UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on August 22, 2005, at 5:30 p.m. with Chairman Carey presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Sadusky, Mr. Cregar, and Mr. Snaman. Members of Council present were Mr. Ritter (arrived at 5:40 p.m.), Mr. Hogan, and Council President Williams. Mayor Speed was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Sadusky moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Cooperative Agreement with Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) for Voluntary Curbside Recycling
In September 2005, the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) will begin offering voluntary curbside recycling in Kent County. This is an expansion of the program that has been active in New Castle County for over a year. In New Castle County there are 4,316 customers using this service, with the average customer recycling 26 lbs. per week. Customers pay $6 per month for the service unless they are served by a waste hauler who partners with the DSWA and offers a discount.
Members were provided a letter dated June 13, 2005 from the DSWA requesting that the City of Dover enter into a partnership similar to the partnerships that DSWA has with private haulers in New Castle County. In this proposal, the City of Dover would act as the enrolling and billing agent for the program and, in exchange, the DSWA would reduce the household charge from $6 to $4. The DSWA would run the program, including providing recycling containers and bags, educational and promotional programs, and weekly pickup. The DSWA recycling pickup days would be the same as our trash pickup.
Mr. DePrima advised members that several residents currently use the recycling drop-off centers. According to the recent citizen survey, 56% of the respondents in 2005 and 58% in 2004, which represents approximately 6,800 households, indicated that they recycle paper, cans and/or bottles. When asked how they would rate the quality of recycling services, the citizens rated the City only 45 out of 100 points--one of the lowest ranking services. It was Mr. DePrima’s opinion that those residents who participate in the voluntary drop-off program would like the option of paying for the convenience of curbside recycling and that they would appreciate the $2 per month discount that the cooperative agreement would afford.
Mr. DePrima indicated that a curbside recycling program would probably increase recycling usage in Dover because some residents do not participate using the igloos; however, they would pay for curbside recycling because of its convenience. It is also assumed that more people would use the program if the cost was $4 per month rather than $6 per month. The increased recycling usage will reduce the City’s landfill costs. For example, assuming that 60 households (one-half percent of households) start recycling as a result of the program, 40.5 tons of waste would be diverted per year from the City’s sanitation trucks. This would reduce the City’s landfill fees by approximately $2,500 per year. In addition to this savings, there would be five (5) fewer trips taken to the landfill, which would reduce gas and truck maintenance costs. It would also save five (5) hours of travel time which allows additional hours of operations in the City. These cost and labor savings would more than make up for the costs involved in enrolling participants and adding the fee to our existing utility bills.
Mr. Richard Von Stetten, DSWA, assured members that for a fee of $6.00 per month, DSWA will pick up all recycling and that for an additional $3.00, the customer is entitled to dispose of yard waste (4 “tan” bags per week). He stated that curbside recycling in the City could result in the removal of the igloos, depending on their continued use. In accordance with the proposed agreement, the DSWA would be responsible and provide for all advertising and customer services. The City would only be responsible for the billing aspect of the agreement. Mr. Von Stetten indicated that in order to provide the service at $4.00 per month, it would be necessary to have a minimum of 500 customers.
Mr. Ruane relayed concern with the discount being based on the number of customers. Responding, Mr. Von Stetten stated that a minimum of 500 customers would make it affordable for DSWA to provide the discount. He also advised members that there are users who currently pay full price for this service and that the reduced price is offered in conjunction with a partnership with a waste hauler who provides for a minimum number of customers.
Mr. Ruane moved to table the item to provide the City Manager the opportunity to meet with the DSWA to clarify a definitive minimum number of customers and cost. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
During the latter part of the meeting, Mr. Carey advised members that the City Manager and representatives of the DSWA had discussed the customer and cost issues further and have reached an agreement.
Mr. Snaman moved to remove the item from the table, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.
Mr. DePrima advised members that the DSWA is willing to offer a pilot program for one year at $4.00 per month for each customer, with the goal of obtaining 500 customers. If that goal is not achieved, the matter will be re-evaluated. The customers will be notified of any price change and will be provided the opportunity to discontinue the service.
Mr. Ritter questioned how damage caused by DSWA trucks would be handled. Responding, Mr. Von Stetten indicated that DSWA would manage any damage complaints and assured members that they would take responsibility in this regard.
Mr. DePrima stated that once approved, the City would be responsible for signing up customers and notifying the DSWA to begin recycling pickup. The assigned pickup days for residents will not change, both household and recycle trash will be managed the same day.
Mr. Ritter requested that customers be reminded that recycling is considered waste and that they should not put the bags out for pickup prior to 7:00 p.m., in accordance with the City’s ordinance.
Responding to Mrs. Williams, Mr. Tom Houska, Chief of Administrative Services with DSWA, advised members that the legislation introduced by the Governor does not include mandatory recycling. He stated that he is not aware of any State that mandates recycling.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that the City enter into a cooperative agreement with DSWA for a pilot voluntary curbside recycling program with the rates ($4 per month, per household) being in accordance with the letter dated June 13, 2005 (Attachment #1), with the understanding that the DSWA would have the option to re-evaluate the pricing only after one (1) year if the minimum customer base of 500 is not achieved, and provide the customers the option to opt out if the price for the service increases. The motion was seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Ms. Tonda Parks, Director of DSWA, Citizens Affairs Committee, stated that she is a resident who has voluntarily signed up for the service at the $6.00 rate and relayed appreciation to the City for their willingness to participate in this program.
Annexation Request - 174 Mifflin Road - owned by Mary Francis O’Connor
Members reviewed a request for annexation of property located at 174 Mifflin Road, owned by Mary Francis O’Connor, with a zoning classification of RS-1 - Single Family Residential (Kent County). The Department of Public Works has determined that the City does have the ability to provide utilities sufficient for the proposed uses.
Mr. Galvin, Director of Planning and Inspections, indicated that the annexation/rezoning request is scheduled to be considered by Council during their Regular Meeting later in the evening and that if approved, the request will be referred to the Planning Commission for September 19, 2005 and a public hearing before City Council would be scheduled for October 24, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Snaman moved to recommend that the City move forward with the consideration of the annexation request for property located at 174 Mifflin Road (Attachment #2 - Resolution Setting Annexation Referendum for October 13, 2005). The motion was seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried. City Clerk’s Office Note: Consideration of an annexation request by the committee is to consider infrastructure issues and the ability to provide city services; therefore, approval of the committee’s recommendation does not annex said property. Final action on this annexation request will take place during the Council Meeting of October 24, 2005.
Annexation Request - Properties Located West of State Route 1, Adjacent to Old Leipsic Road and Leipsic Road, and North of Finish Line Drive - owned by Dover International Speedway, Inc.
Members reviewed a request for annexation of property located west of State Route 1, adjacent to Old Leipsic Road and Leipsic Road, and north of Finish Line Drive, consisting of 17 parcels totaling 11.08+/- acres, owned by Dover International Speedway, Inc., with a zoning classification of AR - Agricultural Residential (Kent County). The Department of Public Works has determined that the City does have the ability to provide utilities sufficient for the proposed uses.
Mr. Galvin, Director of Planning and Inspections, indicated that the annexation/rezoning request is scheduled to be considered by Council during their Regular Meeting later in the evening and that if approved, the request will be referred to the Planning Commission for September 19, 2005 and a public hearing before City Council would be scheduled for October 24, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Ruane noted that typically, during the committee review of annexation requests, members are provided a cost benefit analysis with the packet material and questioned if the procedure had been changed. Responding, Mr. Galvin stated that the information has not been completed for presentation to members; however, he assured members that the information would be provided to Council when they consider the annexation for approval.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that the City move forward with the consideration of the annexation request for properties located west of State Route 1, adjacent to Old Leipsic Road and Leipsic Road, and north of Finish Line Drive, consisting of 17 parcels totaling 11.08+/- acres (Attachment #3 - Resolution Setting Annexation Referendum for October 13, 2005). The motion was seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried. City Clerk’s Office Note: Consideration of an annexation request by the committee is to consider infrastructure issues and the ability to provide city services; therefore, approval of the committee’s recommendation does not annex said property. Final action on this annexation request will take place during the Council Meeting of October 24, 2005.
Mr. Ruane moved to forward these annexation requests to Council for their review and consideration during their meeting later in the evening, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
Update - Division Street Water Main Upgrade
Mr. Koenig provided members an update on the Division Street Water Main Upgrade, explaining that the initial scoping of the project provided for the work to begin at State Street and continue across U.S. 13 to the rear of Edgehill Shopping Center. There was a 16" main installed in the early 1990's that came in from the Water Treatment Plant. Currently there are two (2) older mains in State Street : the original water system main, installed approximately 1881-1883, which remains in service; and 2) a larger diameter main. Both of these lines are cast iron. Staff has been developing a reasonable alignment that would put the new water main in an advantageous location for both the State of Delaware and City of Dover and reduces potential impact from vibration, traffic, etc.
Mr. Koenig stated that staff has concluded that with the tightness of the right-of-way and the other utility lines located in the right-of-way, digging work will begin along the southern side, immediately adjacent to the old water line. Once Council approved the time and material contract with George & Lynch, a scoping meeting was held to review the location of the line, estimated construction schedule, and the ability to install the line to be completed before the paving program. All the necessary permits should be obtained by the end of this week to allow construction to proceed.
Mr. Koenig advised members that DelDOT wishes to begin the paving project in this area by mid-September. Therefore, it is imperative that the City begin this project immediately, which is what staff has been and will continue to work towards.
Mr. Snaman moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:27 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Carleton E. Carey, Sr.
Chairman
CEC/jg
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20058-22-2005 Utility.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Letter dated June 13, 2005 from Thomas E. Houska, Chief of Administrative Services for DSWA
Attachment #2 - Annexation Resolution - 174 Mifflin Road
Attachment #3 - Annexation Resolution - West of State Route 1, Adjacent to Old Leipsic Road and Leipsic Road, and North of Finish Line Drive