On June 9, 2012 the Bethany Beach Town Council held a special meeting to consider and receive public comment regarding the construction of a new (additional) water tower at the Town of Bethany Beach Water Plant facility on Collins Street.  During this meeting a review of the history and need were presented by Town Manager, Cliff Graviet, comments were requested from the members of the public in attendance and many spoke both for and against the proposed project. 

On June 29, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., the Bethany Beach Town Council held a special meeting for discussion and possible vote to determine the future location of the Town's new (additional) water tower and to review staff recommendations regarding the Collins Street site.  A motion was made to approve the construction of a water tower at the Town of Bethany Beach Water Plant facility on Collins Street with the inclusion of the following: 

The Town commissioned its engineer to create a storm water plan for the entire Collins Street water plant and expects the plan be implemented as soon as practical after the construction of the new water tower.

The Town again involved architects and engineers to work to decrease the noise generated by the aerator at the water plant.

That a new fence is installed around the perimeter of the property at the water plant to replace the unsightly chain link fence currently used.

Retention ponds be redesigned to be less obtrusive and placed further away from existing property lines.

Where possible and where needed a "green" barrier be constructed at the fence line to block views of the water plant.

Create a working group of local residents to assist in the selection of new fencing for the perimeter of the property and a green barrier along that fencing.  Discussion by Town Council members was invited following which the attending members of the community were asked if they wished to address Council on this issue.  At the conclusion of discussion and comments a vote was taken and six Council members voted to approve the motion.  One Council member abstained from the vote as the individual owns property adjacent to the water plant and is a member of her community's board of directors.

The Town plans to borrow the money to pay for the installation of the new (additional) water tower, which is expected to be of the water spheroid design type.  Construction of the new water tower is anticipated to begin in 2013. 

On June 29, 2012 at 2:00 p.m., the Town Council held a Public Hearing during which public comment was requested on a resolution to give notice to residents and property owners that the Town Council proposes to borrow a sum of money to construct a new water tower.  Based on engineering cost estimates it is anticipated that the Town will need to borrow $ 3,000,000 or less in order to finance the construction of the new water tower.  We anticipate borrowing $ 2.6 million from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which is operated by the Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health.  The current quoted rate of interest is 3% or less.  The exact amount of interest will be known at the time the loan is "locked".

The Town Council provided our citizens with an opportunity to vote for or against approval of a loan for the new water tower via a referendum held on September, 8, 2012.  The referendum overwhelming passed with 979 votes "For" and 59 votes "Against".  The loan will be obtained and construction will begin.