OPEN TOWN MEETING
An Open Town Meeting was held on March 18, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Ruane, Mr. Speed, Mr. Truitt, and Mrs. Williams. Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Ritter, and Mr. Salters were absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mayor Hutchison requested the deletion of Item E - Greater Dover Committee. Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Speed and unanimously carried.
Silver Lake Commission (Sherman Townsend, Chair)
Mr. Sherman Townsend, Chairman of the Silver Lake Commission, stated that the Commission’s main objective is to improve the water quality at Silver Lake. He informed members that, thanks to local legislators, $300,000 is being held in an account to assist in the cleanup of Silver Lake. In the late 1980's and early 1990's, the State of Delaware had several local ponds dredged, however, the long term benefits of dredging have not yet been determined; therefore, dredging Silver Lake is not being considered. Mr. Townsend informed members that the results of a study completed several years ago indicated that Silver Lake may be treated with Allum, which is a process that involves injecting Allum (a type of metal) into the lake. By doing so, a crust will form over the nutrients and mud that has accumulated at the bottom of the lake. The study will need to be updated to determine if a permit is needed from DNREC. It is the hope of the Commission to have the equipment in place by the end of summer (2004).
Mr. Townsend stated that all storm sewers north of Division Street to Pearson’s Corner empty into Silver Lake. Over the years, the Commission has worked closely with the Soil Conservation District to provide funding for local farmers to install filter strips along the edge of their ditches.
Mr. Townsend explained that last year, due to the lack of funding, lifeguards were not hired to patrol Silver Lake. He requested that Council strongly reconsider funding (approximately $30,000) for lifeguards for the upcoming summer months.
Mayor Hutchison thanked Mr. Townsend for his many years of dedicated service to the Silver Lake Commission.
Dover Human Relations Commission (Ret. Col. John J. Kotzun, Chair)
Col. Kotzun, newly appointed Chairman of the Dover Human Relations Commission, reported that the Human Relations Commission is in its second year of operation, and has devoted itself to establishing short term and long term goals in order to carry out the visions of the Commission. During the past year, the Commission has increased visibility and awareness by promoting better race relations and understanding. In an attempt to analyze the needs of the City, and areas of concern, a survey was randomly distributed throughout the Dover community. When completed, the survey will serve as a valuable tool in measuring where the City of Dover stands in regards to Human Relations and will assist the Commission, as well as the City, in setting realistic goals to address concerns.
Hearings have been conducted to address concerns of Civic Associations and complainants. The issues ranged from increased police protection to area noise control. The Commission has developed a web site that highlights the Commissions commitment and shares their progress. For additional information, associated links have been provided to raise the level of awareness. The Commission was active in the following programs: Race Equality Week, Martin Luther King Day, and Race Unity Day. The Commission took several steps to increase their educational development by receiving civil rights and parliamentary training. To recognize and celebrate the City’s diversity, future initiatives include working with different ethnic groups in an attempt to organize an Ethnic Festival.
As the incoming Chairman, (Ret.) Col. Kotzun requested that City Council members conduct meetings within their designated districts (via church groups or civic associations). He stated that the open communication would benefit the citizens of Dover as well as Council.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, (Ret.) Col. Kotzun indicated that the desired composition of the Human Relations Commission would be a cross section of all ethnic groups that live in the City.
Dover Public Library Commission (Morris Eskenazi)
Mr. Morris Eskenazi, member of the Dover Public Library Commission, indicated that the Commission meets every other month to discuss library statistics and methods to improve the library system. Recently, a consultant was hired to determine the future space needs for the library. The consultants conducted several library focus group meetings with key library users, council members, staff, and parents. A final report is expected to be completed in May 2004. Mr. Eskenazi provided the following information for the year of 2003: 181,000 people visited the Dover Public Library; a total of 300,000 items were checked out from the library, a 21% increase from the previous year; 4,000 people obtained library cards; library staff answered over 17,000 reference questions; over 18,000 children attended programs that were specifically geared toward their age group; and, 600 adults attended programs such as book discussions, music programs, and poetry readings.
The Dover Public Library is open seven (7) days a week, for a total of 76 hours per week to service Dover’s community. Mr. Eskenazi complimented the library staff for their hard work and dedication. He informed members that the library is extremely overcrowded. Due to the lack of space, it is difficult for patrons to find adequate seating, books are stacked on top of each other, and windowsills are being used as book shelves. He indicated that the lack of parking continues to be a problem.
Mr. Eskenazi stated that the most generous supporters of the Library are the Friends of the Dover Library. He introduced the Mr. Irving Levitt, President of Friends of the Dover Library, who also serves as a liaison to the Dover Public Library Commission.
Mr. Levitt stated that all the members of Friends of the Dover Library are volunteers and that all proceeds collected funds library services, primarily for capital items, such as furniture, books shelves, and carpeting. Funds are also used for purchasing the books needed for the book discussion groups. As a result of the library focus groups, Mr. Levitt believes that in the near future, the City will need to expand the current library or build a branch library. He indicated that the Friends of the Dover Library currently has $150,000 that they would be willing to donate for the purchase of furniture, carpeting, and book shelves for the expansion or the building of a branch library. Mr. Levitt informed members that Mrs. Mitchell, Finance Director/Treasurer, performs audits for the Friends of the Dover Library.
Mr. Levitt stated that is necessary to update the fees that Kent County is paying for allowing county residents to use the services of the Dover Library. He stated that more than half of those visiting the library live outside the City of Dover limits.
Dover Parking Authority (Lyle P. DeMarie, Chair)
Mr. DeMarie was not present to speak on behalf of the Dover Parking Authority.
Subject Matter Presented from the Floor by Citizens
There was no one present wishing to speak.
Mayor Hutchison thanked the presenters for their time and commitment.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Williams and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 P.M.
LISA C. GARDNER
SECRETARY
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during the Open Town Meeting of March 18, 2004, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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