PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on June 8, 2009, at 12:00 p.m. with Chairwoman Russell presiding. Members present were Mr. Hogan, Mrs. Horsey, and Mr. Lewis. Mr. Ruane was absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

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

Presentation - Skate Park Update by Dover Public Skate Park Committee

On behalf of the Skate Park Committee, Mr. Chris Asay provided the Committee with an update on plans for a skate park. He explained that the Skate Park Committee had intended to come before the City to request a substantial amount of money to construct a permanent park. However, Mr. Asay acknowledged that, due to the current economic crisis, there are not sufficient funds available for a large regional skate park at this time. Reiterating the need for a skateboarding facility in the area, he requested the City’s support building a temporary skate park. Under this plan, the City would provide a paved area that members of the Skate Park Committee would develop into a temporary park until such time as the economy improves and a permanent park can be constructed.

Mr. Asay stated that the skate park would be constructed by volunteers, with the approval of Mr. Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, using donated materials. Construction would be a step-by-step process that would take place as materials become available. Mr. Asay presented a conceptual drawing to convey an idea of what such a park might look like (Attachment #1). He explained that the Skate Park Committee and volunteers would be responsible for regular cleaning and management and that park hours would be from dawn to dusk. He requested that the City provide a port-a-potty at the site. It was his understanding that the City’s insurance carrier would cover the park as long as the property was properly posted, and with the requirement that the park not be monitored. Mr. Asay requested the Committee’s endorsement of the temporary skate park so that the proposal could be forwarded to City Council.

In response to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Asay stated some of the locations being considered included a parking lot south of Court No. 7, near the Police Department, the eastern half of the Pitts Center parking lot, the former Capital Cleaners site owned by Mr. Outten on Governors Avenue, and a parking lot near the site proposed for the new City library. He emphasized that, at this point, the Committee’s approval of the concept of a temporary skate park was being sought rather than an endorsement of a particular site.

In response to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Asay stated that at least 10,000 square feet (s.f.) would be required for a temporary park (as opposed to 16,000 square feet (s.f.) proposed for the permanent park) and that a park could conceivably be ready for use within two (2) months after approval, although several more months would be required for completion.

Mr. DePrima, City Manager, noted that using existing parking lots such as the Pitts Center and the area near the Police Department would present a violation of zoning ordinances, as zoning laws dictate a minimum number of parking spaces that must be available for these properties. In addition, Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, explained that long-term, temporary use of a parking lot would also require site plan review, due to a change in use of the property. She also felt that the Pitts Center parking lot was heavily used during peak seasons and would not be a good option for this reason.

Mrs. Horsey expressed opposition to the Capital Cleaners location due to its proximity to the Historic District, the fact that it is unsafe due to traffic issues, and its location on a truck route. She noted that it is not a City-owned property. She feared that if it was approved as the location for a temporary skate park, it might then progress to a permanent site. She stated that this was not a preferred site for a permanent park in the Skate Park Committee’s original report, and she did not feel that it should be considered for a temporary park.

Mr. Eugene Stone, Skate Park Committee, stated that he shared Mrs. Horsey’s concerns regarding traffic but felt that provision of a sanctioned skate park would reduce this danger, as well as the threat to historic property.

Mr. DePrima suggested that the west side of Silver Lake Park near Washington Street might be a suitable location. He noted that the area is currently unpaved and that it already contains a port-a-potty. Mr. Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, concurred that this would be an acceptable area for a skate park.

In response to Mrs. Russell, Mr. Asay stated that the Skate Park Committee would consider using the Silver Lake location as a possible spot for the temporary skate park and would try to raise money for paving if the City cannot provide this service. He also noted that the Capital Cleaners site was eliminated from consideration for a permanent park due to the presence of hazardous materials that would complicate or prohibit excavation.

Mr. Dave Braun, Braun Engineering and Surveying, and owner of property adjacent to Capital Cleaners, stated his opposition to that location as a temporary skate park. He noted that over the past three (3) or four (4) years he has occasionally had to call the police to have skateboarders removed from the site due to language or safety issues. He stated that part of the lot is used as an alley, which is often obstructed by skateboarders and equipment and noted that there is a problem with trash. He urged the Committee to consider the welfare of the surrounding neighborhood. He agreed that skaters need a site; however, he did not feel that the Capital Cleaners location should be an option.

Mr. Stone responded that the area was unkept; however, he did not feel that skaters were necessarily responsible. He stated that one of the goals of the Skate Park Committee would be to clean and maintain the site.

Mr. Carter concurred with the concept of a temporary park. He felt that Silver Lake was the preferred location and that the Silver Lake Commission should be consulted.

Mr. Hogan moved to approve the concept of a temporary skate park with final site decision to be determined and brought back to the Committee. The motion failed for lack of a second.

Mr. DePrima stated that he had been negotiating with Mr. Outten to donate or lease his land at the Capital Cleaners site and requested the Committee’s guidance as to whether this option should be pursued or if the site should be removed from consideration.

Mr. Lewis moved to recommend approval of the concept of a temporary skate park with final site decision to be determined and brought back to the Committee, with the understanding that the Capital Cleaners location would be removed from consideration, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Status Report on Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

During their meeting of December 8, 2008, the Committee recommended that the City Manager be instructed to provide an updated ADA compliance document to correspond with the showing of the effort to be made and what projects are remaining for total ADA compliance. Mr. DePrima provided the Committee with a status report on the City’s ADA Compliance Plan implemented in 2004, which indicated that out of 121 recommended improvements made in 2004, all but 26 items have been completed. He noted that an additional six (6) items were completed (replacement of paper towel dispensers) since the report was prepared and that by July 1, 2009, four (4) ADA-compliant port-a-potties will be installed in City parks, leaving 16 items remaining. Widening the bathrooms at the Dover Park is the biggest project remaining, as well as making the floor of the Council Chamber handicapped accessible.

Mr. DePrima thanked the Committee for having provided funding for this project through the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Proposed Ordinance #2009-12 - Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 1 - One-Family Residence Zones, Subsection 1.15 - Accessory Uses and Article 6 - Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 3 - Required Off-Street Parking Spaces

Members were provided Proposed Ordinance #2009-12. Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members that parking requirements for libraries had been revised to conform with current American Library Association (ALA) standards. Other changes include alterations in requirements for medical offices, dormitories, and restaurants. She noted that parking requirements for bowling alleys are determined by zoning district standards and, therefore, were removed. Mrs. Townshend explained that the “cash-in-lieu” provision was modified to allow a 75% parking reduction in the downtown area if a contribution is made to a common parking facility. She stated that this provision would assist in raising funds for public parking and noted that, since parking is difficult to add in some locations, allowing a generous waiver to pay into a generalized fund would aid in the provision of future public parking. Additional changes include granting the Planning Commission (rather than the Board of Adjustment) authority to reduce total parking spaces required for combined spaces and adding bicycle parking requirements to the proposed ordinance.

Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mrs. Townshend stated that funds collected through the cash-in-lieu provision would be placed in a reserve account which will accumulate to fund future parking projects.

Mr. Hogan moved to recommend adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2009-12 (Attachment #2), seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Statistics Regarding Jobs and Businesses Gained and Lost in the City of Dover Since July 2008

Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, reviewed economic statistics compiled by Mr. Neaton, Economic Development Director, from information he received from the Delaware Department of Labor. She stated that these statistics applied to Dover residents regardless of where they were employed. Mrs. Townshend also provided the Committee with additional information extracted from the City of Dover Budget, including benchmarks related to employment established for the Economic Development Office (Attachment #3). She explained that specific information regarding jobs and businesses gained and lost in the City of Dover is not information that the Planning and Inspections Department currently tracks, nor has access to, and information for municipalities is difficult to attain. She stated that, currently, the Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics through the State and Federal governments are the best sources for this information.

Mr. Neaton stated that the Finance Department compiles this information for the ten largest businesses in the City and it is included in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Review (CAFR). He offered to summarize this information for the past ten years.

Mrs. Townshend noted that the impact of small businesses should not be discounted, as 25% of the national economy consists of small business.

Mr. DePrima apologized for not including the information regarding benchmarks established for the Economic Development Office in the packet that Council received. He stated his desire to compile a report that includes meaningful economic statistics that can be monitored and that reflect factors that the Economic Development Office can influence. He felt it would be appropriate for this information to be submitted twice per year, or quarterly, and stated his intention to have such a report available to the Committee, hopefully in time for inclusion in the July packet.

Mrs. Townshend noted that it would be helpful to include information regarding city, state, and national measures for unemployment in this report for purposes of comparison.

Updates

Members were provided the following updates:

Planning and Funding for New Library

Ms. Margery Cyr, Library Director, stated that the library schematic plan will be presented for review to the Historic Commission on June 18, 2009. She noted that she met with the Director of the Longwood Foundation, Thayer DuPont, on June 4, 2009, and she felt it was a positive meeting. In response to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), eleven (11) proposals were received, four (4) candidates were interviewed, and negotiations with one (1) applicant are proceeding. Ms. Cyr stated that the Kent County Levy Court will consider whether or not to support the library and whether to consolidate during their meeting of June 9, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. She noted that she is working with Holzman Moss Architecture, who will be holding a Green Energy Summit in Dover in the next couple of months, to talk about alternative energy use.

CDBG

Mrs. Harvey, Community Development Manager, stated that all 2008 CDBG projects are underway and are expending funds on schedule, with the exception of Dover Interfaith Ministry’s project at 684 Forrest Street. Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, explained that this property was purchased by the Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP) who worked with the Interfaith Ministry to develop a ten-year lease for the property for use as a shelter. However, the Interfaith Ministry’s grant funding specifies that funds are to be used for rehabilitation rather than purchase or lease. Mrs. Harvey has requested approval from the legal department of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to amend the Interfaith Ministry’s action plan and is awaiting their response. She expects to hear within the week and will bring this information back to the Committee.

Mr. Neaton, Economic Development Director, stated that the property lease is for $6,000 per year.

In response to Mrs. Horsey, Mr. DePrima, City Manager, explained that the Interfaith Ministry considers this a good interim location; however, they would like a larger structure for their permanent location. If a permanent site is found within the ten-year lease period, the City would refund a prorated lease payment.

In response to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Harvey indicated that CDBG funding should be available for drawdown sometime in August or September, 2009.

Housing and Recovery Act of 2008 Funds (Neighborhood Stabilization Fund

Mrs. Harvey, Community Development Manager, stated that Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) would be sent tomorrow to Dover partners and they can begin looking for properties to purchase after the MOU’s are executed.

Youth Advisory Committee

Mrs. Russell explained that a recent meeting of the Youth Advisory Committee was canceled due to a conflict with graduation; however, the members of the Committee are enthusiastic and are developing goals and project ideas.

Mr. Hogan moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:14 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Sophia R. Russell

Chairwoman

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Attachments

Attachment #1 - Skate Park Conceptual Drawing

Attachment #2 - Proposed Ordinance #2009-12 - Article 3 - Accessory Uses and Article 6 - Required Off-Street Parking Spaces

Attachment #3 - Excerpt from City of Dover 2008-2009 Budget - Economic Development