UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on June 14, 2004, at 5:30 p.m. with Chairman Carey presiding. Members present were Councilmen Ruane and Sadusky, Mr. Cregar, and Mr. Snaman. Members of Council present were Mr. Pitts, Mr. Slavin (arrived at 5:50 p.m.), Mr. Ritter, Mr. Hogan, Mrs. Williams, and Mayor Speed.
Agenda Additions/Deletions
Mr. Ruane moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Proposed Amendments to the City of Dover Electric Service Handbook - Small Commercial Services
During their meeting of April 27, 2004, members deferred action regarding proposed amendments to the Electric Service Handbook relating to Small Commercial Services. Staff provided examples of the small commercial services, as follows: Lakeland Business Park, Woodbrook Professional Center and the new Becker Morgan building. During 2003, there was a net gain of 39 new small commercial services. The City currently provides the same services for small commercial business customers as residential customers, which is creating problems. Mr. DePrima explained that residential customers normally have one service and commercial customers may have multiple services to the same building.
Staff recommended that Section C1-517, C1-519, C1-520 and E1-341 of the Electric Service Handbook be amended as presented.
Mr. Ruane moved for approval of staff’s recommendation (Attachment #1), seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
Request for Street Width Waiver - Clearview Meadows
The applicants of Clearview Meadows have requested a waiver from the City of Dover Subdivision Street design standards set forth in the Land Subdivision Regulations of the Dover Code, Appendix A, Article VI, Section A. Specifically, the applicant has requested a reduction of the paved street width from the minimum thirty-eight (38) foot paved width requirement to permit a paved width of thirty-two (32) feet. The entrance streets will remain at 38 feet. The right-of-way will be maintained at sixty (60) feet. The streets will be dedicated to the City of Dover.
Mr. Galvin advised members that the plan proposes to establish a Planned Neighborhood Development on 88.2647+/- acres to be known as Clearview Meadows. The property is located on the south side of North Little Creek Road, north of South Little Creek Road and east of Babb Drive. The property is zoned R-8 (One Family Residence), R-10 (One Family Residence), RM-1 (Medium Density Residential), and RM-2 (Medium Density Residence). He advised members that this property was part of the plan for the development known as Amberfield, which has since expired. The owner of record is John Hunn Brown and the equitable owner is Marta Homes, Inc.
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed street width waiver request as part of its review of the Conceptual Subdivision Plan for Clearview Meadows and recommended approval of the reduction of the paved street width from 38 feet to 32 feet while retaining a 60 foot right-of-way. Portions of the main entrance road from North and South Little Creek Roads will remain at a paved width of 38 feet.
It was noted that the Fire Department requested that the minor roads not be reduced from 38 feet to 32 feet. Members were advised of a Safety Advisory Committee Meeting held on June 2, 2004, at which the Fire Chief advised members of his concerns regarding street width waiver requests. He explained that the narrower streets inhibit larger fire apparatus from maneuvering, especially when there are parked vehicles. Staff was authorized to develop amendments to the street width requirements, with a recommendation to the Committee provided for the July 14, 2004 meeting.
Mr. Galvin reminded members that during the referenced committee meeting, there was discussion regarding the possibility of options being provided to developers, such as parking on both sides of a 36-foot street, parking on one side of a 32-foot street, and no parking on a 28-foot street. He advised members that a meeting has been scheduled with the Fire Chief, City Manager, and himself to work on agreeable amendments.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend approval of the reduction of the paved street width from 38 feet to 32 feet, inside the development, with the understanding that parking be permitted on only one side. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sadusky.
In response to concerns of Mr. Snaman, Mr. Ritter suggested that “no parking” signs be installed in the development before the issuance of any construction permits or the sale of units. Mr. Koenig stated that although the signs can be installed, he advised members that the Police Department will not enforce the restriction because the roads will be private property until they are dedicated to the City of Dover. It was felt that most people would abide by the signage and would not be aware that the streets have not been dedicated.
Mr. Carey suggested that the motion include requiring the islands to be recessed, as requested by the Public Works, Fire, and Police Departments. He explained that this would require the islands to be moved back from the main intersection roadway.
Responding, Mr. Galvin stated that DelDOT would be notified of these concerns and requested to amend their requirements accordingly.
Mr. Ruane agreed to include Mr. Carey’s suggestion in his motion, as did the seconder, Mr. Sadusky.
The motion to recommend approval of the reduction of the paved street width from 38 feet to 32 feet while inside the development, with the understanding that parking be permitted on only one side, and that the islands be recessed in accordance with concerns of the Public Works, Fire, and Police Departments was carried with Mr. Cregar voting no.
Briefing on Electric Rate Study
Due to the recent election, new members of Council have been elected and new civilian members have been appointed to serve on the Utility Committee. It was Mr. Carey’s feeling that these members should be provided information regarding the Electric Rate Study so that when the time comes to forward a recommendation to Council, all members will have the details to formulate an opinion. As requested, Mr. DePrima briefed members on the status of the Recommendations of the Electric Rate Study Implementation Committee, dated February 24, 2004 (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
Mr. Snaman moved to recess into executive session to discuss legal matters in accordance with 29 Del. C. 10004(b)(4), to provide a briefing to members on the Dover Air Force Base Privatization Contract. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
Meeting recessed at 6:34 p.m. and reconvened at 6:49 p.m.
Mr. Sadusky moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Carleton E. Carey, Sr.
Chairman
CEC/jg
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Attachment
Attachment #1 - Proposed Amendments to the City of Dover Electric Service Handbook - Small Commercial Services