REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on July 28, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President McGlumphy presiding. 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 Police Chief Horvath, Mr. Cooper, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Jorgenson, Deputy Fire Chief Boyer, Mr. DePrima, City Solicitor Rodriguez, 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 is not in official session and cannot take formal action.
Mr. Phillip Troxler, 24 Gristmill Drive, advised members that steps have been taken against the U.S. Patriot Act and read into the record a draft resolution for Council’s consideration as follows:
“Whereas, Delaware Patriot Caesar Rodney cast the swing vote in the Delaware Delegation to the Continental Congress, making Delaware the first State to Ratify the Constitution; and
Whereas, the City of Dover has been proud of the historic horseback ride by Caesar Rodney, commemorating Rodney's heroic ride and naming a high school after him; and
Whereas, this constitution which was so proudly fought for is now seriously assaulted by the so-called "U.S. Patriot Act" passed by Congress on October 25, 2001; and
Whereas, it undermines the judiciary and legislative branches of government; and
Whereas, it has been recently discovered by this writer that the "Patriot" Act was passed through a process of fraud and deception; and
Whereas, the method used to get the bill out of committee was to reinsert objectionable passages that had been voted down by the committee, hoodwinking the voting congressmen into believing that the objectionable passages had been really removed; and
Whereas, this discovery cannot fail to invalidate the entire Patriot Act when a sufficient number of Congressmen form a caucus to repeal it; and
Whereas, the U.S. Patriot Act was passed hastily in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks without discussion or Committee hearings, it attacks the basic Constitutional rights outlined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Therefore, be it resolved the City of Dover must insist that this ongoing fight against terrorism not be fought at the cost of the loss of the civil liberties of the people of this city and this State.
Be it resolved that the City Council approach our U.S. Senators and Congressman to monitor the implementation of the "Patriot Act" and actively work for the repeal of those sections of said Act including Executive Orders that violate fundamental rights and liberties as stated in the United States Constitution and its Amendments, and lastly, let each employee of the city not permit himself to be trapped into enforcing any of the provisions of the "Patriot Act" when they are plainly in contradiction of our Fundamental Legal Constitutional rights.”
The invocation was given by Chaplain Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Truitt moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 14, 2003
Mr. Salters noted that Mr. Ritter had suggested that the City conduct an investigation into the Mayor’s expenses during the past ten (10) years, to be performed by a comptroller. He noted that this was not a motion and clarified that further action would be necessary to approve the suggestion.
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 14, 2003 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters, and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
ANNOUNCEMENT - AWARD OF GRANT - DOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Ms. Sheila Anderson, Library Director, advised members that the Dover Public Library recently applied for a Health and Social Services Grant in the amount of $20,000 and was awarded an amount of $65,000. She stated that this grant is the result of the tobacco lawsuits. Ms. Anderson explained that the Dover Public Library, in partnership with the Delaware Academy of Medicine, will be providing a circuit consumer health librarian to assist library patrons with health questions, especially related to children and teenagers. The librarian will conduct outreach throughout Kent County and will administer programming about health concerns. The library’s collection of health materials for the public to check out will increase as well. Ms. Anderson stated that this project was made possible thanks to funding from the State of Delaware.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - SUPPORT FOR NAMING BRIDGE LOCATED OVER THE ST. JONES RIVER ON U.S. ROUTE 13 - DOUG HARRIS BRIDGE
Senator Still was recently contacted by a constituent requesting that the bridge located over the St. Jones River on U.S. Route 13 be named the Doug Harris Bridge. Since the bridge is located within the City of Dover, Senator Still contacted Council for their concurrence prior to moving forward with the request.
Mr. Ruane relayed his reluctance with the City becoming involved with naming bridges, noting that it is not an asset of the City nor, to his knowledge, has there been a precedence set of this nature.
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Truitt, the following Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, and one (1) no (Mr. Ruane):
WHEREAS, Senator John C. Still has forwarded a suggestion that the bridge over the St. Jones River on U.S. 13 be named the Doug Harris Bridge; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harris lived on property adjacent to this bridge, where his family continues to reside; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Harris served on the Dover City Council from 1963 through 1969 and 1972 through 1976 and, as an active Board Member of the Dover YMCA, led the Board as it’s facility was built; and
WHEREAS, by all accounts, Mr. Harris was a caring, devoted, and supportive member of this community and the Mayor and Council support naming the bridge over the St. Jones River on U.S. 13 as a tribute to his service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the Mayor and Council deem it appropriate and support the naming of the bridge over the St. Jones River on U.S. 13 as the Doug Harris Bridge as a tribute to the services provided to this community by Mr. Doug Harris.
2. That the Mayor and Council direct the City Clerk to forward this Resolution to Senator Still and make it a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover.
ADOPTED: JULY 28, 2003
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING - PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place for consideration of Proposed Land Subdivision Amendments to Appendix A, Article III - Definitions, Paragraph K - Major Subdivision and Article VI - Subdivision-General Requirements and Design Standards, Section A - Streets, Paragraph 8. The First Reading was accomplished during the Council Meeting of June 23, 2003 and would provide for the requirement of two (2) means of access into major subdivisions. The proposed amendments were being considered to require a second connection in order to provide emergency access into the subdivision or site development if one access is blocked.
Mr. Jorgenson, City Planner, provided members with details regarding the review and recommendations of the Planning Commission (Exhibit #1). It was noted that the Planning Commission recommended amending Appendix A, Article VI - Subdivision-General , Requirements and Design Standards, Section A - Streets, Paragraph 8 only.
Council President McGlumphy declared the public hearing open. There being no one present to speak, the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Speed moved to waive the reading of the proposed text amendments, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Mr. Speed moved for adoption of the text amendments, as recommended by the Planning Commission, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Council President McGlumphy noted that since there had been substantial changes to the ordinance since the First Reading, an additional First and Final Reading of the ordinance would be necessary, and that the recommendation would serve as a First Reading. The Final Reading will take place during the Regular Council Meeting on August 11, 2003.
PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED RESOLUTION APPROVING ALLEY ABANDONMENT - 78 ANN AVENUE
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider the abandonment of an alley running north to south, lying on the southerly side of Brown Street between McKee Road and Ann Avenue and the alley parallel to Ann Avenue.
Council President McGlumphy declared the public hearing open. There being no one present to speak, the public hearing was closed.
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council adopted the following Resolution by a unanimous roll call vote:
A RESOLUTION VACATING AND ABANDONING A CERTAIN ALLEY SITUATED IN THE CITY OF DOVER.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
Section 1. The Council of the City of Dover hereby vacates and abandons the following alley:
All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the City of Dover, Kent County, State of Delaware, an alley running north to south, lying on the southerly side of Brown Street between McKee Road and Ann Avenue and the alley parallel to Ann Avenue, being 20 feet wide and approximately 57 feet in length, comprising 1,140 square feet, more or less.
Section 2. Since no person has been deprived of property by the vacating and abandoning of the aforesaid alley, no compensation is awarded.
Section 3. The City shall retain a utility easement for the entire length and width of the aforesaid alley and any costs of conveyance shall be borne by the property owners.
Section 4. This resolution shall be effective upon the filing of a revised plot plan of the aforesaid alley.
ADOPTED: JULY 28, 2003
CONFIRMATION OF POLICE PENSION ELECTION - RETIRED LIEUTENANT WILLIAM KNOTTS (TERM TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2004)
Members were advised that Retired Lt. Robert Roswell resigned his position on the Police Pension Board. His term was due to expire on January 31, 2004. Pursuant to Section 18-47 of the Dover Code, a request for nominations was posted with an announcement of election to fill the vacancy.
As a result of the election, Chief Horvath nominated Retired Lt. William Knotts to fill the unexpired term of Retired Lt. Robert Roswell, which will expire January 31, 2004.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for confirmation of Retired Lt. William Knotts to serve on the Police Pension Board with a term to expire January 31, 2004, as presented by Chief Horvath. The motion was seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a roll call of eight (8) yes, and one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters).
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT - JULY 14, 2003
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on July 14, 2003 with Chairman Speed presiding.
Pay Plan Recommendations of the Public Administration Service (Pas) Study
In the spring of 2002, City Council commissioned Public Administration Service (PAS) to perform a compensation and classification study of the City’s workforce. The study was to include a comprehensive, region-wide salary survey, a quantitative point-factor job analysis, and an evaluation of internal and external equity compensation considerations. A final report was delivered in November 2002, which included a proposed pay plan that consisted of 34 pay ranges; each range identified a minimum, market, and maximum salary. The ranges have a 57% spread from entry to maximum salary, and there is a 5% difference among ranges. All existing and proposed salaries have been placed in the ranges in accordance with the Job Analysis Question (JAQ) scores. The JAQ scores were based on 14 job complexity factors on questionnaires completed by employees.
The City Manager, Human Resources Director, and several City Council members established a working group to evaluate the pay plan that was recommended by PAS. The working group evaluated the benchmark positions and market comparisons and compared the recommendations to other published information, such as the Municipal Year Book and the Kent County Salary Study.
In general, the working group made no changes to the structure of the PAS pay plan with respect to the number of ranges and salary spread for the ranges. However, modifications were recommended with respect to job titles and the ranges assigned to them. They also recommended removing inappropriate “out of market” data from the benchmark surveys and better alignment of the results with the ranges caused by the modifications. The final modifications made no changes to the JAQ scores that were intended to preserve internal equity. Job titles with higher JAQ scores continued to be placed above job titles with lower JAQ scores. Overall, there were minimal changes to the lower- and mid-range positions. Some job titles increased a range and some decreased a range. For upper management job titles, there were general downward adjustments. The working group recognized that there should be flexibility to allow management to appropriately place employees within the ranges based on experience, expertise, and market conditions.
One of the major changes recommended by the working group was to remove police positions from the pay plan. It found that the PAS study did not put its suggestions in a career-ladder format typically used by police departments, and it did not recognize that the Police Department operates as a closed shop where employees are only hired at the lower ranks. In addition, the group found that PAS had used a subjective numerical adjustment for all police salaries that was not broadly used for other groups of employees. The PAS study also uniquely used outlying comparisons from cities around the country.
The working group suggested that further work is needed to get the PAS ranges into a career-ladder format that makes sense for a police department. In general, the PAS study strongly supports the position that the police are at or above market. To that end, it should be used as a tool in the negotiation process by the negotiating team. The group will continue working with the Human Resources Director to establish a career-ladder format utilizing the PAS methodology and other relevant data. They also suggested that the PAS ranges with the job titles, as reassigned, should be used as the basis in negotiations with the IUE and IBEW in the future.
The working group made the following recommendations:
Establishment of New Pay Plan (as revised)
Establish a new pay plan using the PAS ranges with the job titles as reassigned by the working group. Progression would be allowed within the context of a “pay-for-performance policy” to be established by City Council. The ranges and performance reviews should become effective July 1, 2003 for non-bargaining employees. Performance evaluations must be completed prior to any increases.
The committee recommended approval of the Revised Proposed Pay Plans, as revised.
Mr. Speed moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation (Exhibit #2), seconded by Mr. Ritter and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters). Mr. Salters explained his abstention was because it was his opinion that the committee was illegal as a result of the Mayor’s veto, and; therefore, could not convene to formulate recommendations for consideration.
Market Pay Corrections - Non-Bargaining Employees (except City Manager Department Heads and Council Appointed Employees)
Grant “market pay corrections” for qualifying non-bargaining employees, except department heads and the City Manager, using the PAS formula where there are seven years to “market pay”, with credit for each year up to seven years of experience. The corrections should be placed in effect the first pay period in May 2003.
The committee recommended approval of the Non-Bargaining (Excluding City Manager and Department Heads) Corrections per Modified PAS Grade Structure, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Speed moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation (Exhibit #3), seconded by Mr. Ritter and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters). Mr. Salters explained his abstention was because it was his opinion that the committee was illegal as a result of the Mayor’s veto, and; therefore, could not convene to formulate recommendations for consideration.
Market Pay Corrections - City Manager Department Heads
Grant “market pay corrections” as needed for department heads on July 1, 2003 after considering the recommendations of the City Manager.
The committee recommended approval of the City Manager’s Recommended Market Corrections for City Manager Department Heads.
Mr. Speed indicated that further information was being requested regarding the performance evaluations and qualifications of these employees and that, unfortunately, there was not ample time to discuss this matter prior to this meeting. He requested that members defer the matter until the next Council Meeting to allow the information to be discussed during an executive session.
Mr. Speed moved to defer the matter until the next Council Meeting scheduled for August 11, 2003, seconded by Mr. Ritter and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters). Mr. Salters explained his abstention was because it was his opinion that the committee was illegal as a result of the Mayor’s veto, and; therefore, could not convene to formulate recommendations for consideration.
Pay-for-Performance System
In the past, it was the City’s practice of approving pay raises for non-bargaining employees that were in line with “across-the-board” increases and steps for bargaining unit employees. The City had salary ranges for non-bargaining employees; however, they were not adjusted for market conditions. When salary range adjustments were made, they were generally done in line with the across-the-board increases for bargaining employees and evaluations were not required. Some accelerated increases were done; however, no policy or guidelines for doing so existed. Lastly, there had been no central policy that set forth the City’s general expectations and goals for employees.
The past practice provided no correlation between performance and pay raises. When salary acceleration for employees considered as top performers did occur, it was done inconsistently causing inexplicable differences in salary--particularly among departments. The failure to adjust the salary ranges for the market caused many to have salaries above the maximum pay ranges. Failure to have regular performance evaluations further diminished the connection between performance and pay raises and created numerous problems related to the lack of documentation.
During the committee meeting, members were reminded that the desire to correct past practices led to a series of actions by the City. The next logical step in this progression is to establish a pay-for-performance policy that would use the evaluation process to communicate expectations that are aligned with the Strategic Organizational Plan. “Results” would be connected to salary increases. The effort to develop a pay-for-performance policy began approximately six months ago.
The City Manager recommended that the committee endorse the following Pay for Performance Implementation Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees:
1.As an interim step for FY 2003/04, use the City’s existing evaluation form and authorize a 2.5% pay increase for employees who have an overall performance rating that exceeds performance requirements, a 2% increase for employees who meet performances requirements, and 1% or less for those who do not meet performance requirements. All department heads have been instructed to complete evaluations in June. The FY 2003/04 Proposed Budget has enough funds reserved for these percentage increases to cover this amount.
2.To ensure quality control, the Human Resource Department will review the latest employee performance evaluations in July and August 2003 to ensure that they have clear and concise goals and objectives with expected results and that they are aligned with the City’s Strategic Organizational Plan.
3.Finalize the Draft Pay-for-Performance Evaluation form by October for Council action. Some of the planned improvements will be:
a.Develop variations of the core competencies for different classes of employees.
b.Align core competencies with the Strategic Organizational Plan’s Mission and Critical Success Factors.
c.Further refine the performance weighting system.
d.Improve rating definitions.
4.Submit to Council with the Proposed FY 2004/05 Budget the Pay-for-Performance Worksheet that relates performance pay increases with performance evaluation scores. This should be accompanied with an estimated total cost of implementing the increases.
5.Write a pay-for-performance policy that complements and provides detailed instructions for use of the Pay for Performance Evaluation form. The policy should also clearly explain the purpose and goals of pay for performance. Plans are to have this ready for Council action in November.
6.Further explore bonus programs including “team” bonuses and “lightning” bonuses. Have recommendations for Council ready in time to implement in FY 04/05 if approved.
7.Have the Human Resources Department establish training programs in spring 2004 on new performance evaluation to be used in June 2004 for FY 04/05.
8.Implement use of new Pay for Performance Evaluation in June 2004.
Mr. DePrima stated that there would be no cost of living increase this year, only increases based on performance. He also stated that the pay-for-performance increase would be in addition to the proposed corrections.
It was suggested that a bonus for employees who had an overall performance rating that exceeded performance requirements be provided, rather than providing a 2.5% pay increase. This would avoid a possible morale problem that could occur otherwise. Mr. DePrima reminded members that this proposal was just for this coming year and it is recommended that bonuses be further explored for the future. He noted that a .5% increase for all non-bargaining employees would be approximately $30,000 and estimated that approximately half of all non-bargaining employees would receive a 2.5% pay increase.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Speed commended Mr. DePrima on the construction of the Pay-For-Performance Evaluation form. He suggested that the form contain information on the evaluator in order to provide continuity and compare between departments. Additionally, Mr. Speed suggested tracking the evaluation scores of the evaluators in order to compare evaluators. He noted that, if one evaluator tends to rate higher than another, they would not be comparing “apples to apples”. Mr. DePrima stated that many communities use that as a method of quality control. He also noted that one suggestion was that the Human Resources Director be responsible for monitoring the evaluations and training. Referring to page 5 of the evaluation form, Major Unplanned Assignments, Mr. Speed suggested including results. Mr. DePrima stated that, since the assignments were unplanned, only results would be reflected.
Mr. DePrima stated that the percentages listed on the pay-for-performance worksheet would be presented to Council annually for adoption based on that year’s budget.
The committee recommended approval of the Pay-for-Performance Implementation Plan for Non-Bargaining Employees, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Speed moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters). Mr. Salters explained his abstention was because it was his opinion that the committee was illegal as a result of the Mayor’s veto, and; therefore, could not convene to formulate recommendations for consideration.
Mr. Speed moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Ritter and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters). Mr. Salters explained his abstention was because it was his opinion that the committee was illegal as a result of the Mayor’s veto, and; therefore, could not convene to formulate recommendations for consideration.
SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT - JULY 14, 2003
The Safety Advisory Committee met on July 14, 2003 with Chairman Truitt presiding.
REPORT/RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RESOLVING SAFETY ISSUES (JUNE 9, 2003 COMMITTEE MEETING)
Future Use of Property Located at 33 N. New Street and Other Safety/Police Matters regarding New Street (Eric O’Brien)
During their Regular Meeting of June 9, 2003, members considered correspondence received from Mr. Eric O’Brien, 30 N. New Street, regarding the future use of property located at 33 N. New Street and concerns with increased transients, suspicious loitering, and late-night noise in the area. It was the consensus of members that they would need further information on how the police legally handle public nuisance issues in order to make a recommendation. Council President McGlumphy recommended that the Safety Advisory Committee meet with the appropriate staff members to prepare an action plan for Mr. O’Brien.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Randy Jorgenson, Director of Planning and Inspections, stated that it was his understanding that the House of Pride intends to make reparation to the dwelling at 33 N. New Street and include it as a part of their House of Pride program. He indicated that, if the Code provides for this activity as being permitted, it was their responsibility to apply the fee that is applicable for the property and to permit its use. Mr. Jorgenson stated that the City is not in a position to condition uses that are permitted within the Code. He noted that, if the house were to fall into disrepair and become an unsafe dwelling, the demolition process would begin.
Mr. Pitts requested staff to provide members with an ownership record of the properties that are possessed by the House of Pride, along with a report on the status of those properties. He also requested a time-line for bringing those properties into compliance.
No further action was taken.
Proposed Ordinance - Prohibition of Pan Handling (David Mercer Louie)
During their Regular Meeting of June 9, 2003, members considered correspondence received from Mr. David Louie of 129 S. Governors Avenue (Harry Louie Laundry & Dry Cleaners) regarding pan handling on Loockerman Street. Members were advised that the Police Chief was provided a model panhandling ordinance for his review and recommendation. Council President McGlumphy recommended that the Safety Advisory Committee meet with the appropriate staff members to prepare an action plan to address Mr. Louie’s concerns.
Mr. Truitt stated that the Police Chief is still in the process of reviewing the proposed ordinance. He noted that there have been two (2) arrests for panhandlers in the downtown area recently made by the police.
No further action was taken.
Speeding, Drugs, Abandoned Vehicles, and Disrepair of Sidewalks in Towne Point and White Oak Farms (Civic Association)
During their Regular Meeting of June 9, 2003, members were apprised of several concerns expressed by the Towne Point and White Oak Farms Civic Association, including speeding cars, drugs, abandoned vehicles, and cracked sidewalks. Council President McGlumphy recommended that the Safety Advisory Committee meet with the appropriate staff members to prepare an action plan that they can provide to the Towne Point and White Oak Farms Civic Association.
Mr. Jorgenson stated that from May 2002 through May 2003, the Inspections Department has cited individuals for parking vehicles on non-approved surfaces in that area on thirteen (13) occasions. Between February 2002 and March 2003, they have removed ten (10) improperly licensed or unregistered vehicles. Since the beginning of June 2003, they have cited three (3) more individuals for having vehicles parked or stored in improper places and have towed eight (8) vehicles from that area that were unlicensed or unregistered in the last two (2) months.
No further action was taken.
Excessive Noise, Open Containers, Glass, Littering, Etc. - Silver Lake Park Area (Rodney Road, North American Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue Extended Neighborhood Watch)
During the Open Forum segment of the Regular Council Meeting of June 9, 2003, Ms. Lois Myers, 136 Spruance Road, advised members that the gates at Silver Lake are left opened past dusk. She stated that there is a lot of loud music and partying occurring after dusk, well into the evening hours, at the Silver Lake Park.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Ritter advised members that he attended a meeting of the Rodney Road, North American Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue Extended Neighborhood Watch. He indicated that they would like to have the gate to the cemetery locked at dusk and unlocked at dawn. Mr. Pitts stated that Whatcoat Church has been working with the neighborhood for 50 years and have made significant improvements in the gate. He indicated that the gate is closed most of the time; however, some people have rammed the gate with their cars in order to get in. He did not feel that it would be appropriate to lock the gate since it would prevent citizens from visiting the graves of their loved ones. Mr. Ritter stated that members of the Neighborhood Watch have offered to open and shut the gate in order to keep people out during night time hours. Mr. Pitts stated that he would relay that information to the individual in charge of the cemetery.
Mr. Ritter stated that the Neighborhood Watch members also expressed concern with the classified ads being distributed by the Delaware State News. Mr. Jorgenson stated correspondence was sent to the newspaper indicating that citizens that did not wish to receive the advertisement were being advised to call the newspaper and any further distribution of the advertisements to areas where people have indicated that they do no desire them would result in a citation being issued to the newspaper for those violations.
No further action was taken.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Safety Advisory Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a roll call of eight (8) yes, and one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters).
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT - JULY 22, 2003
The Transportation Committee met on July 22, 2003 with Chairman Ruane presiding.
Support of Proposal to Combine Fixed and Paratransit Systems into a Flex Plan - Public Transportation Hybrid Project
During the Transportation Committee Meeting of March 18, 2003 and at the Regular Council Meeting on July 14, 2003 a presentation was made by Mr. Ray Miller outlining the Delaware Transit Corporation's proposal for coordinating fixed route and paratransit services in Kent County.
The committee recommended approval of the proposal to combine the fixed and paratransit systems into a flex plan.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a roll call of eight (8) yes, and one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters).
City Transportation Projects - Review of Member’s Prioritization
Committee members were provided the list of City Transportation Projects, as prioritized during their meeting on June 24, 2003. Mr. Ruane also provided members with the draft Comprehensive Plan and requested them to review it for inclusion of the City Transportation Projects. It was suggested that the list be provided to the Planning Department for comparison.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Ritter noted that the extension of Crawford Carroll Avenue from Lowe’s to Office Max was not included in the list. Mr. Koenig stated that the project was probably contingent upon Delaware State University relocating their stadium in order to allow the road to line up with the traffic light at the mall entrance. He stated that the project was originally planned to line up with the entrance to Office Max; however, it would be preferable to have it line up with the mall entrance. Mr. DePrima advised members that the entrance to Office Max was designed specifically to accommodate the roadway and having the road line up there would still be a good idea and may occur in the future. Mr. Ornauer suggested including the extension of Crawford Carroll Avenue on the next list of projects for prioritization.
The committee recommended adoption of the Prioritization of City Transportation Projects and that it include a reference to the Extension of Crawford Carroll Avenue from West Rustic Lane to Office Max on the second page of the list of City Transportation Projects.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation (Exhibit #4), seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a roll call of eight (8) yes, and one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters).
MONTHLY REPORTS - JUNE 2003
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the following monthly reports, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a roll call of eight (8) yes, and one (1) abstention (Mr. Salters):
Budget Report
Chief of Police Report
City Assessor Report
City Clerk/Alderman Report (Fines)
City Manager's Report
Mayor's Report
Planning and Inspections Report
Robbins Hose Company No. 1 Report
Capital Projects and Vehicle/Equipment Purchases
REZONING REQUEST/FIRST READING - 870 FORREST STREET, OWNED BY BENNIE SMITH
A request was received to rezone property located at 870 Forrest Street, owned by Bennie Smith. The property is currently zoned RG-1 (General Residence Zone) and COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone) and the requested zoning is C-PO (Commercial/Professional Office Zone) and COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone).
Prior to amending the zoning ordinances and zoning map of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.
By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters, Council unanimously referred the request to the Planning Commission and set a public hearing for September 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. The First Reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished by title only:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 870 FORREST STREET.
REZONING REQUEST/FIRST READING - 1486 FORREST AVENUE, OWNED BY WAWA, INC.
A request was received to rezone property located at 1486 Forrest Avenue, containing approximately 2.10+/- acres, owned by Wawa, Inc. The property is currently zoned C-1A (Limited Commercial Zone) and COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone) and the requested zoning is C-PO (Commercial/Professional Office Zone) and COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone).
Prior to amending the zoning ordinances and zoning map of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.
By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters, Council unanimously referred the request to the Planning Commission and set a public hearing for September 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. The First Reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished by title only:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1486 FORREST AVENUE, CONTAINING APPROXIMATELY 2.10+/- ACRES
CONSIDERATION FOR APPROVAL OF BIDS
Recommendation for Sanitation Vehicles
As detailed in the FY-2004 Operating Budget and the 2004-2008 Capital Investments Plan, the Department of Public Works requested permission to solicit bids for the purchase of two (2) new 22 cubic yard automated side loading refuse bodies with the chassis. These new machines will replace vehicles #442 and #443. Vehicle #442 is a 1988 Peterbilt and vehicle #443 is a 1996 Volvo. The Department of Public Works prepared a bid package reflective of our current automated fleet’s standards and specifications. The following bids were received:
Company Location Bid Amount
Barr International, Inc. Salisbury, MD $ 286,274.18
Elliott/Wilson Trucks Easton, MD $ 291,068.00
Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems &#