REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on January 8, 2001 at 7:40 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Gorman, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters and Mr. Weller.
Council staff members present were Major Mays, Mr. Cooper, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Deputy Fire Chief Bashista, Mrs. Green and Mr. Rodriguez. Mrs. Mitchell was absent.
The invocation was given by Chaplain Wallace Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 11, 2000
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of December 11, 2000 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mrs. Malone and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING - REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 16 LINCOLN STREET, OWNED BY PAUL T. AND AIKO MOORE
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning of property located at 16 Lincoln Street, owned by Paul T. and Aiko Moore. The property is currently zoned RG-1 (General Residence) and the proposed zoning is C-3 (Service Commercial).
Planner's Review
The present zoning of RG-1 permits single family and two family dwellings, and rooming houses for five (5) or less people. Permitted conditionally are: planned senior housing developments, churches, schools, hospitals, funeral homes, philanthropic and charitable organizations, and membership clubs. The property is currently used as a warehouse.
The proposed zoning of C-3 permits service establishments, wholesale and warehousing, bowling alleys, animal hospitals, motor vehicle service stations subject to conditions, manufacturing with less than 25 employees, and printing establishments. Permitted conditionally are planned senior housing developments. The proposed use of the property is for an auto repair shop.
The recommendation of the Planning Commission is for approval. In taking this position, the Commission considered the following points:
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north and across Lincoln Street are residential properties zoned RG-1 and an older commercial building zoned C-3, which front on Forrest Street. To the east are other properties of the owner that includes older industrial buildings that are zoned C-3. To the south is vacant land zoned RG-1 that is bisected to a stream. To the west are residential properties that are zoned RG-1 and represent the eastern edge of the Lincoln Park Neighborhood.
Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan designates this area for commercial uses.
Other Considerations: An older warehouse building has been located on this property for many years, and commercial and warehouse uses have moved in and out of the property. It was most recently used by PPG to store paint. Just recently it was brought to the owners attention that the property in fact was zoned residential and should be rezoned to bring the uses in compliance with zoning. Staff advised the owner that the City would not permit any more “changes in use” unless the zoning was resolved.
Recommendation of Planning Staff: Considering that this property has been used for commercial purposes for many years without any conflicts with residential properties in the area, is co-located with other industrial buildings that are properly zoned, is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, and is compatible with most of the surrounding land uses, staff recommended approval of the rezoning.
Mr. DePrima advised members that there were concerns relayed during the public hearing held by the Planning Commission regarding junked cars that were on the property. There were also concerns that Lincoln Street is too narrow to handle additional traffic and that noise is heard from the building by neighbors in the area. He stated that the auto repair shop owner has agreed to screen the rear of the property with fencing and trees. He also assured members that the business would not be open in the evening, that all work would occur inside the building, and all parking of cars would be on the lot.
Correspondence
It was noted that a letter was received, along with pictures, from Alexander and Gloria Chappell, 715 Vine Street, relaying concerns of the appearance of the property at 16 Lincoln Street. In addition, a petition, containing 8 signatures, was submitted protesting approval of the rezoning request. As calculated by the City Assessor, less than 20% of the permitted area protested; therefore, the request could be approved by a majority vote of Council.
Although the property owner has verbally agreed to address the concerns of the neighbors, Mr. Salters stated that, in speaking with the residents, it is their desire that action regarding the rezoning be delayed until a more formal commitment is obtained from the property owner regarding their concerns of business hours, landscaped screening on the property, etc.
Concurring, Mr. Truitt stated that since just recently being provided information regarding concerns of the rezoning request, Council should be allotted more time to review the matter.
Responding to Mr. Salters, Mrs. Green stated that the City Clerk’s Office notifies property owners within 200' of the property proposed for rezoning, whose names and addresses are obtained from the City Assessor’s Office.
Public Hearing
Council President Christiansen declared the hearing open.
Mr. Thomas R. English of 540 West Mount Vernon Street, Smyrna, Delaware, representative of Earl Smith Land Surveyor, relayed support of the rezoning request since the proposed use is in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and surrounding neighborhood.
Mr. Frank Moore of 747 Westfield Road, Moorestown, New Jersey, advised members that his parents have owned the property for approximately 10 years. When the property was purchased, it was zoned manufacturing, and that at some point in time, the property was rezoned without their knowledge. He stated that the property was recently leased under the assumption that it maintained a manufacturing zoning classification, and that when the tenant attempted to obtain a business permit, the City discovered that the zoning of the property would not permit the proposed use.
Mr. Moore assured members that, as owners of the property, they are willing to address the concerns of the neighbors and have discussed alternatives in addressing those concerns. He explained that a permit has been obtained to erect a privacy fence on the back portion of the property and that once the weather permits, they will include landscaping.
Mr. David DeBuke of 2101 Elder Drive, Wilmington, Delaware, offered to answer any questions as the tenant of the property at 16 Lincoln Street. Responding to Mr. Salters, Mr. DeBuke stated that his business consists of rebuilding transmissions. Approximately 60% of the business is delivered as a separate unit for repair work to be performed inside the building, and then once repaired, the unit is shipped back out. He stated that there are specific recycling containers for all fluids involved in the process and that there will be very few transmissions brought for repairs that are contained in a vehicle. Therefore, there should be little if any storage of vehicles around his business.
Mr. DeBuke advised members that he has taken measures to clean and repair the property that he is leasing and requested approval of the rezoning request.
Mrs. Gloria Chappell, 715 Vine Street, alluded to the letter and pictures that she had distributed and requested that there be some type of landscape buffering required around the rear and west side of the property proposed for rezoning. Although some vehicles have been removed from the property, she stated that there are several disabled vehicles that remain. Mrs. Chappell stated that there are two (2) separate buildings on the site, with separate tenants, which could be the reason there is a problem.
Responding to Mr. Salters, Mrs. Chappell stated that although Mr. Moore has indicated concurrence in the placement of some type of buffering and landscaping on the property, she would like specifics as to what types of buffering will be placed to enhance the appearance of the property.
To clarify the situation, Mr. DePrima explained that there has been a split zoning of the property, which contains two (2) separate buildings. He stated that one (1) building has a C-3 zoning classification and has been an existing auto repair shop for several years. This site contains the junk cars. He assured members that this concern has been and will continue to be addressed by the Inspection’s Department. Should there be a change in use for the property, the City’s site plan requirements would be invoked at an administrative level, which include standard fencing and buffering requirements. Mr. DePrima stated that during the Planning Commission Meeting, it was noted that if the rezoning is approved and then a change in use is requested, the property would be required to be brought up to the standards for buffering as indicated in the City ordinances. He assured members that the buffering details such as species, types, heights, and density of landscape materials will be addressed by the City in accordance with the standards required by the Zoning Code.
Responding to Mr. Truitt, Mr. DePrima explained that there are two (2) separate buildings located on the property which were once owned and operated by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company as one facility. However, in reviewing the tax map, there are two (2) separate property lots. When the City adjusted the zoning maps, in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, the property lots were split and the one lot was assigned a residential zoning classification by error. The contention of the residents in the area is that since the properties are owned by the same individual, he should be required to make both properties aesthetically pleasing to the surroundings prior to the approval of the rezoning request.
Mr. DePrima felt that the Planning Commission’s rationale for recommending approval of the rezoning was based on the fact that the property contains an industrial building and has been used as such for several years. Members discounted the fact, to a certain degree, a majority of the problems are with the adjacent property also owned by Mr. Moore, which is currently zoned C-3. Mr. DePrima stated that members also took in good faith the comments of Mr. Moore for taking the necessary measures to screen the area in such a manner that the buildings would not be seen by the surrounding neighbors.
Ms. Edith G. Wright, 50 Lincoln Street, advised members that there are many children that live and play in the neighborhood and relayed concerns regarding additional traffic that would be generated from the business.
Council President Christiansen declared the hearing closed.
In response to previous comments regarding the notification of a proposed rezoning to surrounding property owners, Council President Christiansen advised members that names and addresses of those property owners within 200 feet of a proposed rezoning are obtained from the City Assessor’s Office and notification of the proposed rezoning and public hearing is sent to these property owners by the City Clerk’s Office. He stated that according to their records, 29 letters were mailed as a result of this rezoning request and that one (1) letter was returned (Salvation Army).
Mr. Salters moved to table the rezoning request, to allow the property owner of 16 Lincoln Street time to address the concerns of the neighbors. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING - REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1156 WALKER ROAD, OWNED BY ANTHONY D. HARRIS, III AND JENNIE LEE HARRIS
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning of property located at 1156 Walker Road, owned by Anthony D. Harris, III and Jennie Lee Harris. The property is currently zoned R-8 (One Family Residence) and the proposed zoning is I/O (Institutional and Office).
Planner's Review
The present zoning of R-8 permits agricultural uses, single family detached dwellings on 8,000 square foot lots, and public buildings. Permitted conditionally are planned senior housing developments, planned neighborhood design developments on 20 or more acres with single family and multiple family dwellings and a gross density of 3.8 units per acre, churches, schools, hospitals, funeral homes, philanthropic and charitable organizations, and membership clubs. The property is currently used as a daycare for kindergarten and preschool.
The proposed zoning of I/O permits business, professional, and governmental offices, public and institutional uses, and restaurants. Conditionally permitted are planned senior housing developments, firearm ranges, correctional facilities, and public incinerators. The proposed use of the property is to continue the same daycare services with the addition of an elementary school.
The recommendation of the Planning Commission is for approval. In taking this position, the Commission considered the following points:
Surrounding Land Uses: To the north and across Walker Road is a small church, two (2) new office buildings, and a home all zoned C/PO (Commercial Professional Offices). Further east along Walker Road is the Hamlet Development and Bicentennial Village. To the east and south are single family homes zoned R-8 that are in the Bicentennial Village Development, the homes to the east front on Patriot Drive, while the homes to the south front on Freedom Drive. To the west is a day care center zoned R-8. Further west along Walker Road on the south side are homes in the Bicentennial Village Development, and on the north side is the Capitol Nursing Home and Assisted Living Facility.
Comprehensive Plan: The Comprehensive Plan designates this area for Institutional and Office Uses. This was done to bring the plan into conformance with what had been the historical use of the properties.
Other Considerations: St. Johns Lutheran Church received a conditional use approval from the Planning Commission in June 2000 for their day care program, permitting the use of an existing 8,000 square foot building as a kindergarten, pre-school, and child care center. Prior to this, the building had been used as a child care facility and day treatment program. It was originally approved by the Planning Commission in 1974 and constructed as a nursery school known as Harris Kiddie Kollege. Harris Kiddie Kollege added a private elementary school program that operated until the late 1980's. There is no record that the Kiddie Kollege received Planning Commission approval to add the elementary school program.
The structure will be non-conforming with side yard requirements on the east side.
Recommendation of Planning Staff: Considering that the proposal is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is compatible with most of the surrounding land uses, staff recommended approval of the rezoning.
Correspondence
No correspondence was received on the proposed rezoning.
Public Hearing
Council President Christiansen declared the hearing open.
Mr. David C. Braun, representing Gerald Donovan and Associates of 429 S. Governors Avenue and St. Johns Lutheran Services, stated that there is a good relationship between the school and neighbors and felt confident that it will continue in the future.
Ms. Deena Vandetti, 259 Westwind Drive, stated that as Principal of the St. Johns Lutheran School, she assured members that the good relationship with the neighbors would continue as well as improvements to the area.
Council President Christiansen declared the hearing closed.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the rezoning request as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent), Council adopted the following ordinance: (The first reading of this ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of November 27, 2000):
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1156 WALKER ROAD
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has enacted a zoning ordinance regulating the use of property within the limits of the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of zoning and planning to change the permitted use of property described below from R-8 (One Family Residence) to I/O (Institutional and Office).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1.That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover have been amended by changing the zoning designation from R-8 to I/O on that property located at 1156 Walker Road, owned by Anthony D. Harris, III and Jennie Lee Harris.
ADOPTED: January 8, 2001
ELECTION BOARD REPORT
The Election Board met on December 11, 2000 with Chairman Leary presiding.
Review of Section 2-70(4) and (5) of the Dover Code - Compensation for Election Officials
The Election Board reviewed Section 2-70(4) and (5) of the Dover Code relative to compensation for election officials, along with information regarding the development and amendments to those sections. It was noted that, historically, the City has set the rate of compensation for election officials to correspond with the State of Delaware. It was just recently brought to staff’s attention that the State has instituted an increase in compensation. This has not been an issue since there has not been an election for the past few years; however, with the upcoming referendum, it was felt that this matter should be considered.
During the Election Board Meeting, the City Clerk, Mrs. Green, advised members that it has been somewhat difficult to acquire election workers in the past. She stated that election workers must arrive at 6:30 a.m. and remain at the polling place until after 8:00 p.m. when the polls close, working a total of approximately 14 consecutive hours.
In discussing this matter, members relayed concern with the compensation and questioned the rate per hour, feeling that these workers could receive the same compensation working at a fast food restaurant. Considering the responsibilities involved, it was felt that the compensation for Election Judges should be set at $200 and Election Clerks set at $150.
Mr. Leary advised members that the Election Board recommended adoption of an ordinance to amend Section 2-70(4) and (5) of the Dover Code that would allow for the compensation for Election Judges to be set at $200 and Election Clerks to be set at $150.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the Election Board’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried. The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting.
Mrs. Malone moved for acceptance of the Election Board Report, seconded by Mr. Gorman and unanimously carried.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on December 11, 2000 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Purchase of Police Vehicles
In accordance with the City’s Capital Investments Plan, the Police Department purchases vehicles each year through its budget. Staff submitted a proposal to purchase four (4) police package sedans (Ford Crown Victoria’s) and three (3) intermediate sedans (Chevy Malibu’s). In accordance with City policy, the vehicles would be purchased through the State Contract. The Crown Victoria’s would be purchased from Hertrich Fleet Services of Milford, Delaware, and the Malibu’s would be purchased from I.G. Burton of Milford, Delaware. Both vendors provide lease and buy options.
The Finance Director/Treasurer, Mrs. Mitchell, performed a lease versus buy analysis which indicated a savings in the amount of $5,965 for the Crown Victoria’s and a savings in the amount of $2,419 for the Malibu’s. The total purchase price for the Crown Victoria’s is $81,952 and with a four (4) year lease, payments would be $22,686/year. The total purchase price for the Malibu’s is $42,429 and with a four (4) year lease, payments would be $11,945/year. After the lease term, the City would have the option to purchase the vehicles for $1.00. The lease costs for all vehicles will be $34,631 per year for a grant total of $138,524 over the four-year lease period. The Police Department’s budget includes $132,000 for the purchase of vehicles.
Based on the lease analysis, staff recommended that four (4) Ford Crown Victoria’s be leased from Hertrich Fleet Services at an annual lease cost of $22,686, and that three (3) Chevy Malibu’s be leased from I.G. Burton at an annual lease cost of $11,945.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Gorman moved to approve the committee’s recommendation for four (4) Ford Crown Victoria’s to be leased from Hertrich Fleet Services at an annual lease cost of $22,686, and three (3) Chevy Malibu’s to be leased from I.G. Burton at an annual lease cost of $11,945. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Discussion - Legal Opinion - Property Reassessment
During the committee meeting of November 13, 2000, members considered a proposal for property assessment revaluation. In addition, the City Assessor suggested consideration of an ordinance amendment that would require all real property to be reassessed every three (3) years (in-house) by the Assessor’s Office and that every third reassessment (9th year) be conducted by a certified independent outside appraiser chosen by Council. During this discussion, staff questioned the need to amend the Charter, feeling that this mandate could possibly be included in Chapter 19.5 of the Dover Code. As a result, the City Solicitor was requested to review this matter and provide the appropriate ordinance amendments.
City Solicitor Rodriguez provided an opinion indicating that the City Charter currently requires an annual assessment, explaining that the terminology “assessment” and “reassessment” are one and the same. Therefore, whether Council wishes to require an annual reassessment or wishes to require an assessment every three (3) years, then Section 47 of the Charter must be amended accordingly.
In discussing this matter, members felt that an annual reassessment was not necessary and would place an inordinate amount of work on the Assessor’s Office. It was noted; however, that a reassessment balances the tax burden to the citizens and provides the City with vital information in the event of a natural disaster. Therefore, members felt that a reassessment every three (3) years would be adequate, with an outside appraisal accomplished every nine (9) years, which would provide an accurate account of the value of properties within the City of Dover.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Carey suggested that the City maintain flexibility with regard to the outside appraisal. He explained that there may be a justifiable reason to delay the ninth year appraisal or the need to have one accomplished sooner. He suggested that there be language incorporated in the proposed amendment that would allow Council to require an outside appraisal within a seven (7) to ten (10) year period.
Responding, Mr. Salters felt that although the motion would require an outside appraisal every nine (9) years, Council could require one at any time. As an alternative, staff suggested that the Charter could be amended in such a way that there is no mention of a mandatory outside appraisal and that the City Code be amended to include the requirement for an outside appraisal. It was explained that Charter amendments require approval of the General Assembly and that the City Code can be amended by Council adopting an ordinance, which could provide Council with the flexibility desired.
Council President Christiansen explained that the City Charter provides generalized authority and requirements and that the Code provides specifics and options.
The committee recommended adoption of Charter and Code amendments that would require in-house property revaluations every three (3) years and allow for a revaluation to be done by a certified independent outside appraiser every nine years thereafter.
In accordance with the committee’s recommendation, Deputy City Solicitor Pepper prepared amendments to Section 47 of the City Charter and Section 19.5-1 of the Dover Code.
In reviewing the proposed amendment to Section 47 of the City Charter, Mr. Carey suggested that in the last sentence of the fifth paragraph, the words “provided that” be stricken since there would be a conflict of interest if a member of council were to vote on his own appeal. He also suggested that in the seventh paragraph, the words “communications systems” be added after “telegraph” due to the many changes and advancement occurring in technology.
Mr. Gorman moved for adoption of the ordinance amendments as recommended by the committee, including the suggested changes as noted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weller and carried with Mrs. Malone abstaining. The first readings of the proposed ordinances will take place during the latter part of the meeting.
Mr. Gorman moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Parks and Recreation Committee met on December 11, 2000 with Chairwoman Malone presiding.
Update - Dover Regional Recreation and Sports Facility at Schutte Park
General Fred Vetter addressed members to provide an update on the Dover Regional Recreation and Sports Facility at Schutte Park. He indicated the highlights that have occurred during the past few weeks, including discussions with the architect and the plans that have been proposed for the project. The discussions also included various options for the location of heating and cooling equipment.
General Vetter stated that the Dover Recreational Facilities Committee (DRFC) gave presentations on the Center at Schutte Park to several groups, including the Greater Dover Committee, who have relayed their support for the project. He advised members that December 18th is the scheduled “kick-off” for an intensive informational campaign designed to inform and educate the public, as well as address any concerns they may have regarding the project. The grant writer has submitted seven (7) grant packages and is expecting responses in January 2001.
The committee recommended acceptance of the informational update.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
Mrs. Malone moved for acceptance of the Parks and Recreation Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on December 11, 2000 with Chairman Weller presiding.
Middle West Service Company Report on Electric Utility
The City’s Electric Bond Resolutions require that the City retain an independent engineering consultant to inspect the City’s electric system and to review the electric budgets and insurance program. The City’s current engineering consultant is Middle West Service Company. The Annual Report contains a summary of the operation results for June 30, 1999 and budgeted amounts for fiscal years ended June 30, 2000 and June 30, 2001. It also includes the consultants conclusions and recommendations as well as commentary on active projects and future projects planned for the electric system and plant operations. Mrs. Donna Mitchell, Finance Director/Treasurer, briefly summarized the report as follows:
►Growth this past year has been approximately 6%.
►The City set a peak of 157MW two (2) times in the summer of 1999.
►The revenue and expense budgets for the above mentioned years provide for the operation and maintenance of the electric system according to sound utility practices.
►The budget revenues reflect retail rates as of March 1, 1998.
►The expense budgets include allowances for expected cost increases.
►Transfers of $2,000,000 to the Improvement and Extension Fund are recommended.
►The transfers, beginning balance, and interest earnings in the Improvement and Extension Fund are adequate to cover the estimated capital expenditures of $2,587,574 in fiscal year 2001.
►Revenue tests, according to Section 502 of the 1985 Bond Resolution show sufficient margins above requirements indicating that retail rates are adequate for fiscal year 2000-2001 (see pages 3-7).
The fee for this report is $17,800, including expenses. Staff recommended acceptance of the report as submitted.
The committee recommended acceptance of the report as recommended by staff.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
East Loockerman Street Update
During their Regular Meeting of September 27, 1999, Council adopted a Resolution that partially closed a portion of East Loockerman Street, between South Edgehill Avenue and the Edgehill Avenue Alley, one-way eastbound. It was stipulated that upon its closure, a three (3) month progress report shall be provided and that the matter be submitted for reconsideration in six (6) months.
Members were provided with a report of the East Loockerman Street Study Update. The report included an analysis of the traffic volume and the impact of the traffic control device, which was installed in November 1999. He noted that staff monitored the newspapers and telephone calls and noted that there have been no negative responses received and that the level of traffic has significantly decreased since the partial closure. The two (2) major intersections, East Loockerman at South Edgehill Avenue and East Loockerman Street at Division Street, have shown a net reduction of at least 45%. At the two (2) minor intersections at South Edgehill Avenue and Divisions Street and South Halsey Road at Division Street, traffic has been reduced by just under 40%. Overall, the traffic in the East Loockerman Street neighborhood has been reduced 44%.
Since the temporary, partial closure of that portion of East Loockerman Street has had the desired effect and there have been no known public objections, staff recommended that the partial closure be made permanent.
The City Planner reminded members that during the initial discussions regarding this matter (see Council Meeting Minutes of June 28, 1999) it was felt that if the temporary change were to be made permanent, it would be accomplished by planting some type of substantial vegetation, including trees, and the installation of vertical curbing. He also indicated that there was discussion regarding the installation of a sidewalk in the area.
Clarifying the location of the requested sidewalk to be installed by the City, Mr. DePrima noted that the developers of the Target Store were required to install sidewalk along the service road.
During the committee meeting, it was suggested that the sidewalk be extended by the City up to the Edgehill development where the one-way road ends.
The committee recommended that the partial closure of that portion of East Loockerman Street between South Edgehill Avenue and the Edgehill Avenue Alley making it one-way eastbound be made permanent, and that the installation of the sidewalk along this portion of the roadway be completed.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Gorman and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Weller moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
MONTHLY REPORTS - NOVEMBER 2000
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mrs. Malone, the following monthly reports were accepted:
Chief of Police Report
Planning and Inspections Report
City Assessor Report
City Clerk/Alderman Report (Fines)
City Manager's Report
Mayor's Report
General Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Improvement and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Internal Service Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCES
Mr. Weller moved to waive the reading of the proposed ordinances before Council, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried. Council President Christiansen reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinances are available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office. Final action by Council on the proposed ordinances will take place during the Council Meeting of January 22, 2001.
Mr. Weller moved for acknowledgment of the first reading of the following proposed ordinances, by title only, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried:
SECTION 2-70 - COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES FOR MAYOR, COUNCIL, EMPLOYEES AND OTHER ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS, PARAGRAPHS (4) AND (5)
SECTION 47 - GENERAL ASSESSMENT AND LEVY ON UTILITY PROPERTY (Request to General Assembly for Charter Amendment)
SECTION 19.5-1 - GENERAL ASSESSMENT AND VALUATION OF REAL PROPERTY, REASSESSMENT BY CITY ASSESSOR, REASSESSMENT BY INDEPENDENT OUTSIDE APPRAISER
MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS
Mr. McGlumphy acknowledged receipt of a pledge for the Schutte Center Project, in the amount of $500, from Acme Markets and relayed his gratitude. He also referred to the small signs being placed throughout the City emphasizing support for the project, commending those working hard to see this project come to fruition and urging citizens to support this much needed facility.
Mr. McGlumphy also commended Mr. DePrima, Mr. Petit de Mange, and Mr. Edgell (previous City employee) on their recent accomplishment for receiving the Planning Award from the Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association for the City’s 1996 Comprehensive Plan. He felt that the receipt of this award provides further assurance that the growth of the City is being accomplished through an orderly process.
Mr. Salters moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of January 8, 2001, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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