UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee meeting was held on February 25, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Leary, Mr. Cregar, and Mr. Snaman. Members of Council present were Mr. Slavin, Mr. Hogan, and Mayor Carey.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Annual Engineering Consultant’s Report on the Operation and Maintenance of the Electric System - Fiscal Year 2007
Members were provided the Annual Engineering Consultant’s Report on the Operation and Maintenance of the Electric System for Fiscal Year 2007. Mrs. Mitchell, Finance Director/Treasurer, reminded members that the City of Dover Electric Bond Resolution requires that the City retain an independent engineering consultant to inspect the City’s electric system and to review the electric budgets and insurance program. She advised members that the City contracted with Burns & McDonnell to perform this year’s analysis and that the report provides information related to their annual review for Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007. It was noted that the consultant’s conclusions and recommendations are outlined at the end of each section of the report.
Staff recommended acceptance of the Engineer’s Annual Report on the Operation and Maintenance of the Electric System for Fiscal Year 2007.
Mr. Cregar moved to recommend acceptance of the Engineer’s Annual Report, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
PACE/NAES Monthly Report (December)
Mr. DePrima provided the PACE/NAES Monthly Reports for December 2007. He reminded members that the reports are being provided to allow members the opportunity to monitor what is being sold in electric and the revenues received, which will give members a better understanding of any fluctuations and make improvements if deemed necessary. It was not his intention to make a presentation of the report; however, he welcomed any questions.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend acceptance of the PACE/NAES Monthly Report for December, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.
Maple Glen Development Concerns - Status Report
During their meeting of February 11, 2008, members recommended acceptance of the dedication of rights-of-way and public infrastructure for The Maple Glen Subdivision with the stipulation that staff provide a status report on the action taken regarding the concerns relayed by Mr. Gaudioso. Members were reminded that, on behalf of several residents of Maple Glen, Mr. Gaudioso addressed them regarding their concerns, including the cul-de-sac on Covington Drive, condition within the culvert, erosion occurring under the sidewalk, issues regarding uneven ground in the public open space area, and dead trees on public and private land.
Members were provided a letter, dated July 23, 2007, to Bay Developers which consisted of the final punch list of items they would be required to address prior to the dedications of the streets and utilities of Maple Glen. Mr. Koenig, Public Services Director, explained that he utilized this punch list to review the concerns relayed during the previous committee meeting and he met with Mr. Gaudioso and two (2) other property owners at the various sites. Mr. Koenig advised members of their conclusions, as follows:
► Silt Fencing - Mr. Koenig stated that the silt fencing is located on the private open space areas. After meeting with the homeowners at the site, it was determined that the silt fencing could remain at this time. It will degrade over time; therefore, when it becomes an eyesore or hindrance, City staff would remove the fence.
► Sidewalk and Drainage Ditch Slopes at the end of Covington Drive - Mr. Koenig stated that City staff performed some clearing and made small improvements and installed two (2) sections of split rail fence to resolve potential safety issues. The homeowners indicated their satisfaction with these improvements. The culvert itself is a part of the infrastructure dedication; therefore, if there are any problems with the culvert in the future, they would be a part of public maintenance and would not be the responsibility of the homeowners association.
► Top Soil and Seed of Park Area; Berms in Park Area; and Condition of Asphalt Path in the Walking Area - Mr. Koenig stated that City crews could resolve all the top soiling issues and repairs to the asphalt path. He suggested the opportunity to resolve these issues with the homeowners association once it has been turned over to the homeowners. Mr. Koenig indicated the homeowners’ concurrence since they are small issues that could be very easily resolved by City staff with minimal funds.
► Construction Debris in Private Open Space - Mr. Koenig felt that the debris is a sanitation collection issue which can be resolved by City staff.
► Trees located on Boundary of Private Open Space/Private Lots (not a part of original punch list) - Mr. Koenig stated that the issue involves small trees which can be easily resolved by City staff.
► Homeowners Association - Mr. Koenig stated that there is an incorporation document that has been presented by the developer to the City, along with a bank statement. At this point, the only remaining action necessary is to have the association turned over to the homeowners. Although the finalization of the homeowners association was included on the punch list, Mr. Koenig stated that the developer has assured him that the association would be turned over to the homeowners.
Mr. Koenig stated that there is a Maintenance Bond associated with the infrastructure dedication which will last one (1) year from the date of acceptance by City Council. In addition, the City is currently holding the building permit for the last lot. Therefore, he assured members that there are some financial incentives for the developer to accomplish all issues in the agreement. The only issue that he is aware of being unresolved at this time is regarding concerns of the conduit that runs through the park. Although he did not recall a requirement for lighting in the park, he assured members that staff would work through this issue with the homeowners association.
Mr. Ruane suggested that staff explore the possibility of establishing a procedure for finalizing homeowners associations. He requested that staff notify the committee when all matters are resolved.
Mr. Gaudioso, 167 Maple Glen Drive, relayed his appreciation for the assistance provided by Mr. Koenig and hoped that the concerns relayed by the homeowners have assisted the City in their consideration of these issues. He explained that the main concern is that the homeowners will somehow be held financially responsible and their desire for assurance by the City for protection from any financial burden.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend acceptance of the status report provided by staff, seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried.
Annexation Request - 1889 Kenton Road, Owned by Brian L. and William A. Bright
Members were provided the Petition to Annex and Zone Property for property located at 1889 Kenton Road, consisting of .50+/- acres, owned by Brian L. and William A. Bright.
Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, advised members that water and sewer services are already available for the property. In July 2005, Mr. Bright paid his share of the proportionate costs and the City installed a low pressure sanitary sewer force main across Kenton Road to service his property. In addition, she stated that the City installed a 1" water service to the property line. Mrs. Townshend advised members that electric service is not available from the City of Dover and that the property is within the Delaware Electric Cooperative’s district.
Mrs. Townshend stated that a cost-revenue analysis was conducted which showed a positive cash flow to the City in the amount of approximately $18,868 over ten years. She noted that it is anticipated that the majority of this money would be collected in the first year due to the sale of the property.
Referring to the report provided by staff, Mrs. Townshend advised members that the report incorrectly indicates that the current County zoning classification is BG (General Business) and that the correct zoning classification is AR (Agricultural Residential).
Mr. Cregar moved to recommend adoption of the Resolution (Attachment #1) setting the date of an annexation referendum to be held on April 17, 2008 for property located at 1889 Kenton Road, consisting of .50+/-, owned by Brian L. and William A. Bright. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Mr. Leary moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:47 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
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Attachment
Attachment #1 - Annexation Resolution for 1889 Kenton Road