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t the December meeting, recently elected Town Commissioners were sworn in, updates were given on the Whittaker Creek Dredging, and a public hearing date has been set for the inclusion of a Solar Ordinance in the Growth Management Ordinance.

Commissioner Dammeyer steps down

Commissioner Eric Dammeyer stepped down on Tuesday night. He did not seek re-election this cycle, citing his growing involvement with ministry. He served three years on the Planning Board, 2014-2017, and one term as a Town Commissioner, from 2017-2019.

Mayor Sally Belangia presented Dammeyer with a plaque commemorating his service.

Commissioner Eric Dammeyer and Mayor Sally Belangia.

Commissioner Barrow Sworn in

Incoming Commissioner J. Martin Barrow was sworn in. His wife Belinda Barrow was with him. Commissioner Barrow is a Navy veteran and former law enforcement officer and manager. In 2017, Barrow ran for Town Commissioner, but was not elected. Instead, he was appointed to the Planning Board where he has served the last two years.

Belinda Barrow and Commissioner J. Martin Barrow.

The continuing Commissioners are: David White, Charlie Overcash, Allen Price, and Dianne Simmons. Mayor Sally Belangia ran unopposed. David White was again appointed as the Mayor Pro Tempore in Mayor Belangia’s absence.

2019 Town Board: Allen Price, Charlie Overcash, David White, Mayor Sally Belangia, Dianne Simmons, J. Martin Barrow.

Planning Board appointments

The Planning Board has lost two members: J. Martin Barrow was elected to the Board of Commissioners and Cecily Lohmar is resigning effective this month. Dan Allen, currently serving on the Harbor Waterfronts Committee, was appointed, as was Julie Rahm.

Public Hearing Date set

The Planning Board has been discussing language for a proposed Solar Ordinance to be added to the Growth Management Ordinance. The Solar Ordinance could determine the size and placement of solar panels on residential and commercial properties. The Planning Board will take a final look at the language at their meeting on Wednesday, Dec 18.

The hearing has been set for February 4, 2020 at the February Town Board Meeting.

Police Report

Officer Nic Blayney presented the police report to the Board. There will be another Oriental Police Department Meet & Greet on the Town Hall porch before the Spirit of Christmas parade, Saturday, December 14.

Whittaker Point Restoration update

The Town has an agreement with Sea Harbour Yacht Club to use their spoil site for the dredging of Whittaker Creek. Before the spoil site can be used, it has to be cleared out from the last dredging done by Sea Harbour.

Town Manager Diane Miller said there is currently a bid out for the site work. As soon as three bids are received (three bids are necessary for compliance with state laws), one firm will be chosen to begin clearing. Bidding for the dredging of Whittaker Creek will go live when the Town has received confirmation of the Spoils Site permit renewal.

Dates to Know

The next Town Board Meeting will be at 7p Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
The next Planning Board Meeting is Wednesday, Dec 18, 3-5p at Town Hall.
For the Holidays, Town Hall will be closed Dec 24-26.

Related Information

• December Agenda
• November Meeting Minutes
• Budget Amendments
• Oaths of Office
• Mayor Pro Tempore Oath
• Police Report
• Manager’s Report and Financials
• Auxiliary Board Reports: Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Workshop Notes, Planning Board, Tree Board

Posted Friday December 6, 2019 by Allison DeWeese