & Housing Inspector)
• ICC: M1 (Residential Mechanical Inspector)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, good organizational and communication skills, and the ability to deal effectively with the public are a must.

The successful candidate must pass a background check and drug test. Hourly rate is dependent upon education and experience.

Please find the Townsend General Employment Application here

Cover letter, resume, and application may be sent electronically to townhall@townsend.delaware.gov or by mail to:

        Town of Townsend

        Attn:  Human Rescources

        141 Main Street, P.O. Box 223

        Townsend, DE   19734

NOTICE: Snow Emergency Declared on, Thursday, January 19th, 2024 Has Now Ended

The Snow Emergency that was declared on Thursday, January 18, 2024 has now ended as of Monday, January 22, 2024.  Town streets were immediately plowed and salted thanks to our snowplow contractor, during and following the storm.  They were again plowed and salted throughout the weekend as the wind and temperatures presented additional snow and ice on Town roads.  Thank you to everyone who cooperated with removing motor vehicles parked on the even numbered addressed side of the roads within the corporate limits of Townsend and for shoveling sidewalks.  Please continue to shovel your sidewalks and move your vehicles to the correct side of the road during snow emergencies to allow for the plows to safely pass through streets and to allow for pedestrians to have safe routes of travel on Town sidewalks.     

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM CASELLA – 01/22/2024

Statewide Travel Advisory Issued for the Afternoon and Evening of Friday, January 19th.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) have issued a travel advisory for the afternoon and evening of Friday, January 19th.

Delawareans should expect poor visibility from heavier snowfall and freezing on road surfaces tonight as temperatures drop. Please use caution if you must be on the roads:

• Slow down and approach intersections carefully.
• Wear a seatbelt.
• Clear your car of snow and ice before driving.
• Turn on your headlights.
• Use extra caution when driving over bridges and overpasses – they freeze faster than roads and there may be ice that you cannot see.
• Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Apply brakes carefully and allow for more stopping distance.
• If your vehicle starts to skid, don’t panic and don’t apply the brakes hard.