Regular City Council Meeting
iCal

Feb 27, 2006 at 12:00 AM

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Council Meeting was held on February 27, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Williams presiding. Council members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Sadusky, Mrs. Russell, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Hogan, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Ruane.

Council staff members present were Police Chief Horvath, Ms. Russell, Mrs. Mitchell, Deputy Fire Chief Osika, Mr. DePrima, City Solicitor Rodriguez, Mrs. Green, and Mayor Speed.

OPEN FORUM

The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President Williams declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action.

There was no one present wishing to speak during the Open Forum.

The invocation was given by Chaplain Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Ritter requested the addition of item #5-E - Discussion - Increase of Bond Limit, under the consent agenda.

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.

Mr. Ritter requested that item #7C - Resolution of Outstanding Utility Billing (Schwartz Center), be removed from the Consent Agenda.

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the Consent Agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 13, 2006

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 13, 2006 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters and bore the written approval of Mayor Speed.

PRESENTATION - RECOGNITION OF SERVICE - JOHN J. KOTZUN - DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION (APRIL 2002 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2006)

On behalf of members of Council, Mayor Speed presented Mr. John J. Kotzun with a Dover Cup in recognition of his service on the Dover Human Relations Commission from April 2002 through February 2006.

CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - WESLEY COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM -2005 ACFC CHAMPIONS AND 2005 NCAA SOUTH REGIONAL CHAMPIONS

The following Certificate of Recognition was read into the record by Mayor Speed:

Certificate of Recognition

presented to the

Wesley College Football Team

2005 Atlantic Central Football

Conference Champions & 2005 NCAA

Division III-South Regional Champions

The City of Dover extends sincere congratulations

on a successful season!

Monday, February 27, 2006

CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION - STUFF THE TRAILER CAMPAIGN

The following Certificate of Recognition was read into the record by Mayor Speed:

Certificate of Appreciation

presented to the following contributors to the

“Stuff the Trailer” Collection Drive

Bob Edgell of Teal Construction, Richard Weyandt of Delmarva Kenworth, Gary Stover and Doug Burns of Stover Homes, Kevin Brittingham of 84 Lumber, Lowes Home Improvement Warehouse, Jim Cook and Playtex, Robert MacLeish of Lighthouse Construction, Bernard Tudor of Dover Electric Supply, Shawn Mercer of Mercer Dental, Dover Downs Hotel/Casino and the staff of Chesapeake Utilities.

The City of Dover extends sincere thanks

for your generosity

Monday, February 27, 2006

The following Certificate of Recognition was read into the record by Mayor Speed:

Certificate of Appreciation

presented to the following volunteers who gave their

time and energy to support the

“Stuff the Trailer” Collection Drive

Zach Carter, Ray Cola, Ron Cotton, Matt Clendaniel, Tony DePrima, Steve Enss, Lisa Gardner, Linda Gomes, Janice Green, Mike Howey, Dick Hudson, Cheryl Jackson, Jeff Moore, Sherwanda Rachel, Councilwoman Sophia Russell and Steve Sax

The City of Dover extends sincere thanks and

appreciation for your efforts

Monday, February 27, 2006

PRESENTATION - DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 2005 (GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION)

The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for Fiscal Year beginning July 2005, from Government Finance Officers Association, was awarded to the City of Dover. This award signifies the excellent manner in which the City prepares and presents its budget. Council President Williams presented the award to Mr. DePrima, City Manager and commended the budget team for their efforts.

Mr. DePrima relayed appreciation to members of Council and the budget team (Mrs. Tieman, Mrs. Mitchell, Finance Director/Treasurer) who played a major role in the preparation of the document. He also thanked staff for their diligent work and cooperative efforts.

PROCLAMATION - EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY

The Mayor read the following Proclamation into the record:

WHEREAS, year after year City of Dover employees continue to work hard for our community and our citizens; and

WHEREAS, all employees of the City of Dover strive daily to promote Community Excellence Through Quality Service; and

WHEREAS, due to the teamwork and the commitment of our employees, the citizens of Dover are able to enjoy some of the lowest utility and tax rates in this region; and

WHEREAS, the City of Dover values its employees, recognizing that every member of the work force - from meter reader to engineer, laborer to policeman, dispatcher to secretary - is an integral part of the day-to-day operations of the City of Dover; and its success is due largely to the pride and efforts of its employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Stephen R. Speed, Mayor, of the City of Dover, do hereby proclaim Friday, March 3, 2006 EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY in the City of Dover and recognize the dedication and hard work of all City of Dover employees, and request that all citizens take a moment to thank a City of Dover employee for their outstanding service to our community.

PRESENTATION - ELECTRIC DEREGULATION - MR. BRUCE BURCAT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

During the Regular Council Meeting of February 13, 2006, Mr. Slavin noted that there has been a great deal of discussion regarding deregulation and electricity and fuel costs. Having received a number of questions from his constituents regarding this matter, Mr. Slavin requested that a presentation be made at the next Council Meeting to explain in laymen's terms what has happened, what citizens can expect and when.

Mr. Bruce Burcat, Executive Director of the Public Service Commission (PSC), advised members that the PSC regulates Delmarva Power and the Delaware Electric Cooperative. There are nine (9) municipal systems that are not regulated by the PSC, including the City of Dover. The PSC fully regulates the delivery service, including distribution and transmission.

In 1999, the Electric Restructuring Act was passed by the General Assembly and enacted in March of 1999. The act deregulated the supply portion of the electric business, which on a typical customer bill represents approximately 60% of the cost. The proponents of deregulation thought that deregulation would keep prices down and make more choices available to customers; however, competition has not developed as they had expected. Because Delmarva Power was merging with PEPCO Services, they extended the rate caps until 2003, and, through agreement, it was again extended until May 1, 2006.

Mr. Burcat stated that they requested bid proposals from suppliers in the region and there were significant increases. He noted that, on average, there was a 59% increase for residential customers and increases to business customers ranged between 47% and118%. Mr. Burcat advised members that they were working very closely with the General Assembly and the Governor’s administration to mitigate the impact of the increases on customers, especially residential and low income customers who can least afford the increase.

Mr. Burcat noted that the price of the essential fuels used to generate electricity, such as natural gas, coal, and oil have increased dramatically, resulting in an increase in electric generation costs. One of the reasons there has been an increase specifically for Delmarva customers is that, under the Electric Restructuring Act, Delmarva was able to sell their low cost generating units, such as their interest in regional nuclear plants and the Indian River plant. Another factor in the increase is that the market rules make it very difficult for wholesale electricity suppliers to find prices that are reflective of the lower cost energy that is in the region. Mr. Burcat stated that they have been working with the PJM market place, which is federally regulated, to try to change its market rules to improve the process for securing power in this region.

Mr. Burcat stated that the Public Service Commission would continue to work with the General Assembly and the Governor’s administration to reduce the impact of the enormous rate increases.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Burcat stated that he did not believe that franchise areas have an impact on pricing. He noted that the PSC does not have the authority to change the franchise areas unless there is an agreement to do so.

LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT - FEBRUARY 13, 2006

The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met on February 13, 2006 with Councilman Slavin presiding in the absence of Chairman Salters.

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2005

In accordance with Section 46 of the City Charter, the City's financial books are audited by independent auditors each year. The Assistant Finance Director/Treasurer, Mr. Howie, submitted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2005. It was noted that all financial transactions were audited by the selected C.P.A. firm of Faw Casson & Company, whose opinion has been included in the report. The City has received the Award of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Governmental Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for the last 20 years. Mr. Howie gave a Power Point Presentation which highlighted the key points of this year’s CAFR.

The committee recommended acceptance of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2005, as recommended by staff.

By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

Analysis of Impediments - Addendum to 2005 Consolidated Plan (CDBG)

The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City of Dover to submit a Consolidated Plan application in order to receive Community Development Block Grant funds. 24 CFR Part 91.225(1) that governs the Consolidated Plan application requires the City to conduct an analysis to identify impediments to fair housing choice within the jurisdiction and take appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through that analysis.

Mrs. Tracey Harvey, Director of Community Development, advised members that the Delaware State Housing Authority contracted the Center of Community Research at the University of Delaware to conduct an Analysis of Impediments (AI) study for the State of Delaware. The plan was completed in September of 2003 and an addendum to the AI was completed in January 2004. The City of Dover was incorporated in the development of the Analysis of Impediments and assisted in the development of the Fair Housing Plan to remedy the impediments that were identified during the study.

The HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity conducted an onsite technical assistance visit on July 21, 2004 during which it was agreed that the City would tailor the AI for Dover and make an addendum to the State’s AI. Once this is accomplished, the City would adopt the State’s AI Plan and incorporate the City’s addendum to the 2005 Consolidated Plan.

Members reviewed an addendum prepared by the Community Development Department which provides corrective actions to remedy the impediments of Lack of Affordable Housing General and for Persons with Disabilities; Lack of Fair Housing Education and Outreach; and Segregated Housing and Fair Housing Programs and Activities for the City of Dover.

The committee recommended approval of the Addendum to the 2005 Consolidated Plan, as recommended by staff.

By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

Resolution of Outstanding Utility Billing (Schwartz Center)

For the past few years, the Schwartz Center for the Arts has had financial difficulties resulting in its incurrence of an outstanding utility bill in the amount of $33,782. The City Manager and Dr. Scott Miller, President of Wesley College, discussed this issue. Dr. Miller suggested that the City forgive one-half of the outstanding balance, and that the remaining one-half be paid over an 18-month period at $1,000 per month. The Schwartz Center has been paying current utility bills steadily since August 2004.

The proposal was discussed with both Mayor Speed and Council President Williams, and they as well as the City Manager, felt this would not be acceptable to Council. The City Manager wrote a letter to Dr. Miller dated September 22, 2005 outlining the following alternative which was felt would be more acceptable to Council:

          The City of Dover would purchase $16,000 in services in advance from the Schwartz Center. The Schwartz Center staff would in turn take this cash payment and use it to pay off $16,000 of its outstanding debt. The City would then accept the $1,000 per month payment to pay off the remaining debt of $17,782 over approximately 18 months.

          The City of Dover, at its convenience, would use the pre-purchased services of the Center over time. The services the City would be interested in would be room rental for meetings and tickets for distribution. Tickets would be distributed to employees and volunteers for incentives and gifts of appreciation. Another option would be to distribute them to children through our recreation, library, and community development programs. Ticket distribution would have the added benefit of bringing people to the Center who would not otherwise be exposed to the outstanding performances offered.

Mr. DePrima stated that approval of the concept outlined in his letter would be a "win-win" for both parties. The City does have a need to hold off-site meetings at times, and we already provide incentives to employees through our Bonus Program. Providing tickets to children for various performances would serve as an outreach effort and allow many children who would be unable to experience cultural activities to do so. The City recruits many volunteers for different activities -especially through our Parks, Recreation and Library Department; and providing tickets to the Schwartz Center would be one more way of showing how much the City appreciates their services.

Mr. Wayne Holden, Vice President of the Schwartz Center Board of Directors, stated that the Board could have taken legal recourse, such as bankruptcy, to avoid paying the outstanding debt; however, they preferred to eliminate their debt responsibly.

Dr. Scott Miller advised members that a consortium of The Friends of the Capital Theater, Delaware State University, and Wesley College was formed to address the day-to-day operations and, as a result, the Center has been doing well since July 2004.

The committee recommended allowing the City to purchase $16,000 in services and allow the Schwartz Center to pay off the balance of $17,782 at the rate of $1,000 per month, as recommended by staff.

Mr. Ritter stated that he appreciates how hard Dr. Miller and the Board of the Schwartz Center have been working to get out of the debt situation they have encountered; however, he could not support the idea of paying goods and/or services to relinquish their debt for electric services. Mr. Ritter reminded members that the Dover Art League was in a similar situation last year and the City did not make an agreement to help them with their situation. He also felt that this would set a precedence.

Mr. Hogan moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to allow the City to purchase $16,000 in services and allow the Schwartz Center to pay off the balance of $17,782 at the rate of $1,000 per month. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Ritter).

Proposed Ordinance Amendment - Requirement to Audio Tape Meetings

Members were provided a proposed amendment to Division 2, Section 2-51of the Dover Code which would codify the current practice of audio taping meetings in order to ensure transcription accuracy, enhance accountability and deliver information efficiently to the public.

Mrs. Green, City Clerk, advised members that the recent purchase of new recording equipment has enabled recording in remote locations and the ability to provide the recordings to interested citizens and Council or committee members so that they may listen from their computers. As a result, the length of the meeting minutes has also been reduced.

The committee recommended adoption of the proposed ordinance amendment, as recommended by staff.

By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote. (The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting).

Discussion - Increase of Bond Limit

During the Council Retreat held January 27, 2006, Council members suggested that consideration be given to an increase in the debt limit. Members reviewed Article IV - Financial Affairs, Section 50 - Debt limit, of the City of Dover Charter which authorizes the City to finance public storm sewers, streets and appurtenances up to $1,000,000.00 without a referendum.

Mr. Hogan noted that several local communities have recently increased their debt limits and members felt it was time to discuss increasing the City of Dover’s $1,000,000 limit. Mr. Ruane noted that the City of Laurel increased their debt limit from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 and the Town of Smyrna is authorized to borrow $13.5 million in General Obligation bonds without a referendum.

Mayor Speed suggested that, rather than a fixed amount, the debt limit be based on an index. Mr. Ruane recommended that the debt limit be coordinated with the Capital Improvement Program. He also suggested that consideration be given to raising the City’s ceiling on the bonded indebtedness, which is a percentage of assessed value.

Mr. Carey stated that under normal circumstances this item would be referred to the 2005 Charter Review Committee for their consideration; however, he felt it was important to submit a recommendation to the General Assembly prior to September 2006, when the Charter Review Committee will present its recommendations.

Members requested staff to provide the dollar amount that the debt limit of $1,000,000 would be if it were adjusted for inflation from the time the limit was set and a schedule of the debt limits of other municipalities in Delaware for consideration at the next meeting.

By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

MONTHLY REPORTS - JANUARY 2006

By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters, the following monthly reports were accepted by consent agenda:

            Budget Report

            Chief of Police Report

            City Assessor Report

            City Manager's Report

            Mayor's Report

            Planning and Inspections Report

            Robbins Hose Company No. 1

ANNUAL REPORT - POLICE DEPARTMENT

By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Annual Report of the Police Department, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

EVALUATION OF BIDS - SIGN FACES FOR THE GENERIC SUBDIVISION SIGNS

The City of Dover Department of Public Works has overseen the fabrication construction of a number of subdivision entrance signs over the past several years. Staff created a generic template for these signs and the associated foundation and brickwork. A bid package was prepared for a multi-year contract to fabricate the sign face area for these signs that are being funded by area legislators. The bid package included four specific locations for Fiscal Year 2006; however, the bid package requested bids on multi-year options.

Staff recommended awarding the bid to the low bidder, Eastern Sign Tech, to fabricate sign faces for various subdivision entrance signs for a unit price of $3,218 per location for Fiscal Year 2006 and to authorize staff to exercise the option years of Fiscal 2007 & 2008 for an increase of 5% per year for materials and other associated costs. Staff requested approval of the unit price for this work due to the fact that area legislators may fund more than the original four (4) locations. In addition, staff expects to spend more than $25,000 with this vendor if additional locations are funded. Exercising the option years would also make the value of this contract more than $25,000.

Mr. Hogan moved for approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

RE-TITLING AND RE-GRADING OF CURRENT ELECTRIC DIRECTOR AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR POSITIONS

The City Manager is proposing to make organizational changes to departments, divisions, and offices to improve overall efficiency and decrease costs by aligning the units into functional groups where labor, equipment, vehicles, and supplies could be better shared. Most importantly, customer services could be better coordinated.

Under this plan, electric, water, and sewer utilities will be grouped together and placed under the management of Mr. Sax who will be re-titled “Public Utilities Manager.” This change will allow uniformity of policies in utility management and extension. It will also create one point of contact for construction and planning of utilities. By consolidating the construction and engineering units, staff expects significant savings. There will immediately be a cost savings in the amount of $46,000 (excluding fringe benefits) by deleting an engineering position currently budgeted in the Electric Department.

General government services including sanitation, streets, grounds, planning, inspections, community development, fire marshal, and assessments will be grouped under Mr. Koenig, who will be re-titled “Public Services Manager.” Individual units will not lose their current identity. For example, the Planning Division will remain a division. This group will allow better coordination of services related to growth and development.

This new organization adds responsibility to both Mr. Koenig’s and Mr. Sax’s responsibilities, and re-grading the positions is appropriate and required under the Pay-for-Performance Policy. Staff recommend approval of the re-titling/re-grading of the Electric Director (Grade 133) to Public Utilities Manager (Grade 134), and the Public Works Director (Grade 132) to Public Services Manager (Grade 134).

Mr. Carey moved for approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Sadusky.

Mr. Ritter stated that they could not move forward with the action because of the flowchart presented. Council would have to pass an ordinance to place the City Assessor under the City Manager before going forward with the new plan. Giving this power to the City Manager from the City Assessor gives up the check and balance between the tax assessment and the City budget. He further stated that he could not support the action because the Public Works Director would be in charge of the Planning Department, and that person does not have those specific qualifications. Mr. Ritter stated that the Public Works Director applied for the position of the City Planning Director, but backed out because this new position would put him over the Planning Director. This is sidestepping requirements by not advertising a newly created position that does not have many similarities of the existing position. He felt that Mr. DePrima is trying everything that he can to bring the Public Works Director up in position. The two new positions will be making just about $93,300 after the upward movement. Mr. Ritter suggested that other cuts could be made without reorganizing and that the City should not create new positions for the sake of creating new positions or who has promised who what. This inequity of the hiring practice is not ethically right and does not satisfy the equal employment opportunity. Mr. Ritter stated that this gives the impression of special treatment and preference given to friends or colleagues; therefore, he could not support the action.

Mr. DePrima stated that he was proud to put forward the names that he had and he was proud to have worked with those individuals and both of them have shown absolute capability of doing the job and taking on the added responsibilities that they would be compensated for.

Mr. DePrima stated that the flowcharts were provided for informational purposes and that no action is required. The only action necessary is for the re-titling and re-grading of the two positions. There is no action being taken on the Assessment Department.

Mr. Hogan stated that one of his greatest concerns since being elected to Council was looking at the efficiency and how the City ran. He thought that this was the first step of, hopefully, more steps to streamline the government or chain of command to make the organization much more efficient and work better. Mr. Hogan stated that he was extremely pleased that this is a beginning step and is confident with the people that have been selected for the positions; overall, it was his opinion that this is a good and wise move for the City of Dover.

Mr. Ruane stated that Council spent considerable time evaluating the qualifications of these individuals for the upgradings. They are following very clearly the pay-for-performance standards and are following the position classification process that has been put in place and which Council approved. This notion of re-titling and re-grading does not require public advertisement; this is an internal reorganization and, under those circumstances, we were advised that it is both legal, ethical, and following adopted procedures. He felt it was unfortunate that any aspersions be cast upon the process and to make such claims without any documentation was irresponsible. He thought that Council, in affirming the vote on this item, would show both its confidence in the City Manager for making this proposal, as well as its confidence in the ability of the Public Works Director and Electric Director. He thought that they had received effective and adequate performance appraisals in the past and that their qualifications were explicitly addressed. It was his opinion that they would do a good job for the City in bringing some efficiency and stated that he would vote for it for those reasons.

Mr. Salters stated that he supported the change because combining the positions would save money and make the City more efficient. He noted that they have had some tough times in the Planning and Public Works Departments in the last few years and the moves that are being contemplated would mean better efficiency, better control, and hopefully an increase in the number of projects that are completed so they could move on to higher priority projects. Mr. Salters stated that they wanted to continue to streamline the process so that things could be accomplished in a more efficient manner and when they put their minds together they could make City government better through innovative and creative ideas of management.

The motion for approval of the re-titling/re-grading of the Electric Director (Grade 133) to Public Utilities Manager (Grade 134), and the Public Works Director (Grade 132) to Public Services Manager (Grade 134) was carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes and one (1) no (Mr. Ritter).

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS

Mr. Hogan moved to appoint Ann Marie Townshend to serve as Director of Planning and Inspections at a salary of $73,000, beginning March 20, 2006. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey.

Mr. Ritter stated that he was going to vote no tonight, not against the candidate chosen for the City Planner, but I am voting no because I am against the hiring process that we have shown for this position. The hiring process was flawed because we had one Councilman giving tips to a candidate that was being interviewed. We have also changed the position of the Director of Planning while in the middle of the interviewing process, so this position we advertised will not be the same as the position we are hiring for now. We have an Assistant City Planner, currently, that has been the Interim City Planner twice in the past three years. That person should have moved up according to Mr. DePrima’s logic per the last topic “re-titling and re-grading positions” that we have had already discussed on tonight’s agenda. Or, if the Assistant City Planner knew about the job position changing before the posting, then that person may have applied for the position. Mr. Ritter stated that the process has been severely flawed and tainted during this round of applicants. This position should be re-advertised with a new job description so that the City does not have the appearance of giving people in the “buddy system” favors.

Mr. Ruane stated that he had to take exception and that the casting of aspersions is beyond the pale. He reminded Mr. Ritter of his participation in the discussions. It was his opinion that of all the positions they had interviewed for, this one has gotten the most serious attention during his five years as a member of Council, and that every process was duly followed. He stated that any implication that there has been any underhandedness or any mis-steps is totally without documentation and challenged him to bring any information forward if there is such. Mr. Ruane relayed concern with these kinds of statements being made and it is a disservice to the City.

The motion to appoint Ann Marie Townshend to serve as Director of Planning and Inspections at a salary of $73,000, beginning March 20, 2006 was carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one no (Mr. Ritter).

APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT WILLIAMS - CONSOLIDATED PLAN ADVISORY GROUP: COUNCILMAN SADUSKY (CHAIRMAN), COUNCILMAN RUANE, COUNCILWOMAN RUSSELL, MR. WILLIAM TRUITT, AND MR. JAMES LONG

Council President Williams recommended the appointment of Councilmen Sadusky (Chairman) and Ruane, Councilwoman Russell, Mr. William Truitt and Mr. James Long to serve on the Consolidated Plan Advisory Group for a term to expire May 2006.

By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the appointment of Councilmen Sadusky (Chairman) and Ruane, Councilwoman Russell, Mr. William Truitt and Mr. James Long to serve on the Consolidated Plan Advisory Group, as recommended by Council President Williams. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDED BY MAYOR SPEED - DOVER METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION (MPO) PUBLIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE - LLOYD J. WHEATLEY (TO FILL EXPIRED TERM OF VERNORIS JAMES - TERM TO EXPIRE JULY 2007)

Mayor Speed recommended the appointment of Mr. Lloyd J. Weatley to serve on the Dover Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Public Advisory Committee for a term to expire July 2007 (to fill the expired term of Vernoris James).

By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the appointment of Mr. Lloyd J. Weatley, as recommended by Mayor Speed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCES

Council President Williams reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinance are available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office. Final action by Council on the proposed ordinances will take place during the Second Reading of the ordinances on March 13, 2006.

In accordance with Section 1-9 of the Dover Code, Council acknowledged the First Reading of the Ordinance Amendment as read by the City Clerk, by title only, as follows:

Division 2 - Meetings, Section 2-51 - Regular Meetings - Requirement to Audio Tape Meetings

COUNCIL MEMBERS COMMENTS

Mr. Slavin stated that it had recently come to his attention that Mr. Baxter Weber had to resign as President of the White Oak/Towne Point Community Improvement Association due to his health. Mr. Slavin requested the Mayor to prepare a Certificate of Recognition for Mr. Weber for presentation at the next Council Meeting.

Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:36 P.M.

                                                                                    JANICE C. GREEN

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances, and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Regular Meeting of February 27, 2006, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    STEPHEN R. SPEED

                                                                                    MAYOR

JG/tm

S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCouncil-Minutes20058-22-2005 Council.wpd

Agendas
Attachments