REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on February 2, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President McGlumphy presiding (meeting postponed from January 26, 2004 due to inclement weather). Council members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Speed, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Ruane.
Council staff members present were Chief Horvath, Mr. Cooper, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Galvin, First Assistant Fire Chief Carey, Mr. DePrima, Mr. Noel E. Primos (City Solicitor’s representative), Mrs. Green, and Mayor Hutchison.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President McGlumphy declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council was not in official session and could not take formal action.
Eric O’Brien, 30 North New Street, reiterated his concerns regarding the quality of life surrounding his residence. He noted that the problem of loitering, prostitution, and criminal activity has been on-going for ten (10) years and requested the City to address these concerns.
Council President McGlumphy stated that the Safety Advisory Committee would be discussing these concerns during a meeting scheduled for February 13, 2004 at 3:30 p.m.
The invocation was given by Chaplain Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scout Troop #632.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Referring to item #5-B, Reapportionment of Council District Boundaries - Recommendation of the City of Dover Election Board, Mr. Speed stated that due to the postponement of the Council Meeting of January 26, 2004 and the public notice requirements for a public hearing, the public hearing should be scheduled for February 23, 2004 instead of February 9, 2004.
Mr. Speed moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Salters requested that the following items be extracted from the consent agenda: item #8-E, City Manager’s Report, item #8-F, Planning and Inspections Report, and item #11, Human Relations Commission Reappointments.
Mr. Speed requested that item #8-B, Chief of Police Report, be extracted from the consent agenda.
Mr. Speed moved for approval of the consent agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 12, 2004
By consent agenda, the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 12, 2004 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Speed, seconded by Mr. Carey, and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PRESENTATION - DOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY KEY TAGS (SHEILA ANDERSON, LIBRARY DIRECTOR)
Ms. Sheila Anderson, Library Director, advised members that the City of Dover Public Library has moved forward with implementing key chain library cards, which are now available to any City resident. She stated that they will be more convenient for both the patrons and the library staff. Ms. Anderson presented each member of Council with a key chain library card.
Mr. Ruane congratulated Ms. Anderson on her recently published book entitled Serving Older Teens.
PROCLAMATION - INDIA DAY
The City Clerk read the following proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, the United States has cordial relations with India, the largest democracy in the world; and
WHEREAS, India is a subcontinent with a civilization united by its diversity, rich culture and the glory of its past triumphs and turbulences; and
WHEREAS, Indian history has its roots from ancient, medieval and modern advancements and accomplishment; and
WHEREAS, the United States has benefitted immensely from the contributions of all races from Africa, Europe, India and other parts of the world; and
WHEREAS, the Indian community in the City of Dover and State of Delaware has contributed to academic, artistic, economic, social and technological advances by bringing the diversity of culture to the region; and
WHEREAS, India celebrates the 54th anniversary of its proclamation as the republic of India, a land of different people, diverse cultures and varied languages binding them together in national integration.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim January 26, 2004 as INDIA DAY in the City of Dover and urge all citizens to make this a day of resolve and understanding to promote unity and to ensure that all persons have an equal opportunity to develop their unique talents and contribute to the common well-being of the community at-large.
Mayor Hutchison presented Mr. Amrut Patel, President of the India U.S. Society of Delaware, with the proclamation. Mr. Patel expressed his appreciation and stated that the proclamation represented a great historical moment for the Society. Members of the society presented members of Council with flowers symbolic of the flag of India - orange for valor, green for prosperity, and white for purity.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - STATE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005
By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Speed, Council adopted the following Resolution by unanimous roll call vote:
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover realize that the Bond Bill Committee and Joint Finance Committee for the State of Delaware will be considering capital improvement projects for inclusion in this year’s State Budget; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dover serves as the capital of the State of Delaware and the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover recognize the necessity of seeking state/federal funding for capital projects located within the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover request consideration by the State of Delaware for the funding, as follows:
1) Mirror Lake Dredging - Mirror Lake is a visual amenity to the State Capital Complex which has been degraded by silt buildup - soil testing is required under DNREC regulations prior to the dredging of Mirror Lake - $50,000 in funding is need for soil testing, and if excess remains, dredging; and
2) 911/Telephone/Voice Mail Systems Upgrade - To meet upcoming federalstate mandates, the City 911 communications system is being upgraded through homeland security funding. While upgrading the 911 system, it would be cost efficient to upgrade the related voice mail system which is outdated. Upgrading both systems at the same time would make both systems work better. Voice Mail Upgrading - $150,000. The system serves as the backup 911 Center for Kent County.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover request consideration by the State of Delaware the following projects proposed to the Delaware Department of Transportation but which are not yet funded to include:
1) College Road Corridor Upgrade, Dover - Upgrade the College Road corridor from the far west rear entrance of Delaware State University to Kenton Road to an urban road standard - improvements to include new pavement section, sidewalks, shoulders, closed drainage system, bicycle lane, lighting and other improvements; and
2) Extension of Crawford Carroll Avenue from West Rustic Lane to Delaware State University;
WHEREAS, the City of Dover supports the request of the Downtown Dover Development Corporation for $1 Million for economic redevelopment of downtown Dover, known as West Side Redevelopment Project, for demolition, acquisition, and construction of an office/industrial park area and including the extension of Clarence Street.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
That the City of Dover formally requests the General Assembly of the State of Delaware to include funding for these projects in its appropriations in fiscal year 2004-2005.
ADOPTED:FEBRUARY 2, 2004
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - WATER FACILITY PLANNING GRANT APPLICATION
The State of Delaware has allotted matching funds to update and prepare water facility infrastructure plans. The City of Dover recently approved an engineering services agreement with Whitman, Requardt & Associates to update the 1985 Water Facilities Master Plan. The new Water Master Plan will incorporate new development trends and proposed improvements to the City’s infrastructure to be implemented and constructed over the next 25 years. This plan will include areas inside and outside of the City of Dover’s current service areas. Since the proposed Water Facility Plan will include areas beyond the City limits, staff intends to have the proposed plan qualified as a regional planning effort. This will allow staff to seek the maximum available matching funds for the plan. The cost to prepare the plan as described in the Engineering Services Agreement with Whitman, Requardt & Associates is $108,688. The Department of Public Works will be seeking matching funds in the amount of $54,344, which is 50% of the total cost. The application process for the grant requires City Council to adopt a resolution endorsing the application for a Water Facility Planning Grant.
By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Ruane, Council adopted the following Resolution by unanimous roll call vote:
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover, Delaware, herein called the “Applicant”, has, after adequate consideration, of the various aspects of available data as it relates to the water infrastructure, determined that improvements to the City of Dover water infrastructure may be necessary; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has determined that the expeditious completion of a Water Facilities Master Plan is desirable and in the public interest, and to that end it is necessary that actions be taken immediately; and
WHEREAS, the State of Delaware has authorized the making of grants to aid in financing a Water Facilities Master Plan and related services in connection therewith; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has examined and duly considered the Guidelines for said grants and the Applicant deems it to be in the public interest and to the public benefit to file an application for a grant under these Guidelines, and to authorize other action in connection therewith.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover, Delaware, the governing body of said Applicant, as follows:
1. That the said Project is essential to and is in the best interest of the Applicant and to the end that the said Project may be carried out as promptly as practical, it is desirable that action hereto be undertaken immediately.
2. That Anthony J. DePrima, City Manager, or his designated representative, be hereby authorized to file on behalf of the Applicant, an application (in the format required by the State of Delaware and in conformity with the request hereto) for a matching grant to be made from an Infrastructure Planning Account to the Applicant to aid in defraying the cost of the Project described above.
3. That if such a grant is made, the Applicant agrees to pay all the remaining cost of the approved Project, over and above the amount of the State grant.
4. That the said Anthony J. DePrima, City Manager, or his designated representative, is hereby authorized to accept any State grant that may be offered, to furnish such information and to take other action as may be necessary to enable the Applicant to qualify for the grant; and
5. That the said Anthony J. DePrima, City Manager, or his designated representative, is hereby designated as the Authorized Representative of the Applicant for the purpose of furnishing to the State of Delaware such information, data, and documents pertaining to the application for the grant as may be required; and otherwise to act as the authorized representative of the Applicant in connection to the application and in connection with any requirements of the State grant which may be made.
6. That certified copies of this Resolution be included as part of the Application to be submitted to the State of Delaware.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 2, 2004
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT - JANUARY 12, 2004
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Meeting met on January 12, 2004, with Chairman Speed presiding.
Community Leader and Organization Recognition Policy
After a thorough review of the Community Leader and Organization Recognition Policy, formally known as the Gift Policy, the committee recommended the following amendments:
• Amending item F, to read as follows: “This policy shall not restrict ‘get well’ and sympathy expressions”.
• Amending the policy by replacing, where appropriate, the word “gift” and “awards” with “recognition”.
The committee recommended adoption of the Community Leader and Organization Recognition Policy, as amended.
By consent agenda, Mr. Speed moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to adopt the Community Leader and Organization Recognition Policy (Exhibit #1), seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Reapportionment of Council District Boundaries (Recommendation of the City of Dover Election Board - Meeting of November 3, 2003)
During their Regular Meeting of December 10, 2001, members of City Council considered a recommendation of the Election Board for a Redistricting Plan for the City Council Districts. At that time, it was apparent that there were serious discrepancies in the census data. As a result, members referred the proposed redistricting plan to the Planning Department to verify the authenticity of the population numbers. On February 11, 2002 City Council was advised that as a result of a review and analysis of the 2000 Census Block Data, Planning staff detected 34 block area discrepancies. During their Regular Meeting of September 8, 2003, City Council authorized the City Planner to pursue corrective action through the Count Question Resolution process for the various census blocks that were identified as having a high probability of error. During their Regular Meeting of September 8, 2003, members of City Council were advised that the U.S. Census Bureau revised the block level data for the City of Dover. Members adopted the revised census data from the U.S. Census Bureau and referred the matter to the Election Board for Realignment of Council Districts.
Members were provided a report of the City of Dover Election Board, which included a recommendation for the reapportionment of Council district boundaries. Due to the absence of Mr. Leary, Chairman of the Election Board, Mrs. Green, City Clerk, was requested to present the item for the committee’s review.
Mrs. Green gave a brief description of the proposed reapportionment of council district boundaries and the factors taken into consideration that assisted in their development. She reminded members that certain criteria was used in considering the redistricting which included: providing for each district to be approximately equal in population; maintain the legal obligation of a 65% black district; utilization of natural and man made, understandable boundaries; and an attempt to keep neighborhoods together.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Ritter expressed the following concerns: why only one (1) recommendation was presented when previous realignments resulted in several alternatives being presented for consideration; why the proposal was prepared by staff; and the reliability of the software that was used in the development of the proposal.
Mr. Ritter also questioned the rationale for the recommendation to move certain areas that were previously assigned to the Fourth District, specifically Governors Avenue, and William and Division Streets, and are now reapportioned to the Third District when the Woodcrest Development was taken from the Third District and reapportioned to the Fourth District. He questioned why the make-up of the apartments and townhouses near the Woodcrest development, which have residents that are majority minority, were not used to assist in complying with the 1988 Consent Decree.
Mr. Gorman stated that since final approval of the reapportionment of Council district boundaries rests with Council and not the committee, he suggested acceptance of the report and that the matter be forwarded to Council without a recommendation.
The committee recommended acceptance of the Election Board’s report, as presented, and that it be forwarded to Council for review and a public hearing.
In addition to the Election Board’s recommendation, members of Council were presented with two (2) additional alternatives submitted by Councilman Ritter for consideration.
Mr. Speed moved that a Public Hearing and a First Reading of the Proposed Ordinance to amend Section 2-56, Boundaries, of the Dover Code, be set for February 23, 2004 at 7:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Salters.
Council President McGlumphy advised members that, in order for the ordinance to be prepared for a First Reading, it would be necessary to accept a proposal. He emphasized that acceptance would not preclude any discussion of other proposals or amendments proposed during the public hearing and that approval of the reapportionment of Council district boundaries would not occur until Council adopts the ordinance.
Mr. Speed agreed to amend his motion to include approval of the proposed reapportionment of the Council District Boundaries as recommended by the Election Board, as did Mr. Salters as the seconder.
The motion for approval of the Proposed Reapportionment of the Council District Boundaries, as recommended by the Election Board, and that a Public Hearing and First Reading of the Proposed Ordinance amending Section 2-56, Boundaries, of the Dover Code be set for February 23, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. was carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, and one (1) no (Mr. Ritter).
Presentation - Pay for Performance Committee Recommendations
Mr. DePrima presented a PowerPoint presentation outlining the proposed Pay-for-Performance Policy and the proposed Bonus Policy. Noting that there were many recommendations, no action was requested at this time. Mr. DePrima requested members to submit any comments, suggestions, or questions prior to the next committee meeting for consideration.
By consent agenda, Mr. Speed moved for acceptance of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration committee report, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT - JANUARY 13, 2004
The Transportation Review Committee met on January 13, 2004 with Chairman Ruane presiding.
Consideration of DelDOT Response - North Street at State Street Intersection Study - Project Nomination Form/Transportation Enhancement Program Application
During their Regular Meeting of October 21, 2003, members discussed the possibility of installing signs restricting left-hand turns during peak periods. Noting that the City had not contacted merchants to obtain their feelings, Mr. Laing, DelDOT Municipal Liaison, indicated DelDOT’s reluctance to install signs that could cause confusion to motorists, since the signs may be taken down. He explained that when this type of action takes place, motorists are not sure if the signs have been vandalized and are missing or if the restriction has truly been removed.
Members were provided correspondence from Mr. Laing, dated November 10, 2003, indicating that DelDOT would have to conduct a full traffic study before agreeing to any restriction. This action will take both time and fiscal resources to accomplish. Mr. Laing requested that if the City made a formal request of DelDOT to conduct such a study, that the City prioritize this against other projects that have been requested of DelDOT.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Laing advised members that their data indicated that a number of the accidents that occur at the North and State Street intersection are attributed to drivers not seeing the traffic light. He noted that a “no left turn” sign would be located in approximately the same area and may be as difficult to see. Mr. Laing stated that the combination of the traffic light and the “no left turn” sign could increase the number of accidents that occur at that intersection. Mr. Laing also advised members that this traffic light would be included in the DelTrac system. Mr. Ruane stated that the North and State Street intersection could also be addressed in the West Dover Connector Study.
Mr. Laing noted that prohibiting left turns at this intersection not only affects this intersection, but a number of surrounding intersections as well.
Mr. DePrima stated that the 1993 study of this intersection did not recommend turn restrictions. It was recommended that the traffic signal lenses be increased from 8" to 12" to make them more visible. He noted that the study also suggested mast arms; however, due to the historic nature of the area, the City chose not to replace the lamp-post style lights. Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), indicated that Victorian style mast arms were now available. Mr. DePrima advised members that funds were included in the 2005 CIP for upgrading street lights.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that she had funds budgeted for a study; however, it would require 20 percent in matching funds, probably less than $5,000, from State or local funds. She noted that she would need written verification that the City had obtained the matching funds before she could proceed with the study. Ms. Wieczoreck stated that she would ask the consultant to provide an estimate of the cost.
The committee recommended directing the City Manager to send a letter to the Dover/Kent County MPO stating that the City of Dover would like to conduct a traffic study of the intersection of North and State Streets, to include the possibility of eliminating left-hand turns onto North Street and addressing the safety issues at the intersection.
By consent agenda, Mr. Speed moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to direct the City Manager to send a letter to the Dover/Kent County MPO stating that the City of Dover would like to conduct a traffic study of the intersection of North and State Streets, to include the possibility of eliminating left-hand turns onto North Street and addressing the safety issues at the intersection. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Proposed Resolution - SR9 Designation as Scenic Highway
The Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation invited nominations for a State Scenic and Historic Highway. The six (6) qualities required for a Scenic and Historical Highway designation are scenic, historic, natural, recreational, archaeological, and cultural. An ad-hoc steering group began exploring the possibility of a scenic and historic designation for SR 9 from New Castle to Dover Air Force Base. Mr. Ruane stated that he spoke with the Chairman of the ad-hoc group, who relayed their enthusiastic support for SR 9. He also noted that there is fairly significant local support for the nomination of SR 9, including the Kent County Board of Tourism. Members were provided with two (2) examples of Resolutions in support of the nomination of SR 9.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the only drawback to a scenic designation would be a restriction on outdoor advertising along SR 9. Existing signs would be grand fathered and would be permitted to remain. She also stated that improvements to the roadway would be restricted to the existing right-of-way and would preclude any widening of the road.
The committee recommended adoption of a Resolution in support of SR 9's nomination to the State scenic and historic highway program.
By motion of Mr. Ruane, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council adopted the following Resolution by unanimous roll call vote:
WHEREAS, the State of Delaware now has a State Scenic and Historic Highway program sponsored by the Delaware Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dover is home to a significant number of scenic and historic qualities that contribute significantly to the byway experience that could benefit from the designation; and
WHEREAS, the Route 9 Scenic and Historic Highway stretches from the City of New Castle to the John Dickinson Plantation and the St. Jones River Preserve; and
WHEREAS, the designation of Route 9 as a State Scenic and Historic Highway will help leverage resources and highlight the history and beauty of this unique landscape.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, that the Delaware Department of Transportation is strongly encouraged to designate Route 9 as a Delaware State Scenic and Historic Highway and to express the hope that this Resolution will be taken into consideration as the Department evaluates support for Route 9's nomination to the State Scenic and Historic Highways program.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 2, 2004
KENT COUNTY MPO
PAC/TAC Report
Members were provided a copy of the Resolution to Support Re-authorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, which was adopted by the Dover/Kent County MPO on January 7, 2004.
Mr. DePrima suggested that if Dover were to adopt a resolution it should include suballocation of the SEMAC fund. Mr. Ruane requested Mr. DePrima to provide a proposed resolution, tailored to the City of Dover, for consideration at the next meeting.
Transportation System Use and Improvement Survey
The Dover/Kent County MPO distributed a Transportation System Use and Improvement Survey in order to obtain information to update the Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the survey was being distributed by students at various locations. She also noted that the survey is available on their website and would be included in their next newsletter.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that a tour of transportation improvement program candidate projects for the 2005 program would be conducted on Saturday, January 24, 2004. The appropriate time for the City to provide comment would be once the initial program is developed. She encouraged all Council and committee members to participate in the survey individually.
Mr. DePrima noted that the portion of College Road from behind Delaware State University to the highway was never recommended for a study by the City. The actual recommendation was for a study of Salisbury Road to Kenton Road. Mr. DePrima advised members that Clarence Street should be included in the TIP since it involves federal funding and is actually an economic development project rather than a transportation project.
Pedestrian Plan Workshop
Mr. Asay advised members that DelDOT held a workshop to obtain public input on the decision making process for DelDOT to set guidelines for pedestrian facilities. He stated that another public workshop would be held sometime in the future.
Mr. Ruane noted that Ms. Melson, Interim Planning Director, was interviewed by the DelDOT consultants regarding the development of guidelines. He indicated that it would be beneficial if the consultants could meet with the Public Works Director, Mr. Koenig, since he is aware of the status of the roadway and pedestrian amenities in the City. He noted that the consultant indicated that DelDOT would have to extend their resources in order for them to conduct another interview. Mr. Ruane suggested that staff determine if there is a correlation between what DelDOT is proposing and the City of Dover requirements. He thought it could be an opportunity to influence DelDOT’s process and achieve compatibility.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the State has expanded the Enhancement Program from $3M per year to $14M per year. She noted that pedestrian sidewalk projects would fall into this category.
Mr. Asay advised members that he and Mr. Steve Lee of the Planning Department are reviewing City maps in an effort to improve the bicycle and pedestrian path connections within the City.
UPDATES
Members of the committee were provided the following updates:
Eden Hill Farm and Proposed Extension of Saulsbury Road
Mr. Ruane reminded members that DelDOT would be holding a workshop on the West Dover Connector/Salisbury Road Extension on Thursday, January 22, 2004 at the Dover Elk’s Lodge between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m.
Division Street Railroad Tracks
Mr. DePrima advised members that work had not yet begun on the removal of the railroad tracks. He indicated that the cold weather is delaying paving projects.
Clarence Street
Mr. DePrima stated that the Clarence Street project was not yet complete.
College Road and Extension of Crawford Carroll Road
Mr. Ruane stated that he would like clarification on the correlation of the merging of the civic center project with Delaware State University’s (DSU) stadium/wellness center project. Mr. DePrima advised members that Dr. Sessoms, President of DSU, feels that the two (2) projects should be co-located for many reasons. He noted that DSU has agreed to pay for the arena consultants to develop programming and provide estimated revenues and operating expenses. The Civic Center Corporation has contracted with the Architect Engineers to do a site location between the Sheraton Hotel and the main campus of DSU to determine where the project would fit. Mr. DePrima stated that a report should be ready within 45 days. He stated that the extension of Crawford Carroll Road was critical to this project. He noted that, if the civic center/stadium project is not built, Dr. Sessoms is still committed to the idea of the road extension linking DSU with Delaware Tech.
Traffic Studies
SR1/Route 8 (Laing)
Mr. Ruane stated that he attended a meeting of the Edgehill Civic Association and they were taken aback that they would not be given an opportunity to vote on traffic calming measures. He noted that a delegation would approach DelDOT on the matter. Mr. Laing stated that they were contacted by some citizens and they were provided with information and were requested to provide their feedback on the information.
Mr. Laing stated that the data does not show a need for traffic calming devices; therefore, it was not necessary for the citizens to vote on which devices to use. He noted that traffic speeds had decreased since the opening of the interchange and it was hard to make a case for traffic calming devices when the traffic is already calm. Mr. Laing stated that the residents feel the biggest problem is the cut-through traffic between White Oak Road and Division Street.
Mr. DePrima suggested that DelDOT provide documentation that a meeting and workshop were held, offer the findings, and give the community the opportunity to react. Mr. Laing stated that he would work on providing closure for the citizens.
East Dover Housing Development Projects (Laing)
Mr. Lee stated that one project had been resubmitted and the other projects are being submitted for extensions.
Mr. Ruane stated that the preliminary data on the impact of SR1/Route 8 and the three (3) proposed developments indicated that there would be a significant increase in traffic. He questioned when the final report would be complete for use by the Planning Commission in reviewing the projects. Members discussed the importance of Traffic Impact Studies when new developments are proposed throughout the City.
Chestnut Grove Farm - Planning Commission Recommendation for Traffic Study (50.8+/- acres property is proposed for annexation into City) - Located on South Side of Chestnut Grove Road (County Road #158) West of Sweetgum Drive and Kenton Road
Mr. Ruane advised members that the Planning Commission, in their review of the annexation request for lands of Chestnut Grove Farm, has included the recommendation that a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) be completed prior to site development application for the subdivision of land so that area transportation concerns may be addressed, if necessary.
Mr. Koenig stated that although the development, as proposed, does not warrant a TIS by DelDOT, the City could submit such a request to DelDOT. He explained that the TIS simply indicates the inadequacies of the roadways and infrastructure, which are DelDOT’s responsibility. Mr. Koenig advised members that the City has submitted a Transportation Improvement Project to the MPO and DelDOT that includes the realignment of the Kenton Road/Chestnut Grove Road Intersection and that any further studies may be required by the developer.
Truck Noise
Due to the absence of the City Manager, the truck noise report was deferred until February 10, 2004.
By consent agenda, Mr. Speed moved for acceptance of the Transportation Review Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
SPECIAL UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT - JANUARY 13, 2004
A Special Utility Committee Meeting was held on January 13, 2004, with Chairman Ruane presiding.
Electric Rate Study - Recommendations
In an effort to keep members abreast of staff’s progress on the Electric Rate Study Implementation Plan, it was requested that an update be given during every Utility Committee Meeting. Mr. DePrima assured members that the Electric Rate Implementation Committee has continued to work diligently through the different electric rate classifications. Members were provided with the committee’s Electric Rate Study Status Report. Mr. DePrima briefly reviewed the report and the Summary Comparison of Rate Change Proposal.
By consent agenda, Mr. Speed moved for acceptance of the Special Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.