PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on July 10, 2007, at 12:01 p.m. with Chairwoman Russell presiding. Members present were Mrs. Horsey, Mr. Lewis, and Mr. McGlumphy. Mr. Ruane was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. McGlumphy moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Presentation - Boys and Girls Club
Mr. Michael Harrington, Jr., President of the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club Board, thanked members for allowing him the opportunity to give a presentation on meeting some of the increasing needs of our youth in Dover (Attachment #1). He introduced the presenters as being Mrs. Lisa Ratliff, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Committee (GDC), and Mr. Darrell Tingle, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club.
Mrs. Ratliff advised members that the GDC became involved in the Boys and Girls Club project after an independent study of community needs was performed. The Study identified the need for additional recreational outlets and additional affordable wraparound after school care services for our youth. Mrs. Ratliff clarified that there are many great existing youth organizations in our community, but due to the current growing population, expansion of what is currently available is needed. She commended the City for adding the John W. Pitts Recreation Center at Schutte Park; however, the Center will be at full capacity, even prior to opening its doors which is just one of the many reasons for the presentation. After additional research, the GDC realized 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. She stated that the GDC formed a Task Force, in partnership with the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club, which is made up of GDC members, Boys and Girls Club Unit Board Members, and other key community individuals. The goal of the Task Force has been to develop a plan for the expansion and development of the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club and to foster partnerships. Mrs. Ratliff indicated that the presentation will address the current needs, background of the mission, programs of the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club, and outline the plans for expansion and development. She also noted that all the children shown in the presentation are actual Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club members.
Mr. Tingle introduced additional presenters, Mr. Frank Fantini and Mr. Robert MacLeish, co-chairs of the Task Force and members of the GDC. Mr. Fantini stated that the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club is the only organization that holistically looks after all the needs of our youth, has a tremendous record of success, is a good citizenship program and allows youth to grow up in a positive environment with positive role models. Mr. Fantini advised members that their goal is to show options that would create a magnet club that would provide the facilities to draw children throughout the City of Dover and to continue to maintain and develop walkthrough neighborhood clubs in various areas.
Mr. Fantini stated that Land Option #1, the preferred site to locate a Boys and Girls Club, is Schutte Park due to its geographic location which is accessible to children that can either walk or bike to the club. Mr. MacLeish indicated that the club would be located adjacent to the John W. Pitts Recreation Center building. Land Option #2 would be to locate the club in a building that would replace the existing Parks and Recreation building on White Oak Road. This option is not as centrally located as the first option and is located on the east side of Route 13. Land Option #3 is to locate the club on the Lewis Farm which is located on the east side of Route 1 and is in the preliminary exploratory stage. This site is not very favorable due to the remoteness from children.
Mr. Fantini introduced Mr. Michael Thomas, Superintendent of the Capital School District, to give his perspective of why the development of Boys and Girls Club facilities are good for the community as a whole and not just Capital School District. Mr. Thomas stated that our children are our future and noted that it is our responsibility to involve our youth in productive activities to develop their character, work ethic, and educational interests. In 1955, the average family was composed of a man, wife, and two (2) children; whereas, in today’s world that figure only makes up for four percent (4%) of the statistical average. He noted the school system is in full support of this project and will continue to work hand in hand with the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club.
Mr. Fantini stated the State Board of the Boys and Girls Club will include Dover in their next capital campaign and take the lead in raising the majority of the $6 - $8 million needed for this project.
Mr. McGlumphy thanked the presenters and stated that he supported the Schutte Park option because it would complement the John W. Pitts Recreation Center.
Mrs. Russell suggested to Mr. Tingle that she would like to see the Truancy Program reinstated when funding becomes available.
Mr. Tony DePrima, City Manager, indicated that there are some concerns with utilizing Schutte Park for their club due to the proposed building location hindering the expansion potential of the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. Mr. Zachery Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, concurred.
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.
Mr. Harrington stressed to members that a commitment of a determined location must be received within the next few months so that it can be included in their presentation to the State Board of the Boys and Girls Club to acquire funding.
CDBG Action Plan Amendment
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspection, stated that approximately a little over a month ago an application for a business license was received to open a recording studio at 301 W. Loockerman Street. The applicant indicated the studio was to be located in the basement of the building and that the work was completed and ready for occupancy. Mrs. Townshend noted that an inspection of the building by a Deputy Fire Marshal on June 15, 2007 revealed that a tenant fit-out had been performed in the basement of the building without obtaining building permits. Mrs. Townshend indicated within the 2007 Action Plan for the CDBG Program, $57,000 was allocated for a rental rehabilitation for this location and staff is concerned that providing grant funding to a property, currently in violation of City codes, could send an inconsistent message and set a precedent that causes problems in the future. Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Townshend stated the CDBG funds were not associated with the basement project.
Mr. Grant Prichard, Chief Building Inspector, indicated the last renovation permit for this property was applied for in 1998, and the last general permit was for the placement of signs by Ready Staffing. Mr. Prichard stated Mr. Tolano Anderson, property owner, indicated the wall studs and electric were already existing in the basement when he purchased the property and that he only closed in the walls. Mr. Prichard than advised Mr. Anderson that the work he preformed did indeed need a permit and that the change of use for that area would require a Certificate of Occupancy, a Fire Marshal and building approval, and architectural plans. Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Townshend stated that Mr. Anderson has completed numerous projects within the City of Dover.
Mr. Anderson indicated that he was given notice of this meeting on Thursday, July 5, 2007, which was not acceptable, and questioned if the item could be tabled until the next meeting. He advised members that he has received no supporting information or citations/violations regarding this meeting or what needs to be corrected to bring the building up to code. The building permit had not been pulled for the building in question. Mr. Anderson noted that the previous owner failed to obtain permits for the work done in the basement and felt he should not be responsible for this work, but is willing to pay for the permitting fees.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Townshend stated that a formal violation has not been issued to date and has only been verbally discussed between Inspection Staff and Mr. Anderson to assist in bringing the building up to code.
Mrs. Russell recommended that the item be tabled until their next meeting so that both parties can try to rectify the problem and present a solution in writing to members. Mr. McGlumphy stated that clarification should be made with regards to what had been done, what needs to be corrected to bring the building up to compliance, and what is planned for the future and presented to members during their next meeting. Mrs. Horsey noted that Mr. Anderson is a great supporter of the downtown area and felt with confidence that the City would work with him in resolving the problem at hand.
Update on Report Examining the Cost Differential Between a Geothermal System and a Traditional Air-conditioning System - John W. Pitts Recreation Center
During their meeting of November 28, 2006, members reviewed bids with and without air-conditioning for the construction of the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. They then recommended that staff present a report examining the cost differential between a geothermal system and a traditional air-conditioning system.
During their meeting of June 12, 2007, members reviewed the cost differential between a geothermal system and a traditional air-conditioning system for only the gymnasium area of the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. Mr. Tony DePrima, City Manager, stated that he would provide Mrs. Russell with the payback savings information regarding utilizing a geothermal system for the entire building. Mr. Ruane suggested that Mr. DePrima and Mr. Carter explore the funding or cost sharing possibility available with the State of Delaware and provide a report back to members for review. He also suggested that a report be provided regarding the one hundred wells supporting a potential addition to the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. Members accepted the report examining the cost differential between a geothermal system and a traditional air-conditioning system for the John W. Pitts Recreation Center with the understanding that the concerns expressed by members will be addressed during their next meeting.
Mr. Zachery Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that an update is not available at this time. A meeting has been scheduled with a representative from Becker Morgan Group, Inc., Mr. DePrima, and himself on Friday, July 13, 2007, and a report will be available at the next meeting.
Proposed Formation of Youth Council
Mrs. Russell stated that during the Washington, D.C. 2006 NLC Congressional City Conference and the Reno, NV 2006 NLC Congress of Cities and Exposition she attended Youth Advisory Committee sessions that were given by youths from Las Vegas, NV and Florida respectively. Mrs. Russell indicated that her main goal is to help make today’s youth civic minded and to explain the importance of voting in elections.
Mrs. Russell indicated that she believed it would be beneficial to both the City and its youth to establish a Youth Advisory Committee for the purpose of providing opportunities for the youth to lead and plan recreation and community service activities, with an emphasis on youth development. She stated the role of the Youth Advisory Committee is to foster increased involvement of youth in the affairs of the municipal government. The responsibilities are as follows:
•Review problems, issues, activities and concerns of youth, especially as they relate to municipal programs and projects of the City of Dover.
•Hold forums on health, safety, recreation, employment and school issues and concerns of youth.
•Make recommendations to the Parks and Recreation Department regarding the planning and implementation of the programs.
Mr. McGlumphy, Mrs. Horsey, and Mr. Lewis concurred with Mrs. Russell and indicated that it is an excellent idea to have a Youth Advisory Committee.
Mr. McGlumphy moved to accept the recommendation of establishing a Youth Advisory Committee and be presented to Council for their approval, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Update - Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update
Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager, stated that DelDOT is moving forward with the South Governors Avenue upgrade, which is fully funded, and will include the replacement of the box culvert located at Governors Avenue with a bridge. The project is expected to cost approximately $15 million and construction is expected to start in early Spring of 2008. He also indicated that the mapping of the stormwater system has begun and the Conservation District is working with URS Corporation on a hydraulic study on the lower basin. This study will determine the potential choke points within the Puncheon Run, including flood elevation information, with the preliminary report being completed by August 31, 2007.
Mr. Koenig noted that the next Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team meeting will be held July 25, 2007. Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mr. Koenig stated additional mailing lists, which will be used to notify adjacent property owners, will be created by the City as future projects are developed.
Update - John W. Pitts Recreation Center
Mr. Zachery Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, advised members that progress meetings were held on June 12, 2007 and June 26, 2007 and the John W. Pitts Recreation Center Project is currently on schedule. Within the next few weeks the underground utilities will be installed and the metal building should be delivered by the end of July.
Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mr. Carter stated he was not aware of the makeup of the laborers working on the project.
Update - Planning and Funding for New Library
Mr. Richard Thau, Director of the Dover Public Library, advised staff that recruitment is continuing for the Library Project Coordinator and Library Building Committee members. He reminded members that the committee will be involved in the development of a comprehensive building program, marketing, and fund raising campaign.
Update - CDBG Program
Members reviewed the status report provided on the FY 2005 and FY 2006 Program Funds Spent for the CDBG Program. Mrs. Tracey Harvey, Community Development Director, advised members that the 2007 Action Plan has been approved and funding should be available within the next three (3) weeks.
Mrs. Russell requested that Mrs. Harvey start working on the plans for their next workshop.
Mr. McGlumphy moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:52 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Sophia R. Russell
Chairwoman
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S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20077-10-2007 PR&CE.wpd
Attachment to Original Minutes and File Copy:
Attachment #1 -Boys and Girls Club Presentation