PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on September 11, 2007, at 12:00 noon with Chairwoman Russell presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Lewis, and Mrs. Horsey.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mrs. Horsey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Appendix B - Zoning Ordinance
Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, advised members that staff is currently in the process of working on several zoning text amendments. She presented draft amendments that are essentially “clean-up” amendments, as follows:
Article 6 - Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 1 - Permitted Accessory Parking
Mrs. Townshend explained that the proposed amendment to Article 6 - Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 1 - Permitted Accessory Parking, would eliminate the need for any new businesses that are coming into an existing business from having to go through the Planning Commission for approval. She stated that the amendment would only require those site plans with site disturbance greater than 2,000 sq. ft. and adjacent to residential properties to go through the Planning Commission for approval rather than any site plan that is adjacent to residential properties.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Townshend stated that the amendment essentially eliminates those that have little or no site disturbance. The concept is that there should be some degree of site disturbance in order to be considered by the Planning Commission. Using the Pretzel Factory as an example, Mrs. Townshend stated that there was no site work involved; however, since it was required to go to Planning Commission, they had additional requirements such as tree planting. It was felt that these are items that are not realistic for an existing building that is essentially changing occupancy, going from one type of business to another.
Mr. Ruane relayed concern that the amendment would eliminate public input, which could be imperative for adjacent property owners. He suggested that staff develop an alternative that would allow for notification to the public of the area without defeating the purpose of the amendment.
Mr. Ruane moved to refer the amendment back to staff for a revision to include notification process for public input, seconded by Mr. Lewis.
In response to Mr. McGlumphy, Mrs. Townshend advised members that there are administrative site plans and those that require Planning Commission review and approval. She stated that there could be a public notice component included in the amendment that would require notification to be made to adjacent property owners for administrative site plans that are adjacent to residential properties.
Mrs. Townshend noted that during their meeting of August 27, 2007, Council referred the zoning text amendment to the Planning Commission for public hearing on September 17, 2007 and scheduled a public hearing before City Council on October 8, 2007. She explained that members could recommend that a sentence be added after Paragraph C in the proposed zoning text amendment to read: “Site plans adjacent to residential where there is less than 2000 sq. ft. site disturbance, public notice to property owners within 200' is required” for consideration by the Planning Commission to be forwarded to Council for the public hearing. Otherwise, she suggested that during their Regular Meeting of September 24, 2007, Council could be requested to reschedule their public hearing to allow the committee to reconsider the proposed amendment.
Mr. Ruane suggested that staff present the committee’s concerns to the Planning Commission and that members of Council will have the opportunity to review the proposed amendment during the Council’s Public Hearing.
On a call for the question by Mr. Ruane, the motion to refer the amendment back to staff for a revision to include a notification process for public input was unanimously carried.
Article 10 - Planning Commission, Section 2 - Site Development Plan Approval
Mrs. Townshend explained that the amendment to Article 10 - Planning Commission, Section 2 - Site Development Plan Approval adds language to the off-street parking section to require a minimum width of 9' for a driveway. Currently, she advised members that there is no minimum width requirement for a driveway; however, the minimum width for a parking space is 9'.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Townshend indicated that the maximum width would be regulated through lot coverage. She stated that there currently is no permit requirement for driveways, which is a matter that is currently being reviewed by staff.
Mr. Ruane noted that throughout the City, driveways seem to be expanding. Mrs. Townshend suggested that the amendment be revised to include “and that the maximum width shall be 20'”.
Mr. Ruane felt that there was no need to resolve the issue at this time; however, he suggested that staff consider it during their review of the Dover Code.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the City currently does not have a system to regulate impervious surfaces since permits are not required for driveways, patios, etc. Staff intends to consider the inclusion of permit requirements for impervious surfaces for this purpose.
Mrs. Horsey suggested that the wording specify that the requirement is for new applications.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that the Director of Planning and Inspections move forward with the proposed amendment with the understanding that input from this committee has been expressed as in the record. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Presentation - YMCA of Delaware
Mr. Buzz Mathews, Executive Director of the Central Delaware YMCA, advised members that the organization has been in existence in Kent County since the 1940's , and that the facility in the City of Dover on State Street has been in existence since 1966. There was a major expansion of this facility in 1996. He stated that in order to continue to serve Central Delaware, there will be a need to expand this facility. Since the present facility is landlocked, which would prohibit the expansion of the facility, Mr. Mathews explained that the YMCA is willing to work with other organizations such as the City of Dover to better provide services to the residents of Central Delaware.
Mr. Ruane suggested that the YMCA bring forward their long-range plan, which would include a needs assessment.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the Comprehensive Planning process will include recreation and community services components. Mr. Ruane felt that this could be another opportunity for the YMCA to be considered by the City. He also noted that the County may have the same requirement within their Comprehensive Planning process.
Mr. Mathews stated that the YMCA is willing to meet with any organization in an effort to coordinate opportunities for our citizens.
Responding to Mrs. Horsey, Mr. Mathews stated that although 80% of the membership of the YMCA on State Street is within a seven (7) mile radius, they serve members from Middletown to Milford as well as Maryland. Other nearby YMCA facilities are in Rehoboth (Sussex County) and in Newark (New Castle County). In addition, he advised members that a new facility is currently being constructed in Bear (Route 40 and 896) and that the YMCA is planning to expand in the Middletown area in the future.
In response to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Townshend indicated that the actual land available at Eden Hill will not be known until the location of the West Dover Connector is determined.
Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend acceptance of the presentation by the YMCA, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Presentation - Girls, Inc.
Ms. Saron Coffield, Representative of Girls, Inc., explained that it is a non-profit organization that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold. She stated that the purpose of the presentation is to request that the City consider Girls, Inc. as an organization for use of the John W. Pitts Recreation Center.
In response to Mr. McGlumphy, Ms. Coffield clarified that the request is for the City to consider providing Girls, Inc. a designated use of the John W. Pitts Recreation Center facility. She explained that the request is for space to be provided in order for Girls, Inc. to provide their services to the girls that are members.
Noting that the need of Girls, Inc. is for the use of space, Mr. DePrima advised members that the Parks and Recreation Director, Mr. Carter, is in the process of considering the rental of space at the John Pitts Recreation Center to various organizations and that there are other opportunities within the City that could provide the use of space. He suggested that anyone with further interest should contact Mr. Carter.
Mrs. Horsey moved to recommend acceptance of the presentation by Girls, Inc., and their request and to embrace Girls, Inc. for their availability in Dover and to work with the Parks and Recreation Director to investigate a location for their meetings. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Explore Locations for Proposed Boys & Girls Club
During their meeting of July 10, 2007, a presentation was given on meeting some of the increasing needs of the youth in Dover. The Study identified the need for additional recreational outlets and additional affordable wraparound after school care services for the youth. Various land options were discussed and it was noted that the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club, in partnership with other organizations, could address some of the critical needs for our youth at an affordable cost for our families if given the proper facilities. Mrs. Russell recommended that Mr. DePrima and Mr. Carter explore possible land options for the proposed club and report back to the committee during their August meeting.
Ms. Lisa Ratliff, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Committee, reminded members that the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club is in a position to raise capital dollars for the construction of a 40,000-50,000 sq. ft. magnet club if they can obtain the land to build the facility. She advised members that the Greater Dover Committee became involved in this project after some independent research was done on the needs of the community, which identified the need for additional recreational services for the youth as well as affordable wraparound after school care services. She stated that although there are several organizations that provide great services, the issue is that there are not enough facilities to serve the existing and expanding population. Ms. Ratliff stated that a major issue is the lack of output facilities for organizations such as Dover Parks and Recreation, YMCA, Girls, Inc., etc. to run the programs they offer. She explained that the goal of the Greater Dover Committee is to form partnerships. Although they are currently working with the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club, they are not working with them exclusively. The desire of the Greater Dover Committee is to have facilities constructed for the youth of Dover in order for organizations to provide the much needed services for the youth.
Mr. Darrell Tingle, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club, reviewed the possible sites for a magnet club and their pros and cons (as on file in the office of the City Clerk). He explained that the pros and cons of the Lewis Farm were not included since the property is located out of the City limits. Mr. DePrima stated that the Lewis Farm is not in a centralized location, is not easily accessible, there are only three (3) proposed subdivisions in the immediate area - no existing subdivisions, etc. The pros for the Lewis Farm were ownership, the large size of the land area which would provide athletic fields as well as a potential building site, availability of the land, close proximity to a future Kent County park, etc.
Mr. Ruane reiterated that the issue is that these facilities are to serve regional population and not just the citizens of Dover, explaining that there is a need to involve Kent County.
Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Tingle stated that the Boys and Girls Club preference would be site option #1 - connected to the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. Mr. Carter stated that the City of Dover’s preference would be site option #4 - Independent Facility located at Dover Park.
Mr. DePrima explained that the intent of the presentation was to allow members the opportunity to digest the information for its consideration during their next meeting. He stated that staff does not have a separate presentation and advised members that staff participated in the review of the various site options and that their input has been included in the presentation.
Land Donation - Kesselring Property
Members were advised that the City of Dover has been offered a donation of 12.91 acres of land located in the Kesselring Planned Neighborhood Development. The land, which is located adjacent to the lands of Schutte Park, is designated as a conservation easement area on the plot plans with the Kesselring Farms Homeowners Association as owner of the land. The plan has been approved by the Planning Commission.
Staff recommended that the City Manager be authorized to accept the donation of 12.91 acres of land from the developer of the Kesselring Planned Neighborhood Development.
Mr. Carter advised members that staff supports City ownership for the following reasons:
1) Land would expand Schutte Park and provide the City the ability to create a walking/bicycle path from the development to the John W. Pitts Recreation Center.
2) This is an important area for protection of the Puncheon Run Watershed. The head water of the Puncheon Run starts just west of this site. With ownership of the 12.91 acres of property, the City would control the undeveloped land. Through this land donation, the City would be able to protect the Puncheon Run Watershed, wild life habitat, and provide additional recreational opportunities for the residents of Dover.
3) If there are any flood control projects possible in the area, then the City ownership would make it easier to implement such controls.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that the City Manager be authorized to accept the donation of 12.91 acres of land from the developer of the Kesselring Planned Neighborhood Development, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Discussion - Use of Reciprocal Borrowing Funds
Members were advised that on April 26, 1994, Kent County Levy Court passed an ordinance (94-07) which established a Library Tax District for all of the County outside the Town of Smyrna, City of Dover, City of Harrington, and the Milford Library Service Area. With this Library Tax District, a county-wide reciprocal borrowing program was created. Through this agreement, the City of Dover was reimbursed at the rate of $1.95 per circulation for Kent County residents that live outside the City of Dover, for use of the Dover Public Library. There was a balance of $655,859.08 in the Library Tax Fund at the end of June 30, 2006. In addition, the County estimated an additional fund balance of $199,019.02 for fiscal year 2007, which would create a total Library Tax Fund balance of $765,878.10.
Mr. Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, advised members that in July 2007, the Levy Court approved distribution of the fund balance to all reciprocal borrowing participants using a distribution rate of $2.65 instead of the $1.95 per book for fiscal years 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. From this new calculation, the City of Dover has received a check in the amount of $605,962.25, as the City’s reimbursement from the Library Tax Fund Balance.
Staff recommended that $554,088.25 be deposited in the Library Reserve Fund and the remaining $51,874 be used for improvements to the existing Library. This improvement would include purchasing additional laptops for the computer lab that was approved in this year’s budget, replacement of digital microform system, and increasing the number of hours for security guards in the Library.
Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation for disbursement of Kent County Tax Fund balance in the amount of $605,962.25, as follows: 1) Deposit $554,088.25 to the Library Reserve Fund earmarked for the construction of the new Library; 2) Allocate $30,174 to fund the development of a computer lab within the existing Library which will include the purchase of 13 laptops, security cart, black/white printer, computer software and wireless access point/injector/antenna; 3) Allocate $11,606 in funding to increase the hiring of security guards for the Library from 20 hours per week to 36 hours per week; and 4) Purchase digital microform system to replace current model that was purchased in 1998, in the amount of $10,094. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Mr. DePrima stated that staff plans to invite Kent County Levy Court to a future Council Meeting to relay the City’s appreciation for this action.
Update - Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update
Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, advised members that, as mentioned during the previous update, the Action Team will schedule a meeting once the URS Corporation has completed their technical study.
Mr. Ruane requested that, during future updates, staff provide update information regarding the stormwater management ponds.
Update - John W. Pitts Recreation Center
Members were provided with a construction schedule prepared by Bob Smith Contractors, Inc. for the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. Mr. Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, advised members that progress meetings were held on August 21, 2007 and September 4, 2007 and the John W. Pitts Recreation Center Project is currently on schedule. He stated that the floor will be poured tomorrow, weather permitting.
Update - CDBG Action Plan Amendment
Regarding a previous concern of members, Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, stated that there are no inspections scheduled for 301 W. Loockerman Street. She stated that Mr. Anderson understands the requirements for permits and inspections for all work done to the building.
Members reviewed the status report provided on the FY 2005 and FY 2006 Program Funds Spent for the CDBG Program.
Mr. McGlumphy moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:53 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sophia R. Russell
Chairwoman
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Attachments to Original Minutes and File Copy:
Attachment #1 - Girls, Inc. Information
Attachment #2 - Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club - Sites for Magnet Club: Pros and Cons