UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on January 29, 2004, at 4:30 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey (departed 6:20 p.m.), Mr. Ritter (arrived 4:54 p.m.), Mr. Lambert, and Mr. Farling. Others present were Mr. DePrima and Mayor Hutchison.
Agenda Additions/Deletions
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Annexation Request - South Side of Chestnut Grove Road, West of Kenton Road, Owned by Chestnut Grove Farm
Members considered an annexation request for property located on the south side of Chestnut Grove Road, west of Kenton Road, owned by Chestnut Grove Farm. Mr. Galvin informed members that the proposed annexation area consists of 50.8 +/- acres and that the proposed zoning, upon annexation, is RM-1 (Medium Density Residential). The initial conceptual plan for the development of the property proposes 40 single family detached dwellings, 28 duplexes, and 131 townhouses. Mr. Galvin indicated that the property is identified as a Category 2 - Lands Desirable for Annexation in the Comprehensive Plan Update 2003.
Ms. Melson summarized the Cost/Revenue Analysis (Attachment #1) and the Plan of Services (Attachment #2). Over a ten (10) year period, the total impact cost is estimated at $2,898,046. The total revenue is estimated at $4,323,104, which yields an estimated net revenue of $1,425,058.
Responding to Mr.Ruane, Mr. Tom Burns, Burns & Ellis Reality, stated that the Department of Transportation’s language (noted in the DAC comments of November 26, 2003) did not require a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) and only requested that the applicant work with the Department of Transportation for potential intersection upgrades.
Mr. Ruane stated that several residents in the area have expressed traffic and storm water concerns. Mr. Burns stated he has personally met with Mr. Terrance Zimmerman, 138 Sweetgum Drive, and Mr. T. Kae Johnson, 314 Parkway Drive, to review the proposed plans and address traffic concerns. He also indicated that an open forum meeting was scheduled to be held later this evening (7:30 p.m.) at Maple Dale Country Club for neighbors and residents from the area for an overview of the proposed project and to hear and address any and all concerns. Mr. Burns stated that they are working well within requirements of the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Farling informed members that Tide Water Utilities currently has jurisdiction in the area requesting to be annexed. Indicating that this is a first occurrence, Mr. Koenig stated that negotiations and a possible purchase may need to be negotiated. Mr. Koenig informed members that Tide Water Utilities has no existing infrastructure in place and referred to a current agreement between the City of Dover and Tide Water Utilities, which provides for Tide Water Utilities surrendering their jurisdiction for properties annexed into the City.
Mr. Farling moved to recommend approval of the annexation request, taking into consideration that special attention be given to the traffic and water supply issues related to this annexation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ritter and unanimously carried.
Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Public Infrastructure - Cranberry Run
Mr. Koenig informed members that the developer of the Cranberry Run Subdivision, Gilman Development, has requested that all public rights-of-way and infrastructure be dedicated to the City of Dover for permanent ownership and maintenance. Members reviewed the configuration of the subject rights-of-way (Attachment #3). A one (1) year Maintenance Agreement, Maintenance Bond, and a Release of Liabilities have been submitted by the developer.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of the dedication of rights-of-way and public infrastructure in the Cranberry Run Subdivision, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Street Waiver Request - Nottingham Meadows
The applicant of Nottingham Meadows has 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 waiver from the minimum thirty-eight (38) foot paved width requirements to permit paved widths of thirty-two (32) feet. The right-of-way will be maintained at sixty (60) feet. A portion of the roadway at each entrance will remain at thirty-eight (38) feet paved width.
Mr. Galvin advised members that the Plan proposes to establish Nottingham Meadows Subdivision, a Planned Neighborhood Design development on 105.066+/- acres of land. The property is located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Hazlettville Road and Wyoming Mill Road. The property is zoned RM-1 (Medium Density Residential). The owner of record is Alvin L. Brittingham and the equitable owner is Stover Homes.
The Planning Commission reviewed the proposed street width waiver request as part of its review of the Conceptual Subdivision Plan for Nottingham Meadows and recommended approval of the waiver as requested.
Sharing concerns of the Fire Department, Mr. Farling stated that the narrower streets inhibit larger fire apparatuses from maneuvering, especially when there are parked vehicles in the developments.
In an effort to deter on street parking, it was suggested that it be stipulated the driveway’s in Nottingham Meadows Subdivision be at least 14' wide, thinking that if residents have a wider driveway, they would be more likely to park there then on the street.
Mr. Farling moved to recommend approval of the requested street waiver for the Nottingham Meadows Subdivision, stipulating that each driveway be at least 14' wide, while retaining a 60' right-of-way width. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Update - Electric Rate Study Implementation Plan
Mr. DePrima distributed and briefly reviewed an updated Electric Rate Study Status Report (Attachment #4). Mr. DePrima reminded members that the purpose of the Electric Rate Study was to ensure that electric (rate ) customers are being charged fairly; not to be confused as a source of additional revenue for the City of Dover.
Mr. DePrima recommended the beginning of the following three (3) steps: 1) prepare a presentation for the Utility Committee (executive session) so that members have a full understanding of the proposed electric rates; 2) provide the Utility Committee with a series of suggested motions; and 3) encourage staff to meet individually with the City of Dover’s larger electric customers to review the proposed changes to their electric rates prior to holding public hearings.
No further action was taken.
Mr. Lambert moved to recess into executive session for legal matters. The motion was seconded by Mr. Farling and unanimously carried.
Meeting recessed 6:33 p.m. and reconvened at 6:51 p.m.
RECOMMENDATION - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE - PRIVATIZATION CONTRACT
As a result of information disclosed during the executive session, the following motion was made:
Mr. Ritter moved to recommend that City staff be authorized to submit a proposal for the Wastewater Utility Privatization for Dover Air Force Base as detailed in Solicitation No. SP0600-04-R-004 which has been issued by the Defense Energy Support Center on behalf of the United States Air Force. The motion was seconded by Mr. Farling and unanimously carried.
Mr. Ritter moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:53 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
EBR/jg/lcg
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20041-29-04 Utility.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Cost/Revenue Analysis - Chestnut Grove Road Annexation Request
Attachment #2 - Plan of Services - Chestnut Grove Road Annexation Request
Attachment #3 - Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Public Infrastructure - Cranberry Run
Attachment #4 - Electric Rate Study Status Report