PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on October 10, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mrs. Russell, Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Lewis (departed at 7:53 p.m.), and Mrs. Horsey (departed at 8:22 p.m.). Councilman Carey was also present. Mayor Speed (arrived at 7:21 p.m.) and Mr. DePrima were also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Ruane requested the addition of Item #2, Proposed Change of Meeting Day and Time.
Mr. McGlumphy moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.
Proposed Zoning Text Amendments - Article 5 - Supplemental Regulations, Section 1 - Supplementary Regulations Applying to Residence Zones, Storage of Furniture and Appliances Outdoors
Members were provided a proposed zoning text amendment to Article 5 - Supplemental Regulations, Section 1 - Supplementary Regulations Applying to Residence Zones, of the Dover Code, which would prohibit the outdoor storage of furniture and appliances not intended for use outdoors.
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, City Planner, advised members that staff was requested to prepare a draft ordinance due to the growing concern regarding recliners, sofas, refrigerators, and other indoor items being stored outside, specifically on porches.
Responding to Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Townshend stated that a maximum of two (2) written notices will be issued over a period of time for non-compliance. After the second written notice has been issued, if the property owner is still not in compliance, then a summons will be issued. She noted that the proposed fines are consistent with other property maintenance violations.
Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend adoption of the proposed zoning text amendment (Attachment #1), as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.
Proposed Zoning Text Amendments - Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 27 - Corridor Overlay Zone 1 (COZ-1)
Members were provided a proposed zoning text amendment to Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3- District Regulations, 27 - Corridor Overlay Zone 1 (COZ-1) of the Dover Code, which would allow the Planning Commission to waive certain requirements of the Corridor Overlay Zone when the applicant demonstrates superior urban design. Additionally, it would require that the corridor elevation of buildings within the COZ include a primary entrance door and a primary entrance feature.
Mrs. Townshend provided members with a map outlining the Corridor Overlay Zone 1 (COZ-1), which includes McKee Road, Saulsbury Road, and Route 8 from the railroad tracks west to Artis Drive. She stated that the COZ-1 was adopted in the early 1990's and, to a large degree, has been very successful.
Mr. Ruane expressed concern that the reference to “superior urban design” was vague. Mrs. Townshend agreed that it is subjective, to a degree. The difference is providing the required sidewalks or providing safe and attractive pedestrian and bicycle facilities, which would invite people to walk.
Mr. DePrima, City Manager and former Planning Director, agreed with clarifying the definition of a superior urban design by referencing other buildings and, if more parking will be allowed towards the front of the lot, screening should be utilized.
Mrs. Horsey suggested that providing photos of commercial and residential sites exhibiting superior urban design would be helpful. Mr. DePrima stated that an enhanced definition, including illustrations, of superior urban design could be presented during the next meeting.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Townshend stated that staff recommends an 80- foot setback, which would be consistent with the other properties on that corridor. The Planning Commission would also have the flexibility to allow all of the parking in the front of the proposed building. She advised members that staff would provide a clear explanation of how the applicant has demonstrated superior urban design.
Mr. Raymond Harbeson and Mr. Joseph Wutka, 1206 Forrest Avenue, provided members with a list of their concerns regarding the proposed zoning text amendment (Attachment #2).
Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Director of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) stated that the first meeting regarding the study of the SR 8 corridor is tentatively scheduled for November 18, 2006. She also noted that the study is expected to last for one (1) year with three (3) public meetings being held within that time frame. Mr. McGlumphy felt that the amendments should go forward as proposed and suggested that the MPO work with the Planning Department as the study moves along.
Mr. Wutka stated that the original scope of the SR 8 corridor study included providing short, intermediate, and long term recommendations while the study was underway and that it may be possible to include an update regarding the City’s proposed changes within the short term recommendations. Mr. DePrima stated that the ordinance would be basically preserved, even with the suggested amendments.
Mr. James Hutchison, Representative for Commerce Bank, stated that he strongly supported the proposed amendments to the COZ-1 ordinance. He also agreed that there have been success stories along Route 8; however, there have been others, such as the Happy Harry’s store that moved from the area.
Mr. Lewis moved to table the proposed Corridor Overlay Zone 1 text amendment until the meeting of October 24, 2006 to allow staff time to clarify the definition of superior urban design. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.
Proposed Change of Meeting Day and Time
Mr. Ruane proposed moving the Safety Advisory and Transportation meeting to the Tuesday following the fourth Monday of each month and that the meeting time be 4:00 p.m.
Mrs. Russell moved to approve the recommended meeting day and time change for the October 24, 2006 meeting only, seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.
Alum Injection Study Update - Silver Lake Commission
During their regular meeting of November 9, 2005, Mr. David Edgell, Chairman of the Silver Lake Commission, provided an update on the Silver Lake Water Quality Study and the idea of exploring alum treatments to control algae blooms. He explained that an apparatus would inject an alum solution into the water, which would cause the phosphorous to fall from the algae and create a thin, crusty layer on the bottom of the lake which would prevent the particles from re-suspending into the water. Mr. Edgell stated that this method, which would greatly reduce the algae in the lake, had been used successfully in many areas throughout the country on lakes of varying sizes and was recommended by the Department of Natural Resources (DNREC).
Mr. Edgell stated that URS completed a Silver Lake Water Quality Management Alum Treatment Feasibility Study (Attachment #3) with funding provided by DNREC. Mr. Edgell provided a summary report (Attachment #4) regarding the study and indicated that the alum dosages required to lower the concentration of phosphorous in the water would cause the water to become more acidic and would increase the residual aluminum concentrations in the water to alarming concentrations; therefore, the Alum System will not be pursued. Mr. Edgell also noted that a series of studies have been completed since 1995 and it is believed that a combination of these studies, along with a management plan, would help solve the problem as a whole.
Mr. Zachary Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation indicated that he was recently advised of a foreign substance being seen in the lake. An initial investigation determined that it was either caused by an algae bloom or possibly latex paint. Further research will be done to determine what it was. He also stated that a summer activity statistics presentation for Silver Lake would be presented during the October 24, 2006 meeting.
Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update
Mr. DePrima informed members that the Puncheon Run Watershed Study has been completed and a meeting is currently being scheduled between DNREC and the City of Dover for review.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Townshend noted that the Kesselring and Eden Hill projects are exceeding the current requirements for stormwater management.
Mr. DePrima noted that a subaqueous permit for the removal of the sandbar and some of the riprap at the Governors Avenue bridge will be submitted to DNREC by the Public Utilities Department.
Mr. Ruane indicated that the State is funding the rehabilitation of all stormwater management ponds within New Castle County even though New Castle County is partly responsible for the maintenance.
John W. Pitts Recreation Center Update
Mr. Zachary Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that due to the receipt of only one (1) bid, in the amount of $2.9 million, the construction of the project is currently being re-bid with a new bid due date of November 6, 2006. A few alternatives added to the bidding process, to be more cost-efficient, are removing the bleachers and air conditioning from the gymnasium, along with eliminating the outside brickwork.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. DePrima stated that the goal is to retrofit the gymnasium for a geothermal system, to be installed at a later date. He also noted that confirmation from several local Legislators has been received regarding contributing funds towards the construction of the parking lot.
Library Site Search Committee Update
Mr. Carter stated that Ms. Sheila Anderson, Director of the Dover Public Library, recently provided the City Manager with information regarding how the City and County could work and manage the library together. He also noted that staff would explore Federal funding for the library project.
Mr. DePrima noted that a meeting with representatives from the Post Office and their Architects and Engineers has been scheduled for October 16, 2006. Potential locations will also be reviewed during that meeting.
CDBG Program Update
Mrs. Townshend advised members that an update would be provided during the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Mr. McGlumphy moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:41 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
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S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes200610-10-2006 PR&CE.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Proposed Zoning Text Amendment - Storage of Furniture and Appliances Outdoors
Attachment #2 - Correspondence - Harbeson and Wutka
Attachment #3 - Silver Lake Water Quality Management Alum Treatment Feasibility Study (to original and file copy)
Attachment #4 - Silver Lake Water Quality - Is Alum Treatment a Solution? Presentation (to original and file copy)