Townsend

Townsend Town Hall Closed for In Person Business

On Friday, 1/19/24, Townsend Town Hall will be closed for in person business from 8am- 4pm due to the winter storm warning.

A snow emergency remains in the Town of Townsend.  

For additional updates on the winter storm, please visit the National Weather Service website.  

Stay safe!

NOTICE: Declaration of Snow Emergency, Thursday, 1/18/24- Friday, 1/19/24

NOTICE

Declaration of Snow Emergency

Out of an abundance of caution and due to the weather forecast, in accordance with Section 10.08.010 of the Municipal Code of the Town of Townsend, a Declaration of Snow Emergency has been issued in the Town of Townsend as of 7:30 PM, today, Thursday, January 18^th, 2024 through Friday, January 19^th, 2024.

The National Weather Service has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 10 PM EST FRIDAY, 1/18/24.  The area is forecasted heavy snow with total snow accumulations of 5 to 6 inches.  Residents are advised that travel could be very difficult with the hazardous conditions potentially impacting the morning or evening commute. Please be reminded to slow down and use caution while traveling.  If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.  For additional updates on the impending storm, please visit the National Weather Service website.  

Residents with even numbered addresses are directed to remove all motor vehicles that are parked on the side of any road within the corporate limits of Townsend. Parking of all vehicles on the even numbered addresses side of the street is hereby prohibited and will remain prohibited during the continuance of the snow emergency. Parking on the side of Townsend maintained streets bearing odd-numbered addresses is permitted.

Residents are reminded to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice in the event of a snow storm.  In accordance with Townsend Municipal Code Section 10.04.020 Snow And Ice On Sidewalks: 

“It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of any premises in the town immediately in front of, beside or behind a sidewalk to permit or allow snow or ice to remain thereon for longer than 12 hours after daylight after it shall have ceased snowing. The town may have snow remaining in violation of this section removed immediately and charge the cost of removal to the owner or occupant of his property abutting the sidewalk.”

Please visit the Mayo Clinic website for tips how to stay safe when shoveling snow https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/safety-tips-when-shoveling-snow/

The Town snowplow contractor has been placed on standby to begin plowing after snow accumulations reach 2 inches.

We thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe! 

 

 

ANNOUNCING: Winners of the 2023 Town of Townsend Annual Holiday Decoration Contest

The Town of Townsend thanks everyone who participated in the holiday spirit!  While deliberating Town Council gave an honorable mention to the large display on Money Road, just outside of Town limits; noting, each year they create large modern displays for all to see.

Please join us in congratulating the following winners of the 2024 Town of Townsend Annual Holiday Decoration Contest, who were announced at the January 10th, 2024 Town Council Meeting:

• Modern Category:
  • 1st Place – 611 Commerce Street

 

 

• • 2nd Place – 1110 East Founds Street

 

• Traditional Category:
  • 1st Place – 120 Main Street

• • 2nd Place – 234 Edgar Road

 

NOTICE: Snow Emergency Declared at 6:30 pm, Monday, January 15th, 2024 Has Now Ended

The Snow Emergency that was declared as of 6:30 pm on Monday, January 15, 2024 has now ended as of 2 pm on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024.  Town streets have been plowed and salted thanks to our snowplow contractor.  Thank you to all for your cooperation with removing motor vehicles parked on the even numbered addressed side of the roads within the corporate limits of Townsend and for shoveling your sidewalks.

Town Hall to Open at 10 am on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024

Due to the snow storm, Town Hall will open for business at 10 am today, Tuesday, January 16th, 2024! Stay safe!

Notice: Declaration of Snow Emergency, Monday, January 15th, 2024, through Tuesday, January 16th, 2024

NOTICE

Declaration of Snow Emergency

Out of an abundance of caution and due to the weather forecast, in accordance with Section 10.08.010 of the Municipal Code of the Town of Townsend, a Declaration of Snow Emergency has been issued in the Town of Townsend as of 6:30 PM, today, Monday, January 15^th, 2024 through Tuesday, January 16^th, 2024.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory through 1pm, Tuesday, January 16^th.  The area is forecasted for mixed precipitation with snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches and ice accumulations of a light glaze.  The heaviest snow is predicted for Monday evening.  Snow is expected to become a wintry mix after midnight and may briefly change to plain rain Tuesday morning before tapering off  Residents are advised of potentially slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.  Please be reminded to slow down and use caution while traveling.  For additional updates on the impending storm, please visit the National Weather Service website.  

Residents with even numbered addresses are directed to remove all motor vehicles that are parked on the side of any road within the corporate limits of Townsend. Parking of all vehicles on the even numbered addresses side of the street is hereby prohibited and will remain prohibited during the continuance of the snow emergency. Parking on the side of Townsend maintained streets bearing odd-numbered addresses is permitted.

Residents are reminded to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice in the event of a snow storm.  In accordance with Townsend Municipal Code Section 10.04.020 Snow And Ice On Sidewalks: 

“It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of any premises in the town immediately in front of, beside or behind a sidewalk to permit or allow snow or ice to remain thereon for longer than 12 hours after daylight after it shall have ceased snowing. The town may have snow remaining in violation of this section removed immediately and charge the cost of removal to the owner or occupant of his property abutting the sidewalk.”

Please visit the Mayo Clinic website for tips how to stay safe when shoveling snow https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/safety-tips-when-shoveling-snow/

The Town snowplow contractor has been placed on standby to begin plowing after snow accumulations reach 2 inches.

We thank you for your cooperation in keeping our community safe! 

Town Hall Closed in Recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

WEATHER ADVISORY: Potential Storm January 12-13, 2024

The NWS Latest Briefing Can be found at https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf

Key Points:

• Rain moves in tomorrow evening through the night
• Around 1” of rain can be expected with locally 1.5”
• Creeks and Streams are still running high and saturated grounds could cause more flooding concerns. We are not expecting as severe or widespread flooding as we saw Tuesday Night.
• A Flood Watch has been issued for the entire county.
• Once again expecting gusty conditions with sustained winds of 20-30mph and gusts 40-50mph overnight.
• Minor Coastal Flooding is expected, would expect a coastal flood advisory be posted soon.

Preparedness Tips:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check local news and weather forecasts for updates. You can also follow reliable sources online like National Weather Service, AccuWeather, and Weather.com.
2. Home Preparedness: Secure any loose items outside your home that could be blown away or cause damage in gusty conditions. Check your home for potential leaks and make necessary repairs.
3. Flooding Precautions: Since there’s a Flood Watch issued, prepare for possible flooding. If you live in a flood-prone area, consider moving valuable items to higher levels in your home. Ensure your sump pump is working if you have one.
4. Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit if you don’t have one already. This should include water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, cash, important documents, and any necessary medication.
5. Coastal Flooding: For those near the coast, pay attention to Coastal Flood Advisories. Be ready to move to higher ground if necessary.
6. Driving Safety: Avoid driving through flooded areas. Even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
7. Power Outages: With the expected high winds, power outages could occur. Charge your devices, have backup power options available, and keep flashlights handy.

 

 

CLOSED: REMINDER – JOB OPENING: Part-time Administrative Assistant

Job Opening

Part-time Administrative Assistant

CONTACT PERSON: Antonina Tantillo, MPA, Town Manager

Telephone: 302-378-8082

Email: atantillo@townsend.delaware.gov

The Town of Townsend, DE is seeking applications for the position of Part-time  Administrative Assistant.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Part-time Administrative Assistant is responsible for providing administrative functions for the Town. The position requires the ability to communicate information from the Town Charter, Codes, general law and policies to businesses, citizens, and employees, and ensure that municipal services are provided in an effective and efficient manner. This position takes direction primarily from and reports initially to the Town Clerk and the Town Manager. This position is one of the initial contacts for the public to the Town. This position requires the ability to sit at a workstation for extended periods, to assist the public at the front desk, and to ascend and descend stairs to access Town records, stock supplies, and file records. 

JOB DUTIES:

The Part-time Administrative Assistant will greet visitors entering Town Hall, and those contacting via telephone or email, to provide information in a courteous manner, researching and analyzing data to determine answers and provide information within the scope of knowledge and authority, and referring to higher classification employee, as applicable.  The candidate will provide assistance with the building permit process and will assist with issuing contractor licenses, and all other licenses and permits required by the Town under the supervision of the Town Clerk and the Town Manager.  The Administrative Assistant will assist with filing, scanning, and maintaining records in accordance with document retention procedures.  The Administrative Assistant will process and prepare correspondence or other documents from dictation, handwritten drafts, and verbal instruction.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will have three to five years of administrative assistant experience.  Candidates with comparable experience are encouraged to apply.  High school diploma or equivalent education is required.  

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 atantillo@townsend.delaware.gov or by mail to:

        Town of Townsend

        Attn:  Town Manager

        141 Main Street, P.O. Box 223

        Townsend, DE   19734

WEATHER ADVISORY: Potential Major Storm January 9-10, 2024

A potential major storm is expected to affect our region tomorrow, 1/9/24 afternoon through Wednesday 1/10/24.  Please stay up to date on the developing storm and note the following:

with an extended period of moderate to heavy rain and possibly even some thunderstorms Tuesday night. At the immediate coast, peak wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with even 60 mph gusts possible for a time a little farther inland. We are expecting upper moderate to lower major coastal flooding. Updated Briefings can be found at https://www.weather.gov/media/phi/current_briefing.pdf

Key Points:

• Flooding:
  • Flood Watch in effect from 1pm Tuesday till 6pm Wednesday
  • Flood threat #1: 2-3” of rain will fall across already saturated grounds causing small streams and creeks to flood quickly Tuesday Evening and Night.
  • Flood threat #2: Strong Southerly wind will push a wall of water up the bay/river and cause significant coastal flooding.  Current estimates for Reedy Point is 9.0’ at the 10am Wednesday High Tide which is right at Major flood stage and on par with what we received during the Halloween storm of 2021.
  • Flood threat #3: Runoff from rains and snowmelt in Pennsylvania will make it down into the larger streams and rivers (Christina, Brandywine and the Clays) causing possible additional flooding Wednesday Morning and Afternoon, along with high tide levels could cause additional issues with backup from the Marsh.
• Winds:
  • Winds pick up Tuesday afternoon and would expect a Wind Advisory or High Wind Watch/Warning to be issued as we get closer to Tuesday Night with winds gusting up to 65mph, especially if we receive thunderstorms and the winds are able to mix down to the surface.
  • Strong winds along with saturated grounds could cause widespread power outages.

 

Preparedness Tips:

• Avoid Crossing Floodwaters: It’s imperative not to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters. A mere six inches of moving water can topple you, while a foot of water can displace your vehicle.
• Procure Emergency Supplies: Ensure that you have an ample supply of non-perishable food and water. Aim to have at least one gallon of water per person and pet for a minimum of three days.
• Know Your Evacuation Plan: If you reside in a flood-prone area, have an evacuation plan ready. Prepare a small bag with essential items, familiarize yourself with evacuation zones and routes, and have a designated place to go.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Fasten any loose items outside your home, such as garbage bins, garden furniture, and other potential projectiles.
• Stay Indoors: Avoid venturing outside unless absolutely necessary. If you must go out, steer clear from parking or walking under trees and overpasses.
• Keep Devices Charged: Maintain a full charge on your mobile phones and other electronic devices in anticipation of potential power cuts.
• Maintain Communication: Have a battery-powered radio on hand for updates on the situation. Register for emergency alerts at Smart911.com, and opt in to receive emergency notifications from the state of Delaware and NCC.