OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Open Town Meeting of City Council was held on November 5, 2001 at 6:00 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Council members present were Council President McGlumphy, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Gorman, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mr. Speed, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Ruane.
Council staff members present were Captain Claveloux, Mr. Cooper, Mr. DePrima, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Petit de Mange, and Mrs. Green.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. McGlumphy requested the addition of item #1A - Appointment of City Planner, and item #2M - Central Delaware Economic Development Council (Dan Wolfensberger).
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Speed and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT OF CITY MANAGER
Council President McGlumphy stated that the City Manager Search Committee conducted interviews of potential candidates for the position of the City Manager for the City of Dover. After careful consideration, it is the Committee’s recommendation that Mr. Anthony J. DePrima be appointed to serve as City Manager.
Mr. McGlumphy moved for the appointment of Mr. Anthony J. DePrima as City Manager for the City of Dover, seconded by Mr. Gorman.
Mr. Salters moved that nominations be closed, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
The appointment of Mr. DePrima was carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, two (2) no (Mr. Ritter and Mr. Speed).
Mr. DePrima thanked past and present Mayors and Councils for giving him the opportunity to serve as the City Planner for the City of Dover for the past several years and pledged to work very hard in his new position as City Manager. He stated his commitment in protecting the City’s fiscal integrity while providing the highest level of customer service, in making the government and City more inclusive, and in balancing growth in the City. He thanked the many committee members and City staff for the assistance given to him as City Planner and indicated that he is looking forward to continuing the working relationship in his new position. Mr. DePrima thanked his family for their support as well as the community.
APPOINTMENT OF CITY PLANNER
Council President McGlumphy moved for the appointment of Mr. Michael J. Petit de Mange as City Planner, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Mr. Salters moved that nominations be closed, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
The appointment of Mr. Petit de Mange was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
BRIEFING BY VARIOUS CITY ORGANIZATIONS
Mayor Hutchison stated that the purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity to hear from the various components that work with the City in making it a great place to live and work.
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce - Ms. Jeanette Wessel
Ms. Jeanette Wessel, Executive Director of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, indicated that the CDCC has had an excellent working relationship with elected officials of the city and county and hopes to improve upon these relationships in the future. The CDCC will be more active on legislative issues and to be pro-active in assuring the legislation and regulations are crafted to serve the business community. Another area that the CDCC wants to improve upon is the various downtown organizations since a vital downtown is essential to any area. She stated that the CDCC is revitalizing their Military Affairs Committee. She advised members that the CDCC is in the process of acquiring a new facility, hopefully to move with their partners, Economic Development and Tourism Offices. Their current facility at the Treadway Towers, is no longer large enough to accommodate their needs.
Ms. Wessel indicated that the goals of the CDCC is to maintain the good working relationship with the various organizations and to ensure that Dover remains a great place to live, work, and play.
Dover Public Library Commission - Dr. Morris Eskenazi
Dr. Morris Eskenazi, Dover Public Library Commission, distributed information regarding the Dover Public Library and thanked the Friends of the Dover Public Library for their support. He stated that the Library Commission meets quarterly to review statistics and discuss how to make an excellent program better. It is their feeling that the City is a tremendous place to live and anything that they can do to support the growth and well being of the citizens is a charge for everyone.
Dr. Eskenazi stated that their current dilemma is with room structure. They currently have over 100,000 publications and the present facility was built for approximately half of them. In 1962 the library was built primarily to serve a population of approximately 10,000, generally located in central Dover area. He stated that today, Dover has more than tripled in population and size and that staff continues to strive to provide the service the taxpayers are entitled. There is an average of 660 customers that utilize the library each day, which is commendable for their current situation and facility. The library has grown from a gateway of illiteracy and learning to a gateway of providing community cultural. It is no longer limited to provide for reading, it includes other functions such as allowing in-depth research, video and music loans, children and adult specialized programs, summer reading program, and providing space for public meetings and community activities.
The population that the library serves has grown tremendously to that what the library was constructed to serve. Dr. Eskenazi stated that by law, the Library Commission is required to recommend to City Council, library plans and provide advise and recommendations. The Library Commission unanimously recommended that City Council seriously consider prioritizing a library annex for west of Dover. The population growth in the City requires more library space for publications, people, and safe parking.
Downtown Dover Development Corporation - Mr. Gary Patterson
Mr. Gary Patterson, President of the Downtown Dover Development Corporation (DDDC), advised members that the original downtown revitalization list of challenges that the John Gallery Study identified have been met and a base is now in place for sustained growth. He noted the many improvements that have been made such as the Schwartz Center (former Capital Theater), turnover of the former Acme property, continued renovation of the Bayard Hotel, creation of Elderwood, restoration of the Richardson House, remodeling of the former Train Station, all of which are positive signs for downtown.
Mr. Patterson stated that the DDDC 4% loans have assisted in the transformation of property located at South Governors Avenue and Loockerman Street, the former Dollar General into the new Raubacher Gallery, the refurbishing of the Priscilla Block Annex into an historically fashioned facility for the Division of Parks and Recreation, and the former Capitol Office building to be transformed into a multi-use commercial and residential, and parking facility. In this next week, he stated that four (4) properties will be assembled on West Loockerman Street, east of Slaughter Street, ready for development into a 20,000 sq. ft. new office or mixed use space. Since its inception, he stated that the DDDC has been working on improvements to the Capital Scrap Yard property. This property has been an impediment to the development of the west side of Dover. With the receipt of Brownsfield Grant Funds and new private ownership, DDDC anticipates much improvements to the area. The improvements to the downtown area initiated by the DDDC has encourage others to participate, which has resulted in their revitalization efforts, such as the Habitat for Humanity, House of Pride, Duncan Depot, State of Delaware Department of Administrative Services, Kent County Levy Court, Dover Art League, Kent General Hospital, Wesley College, Merrill Lynch, and the Campus Community High School.
Mr. Patterson stated that the future, like the past, holds promises and challenges. There will be the need for many partnerships to continue the revitalizing efforts to include the proposed traffic circle near the former Train Station, rebuild West Street, better utilize the former Ice Plant, creation of the new westside business park, revitalization of the City Parking Lot, and providing new dining establishments. He advised members that the City’s development incentives have assisted in the creation of a climate that allows for new investment. The DDDC looks forward to new opportunities and the continued support of City Council.
Greater Dover Arts Council - Ms. Lynn Appel
Ms. Lynn Appel, representative of the Greater Dover Arts Council, indicated that the mission of the Greater Dover Arts Council is to advocate both the visual and the performing arts in Dover and to educate our community regarding the arts and its opportunities. The Greater Dover Arts Council is a volunteer organization, with appointments made by the Mayor. Although the Council receives no funding, they are extremely appreciative of the assistance provided by the staff at the City Parks and Recreation Department.
In the fall of 2000, Ms. Appel stated that Dover was invited to participate in the American for the Arts Impact Study. Surveys (750) were distributed at various arts events throughout the community. These surveys are now being collected and will be submitted to the American for the Arts who will then develop and make available a study that compares approximately 75 other communities similar to Dover. The results should provide the Council with valuable indicators of the economic, social, and aesthetic importance of the impact of the arts in Dover. She stated that one of the goals of the Council was to establish a quarterly visual and performing arts calendar, which has been accomplished. The Council continues to partner with Main Street and advocates the revitalization of downtown. In the future, Ms. Appel stated it is hoped that the Council will develop a long-term community event calendar. This calendar would serve as a clearinghouse for all types of events in an attempt to eliminate double bookings, which is an on-going problem since many of the audiences attracted to such events are one in the same.
Greater Dover Committee - Mr. Mel Warren
Mr. Mel Warren, President of the Greater Dover Committee, indicated that there are 38 active members and nine (9) ex-officio and honorary members. The membership consists of top business, professional, governmental, and educational leaders. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for the residents of greater Dover and Kent County. The origin of their mission dates back to the founding of the Greater Dover Community Fund, which encourages investment today to meet tomorrow’s charitable needs, preserve and protect the heritage of the community, and provide opportunities for future generations. The Fund is administered by the Delaware Community Foundation which is identified as one of the best, non-profit foundation and management entities statewide.
Mr. Warren stated that the Greater Dover Committee provided seed money for the Schwartz Center, founded First Night Dover, and was the force behind the attractive Route 13 Gateway north of Dover. The committee focuses on financially supporting and public policy initiatives on economic development. The local non-profits, such as the Sheppard Place, Dover Housing Development, and Generations Homecare have received the committees support in the past. The committee is anticipating a review of the westside redevelopment of downtown Dover and is grateful for the substantial amount of interaction provided by the City of Dover in the past.
Kent County Levy Court - Mr. Don Blakey
Mr. Don Blakey, Commissioner of Kent County Levy Court, provided a display depicting the proposed new Kent County Administration complex to be located at the former Acme site near the Blue Hen Corporate Center. Final negotiations are in progress for the sale of the O’Brien Building which will allow Kent County to complete the construction of the new facility. It is anticipated that the new facility will be complete in 2004.
With regards to the County’s parks and recreation long-range plans and goals, Mr. Blakey advised members that the County has purchased two (2) farms. As of October 1, 2001, the County entered into a six (6) year information technology agreement with ACS, to help provide customers with the most recent and best opportunities to access their needs from the County and to pay bills. The County has been working on opening its emergency planning and operations center on a national basis to assure that all the citizens of Kent County are protected. There have been teams established from various municipalities and other agencies to help in instituting the forces of the emergency plans. In reference to library services, Mr. Blakey stated that Kent County operates a community library service at its annex site south of Dover, which occupies approximately 4,000 sq. ft. of space. They plan to expand to 8,000 sq. ft. when the new Kent County Complex is constructed. He advised members that the County has been diligently working on a five-year revision to the Comprehensive Plan and that it is expected to have the proposal submitted to the Commissioners in January 2002 for their review.
Kent County Tourism and Visitors Bureau - Ms. Mary Skelton
Ms. Mary Skelton, Director of the Kent County Tourism and Visitors Bureau, reminded members that the mission for tourism is to bring visitors in the area. The Bureau is funded by the lodging tax (1%) charged by hotels and motels in Kent County. The means in which visitors are brought to the area are by bringing meetings and conventions, working with tour operators, assisting with events and festivals, and working directly with individuals. As a reminder, she noted that various interests and tourist attractions in Kent County, with many located in the City of Dover, such as the museums, Dover Downs Entertainment, and tax-free shopping. She assured members that Kent County Tourism will continue to work very hard to bring visitors to the community.
Main Street Dover - Mr. Tom Smith
Mr. Tom Smith, President of the Board of Main Street Dover, advised members that Main Street Dover is a comprehensive revitalization program that stimulates economic development within the context of historic preservation. He explained that the program is comprehensive because the problems in downtown Dover are complex and cannot be solved by a single project. The program is incremental in nature and uses small steps and projects in order to build a solid foundation. The committee’s approach is used to help find solutions to the problems and explained the roles of the four (4) committees, as follows: 1) design, 2) organization, 3) promotion, and 4) economic restructuring.
Mr. Smith stated that although Main Street’s progress has been slow, it has been steady. Downtown Dover has improved in just the past few years and advised members of on-going projects. He stated that the partnership with the City of Dover is vital to the success of their mission and with continued support, downtown Dover has a bright future.
MPO Public Advisory Committee - Mr. Richard Ornauer
Mr. Richard Ornauer, MPO Public Advisory Committee, stated that those that walk, ride a bike, drive a car, or use a bus, should be aware of the MPO Public Advisory Committee. The Dover/Kent County MPO was created in the early 1990's under federal statute which requires 50,000 residents in order to perform planning on transportation issues as they apply to land use. He explained the roles of the three (3) organizations: The Dover/Kent County MPO Council, the Technical Advisory Committee, and the Public Advisory Committee.
Silver Lake Commission - Mr. Dave Edgell
Mr. Dave Edgell, Silver Lake Commission, explained that the Silver Lake Commission works towards the protection and enhancement of Silver Lake, one of the most visible and most important natural resources in the City of Dover. He explained the many values that Silver Lake provides including ecological, recreational, wildlife habitat, and aesthetics as well as the many issues and challenges including water quality. He assured members that the commission will continue their efforts with the improvement of the water quality at Silver Lake; however, this will take the assistance of the community. He explained that a recent project is under construction that involves a bio-swale on the campus at the Delaware State University which will capture and filter a vast amount of water from Route 13 urbanized area that would have otherwise ran directly into the lake. There is also an aeration project being reviewed to help increase the oxygen level in the lake.
St. Jones River Greenway Commission - Mr. Chris Zimmerman
Mr. Chris Zimmerman, Chairman of the St. Jones River Greenway Commission, reminded members that the membership of the commission consists of representatives of the City, County, and State. He stated that greenways provide an integral part in urban settings and that their goal is to link communities and neighborhoods. Greenways are the infrastructure of a quality of life that used to be but because of more modern developments, it has diminished. The commission also serves to preserve sensitive areas of the watershed and have been involved in many projects of this nature.
Mr. Zimmerman advised members that the commission is reviewing the possibility of preserving and enhancing the cultural and historical recreational resources within the watershed. He advised members of the segments of the greenway that have been completed and provided details regarding the commission’s many projects that are currently underway.
Central Delaware Economic Development Council - Mr. Dan Wolfensberger
Mr. Dan Wolfensberger, Central Delaware Economic Development Council, noted that with the events of September 11th, many are concerned with the economy and how it is affecting our major employers of the City of Dover. He reported that most of the growth rates have evaporated in new businesses which means they are performing at the same level as the previous year; however, growth is occurring, therefore, they are maintaining their level of employment with some having shift or consolidate operations. He felt confident that the business outlook for the future is very strong.
Mr. Wolfensberger reported that the Council has been able to sustain the current business industry and hopes that it will be able to continue to add employment opportunities to the City as well as Kent County. He thanked members for the support provided and invited members to attend future meetings, which are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sheraton Dover Hotel.
Dover Parking Authority - Mr. Lyle DeMarie
Mr. Lyle DeMarie, Chairman of the Dover Parking Authority, advised members that the Authority consists of volunteers who work in conjunction with many organizations such as the City Police, Public Works, Planning, and Finance Departments of the City. He stated that the Authority provides a management service and does not own any property. There are seven (7) parking lots managed by the Authority: 1) City Hall; 2) Bradford Street; 3) Loockerman Way; 4) Minor Street; 5) Water Street; 6) Lotus Street; and 7) Governors Avenue. The Parking Authority manages 416 permanent parking spaces and approximately 125 customer spaces.
Mr. DeMarie stated that the Parking Authority is currently reviewing the parking lots and working with citizens to obtain ideas for making and planning for improvements. It is their goal to continue taking an active role in making downtown Dover a better place to live and work, increase and enhance parking, and become more user friendly. He thanked Representative Donna Stone for contributing $35,000 in suburban street aid funds for improvements to the Bradford Street Parking Lot.
Subject Matter Presented from the Floor by Citizens
There was no one present wishing to address members of City Council.
Mr. Speed moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:43 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during the Open Town Meeting of November 5, 2001, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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