SPECIAL
PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
A Special Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting was held on November 10, 2008, at 12:01 p.m. with Chairwoman Russell presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Horsey, and Mr. Lewis. Mr. McGlumphy was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Lewis moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.
Ordinance SS#2 to #2008-39 - Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 10 - Open Space, Recreation and Other Public Facilities, Subsection 10.5 - Exemption (Tabled during the October 15, 2008 Committee Meeting)
During their meeting of October 15, 2008, members tabled consideration of the proposed ordinance amending Appendix B - Zoning Ordinance, Article 5 - Supplementary Regulations, Section 10 - Open Space, Recreation and Other Public Facilities, Subsection 10.5 - Exemption, to allow for further discussion between developers and staff, with the understanding that this matter be brought back for consideration at the next committee meeting on October 27, 2008. Staff was requested to provide specific examples of the results of the proposed ordinance for various projects.
Mr. Ruane moved to lift the matter from the table, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, reviewed a memorandum explaining Staff’s Substitute Amendment #2 to Ordinance #2008-39, which would require a smaller amount of active recreation for smaller properties with a higher density. She reminded members that the original proposed ordinance would exempt residential development within the Downtown Redevelopment Target area from open space and active recreation requirements in exchange for aesthetic improvements such as public art and streetscape and that the amendment ordinance would address open space and active recreation requirements in the downtown area and beyond.
Mrs. Townshend assured members that staff has reworked the proposed changes to Active Recreation Area requirements for residential developments that are high density and small in land area, and for residential developments within the Downtown Dover Target Area defined in Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment (see next agenda item - Ordinance #2008-41).
Mrs. Townshend reviewed a table of the active recreation area requirements, including the current requirements and proposed, and examples of specific projects and the effects of the proposed amendment (Attachment #1).
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend adoption of SS#2 for Ordinance #2008-39 (Attachment #2) for First Reading by Council and the setting of a public hearing and its referral to the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Members commended staff on the presentation of the information and suggested that it be utilized for future presentations.
Ordinance #2008-41 - Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment, Article IV - Development Incentive (Tabled during the October 15, 2008 Committee Meeting)
During their meeting of October 15, 2008, members tabled consideration of the proposed ordinance amending Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment, Article IV - Development Incentive, to allow for further discussion between developers and staff, with the understanding that this matter be brought back for consideration at the next committee meeting on October 27, 2008. Staff was requested to provide specific examples of the results of the proposed ordinance for various projects.
Mr. Ruane moved to lift the matter from the table, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Mrs. Townshend advised members that the proposed ordinance #2008-41 amending Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment, Article IV - Development Incentive, would allow for the waiver of the cash in lieu amount associated with the active recreation area requirement in the Zoning Ordinance for residential development. If an applicant were to request utilization of cash in lieu of recreation area construction, the amount could be waived within the Downtown Target area, and the applicant would pay ten percent (10%) of the value of this waiver to the Downtown Dover Partnership for open space improvements in the downtown.
Mrs. Horsey questioned what the incentive would be for a developer to provide active recreation if they have the option to apply for a waiver. Concurring, Mr. Lewis stated that developers have a requirement to fulfill in all other areas of the City and felt that the purpose of the ordinance would be to provide an investment to the City.
Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Townshend advised members that if the proposed ordinance were adopted, any waiver or downtown incentive applications would go to the City Manager for approval.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend against adoption of ordinance #2008-41, seconded by Mr. Lewis.
In addition to the concerns already expressed, Mr. Ruane explained his objection to allowing a single individual to have such authority and stated that he felt that it takes from the true spirit of the original purpose of the statutes.
On a call for the question by Mr. Ruane, the motion to recommend against adoption of ordinance #2008-41 was unanimously carried.
Updates
Members were provided the following updates:
Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update
Due to the absence of Mr. Koenig, Public Services Director, there was no updated provided for the Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team; however, Mr. Ruane requested that the committee be provided a pledge from Mr. Koenig that he convene the meeting that was promised to take place prior to the holidays. He stated that the residents of the neighborhood are anticipating such a meeting which has yet to occur.
Planning and Funding for New Library
Members were provided update information regarding the planning and funding for the new Library.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend acceptance of the Planning and Funding for New Library Update, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Skate Park Committee
Members were provided update information regarding the Skate Park, which was reviewed by Mr. Dean Holden on behalf of the Skate Park Committee.
Mr. Ruane stated his support for a partnership with Kent County, explaining that there will be several users from outside the City limits. He questioned if private sector funding has been identified. Responding, Mr. Holden stated that once a site has been selected, and the City and/or Kent County agree to move forward with the project, additional funding sources will be sought. Although there has been informal contact with such organizations, he stated that they are reluctant to make any commitment until the City and/or Kent County has relayed their support.
In response to Mr. Lewis, Mr. Holden stated that one of the goals for the committee is to establish themselves as a non-profit organization.
With reference to the Capital Cleaners site, Mr. Ruane indicated his expectation that the committee’s report would include a preliminary discussion with DNREC that would indicate that such a park could be located on the site.
After much discussion regarding the proposed sites, Mr. Holden stated that he would provide members with an expanded list of all the sites reviewed by the committee and the pros and cons for their use as a skate park.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend acceptance of the Skate Park Committee Update and commended the Chairman of this committee for their work, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
CDBG Program
Members were provided the Status of the FY2007 CDBG Program.
Mr. Ruane relayed his concern with the delay in the completion of 301 W. Loockerman Street and suggested that the City should institute a deadline. Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Townshend stated that she would provide a comprehensive update regarding the property at 301 W. Loockerman Street to include the trash dumpster issue and blockage of the exit.
Referring to Community Policing, Mr. Ruane requested that staff provide members a memo indicating their objectives, the grant amount, number of foot patrols, etc.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend acceptance of the CDBG Program Update, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Neighborhood Stabilization Fund
Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, advised members that after the City submitted their grant application to the State for the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund, she was advised that Kent County also submitted an application in the amount of $6.2M.
Mr. Ruane noted that after the committee’s meeting, he received an email from the State indicating that there was a change. Responding, Mrs. Townshend stated that the State requested the City to explain why the City has foreclosures and how the program presented would help prevent future foreclosures.
Mr. Ruane noted that based on a document prepared by Ms. Kleimo, there are several reasons for foreclosures, such as overpriced housing in our area and increasing unemployment. Although there are several factors, he was not sure which ones are peculiar to Dover and suggested that such information would be beneficial.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend acceptance of the Neighborhood Stabilization Fund Update, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
John W. Pitts Recreation Center
Mrs. Russell relayed a request of seniors who would like for the John W. Pitts Recreation Center to open prior to 8:30 a.m. and suggested that it be opened at 7:00 a.m. for the purpose of utilizing the walkway. Responding, Mr. Carter stated that although staff supports the idea, there are staffing and funding issues.
Mr. Ruane noted that during the community meeting sponsored by the Human Relations Commission there was concern regarding the lack of public transit (bus stop) for the Pitts Recreation Center. He suggested that a letter be submitted by the City to the Transit Authority requesting that the existing route be modified to provide for a bus stop at the Pitts Recreation Center.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that the City submit a letter to the Transit Authority requesting that the existing route be modified to provide for a bus stop at the Pitts Recreation Center. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and carried with Mrs. Russell voting no.
(City Clerk’s Office Note: Because this item was not on the agenda, it will be placed on the December 9, 2008 Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Agenda for discussion and official action.)
Mrs. Russell stated that although she does not object to providing transportation, her fear was that the concerns relayed during the community meeting involved residents having the ability of having children dropped off at the site, explaining that she is adamantly opposed to the City providing “babysitting” services.
2008 Comprehensive Plan Update
Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, reviewed the update provided to members regarding the 2008 Comprehensive Plan (Attachment #3). She advised members that the draft has been made public and posted on the City’s Website and that staff has submitted a response to the PLUS comments. Mrs. Townshend noted that the public hearing before the Planning Commission has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. and the public hearing before City Council has been scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Townshend stated that no further review has been planned for the committees. It was Mr. Ruane’s opinion that the committee’s should be provided the opportunity to make comments regarding the final draft. Mrs. Townshend stated that a presentation of the final draft could be made during the committee meetings in December 2008.
Mr. Lewis moved for acceptance of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:17 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sophia R. Russell
Chairwoman
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Table of the Active Recreation Area Requirements (to original and file copy only)
Attachment #2 - SS#2 for Ordinance #2008-39
Attachment #3 - 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update (to original and file copy only)