2021 Town of Townsend Town Council Appointment & Committee Reorganization
2021 Town of Townsend Town Council Appointment & Committee Reorganization
In accordance with the Town Charter, Town Council appointed Mr. Scott Lobdell to fill the vacant Council seat at the Town Council Workshop meeting on Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021. The appointment was confirmed at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, July 7th, 2021, by the unanimous approval of Resolution 2021-009, a Resolution to affirm the appointment of Mr. Scott Lobdell as Interim Town Councilman.
As previously announced, on Thursday June 3, 2021, there was a vacancy in the Office of Town Council, due to the resignation of a former Councilman.
Councilman Scott Lobdell was previously elected to Town Council in the 2019 Council election, serving his term until 2021. Councilman Lobdell previously served on the Public Works, Land Use and Development, Community Relations, and Parks and Recreation Committees. Councilman Lobdell also ran in the 2021 Town Council election and was succeeded by other candidates.
After the approval of Resolution 2021-009, Councilman Lobdell was sworn into the Town of Townsend Town Council. Councilman Lobdell will serve in this Council seat until the next annual municipal election, during which time this Council seat will be up for a one- year term to complete the remainder of the 2021-2023 Town Council term.
Following Councilman Lobdell’s swearing in, Mayor Miller reorganized the Council Committees and the following Council members were appointed to the following Committees:
| Finance Committee: | Chair- Mayor Miller | Co-Chair- Councilman Dugan |
| Human Resources Committee: | Chair- Mayor Miller | |
| Public Works Committee: | Chair- Councilman Dugan | Co-Chair- Councilman Mertz |
| Land Use and Development Committee: | Chair- Councilman Lobdell | Co-Chair- Councilman Dugan |
| Veterans Committee: | Chair- Councilwoman Clarke | Co-Chair- Mayor Miller |
| Public Safety Committee: | Chair- Councilman Mertz | Co-Chair- Councilwoman Clarke |
| Community Engagement Committee: | Chair- Councilwoman Clarke | Co-Chair- Councilman Lobdell |
| Parks and Recreation Committee: | Chair- Councilman Lobdell | Co-Chair- Councilman Mertz |
| National Wildlife and Historic Preservation Committee: | Chair- Councilwoman Clarke |
CLOSED: Job Opening- Chief of Police
Town of Townsend
Job Opening
Chief of Police
CONTACT PERSON: Anthony S. Mangeri, MPA, CPM, CEM
TELEPHONE: 302-378-8082
EMAIL: amangeri@townsend.delaware.gov
The Town of Townsend, DE is seeking applications for the potential position of Chief of Police.
The Chief of Police is responsible for development, planning and directing all functions and operations of the Townsend Police Department, once approved by Town Council. The Chief of Police is also responsible for the enforcement of laws and ordinances, prevention of crime and protection of life and property in the Town.
A Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Public Administration or related field with a minimum of five years of command or supervisory experience in law enforcement equivalent of Lieutenant or above is required. Experience in lieu of a degree may be considered.
Salary anticipated to be in the range of $65,000 to $80,000 DOQ.
Those interested in the position should send a resume and cover letter as well as a Townsend employment application in confidence to the Town Manager at the address below. We ask that you provide 3 professional references with your submission. References will not be contacted until the position is approved. All applications must include proof of completion the required course of study, training, and education course as required by the Delaware Council on Police Training.
The solicitation period for all applications will close on Friday, July 23rd, 2021. Applications will be accepted until Friday, July 23rd, 2021.
Anthony S. Mangeri, MPA, CPM CEM
Town Manager
Town of Townsend
141 Main Street, Po Box 223
Townsend, DE 19734
The Town of Townsend, DE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please find the Townsend General Employment Application here
DEMA Encourages Preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa
Smyrna, DE – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) along with local, state, and federal partners, are closely monitoring Tropical Storm Elsa. DEMA continues to coordinate with the counties and key state agencies to ensure readiness if the system worsens. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued by the U.S. National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly for Sussex County with expansion of the Watch expected. The updated track for Tropical Storm Elsa from NOAA NWS National Hurricane Center is slightly further west, which could mean a more significant impact for the state. The main threats are anticipated to include rain, flooding, and increased rip currents beginning late Thursday. But as we saw with Tropical Storm Isaias last summer, a variety of threats exist with Tropical Storms including tornadoes, high winds, flash flooding, etc. Power outages are possible. Plan ahead now and be prepared.
Prepare Your Home
- Secure loose outdoor items such as grills, trash and recycling cans, and patio furniture.
- Clear drains around your home to prevent flooding.
- Trim back trees and bushes to prevent storm damage.
- Have a plan for how to stay cool if the power goes out.
- If you have a generator, make sure that you have fuel and test it in advance. Remember: never use a generator indoors!
Prepare Your Vehicle
- Have a full tank of fuel
- Ensure tire pressures are correct
- Ensure that all lights are working.
Charge Electronic Devices
- Keep phones, radios, and electronic devices fully charged in case of power outages.
- Have portable power banks to charge electronic devices.
Make A Plan – preparede.org/make-a-plan
- Make a plan for where you would go if you had to leave your home due to an evacuation or if it sustained damage.
- Communicate and practice your plan with family.
- Have a list of emergency contacts and copies of important documents.
Make An Emergency Kit – preparede.org/make-a-kit
- Make sure that you have emergency supplies, such as food and water, for each member of your family (and pets) to last >3 days.
- Have flashlights in case of power outages and fully charged power banks to charge electronic devices.
Stay Informed
- Have multiple ways of monitoring the weather through US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly. A NOAA Weather Radio is a great backup system!
- Make sure to register for the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS) to receive important emergency alerts here.
- Monitor our social media pages and local officials if further actions are required.
For more preparedness tips: PrepareDE.org
For weather updates from the National Weather Service: weather.gov/phi
For updates on the roads: https://deldot.gov/ and through their app https://deldot.gov/mobile/.
Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.
Access the original post here: DEMA Encourages Preparations for Tropical Storm Elsa – State of Delaware News
MOVED TO RAINDATE: Town of Townsend & WILMAPCO Walkable Communities Workshop
Due to the impending rain and tropical storm predicted for Thursday, July 8th, the Town of Townsend and WILMAPCO Walkable Communities Workshop has been moved to Monday, July 12th from 4 pm- 7 pm. Please find the updated flyer and information below:
07/12/2021 – 04:00 PM
Location: Townsend Municipal Park- Park Pavilion
Address: 0 Edgar Road
Townsend, Delaware 19734
You are invited…
The Town of Townsend and the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) invite you to an important event to help make Townsend a safer, more attractive and pedestrian friendly place.
Townsend
Walkable Communities Workshop:
Townsend Municipal Park Pavilion- 0 Edgar Rd.
Thursday, July 8, 2021
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
What is a Walkable Community Workshop?
A Walkable Community Workshop is an interactive community workshop designed to bring together key stakeholders such as citizens, land owners, elected officials, and professionals to focus on issues related to walkability. This is part of an effort to make our community more pedestrian friendly.
Who has organized this Workshop?
This workshop is presented by the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) and coordinated by Town of Townsend.
What will we do at the Workshop?
WILMAPCO staff, trained in conducting Walkable Community Workshops, will serve as facilitators. Workshop participants will learn more about successful pedestrian design, safety, education, enforcement, and encouragement. A walking audit of this target area will help us understand and identify obstacles to walking for residents and suggest potential short-term and long-term solutions. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather that day. Refreshments will be provided!
Where can I get more information?
To learn more about this workshop, please contact Anthony Mangeri at 302.378.8082 or by email at amangeri@townsend.delaware.gov. To learn more about the Walkable Communities program, please visit WILMAPCO’s website at www.wilmapco.org/walkable.
RSVP Today!
Townsend Invite- Walkable Community WorkshopIf you would like to attend, please RSVP at www.wilmapco.org/walkable
or to Randi Novakoff at 302-737-6205 ext. 111 or by email at rnovakoff@wilmapco.org.
Emergency Sirens Test- Tuesday, July 6th around 7:20 p.m.
A test of the Salem/Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations Alert and Notification System will be conducted by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Delaware State Police on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The sirens will sound at around 7:20 pm.
The Quarterly Siren Test involves a three-to five-minute sounding of the 37 sirens followed by a test message of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on local radio stations. The sirens are located within 10 miles of the Salem/Hope Creek power plants in New Jersey, and are the same sirens used to alert the public in the event of an actual emergency at either the Salem or Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Stations. In such an emergency, the public would be alerted by the sirens to tune radios to one of the local EAS stations for important emergency instructions.
To learn more, please follow this link.
Town Hall Closed in Recognition of the Independence Day Holiday
In recognition of the Independence Day Holiday, Townsend Townhall will be closed on Monday, July 5th, 2021.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Town of Townsend & WILMAPCO Walkable Communities Workshop
Townsend Invite- Walkable Communities Workshop- Updated
07/08/2021 – 04:00 PM
Location: Townsend Municipal Park- Park Pavilion
Address: 0 Edgar Road
Townsend, Delaware 19734
You are invited…
The Town of Townsend and the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) invite you to an important event to help make Townsend a safer, more attractive and pedestrian friendly place.
Townsend
Walkable Communities Workshop:
Townsend Municipal Park Pavilion- 0 Edgar Rd.
Thursday, July 8, 2021
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
What is a Walkable Community Workshop?
A Walkable Community Workshop is an interactive community workshop designed to bring together key stakeholders such as citizens, land owners, elected officials, and professionals to focus on issues related to walkability. This is part of an effort to make our community more pedestrian friendly.
Who has organized this Workshop?
This workshop is presented by the Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) and coordinated by Town of Townsend.
What will we do at the Workshop?
WILMAPCO staff, trained in conducting Walkable Community Workshops, will serve as facilitators. Workshop participants will learn more about successful pedestrian design, safety, education, enforcement, and encouragement. A walking audit of this target area will help us understand and identify obstacles to walking for residents and suggest potential short-term and long-term solutions. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather that day. Refreshments will be provided!
Where can I get more information?
To learn more about this workshop, please contact Anthony Mangeri at 302.378.8082 or by email at amangeri@townsend.delaware.gov. To learn more about the Walkable Communities program, please visit WILMAPCO’s website at www.wilmapco.org/walkable.
RSVP Today!
Townsend Invite- Walkable Community WorkshopIf you would like to attend, please RSVP at www.wilmapco.org/walkable
or to Randi Novakoff at 302-737-6205 ext. 111 or by email at rnovakoff@wilmapco.org.
Scientists Investigate Mysterious Songbird Deaths in Delaware, Several Other States and D.C. Area- Public Advised to Temporarily Remove Feeders and Bird Baths
Photo Credit: National Parks Service photographer Leslie Frattaroli
Public Advised to Temporarily Remove Feeders and Bird Baths
State and federal wildlife experts and wildlife rehabilitators are investigating reports in at least six mid-Atlantic and central states, including Delaware, of sick and dying songbirds stricken by an unknown disorder characterized by swollen eyes with crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs such as erratic flight and stumbling. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has observed similar symptoms in Delaware’s avian population and more than 50 dead birds have been reported.
Juvenile birds appear to be more affected than adults, with European starlings, blue jays and common grackles as the species most associated with the debilitating event. Investigating agencies including DNREC are working cooperatively with animal health laboratories to find what’s behind this event, with Delaware’s samples sent to the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory in New Bolton Center, Pa., but no definitive cause has been identified to date.
Although the cause of the event is not yet known, wildlife health experts believe congregating birds may contribute to its spread. Federal and state wildlife experts recommend anyone who keeps bird feeders or bird baths in their home landscape take the following precautions to help manage the event:
- Cease feeding birds at feeders and providing water in bird baths
- Before reactivating bird feeders and baths when it is deemed safe by animal health experts to do so, clean them with a 10% bleach solution
- Avoid handling wild birds, wearing disposable gloves if it is necessary to handle a bird
- Keep domestic pets away from sick and dead wild birds
If residents observe a live wild bird exhibiting the symptoms as described above, they may contact Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research at 302-737-9543. Additional information can be found on its website at tristatebird.org. If residents find a dead wild bird they suspect displayed any of the above-mentioned symptoms, contact the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife at 302-735-3600.
About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 65,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Media Contacts: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov
See original post at this link: https://news.delaware.gov/2021/06/30/scientists-investigate-mysterious-songbird-deaths-in-delaware-several-other-states-and-d-c-area/
Be Safe & Healthy This 4th of July- A Message from the Office of the State Fire Marshall
Most fireworks are illegal in Delaware. Fireworks can and have caused serious injury. Be safe and be healthy this Fourth of July.
The Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds all citizens and visitors of Delaware that fireworks can cause serious injuries or death. Projectiles from exploded fireworks can cause eye injuries, burns, and amputations of fingers. An estimated 11,900 people were treated in the nation’s hospitals in 2015 for injuries related to the use of fireworks. The highest number of injuries (8,000) occurred around the July Fourth holiday.
The Fireworks law under the Delaware Criminal Code was amended to:
- Certain fireworks as defined in Title 16/Chapter 69 are illegal to possess, sell, or use in the State of Delaware.
- Sparklers and ground based items may be purchased by someone that is 18+ years old and sold in Delaware only on these dates: June 4th – July 4th, and December 1st – January 1st.
- Sparklers and ground based items may ONLY be used in Delaware on July 4th, December 31st and January 1st.
Please leave fireworks in the hands of professionals by attending a professional fireworks show in lieu of creating your own show. The public displays are conducted by licensed professionals and the firework sites are inspected and receive approval prior to the events.
Penalties for the misuse of fireworks or possession of illegal fireworks are misdemeanors subject to a fine. Damage or injuries caused by the use of fireworks can result in felony charges.
Fireworks Display Permits & Licensing
Expiring COVID-19 Forbearance Relief for FHA Borrowers
As you know, hardships from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt across the economy. This unprecedented, 18-month event has resulted in a burgeoning foreclosure crisis among FHA-insured borrowers. Currently there are well over 300,000 borrowers who are at least 60-days delinquent on their mortgage and who have not yet sought help from their mortgage servicer to avoid future foreclosure.
Please review the flyer and text below, regarding mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, DC
COVID-19 FHA BORROWER FLYER ENGLISH_SPANISH
You will receiving this flyer if your mortgage is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured mortgage. If you are current on your mortgage payments or are already on a mortgage payment forbearance, please disregard this letter.
We understand that you may be struggling and unable to make your mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are having difficulty paying your mortgage due to the pandemic, we urge you to act now.
FHA’s special COVID-19 mortgage payment forbearance is currently available to you.
There are two ways to get more information on the special COVID-19 mortgage payment forbearance:
| First, contact your mortgage servicer, the entity to which you make your mortgage payments. | If you are unable to contact your mortgage servicer right now, get help from a HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency. |
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You are not alone during these difficult times. The COVID-19 mortgage payment forbearance is available now so please seek assistance to obtain this option.
Sincerely,
HUD Office of Housing Counseling
