PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting was held on February 14, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. with Chairwoman Russell presiding. Members present were Dr. McGlumphy, Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Horsey, and Mr. Lewis. Mr. Leary was also present (departed at 12:56 p.m.).

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Ruane moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Presentation - Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program (BTOP)/Job Center - Dover Public Library

Ms. Margery Cyr, Library Director, advised members that the Delaware Division of Libraries (DDL) received a grant through the U. S. Department of Commerce for the Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program (BTOP). She stated that the DDL is collaborating with multiple program partners to support a statewide learning laboratory program aimed at improving workforce skills and job searches for Delawareans at each laboratory and library throughout Delaware. Ms. Cyr reminded members that the Dover Public Library and the Delaware Economic Development Office joined forces to develop a Job Center at the Library, which opened in October 2009. She advised members that this program is currently limited in capacity, largely due to staffing, space, and time constraints. Ms. Cyr explained that funding from the BTOP award will allow the DDL to establish comprehensive job/learning labs in libraries across the State by leveraging unique partnerships between libraries and social service organizations to combat unemployment through workforce development and educational programs.

Ms. Cyr reviewed a Presentation titled BTOP 101, which provided information on the mission, grant award, project goals, partners, and benefits of the program. She noted that positive feedback had been received from those benefitting from the Library Job Center (included on Page 18 of the Presentation) and read into the record the following statement, which was received from one of the participants:

“I just wanted to let you know that I am working as an HR Generalist full time and permanent in Philadelphia and the company is Simkar Corporation. I just wanted you to know how I am doing. Thanks again for all you did to assist me in my job search and guess what you inspired me to do? I have submitted a proposal to my Pastor to set our church in the direction of the library. I am excited about this endeavor and will let you know how it turns out.”

Ms. Cyr introduced Ms. Allie O’Neill, a volunteer working at the Economic Development Office through Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA). Ms. O’Neill advised members that VISTA is part of the Federal Americorps Program and that VISTA volunteers commit to serve full-time for one (1) year with non-profit organizations or local government agencies and assist in running programs that are designed to bring communities out of poverty.

Ms. Cyr also introduced Ms. Bernadette Connell, who was hired through the BTOP Grant to establish job centers in the anchor libraries in the County and will be the Dover Public Library’s BTOP Coordinator. Ms. Connell stated that she is currently working with other anchor library BTOP Coordinators in Seaford, Georgetown, and Wilmington and that Coordinators are working to assure that the program curriculum is ready for an April 1, 2011 start date.

Ms. Cyr introduced Ms. Becky Norton, the new Assistant Library Director for the Dover Public Library.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Ms. Cyr indicated that a portion of grant funding was used for a public relations program and that a public relations marketing consultant will assure that notification of this program is provided throughout the State.

In response to Mr. Lewis, Ms. Cyr stated that the BTOP grant provides one (1) time funding for a three (3) year project; however, the DDL will be working on sustainability of the grant. She explained that there are plans to use some of the funding from the Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism (E-Rate) as part of the sustainable funding for the grant.

Ms. Cyr advised members that one of the requirements of the BTOP Grant is that the Job Center remain open for a considerable amount of time during the week. She noted that, in the current Library, the only area available for this is the meeting room and that staff is working on determining how easily the Job Center can be “broken down” once it is closed. Ms. Cyr stated that availability of the meeting room will be very limited once the Job Center is opened. She advised members that the Job Center will be located on the second floor of the new Library in the Technology Lab, adding that the Small Business Center will also be housed on that floor.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Ms. Cyr stated that the Seaford Public Library developed a Job Center and a Bridges Program (a structured education program) using the services of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). She explained that the Bridges Program consists of three (3) day-long workshops with a specific curriculum each day. Ms. Cyr stated that it is very important that the Dover Public Library maintain the ability to assist customers on a walk-in basis, whenever needed, free of charge; however, she noted that the RSVP Bridges Program has also been very positive and the City is attempting to determine how to “blend” these programs.

Ms. Connell advised members that the goal is to make all four (4) anchor libraries very similar, offering the same services, with customization available to address the specific needs of the community.

In response to Mrs. Russell, Ms. Cyr stated that there were no applications received from City residents for the Coordinator positions.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Ms. O’Neill confirmed that benchmarks will be used to determine the progress of the programs and, to date, the majority of the individuals utilizing the current programs offered by the Dover Public Library are City residents.

Mr. Ruane moved to recommend acceptance of staff’s report on the Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program (BTOP)/Job Center - Dover Public Library. The motion was seconded by Dr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

Semi-Annual Report on Statistics Regarding Jobs and Businesses Gained and Lost in the City of Dover Since July 2010

Mr. William Neaton, Economic Development Director and Director of the Downtown Dover Partnership, reviewed the semi-annual report of employment statistics on the 14 largest employers in the Dover area and reminded members that this information is updated and presented to members on a semi-annual basis (the last report was presented to members on July 12, 2010). He also reminded members that his office has established relationships with the management and human resources departments of these companies in order to track job growth or decline.

Mr. Neaton stated that, although the report does not reflect a significant increase in employment activity, he feels confident that the economy is turning around. As an example, he advised members that the Dover Sun Park is currently under construction at the Garrison Tract and that he meets with the project manager weekly. Mr. Neaton noted that local contractors have been hired for this project, which demonstrates a commitment to filling jobs related to this project locally.

Mr. Neaton advised members that, for approximately two (2) years, he has been working on bringing an Arizona-based company to the City, which has the potential of bringing 500 jobs to the Dover area. He stated that the company originally considered 11 different locations, which have now been narrowed to three (3) possibilities, one (1) of which is Dover. In December, Mr. Neaton stated that he, along with other representatives from the Delaware Development Office, Delaware Technical and Community College, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware State University, etc., met with the project manager of this company. Mr. Neaton indicated that a response is expected within the next 30 days.

Mr. Neaton stated that, for approximately 6 to 8 months, he has been working with another company that is considering relocating to Dover. He noted that this firm is searching for temporary warehouse space until such time that a 500,000 to 700,000 square foot facility can be built, and would bring approximately 50-100 jobs to the area. Mr. Neaton indicated that he anticipates a response from the project coordinator of this company within a week or two (2).

Mr. Neaton advised members that a local company hopes to expand its manufacturing capabilities by adding approximately 200 employees and that an incentive package was provided to this firm in December.

Referring to a previous request made by Dr. McGlumphy, Mr. Neaton apologized for not providing specific details regarding the downtown area in the report. He advised members that seven (7) businesses opened in the last six (6) months in the downtown area, creating approximately 15 additional jobs. Mr. Neaton stated that three (3) businesses closed, resulting in the loss of four (4) jobs, which reflects a net growth of 11 jobs. He reminded members of the positive activity occurring in the downtown area, such as the completion of the downtown charrette and construction planned to begin on Bayard Plaza.

In response to Mr. Ruane regarding the sale of Wilmington Trust, Mr. Neaton stated that Mr. Bonar requested that he obtain details on the effects this sale may have on employment in the Dover area.

Mrs. Russell suggested providing incentives to companies to remain in the City for several years, in addition to granting incentives for relocation to the area. She noted that it has been the City’s experience with several companies that once the incentives have ceased, the companies have left the area, resulting in the loss of jobs and building vacancies. Responding, Mr. Neaton stated that the Delaware Development Office provides a five (5) year incentive program; however, the City provides a 10 year tax abatement program.

By unanimous consent, members recommended acceptance of the Semi-Annual Report - Statistics Regarding Jobs and Businesses Gained and Lost in the City of Dover since July 2010.

UPDATES

The following updates were provided to members:

Schutte Park Space - Boys and Girls Club/CDSA

Mr. Darrell Tingle, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club, and Mr. Scott Brown, President of the Board for the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club, stated that they have been meeting with the City Manager, Mr. Anthony DePrima, and the Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Zachery Carter, to provide updates on the facility to be built in the Schutte Park area.

Mr. Brown distributed a Schematic Plan (Attachment #1) for the magnet facility of the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club, which was developed by Mr. Robert MacLeish, Sr., President of Lighthouse Construction, Inc. Mr. Brown noted that there are currently three (3) Boys and Girls Club facilities located in the City of Dover, with the Simon Circle facility being the largest. He stated that he was notified by the Dover Housing Authority that, soon, the building at Simon Circle will no longer be available and that the Boys and Girls Club must vacate the facility by January 2013.

If approved by the City, Mr. Brown stated that the organization plans to present the Schematic Plan to an architect to develop a design and determine cost estimates to be presented to the State Boys and Girls Club Board for approval. He explained that it is hoped that the capital campaign will begin on July 1, 2011. Mr. Brown stated that the local Boys and Girls Club will need to raise 23%-24% of the funds and the State Board will raise the balance. He noted that the preliminary estimate is $1.5M to $4M and that it is planned to construct the facility in phases. Mr. Brown stated that he felt confident that the local Club could raise the required funds for Phase 1 of the project within one (1) year, noting that this phase would include the walk-in area, a team room, half of the gym, classrooms, etc., which would provide more than ample space to house the programs that the organization currently offers.

Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mr. MacLeish assured members that, although utilities have not been finalized at this time, green energy sources will be considered.

In response to Mrs. Russell, Mr. Brown stated that he anticipates that Phases 2 and 3 will begin immediately upon completion of Phase 1; however, Phase 4 will probably be delayed for 5 to 10 years.

Mr. Ruane questioned if staff had reviewed a Conceptual Site Plan for this project and if there were any concerns regarding the size, exits, entrances, etc. Responding, Mr. DePrima stated that when the initial “footprint” of the project was received, it was not prepared as a Site Plan; therefore, details such as size/layout of the parking lot and stormwater management were not included. He reminded members that one of the Parks and Recreation Director’s goals is to develop a Master Plan for Schutte Park. Mr. DePrima stated that staff is collaborating with the Planning Department to determine the location of the building and the number of parking spaces required. He indicated that this information will be depicted on the Master Plan, noting that the Boys and Girls Club is not at the point in this project when a Site Plan is required. Mr. DePrima assured members that, since the building will be smaller than originally proposed, the area will be large enough to accommodate the project. Since Phase 4 includes adding a second floor to the building, Mr. DePrima suggested that a reserve area be designated to allow for additional parking, if needed.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima noted that the new roadway created by the realignment of Wyoming Mill Road will be completed prior to the construction phase of this project, and that City staff is aware of the Delaware Department of Transportation’s (DelDOT) requirements for entrances and exits for the facility. Elaborating, Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager/Director of Public Works, stated that a pre-construction meeting for the new roadway project is scheduled for March 1, 2011 and that the contractor plans to begin work within 30 days after that date. He noted that this project is estimated to be completed within six (6) months.

In response to Mrs. Russell, Mr. DePrima stated that, although there are not many adjacent property owners, it is too early to begin notification, which will occur prior to the construction phase.

Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team and Flood Plain Mapping Update

Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager/Director of Public Works, advised members that the Kent Conservation District is nearing completion of the overflow channel provided through the Clean Water Fund. Staff has been working on preparing some of the map tiles related to the 100-year flood plain across the City and identifying all of the individual property owners involved.

Mr. Koenig advised members that a flood study would entail significant funds and that publishing a new map could have unintended consequences if the map is sent to financing companies, who could establish flood insurance requirements. He stated that a resident of Shadow Court (adjacent to Puncheon Run) pursued obtaining his own letter of map revision through the Corps of Engineers, which cost approximately $400. Mr. Koenig explained that this letter could be used by the resident to prove to the insurance company that flood insurance is not necessary; however, this type of amendment does not actually change the map published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He noted that all of the residents along Puncheon Run could pursue map revisions for their individual properties, some being successful and others not. Mr. Koenig stated that he has been advised that there have been instances when a private surveyor has been requested to conduct “group” surveys for individual property owners. It was his feeling that this may be the avenue preferred by the City if map revisions are desired for these individual property owners versus obtaining a flood plain study.

Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, suggested that the City serve as a facilitator and request the resident of Shadow Court, his surveyor, Mr. Mike Powell, and interested citizens to conduct a step-by-step workshop that would empower the residents to obtain map revisions.

Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that the City facilitate a workshop with appropriate technical assistance, including the resident of Shadow Court, to educate residents on how to obtain map revisions individually or by group action. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Planning and Funding for New Library

Ms. Margery Cyr, Library Director, reviewed the update information regarding the planning and funding for the new library.

 

CDBG Program

Mrs. Tracey Harvey, Community Development Manager, reported the Status of FY 2009-2010 CDBG Projects.

Housing and Recovery Act of 2008 Funds (Neighborhood Stabilization Fund)

Mrs. Tracey Harvey, Community Development Manager, reviewed the Update on the Housing and Recovery Act of 2008 Funds (Neighborhood Stabilization Fund) which was provided to members.

Mr. Ruane requested that staff provide the net result of the purchase and sale of properties.

Youth Advisory Committee

Mrs. Russell advised members that applications continue to be received and reviewed for the Youth Advisory Committee.

In response to Mrs. Russell, Mr. Robert MacLeish, Sr., Greater Dover Committee, stated that he serves on the Youth Committee of the Greater Dover Committee and felt that the two (2) youth committees could benefit from interaction. Mrs. Russell assured Mr. MacLeish that Mrs. Kay Dietz-Sass, Public Affairs Coordinator, would send him information for his review.

Mr. Lewis moved for adjournment, seconded by Dr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

Meeting adjourned at 1:36 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Sophia R. Russell

                                                                                    Chairwoman

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Attachments

Attachment #1 -   Schematic Plan for the Magnet Facility for the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club