SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
A Special Council Meeting was held on April 25, 2001 at 4:00 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding in the absence of Council President Christiansen. Council members present were Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Gorman, Mr. Truitt, and Mr. Salters. Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone and Mr. Weller were absent.
Others present were Council-Elect Ritter (arrived at 4:07 p.m.), Council-Elect Ruane, and Mrs. Green (Council-Elect Speed was absent).
As a result of the Municipal Election held on April 17, 2001, it will be necessary for members of Council to elect a new Council President. Since its inception, this position has been filled by Council President Christiansen. Mayor Hutchison noted that there have been many rumors as to who would like to serve as the Council President. He also explained that there are many appointments to committees that are made by the Council President. With three (3) new members of Council being elected, Mayor Hutchison felt that an informal organizational meeting would allow those who wish to serve as Council President the opportunity to make that announcement and others to indicate where they feel they would best serve the City.
Mayor Hutchison welcomed Council-Elect Ritter and Council-Elect Ruane. Since becoming Mayor seven (7) years ago, he briefly explained the changes that have occurred in the City and the tremendous growth that has been experienced. During this period, there has been $427,000,000 in new construction growth, representing $60,000,000 in revenue to the City per year, which he felt was good business. Mayor Hutchison reflected on a few of the major important decisions that have been made such as the selection of a new City Manager, the Power Plant Agreement with Duke Louis Dreyfus, sale of the Water Street Parking Lot, Schutte Park, and the Garrison Tract project.
Mayor Hutchison advised members of his concerns and focus for quality of life, public safety, protection of current employment, and acquiring new employment opportunities. He stated that there are many things required of City Council and felt it is important to work in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office and City Staff. For the new members, he stated that nothing can be accomplished working alone, there must be a team effort and invited them to join the other members of Council and City Staff to work together to address the needs, concerns, and issues involving this City.
Although there are many challenges that will need to be considered, Mayor Hutchison advised members that the first call of business will be to elect a new Council President. The Council President has the responsibility of appointing members of Council, either as a Chairperson or member, and citizens to Council Committees (Legislative and Finance, Parks and Recreation, Safety Advisory, and Utility). Therefore, Mayor Hutchison felt that the Council President should have knowledge regarding fellow members of Council to determine who is the best qualified person to serve on which committee. Mayor Hutchison stated that the Council President must have knowledge of the rules and regulations to preside at meetings, and responsibilities involved in serving as the Council President.
Councilman Reuben Salters
Mr. Salters relayed his love and strong loyalty to Dover and his interest in serving as Council President. It is his feeling that the City has continued to prosper because of the leadership of the Mayor and Council. Having served on Council for 12 years and being a senior member of Council, he would provide the experience and knowledge necessary to fulfill the position. In order to assume the responsibility of Council President, he stated that one must be willing, available, and capable and assured members that he could fulfill the position with an understanding of the responsibilities of Council, the Committees, and the Mayor’s Office, which is important since the Council President serves as Vice-Mayor in the absence of the Mayor. In selecting the Council President, he requested that members of Council do so with open minds and hearts and with no coercion.
Councilman John Pitts
Mr. Pitts stated that he has no interest in serving as Council President. However, with his background in the athletic field for several years, he felt that he would best serve the City as a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee. Referring to the recent community issues, he also relayed an interest in serving on the Safety Advisory Committee. Mr. Pitts felt that this committee should have community meetings to allow for more dialogue between the residents and representatives of the City. He suggested that there be more cooperation with the school districts in resolving issues since many of the problem students bring their troubles into the community. He also relayed an interest in becoming more involved in the City’s financial issues.
Mr. Pitts referred to the appointments made by the Mayor to various committees and felt that there could be better representation. He suggested that the Mayor request suggestions from Council for consideration of these appointments.
Councilman William McGlumphy
Mr. McGlumphy welcomed the newly elected members to City Council. He noted that he is finishing his first year as a member of Council and that it is a learning process which takes time. He suggested that all members work together and help each other learn the complex procedures. Mr. McGlumphy announced his desire to become Council President. He advised members that he has served for more than 30 years in public education as a teacher and administrator. He has the ability to conduct meetings, present issues, clarify issues, and that his strengths include the ability to bring people together to express their views and the ability to make decisions, including those that are not popular. Mr. McGlumphy felt that it is important that members of Council work together during this period of transition and suggested ideas to improve communications with the public.
Mr. McGlumphy requested that each member of Council agree to disagree in a professional manner and that regardless of personalities, each member continue to treat one another with respect and dignity. It was his feeling that the Council Chambers deserves some type of reverence and that there is a need to move forward in a dignified manner.
Council-Elect John Ritter
Mr. Ritter advised members that he is an Engineer, employed by Kent County, and is familiar with the manner in which government operates. He stated his interest in serving as the Chairman of the Utility Committee. Mr. Ritter felt that the City should concentrate on improving communications with the public.
Council-Elect Eugene Ruane
Mr. Ruane referred to the letter submitted by Councilman Carey, which indicates his interest in serving as Council President, and noted that there are three (3) current members interested in the position. As an alternative, Mr. Ruane offered to serve as Council President. Although he was just recently elected to Council, he explained his lengthy experience in government and politics and background in strategic planning. He advised members that in his position with the State of Delaware, he helped establish new departments and new organizations and also eradicated two (2) major departments within the State. Mr. Ruane stated that he has assumed leadership positions with almost every organization he has been associated with, including appointments to serve the City on two (2) committees. He stated that he has served as chairman of many committees and has dealt with conflict management situations. He has served in many capacities with the State of Delaware and served two (2) years as a lobbyist; therefore, he knows many of our legislators personally.
Mr. Ruane relayed his ideas for the City’s future to include an economic development plan in addition to a comprehensive plan. He stated his amazement in the misinformation in the community. He felt that the City should develop other forms of civic engagement and that the City should judge itself on social capital as well as economic capital. Mr. Ruane relayed disappointment in the media coverage for the City, explaining his feeling that the media places more emphasis on the negative actions of the City. He suggested that the City request the media to provide more coverage on the positive actions of the City and less emphasis on the negative.
Mr. Ruane requested that members consider his candidacy as Council President and indicated that he would support whoever succeeds.
Councilman Bruce Gorman
Mr. Gorman advised members that he has no interest in serving as Council President. He urged members to look to the future, to come together as a team, and to act professionally as members of Council. In regards to the appointment of Council President, it was his belief that it should be a member that has already served as a member of Council. To the newly elected members of Council, Mr. Gorman noted that there is a learning process that he felt would not allow a new member to fulfill the position of Council President. There are many procedures, processes, and workings of the City that must be known to the individual that assumes the responsibility of Council President.
Mr. Gorman referred to the concerns regarding communications and noted that it is the responsibility of both the City and its citizens. He stated that only 10% of those eligible voted in the recent Schutte Park Referendum and that approximately 8% voted in the City’s Municipal Election when there were 16 candidates. He also indicated that there are few, if any, citizens that are present during Council Meetings. Mr. Gorman felt that if the citizens are truly concerned with the City, they would be more participatory.
Mr. Gorman stated that he served two (2) years as a civilian member and one (1) year as a member of Council on the Legislative and Finance Committee and that it has taken this time to understand the City’s finances. Having been imminently involved with the financial development of the City’s budget, Mr. Gorman stated that its review will be one of the largest burdens to be addressed constantly and consistently once the draft budgets are distributed. There are significant challenges that are apparent, as has been mentioned by the City’s Finance Director/Treasurer.
Mr. Gorman noted receipt of the letter from Mr. Carey and stated that although he indicated an interest in serving as the Council President, he suggested that Mr. Carey be considered to serve as Chairman of the Utility Committee.
Councilman William Truitt
Mr. Truitt stated that although he has experience in presiding over meetings, he has no interest in serving as the Council President. He noted that there are several organizations that require those serving to be advanced or relinquish their seat. This is somewhat like a term limit and he felt that there are pros and cons to this system that should possibly be considered for the City.
Mr. Truitt concurred with previous comments regarding the need to address community issues and suggested the establishment of a Community Relations Committee. Currently serving as Chairman of the Safety Advisory Committee, Mr. Truitt indicated his desire to continue serving in that capacity. It was his feeling that there are many issues that involve safety that should be reviewed by the Safety Advisory Committee and would like for it to become more active.
Councilman Carleton Carey
Mayor Hutchison noted that the following letter was submitted by Mr. Carey:
April 24, 2001
Mayor James L. Hutchison
Present and Future City Council Members
Dear Mayor and City Council:
I apologize for not being able to attend the Organizational Meeting of the City of Dover Council on Wednesday, April 25th. I am scheduled to be in Washington, D.C. for a meeting I attend once a year for the State of Delaware.
At this time, I would like to be considered for President of our City of Dover Council.
I have served as President of several organizations over a long period of time and I feel that my experience would be beneficial to our City. I currently serve as President of the Society of American Military Engineers at Dover Air Force Base. I also served from 1998 to 2000 as President of the Delaware State Fire Prevention Commission.
I have received numerous phone calls and requests from individuals, along with business people, asking me to run for President of the Dover City Council.
If elected, I will do my best to work with everyone for the good of the City.
Sincerely,
Carleton E. Carey, Sr.
Councilman - At-Large
Conclusion
Referring to community relations, Mayor Hutchison felt that public relations is involved and that each member of Council has a responsibility in this regard. It was his hope that this meeting has provided information that can be used to help identify those that would like to assume leadership roles in the City. He reiterated that a team effort is critical to the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and City Staff in order for the City to be effective.
Mr. Gorman moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:23 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
/TG
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