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Alderman's Court

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1. What are the Alderman's Court hours of operation?

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., excluding city observed holidays.

2. Why did I receive a summons for a parking ticket I already paid?

Your payment was not received before the 30-day limit. Therefore, the fine is doubled and a late fee is accessed.

3. Is there anything I can do about this parking ticket I don’t think I deserve?

You can protest your ticket within 30 days on a Monday or Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. Otherwise, the payment is due in full.

4. Why was my vehicle booted?

Vehicles are usually booted when unpaid parking tickets total over $50. After three days booted, if unpaid, the vehicle will be seized.

5. Am I able to pay my parking fine online?

As of January 2010, you cannot pay your City of Newark parking fine online. However, we hope to have this service available soon.

6. Why did my summons go to my parents address?

The bills go to the registered owner.

7. Will a parking ticket give me points on my driving record?

No, there are no points.

8. How can I plead not guilty?

You can plead not guilty in writing by the arraignment date on the ticket by fax (302-366-7062), mail Alderman’s Court, 220 Elkton Road, Newark, DE 19711 or bring it in person to the same address.

9. How does violating local laws affect me at the University of Delaware?

Violation of local, state or federal law will be subject to University discuplinary action. See link. More...

10. How do I have my record expunged?

You need to contact the State Bureau of Identification at (302) 739-5875.

11. Can I pay my traffic moving violation fine online?

Yes you may pay your for a traffic moving violation online, but you are not able to pay for parking tickets online at this time. You may pay your fine online by clicking the link below. www.cityofnewarkde.us/aldermanscourt

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City Manager's Office

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1. Where is the Newark Municipal Building (City Hall) located and can I get driving directions?

The City of Newark Municipal Building is located at 220 Elkton Road, Newark, DE 19711.

From I-95 South, take Exit IB (Rt. 896 North, S. College Avenue), at the third traffic light turn left into Christina Parkway, again at the third traffic light turn right into Elkton Road. The Municipal Building is on the left side, one mile down the road between Newark Dodge and 7-11 Store.

From I-95 North, take Exit 109B (Elkton, MD/Newark, DE), keep straight. The Municipal Building is on the left side, about 3+/- miles down the road, situated between Newark Dodge and 7-11 Store.

2. Who can I call to resolve a service problem or concern?

You should contact the appropriate department director first. If after you have spoken with the department director you are still unsatisfied or you are not sure who to call, contact the City Manager’s Office at (302) 366-7020 for further assistance.

3. I understand the City has a notification system. How do I sign up for CityWatch notifications?

You may fill out a form which is included in our Municipal Newsletter issues or you may fill out a request form available on our website located under City Services. You may mail in your form with any other city payment or drop it off at City Hall. More...

4. Once I sign up for CityWatch what do I have to do when I move out of the City?

When you move out of the City, please contact Customer Service at (302) 366-7085 to close your utility account and request that they fill out a form to remove you from the notification list.

5. Can I view the City’s holiday schedule online?

Yes. The City’s observed holiday schedule is available under Government section.

6. Where can I find out what jobs are available in the City and are applications available online?

The City advertises all job opportunities in the Sunday News Journal as well as in our website under Employment. You may print, complete and mail in your application or e-mail it to personnel@newark.de.us. All job posting list a closing date and any other requirements. Email Personnel Department

7. How do I find out when a bid or proposal is posted?

The City advertises all bids and proposals in the News Journal for three consecutive days as well as our website under Business Services.

8. Are bid/proposal documents available online?

Yes they are available online under the "Business Services" link a the top of the Home Page. Bid/Proposal Opportunities

9. How do I get on the City’s bidder’s list?

The City of Newark does not maintain a bidder’s list. Contact the Purchasing Office at (302) 366-7022 for more information.

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City Secretary

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1. Can the City of Newark Mayor perform marriages?

No. The only ones who have the authority to perform marriages in the State of Delaware are members of the clergy or ministers of any recognized religion and the several clerks of the peace of various counties of the state.

2. How do I register to vote for City elections?

City residents register only once for all local, state and federal elections. Contact New Castle County Department of Elections at (302) 577-3464 for further information.

3. How do I report a cable television service problem?

First, contact the cable company directly to resolve the issue. If the cable company is unable to resolve the matter, contact the City Secretary's Office at (302) 366-7070, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. How can I get copies of Council meeting minutes?

Copies of Council minutes are available online under Meeting Agendas/Minutes or you can also visit the City Secretary's Office at 220 Elkton Road.

5. How can I contact my Council member?

You can contact your Council member by mail, phone or e-mail as listed on their specific district page under Mayor and Council.

6. How do I find out who is my Council representative?

Visit Council District Street List under Mayor and Council to find your street address which will then tell you what district you are in. Your district representative is listed at the bottom of the pae with all the contact information.

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Code Enforcement Division of Planning and Development Department

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1. What requires a building permit?

Basically, any building, installing, adding, changing, replacing, repairing, or demolishing project will require a building permit. See our Building Permit link under the Code Enforcemnet Division of the Planning and Development Department for more specific information or contact the office at (302) 366-7075.

2. How do I obtain a renter's permit?

A rental permit application will need to be completed by the owner or agent (must be signed by the owner). An annual fee is required as well as an annual inspection. When the annual fee is remitted and the annual inspection approved, the rental permit will be approved in accordance with all City of Newark Codes.

3. I noticed a property with high grass/weeds/litter, etc. Who do I report this concern to?

Contact the Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department at (302) 366-7075 with the property address and a Property Maintenance Inspector will be sent to inspect the property.

4. How do I know if I need a sprinkler system installed?

Please contact the Fire Marshal in the Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department at (302) 366-7075 for specific details.

5. How can I get a list of rental properties in the City?

You can visit the Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department located at 220 Elkton Road, second floor, and ask to see the rental listing information during our normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6. How do I report an abandoned/no tag vehicle?

Contact the Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department at (302) 366-7075 with the location of the vehicle.

7. I have a concern/problem with my landlord. Who can I call for assistance?

Contact the Consumer Protection Unit of the Attorney General's Office at (302) 577-8600. Any property maintenance issues should be reported to our Code Enforcement Division of the Planning and Development Department at (302) 366-7075.

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Electric Department

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1. Who do I contact to report a power outage after business hours, on a holiday or weekend?

Call the City of Newark's general information number at (302) 366-7000.

2. There’s a street light out in front of my house, whom do I call to get it fixed?

Call the Electric Department at (302) 366-7050 and have the pole number (yellow tag) available when you call.

3. How can I get a new meter installed?

Call the Electric Department at (302) 366-7050.

4. Who do I contact to report a tree trimming concern?

Call the Electric Department at (302) 366-7050 to discuss your concern.

5. Do I need a building permit?

A building permit and an electrical inspection is required for the following: panel change inside dwelling; service entrance replacement from meter box to point of attachment only (requires new meter box); and for service entrance cable replacement between meter box and panel (requires new meter box).

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Finance

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1. Can I pay my utiltiy bill online?

As of January 2010, City of Newark utility customers are able to safely and securely pay their utiltiy bills online through eCare. Got to the City's home page and click "Manage Account Online" in the left column. sign Up for Online Bill Pay

2. How can I purchase blocks of green energy?

Complete the Green Energy Form under City Services or visit our Customer Service Office at 220 Elkton Road. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, please contact Customer Service at (302) 366-7085.

3. How do I open an electric account?

New customers (renters) need to make a deposit of $100 or $150 (electric heat) either in person, by mail or telephone. Contact Customer Service at (302) 366-7085/7000, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

4. When are tax bills due?

Annual tax bills are issued in July and payment must be received on or before the last business day in September. Annual amounts not paid are subject to a five percent (5%) penalty on October 1. Interest at an annual rate of eighteen percent (18%) accrues on all amounts due after that time.

Properties that are reassessed during the year between July and the following March will be issued an interim bill for taxes on the increased amount of assessment. This tax is prorated for the number of months remaining between the billing date and the following June 30.

5. How do I apply for a business license?

Visit the Finance Department at 220 Elkton Road to complete the required form. The license fee is based upon estimates of the demand and cost for municipal services related to business activities in the City. Contact the Finance Department at (302) 366-7080 for more information.

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NPDES Stormwater Program

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1. What is Stormwater?

Rainwater that does not infiltrate into the ground or evaporate and enters the storm drainage system. Stormwater eventually empties into our creeks and tributaries.

2. Where does it go?

Contrary to what some people still believe, the runoff you see on the streets does not get treated at the wastewater treatment plant. Once it enters the storm sewer system by way of a catch basin or storm drain, it eventually flows into a creek or tributary leading to a creek.

3. Why should I care?

Stormwater picks up and carries all the pollutants it collects along the way. Since it is untreated, these pollutants flow directly into our creeks or tributaries, and could create water quality problems. Some aquatic organisms are very sensitive to pollution and can be harmed. These organisms are, in turn, food for bigger animals, and the cycle goes on. If the food at the bottom of the food chain is disrupted, it can have long reaching effects on plants and animals in our area.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I find out about a city event?

Visit our Community Events page under Parks & Recreation for details, our City newsletter, or caldendar page. If you have any questions about one of our events, please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at (302) 366-7060.

2. How do I register for an activity?

You can come in person during the designated registration day, mail in or drop off your registration form at the Newark Municipal Building located at 220 Elkton Road.

3. How do I know if a game or activity has been canceled?

Call the Leisure Time Hotline at (302) 366-7147.

4. How do I know if I'm a Newark resident?

If you receive an electric bill from the City, then you are a Newark resident. If you receive a bill from Delmarva Power or any other company, then you are not a City of Newark resident.

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Planning and Development

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1. Where is the Planning Department located?

The Planning Department is located on the second floor of the City of Newark Municipal Building, 220 Elkton Road.

2. How can I find out what a parcel of land is zoned?

Call the Planning Department at (302) 366-7030 with the property address or parcel number. If you visit the department, you can locate the property on the zoning map.

3. How can I find out about any home loan or assistance programs?

Information on our housing assistance programs is available online under City Services or Planning Department. Any questions may be directed to the Planning Department at (302) 366-7030.

4. How can I find out the schedule for the Unicity bus?

You can find the schedule online under Transportation or you can call UD Transit at (302) 831-1187 or the Planning Department at (302) 366-7030.

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Police

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1. What number do I call for the Police Department if it's not an emergency?

Call our non-emergency telephone number (302) 366-7111.

2. How do I inform the Police Department of any tips on drug/crime activities?

You can call our drug/crime hotline at (302) 366-7127 or online under Police Department, submit a Drug/Crime Tip page, or submit a tip anonymously through the Police departmetn's Safety Alert text messaging and e-mailign system. Click the link below to sign up for the Safety Alert System More...

3. How do I sign up for the Police Department's Safety Alert Text Message/E-mail System?

Through Citizen Observer, the City of Newark is able to notify you of a safety issue in the area. You may also anonymously report a crime or tips via text message or e-mail. Click the link below. More...

4. How can I obtain a police report?

Please contact Records Division at (302) 366-7101 for this information. Picture ID is required. Accident reports cost $20; serious injury/fatality reports are $60. Victim's crime report is free (first copy), additional copies $20 each and you MUST be listed as victim on the police report. Copies of others (defendants, etc.) need to file a Motion of Discovery through the City Secretary's Office (302-366-7070). Also, you must have the report/complaint number. If not known, provide date/time/location in order to research requested information. Allow approximately four (4) business days to process your request.

5. How do I obtain a parking permit for my street?

Parking permits are available from the Records Divison, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The following items must be present at the time of application: driver's license, valid vehicle registration, signed copy of lease for renters or document showing ownership such as tax record, deed, closing papers, and a parking permit application. Parking permit applications are available online under Police Department, Records Requests, Forms page or in the Police Department lobby.

6. Can I find out if an area I'm planning to move into is safe?

A list of calls for service for a particular area can be supplied upon request. Contact our Crime Prevention Officer at (302) 366-7110, ext. 129.

7. Does your department do fingerprints for employment?

Yes, on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. fingerprints are taken for City of Newark residents or those who will be employed within the City. Must bring a picture ID (driver’s license or passport) and print card obtained from whoever is requiring them to have prints. Others requesting fingerprints need to contact the State Bureau of Identification at 1-800-464-4357 or (302) 739-2528.

8. Can I schedule a tour of your facility?

Tours of the Police Department are conducted on an appointment basis. Please contact the Crime Prevention Officer at (302) 366-7110, ext. 129.

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Police - Sex Offenders FAQs

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1. How can I find out if a sex offender lives in my neighborhood?

1. You can click this link to view Known Sex Offenders in Newark.
2. You can look at the Delaware Sex Offender Central Registry website and search by last name, development, city, or zip code.
3. You can come to the Newark Police Department and look through a binder containing information on known Tier II & Tier III sex offenders in the City of Newark.

2. I would like to receive a letter when a sex offender moves into Newark. Can I be put on a list to be notified?

State law provides that notification be sent to “members of the public who are likely to encounter a sex offender” and includes “schools, licensed day care facilities, public libraries, and other accessible public facilities with in the community.” Letters are only sent to these organizations. However, in cases of a Tier III offender, door-to-door notification is made in the area of the offender’s residence and/or information is provided via telephone using the CityWatch automated telephone notification system. If you are in charge of a community organization with a facility accessible to the public or a licensed day care center and do not currently receive sex offender notifications, please contact Det. Andrew Rubin to see if your organization meets the qualifications to receive notifications.

3. Are juvenile offenders required to register?

A juvenile who has, at any time, been adjudicated delinquent of a sex crime is required to register.

4. Are there any restrictions on where a sex offender may live?

A sex offender may not loiter or reside within 500 feet of the property of any school. For purposes of this law, a school is defined as any preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, secondary school, vocational technical school, or any other institution which has as its primary purpose the education or instruction of children under 16 years of age.

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Public Works

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1. How do I get my yardwaste picked up?

The City's new Green Wednesdays yardwaste collection program provides regualr collection of yardwaste. Place up to 6 cans of yardwaste, each less than forty (40)lbs. or six (6) bundles of brush less tha forty (40) pounds and no more than four (4) feet long or any combination of six (6) items at your curb prior to 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday. For more information, go to the yardwaste link and see "Green Wednesdays".

2. How do I get a new cart if the one I was assigned gets stolen?

You are asked to call the City of Newark Police Department to file a report that it was stolen. The next step would be to call the Public Works Department for your cart serial number. If you are unable to find your cart, a $50 replacement fee would apply.

3. Can I put large items in my automated container?

The lid must be able to close and weight cannot be over 125 lbs. for 35-gallon cart, 220 lbs. for a 65-gallon cart, and 340 lbs. for a 95-gallon cart.

4. If I have additional trash that will not fit in the automated container can the items be placed for collection beside the container?

The refuse collection is a fully automated process. Any additional trash will not be accepted. If this occurs on a regular basis, and you are in need of an additional container, a yearly lease fee of $100 would apply and an Equipment Rental Agreement would need to be filled out. When both items have been received, the cart will be issued.

5. How do I get items picked up that will not fit in the trash container?

Call the Public Works Department at (302) 366-7045 and the next available date for bulk collection will be scheduled.

6. What type of items do you collect for bulk collection?

We will pick up appliances, furniture, hot water heaters, etc. Three items may be scheduled per bulk pickup for no charge. Hazardous materials will not be accepted.

7. What can I do with the hazardous materials that the City cannot collect?

They may be taken to the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA). For more information, please call the DSWA at (800) 404-7080.

8. When and where do I place the items for bulk collection?

The items need to be placed at the curb prior to 7:00 a.m. the day of the scheduled pickup or at the earliest 6:00 p.m. the night before.

9. How many items am I allowed per bulk pickup and is there a yearly limit to the amount of bulk pick-ups I can schedule?

Four items per bulk pick-up at no charge. There is no yearly limit for bulk pick-ups.

10. If I would like to have more than four (4) items collected for bulk (ex. cleanout) when is this scheduled and what is the fee?

Fee pickups for bulk collection are scheduled on Tuesdays. Call Public Works at (302) 366-7045 for the next available date and current billing rates.

11. Why wasn't my trash picked up?

Refuse needs to be placed curbside no later than 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day in approved containers. In regards to the holiday refuse collection schedule, please refer to your City issued newsletter or Comcast Newark TV 22.

12. Does the City offer a curbside recycling program?

The City does have its own curbside recycling program. Recycling pick up is one of two days (Thursday or Friday) already assigned to you. For more information click the link provided. More...

13. Will the City fix my drainage problems?

The City does not work on private property, however, we will inspect and advise of possible solutions.

14. Does the City perform repairs on all streets in the City?

The City performs work on city streets only. The Delaware Department of Transportation performs work on state roads. We will notify DelDOT of concern.

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Water & Wastewater Department

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1. Sewer has backed up in my basement. Who do I call?

Notify the Water & Wastewater Department at (302) 366-7055. Once notified, the City will dispatch the sewer truck to check the main sewer line in the street for blockages. If the main is clear, it is the homeowner's responsibility to call a plumber. The City suggests that all homewoners install a backflow preventer or plug in the floor drain to prevent potential backups in the event the main is blocked.

2. How do I report a water main break after business hours, on a holiday or weekend?

Call the City of Newark's general number at (302) 366-7000.

3. My water is brown. What happened?

Discolored water is often the result of hydrant use. When a hydrant is opened, a large volume of water is moved through the pipes at a high velocity. This stirs up deposits in the pipe. Please call the Water Department and we will investigate the problem and correct as necessary.

4. How do I get the main water shut off valve turned off if it's in need of repairs?

The City will come out and shut the water off at the curb once you have schedule the repair. Call the Water & Wastewater Department at (302) 366-7055, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For service after 5:00 p.m., weekend, or holiday, call the City's general number at (302) 366-7000.