GEORGETOWN — Unanimous Sussex County Council approval on Tuesday filled two seats through appointment to the county’s board of adjustment.
And another 5-0 vote by council affirmed …
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GEORGETOWN — Unanimous Sussex County Council approval on Tuesday filled two seats through appointment to the county’s board of adjustment.
And another 5-0 vote by council affirmed the reappointment of board of adjustment member Ellen Magee of Selbyville to another term, effective immediately through June of 2022.
Newcomers joining the five-member board of adjustment that as a quasi-judicial body hears applications for variances, special-use exceptions and appeals of administrative decisions are Dr. Kevin Carson and Jeff Chorman.
Council president Michael Vincent nominated Dr. Carson for the board’s District 1 seat being vacated by BOA chairman John Mills.
Councilman Irwin “I.G.” Burton III nominated Jeff Chorman for the board position held by Dale Callaway in District 3.
Mr. Mills and Mr. Callaway both served 27 years on the BOA and recently announced their intentions to retire.
Sussex County Administrator Todd Lawson conducted the public interview during the June 18 council meeting.
“My reason for being here is I would like to serve,” said Dr. Carson, who has served as superintendent of several Sussex County public school districts and currently works with the University of Delaware with the Institute for Public Administration. “I live in Sussex County, over in Seaford, and I’ve spent the majority of my career in some type of service capacity and would like to continue to do so.”
Dr. Carson, who is also a licensed realtor, knows there will be a learning curve.
“I would tell you that my experience is limited. I’m familiar and have been before the board of adjustment,” he said. “It’s certainly an interesting process and the questions that come forward are unique. I have certainly a great deal to learn about the rules, the regulations and what the requirements are within county code and state code also. I look forward, if we are in the affirmative today, to starting that training process.”
Mr. Chorman, a local business owner who through aviation works with farmers, the agricultural community and mosquito control, said he has an inherent interest in serving.
“I have lived in Sussex County all my 40 years. My grandfather grew up right here on The Circle. He had the building where the jewelry store is. He was very civic minded,” Mr. Chorman said. “It is just something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve got a lot to learn for sure.”
“I have reviewed the legal criteria to determine the basis of approving or denying an application. I understand the importance of that, and every application is different,” said Mr. Chorman.
County councilman John Rieley of Millsboro, who represents District 5, recommended the reappointment of Ms. Magee.
“I thank Miss Magee for her service,” said Mr. Rieley. “I think she has done a very good job. Your experience will be invaluable in the coming years.”
“I agree with Mr. Rieley,” said councilman Samuel Wilson Jr., of Georgetown.
All three board of adjustment terms were effective immediately and run through June 2022.
Wheatley reappointed
In another reappointment decision Tuesday, council unanimously supported Mr. Vincent’s request to reappoint Robert Wheatley of Laurel to another term on the county’s planning and zoning commission. Mr. Wheatley currently serves as chairman.