REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on October 23, 2000 at 7:30 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 Chief Faulkner, Mr. Cooper, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Green, and Mr. Rodriguez. Chief Carey was absent.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President Christiansen declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action.
There was no one present wishing to speak during the Open Forum.
The invocation was given by Chaplain Wallace Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mrs. Malone requested the addition of item #4A - FOP Contract Agreement. Mr. Weller moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9, 2000
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 9, 2000 were unanimously approved by motion of Mrs. Malone, seconded by Mr. Weller and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - C.D.S.A. - COUGAR’S TEAM MEMBERS
The City Clerk read the following Certificate into the record:
WHEREAS, the C.D.S.A. Cougars of the Delaware Youth Soccer Association recently won the Pittsgrove Labor Day Tournament held in Pittsgrove, New Jersey, and the Columbus Day Tournament held in Dover, Delaware; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed an honor and privilege to present this Certificate as follows:
Coaches
Fernando Villena and Nicole Monroney
Team Members
Kari Browning
Kimberly Chase
Sara Coleman
Jamie Denman
Jessica Glanden
Amy Holubik
Kelly Knutkowski
Patricia Lapinsky
Samantha Marano
Megan Miller
Stephanie Richter
Shenika Rodriguez
Alexa Salas
Briggette Schuler
Mary Suarez
Kendra Tholt
Arusha Villena
Emily Wallace
C.D.S.A. COUGARS
2000 CHAMPIONS OF THE
PITTSGROVE LABOR DAY and COLUMBUS DAY TOURNAMENTS
Congratulations and Best Wishes from the City of Dover
October 2000
Mayor Hutchison, along with Mrs. Malone (Chairwoman of the Parks and Recreation Committee), presented each member with a Certificate.
Mr. Villena thanked members for their support and recognition.
PRESENTATION BY MAYOR HUTCHISON - CRAWFORD J. CARROLL MEMORIAL
The Seventh Annual Prayer Breakfast for Mayor Hutchison was held on October 5, 2000. Each year, Mayor Hutchison donates proceeds from the event to an organization of his choice. Mayor Hutchison announced that the proceeds from the 2000 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, in the amount of $500, will benefit the Crawford J. Carroll Memorial. It has been determined that the site for the memorial will be in front of City Hall.
Mayor Hutchison also relayed his appreciation to the members of the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee (Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Green, Mr. Karia, Mrs. Sealund, and Ms. Skelton) for a most successful event.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - SIGNATURES AUTHORIZATION
With the recent retirement of the Finance Director/Treasurer, members were provided with a revised Signatures Authorizing Resolution for the purpose of updating appropriate signatures for the various financial documents City officials are required to sign. It was noted that there is no change in the investment or banking policy/procedure.
By motion of Mrs. Malone, seconded by Mr. Carey, the following Resolution was adopted by a unanimous roll call vote:
WHEREAS, the City of Dover’s investment policy includes the investment of funds up to $100,000 per banking institution, investments in the State of Delaware Investment Pool and the purchase and sale of U.S. Treasury and agency securities; and
WHEREAS, the banking institutions, brokerage firms, trust companies and other various financial institutions require an Authorizing Resolution for the opening of accounts, and for purchasing, selling, transferring, assigning, and handling securities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover, that the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurers are hereby authorized to open accounts with banking institutions and purchase, sell, transfer, assign, and handle securities and that they are authorized to sign all related forms;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the transactions in these accounts be carried out with any one signature; and
That the following are the office holders authorized for these purposes, until further notice:
Donna S. Mitchell - Treasurer
Janice C. Green - Assistant Treasurer
Traci M. Gahm - Assistant Treasurer
ADOPTED: October 23, 2000
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT - DOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT (FOP LODGE #15)
Mr. O’Connor reported that there has been a settlement with the Dover Police Department (FOP Lodge #15) on a proposal for a three (3) year employment agreement. The agreement provides for a first year salary readjustment based on years of service rather than steps. After ten (10) years, there will be step increases at 11 and 16 years only, to become effective August 1, 2000. There will be a 3% increase in the 2nd and 3rd years.
The contract allows for an increase in shift differential as follows: an increase from $0.50 to $0.75 for the 4:00 to 12:00 shift and an increase from $0.85 to $1.10 for the 12:00 to 8:00 shift. The Educational Incentive Program includes an added incentive for a Masters Degree in the amount of $500. The clothing allowance will increase by $50, for a total of $500 annually, and the shoe allowance will increase from $100 per year to $125 in the 1st year, $150 in the 2nd year, and $175 in the 3rd year. The contract allows for three (3) days of bereavement leave for immediate family members unless the service is held outside a 400 mile radius, then a five (5) day bereavement leave will be allowed.
Those employees covered under this Agreement who are required to report to work or continue to work under the City’s inclement weather policy will be compensated with time off on an hour-for-hour basis for each hour actually worked when the City Manager closes the City’s Administrative Offices due to a weather emergency, if they are closed for two (2) hours or more during the normal work week (Monday - Friday). The City will not pay overtime to obtain the necessary staffing level to cover any position under this weather emergency policy.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the Dover Police Department (FOP Lodge #15) Employee Agreement, as presented by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARING - VIOLATION OF THE DANGEROUS BUILDING ORDINANCE - 23 N. KIRKWOOD STREET - JAMES C. HARDCASTLE
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider a violation of the Dangerous Building Ordinance at 23 N. Kirkwood Street, owned by James C. Hardcastle. The Building Inspector, Mr. DePrima, showed slides depicting the condition of the structure, which consists of a two story frame and block single family house. The property has been left vacant and unattended for more than three (3) months. The weather and lack of maintenance are accelerating the deterioration of the building and there is extensive exterior and interior damage requiring repairs. The estimated demolition cost is $10,000.
Staff recommended that City Council: 1) declare the property dangerous; 2) order the property repaired or demolished by November 6, 2000 by the owner or equitable owner at their own risk; 3) order the Building Inspector to cause the repair or demolition of the structure if not completed by the owner or equitable owner within ten (10) days of the date set by Council; 4) order the City Manager, with the assistance of the City Solicitor, to cause the cost of repairs or demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax against the land upon which the building stands to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner.
Mr. DePrima advised members that the City has been working with the property owner during the past week and that they have been informed by the County that they have been approved for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds for making repairs to the property. Since this information was just made available, he suggested consideration be given to providing the property owner additional time for making the necessary repairs.
Mr. Weller relayed concerns of CDBG funds being utilized by a property owner to improve an investment property and not for their primary residence. It was his understanding that such funds were provided to property owners who could not afford to make improvements to their primary residence.
Responding to Mr. Truitt, Mr. DePrima stated that a contractor should be actively working at the site within 30 days and should remain active until completion and a certificate of occupancy is issued for the building. It was his estimation that the necessary repairs could be accomplished within 6 months.
Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing open.
There was no one present wishing to speak during the public hearing.
Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing closed.
Mrs. Malone moved to authorize the demolition of 23 N. Kirkwood Street, as recommended by staff, altering recommendation #2 by allowing an extension for construction to begin within 30 days and completion to occur within six (6) months. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Weller).
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on October 9, 2000 with Chairman Weller presiding.
Bid - Replacement of Underground Articulating Crane, Utility Body and Cab Chassis
Due to the age and limitations of the current 14-year old crane used by the Electric Department, staff prepared specifications and received bids for its replacement. Based on the information received, staff has selected the Freightliner Chassis and National Crane Unit.
The Freightliner Chassis is a heavy-duty chassis equipped with all the features needed for a base to build such a crane unit. The Knapheide body will provide adequate compartment space to carry supplies. It is a well-designed body made of 14-gauge steel that has been galvanized for rust and has water proof compartments.
The National Crane unit to be assembled on the chassis will increase the reach out to 38’ 2”, which will be a 12’ extension to the existing crane. In addition, the lifting capabilities will be increased to 13,800 pounds, an increase of approximately 2,000 pounds. The National Crane has a rotation radius of 395o as opposed to the current radius of 90o, which will increase mobility.
The Reel Lift ability will make the loading and unloading of wire reels much faster and will require the use of only two (2) crew members as opposed to four (4) men and two (2) trucks. The truck is capable of carrying three (3) reels at one time. Most work requires three (3) phase wire installation; therefore, an additional reel trailer will no longer be necessary.
The Front Winch assembly will be used in the event that a vehicle gets stuck or there is a need to winch a vehicle into a work area. The winch also has a cap-stand winch that will be used for pulling rope through conduit for underground wire installation.
The truck will be equipped with a hydraulic generator to operate two (2), 500-watt quartz lights, which will alleviate lighting problems which have occurred in the past. Also, the hydraulic generator will prevent a continuing problem with generators draining the batteries in the trucks.
The following bids were received for the complete equipment unit as described:
Vendor Full Cost Cost with Trade-In
Keystone Truck Equipment (New Britain, PA) $132,857 $125,857
Morse Manufacturing (Sterling, MA) 151,184 145,100
SMF (Northampton, PA) 157,856 149,557
Baker Equipment (Pottstown, PA) 169,630 159,630
Staff recommended that the bid be awarded to Keystone Truck Equipment for the purchase of a Freightliner Chassis and National Crane Unit in the amount of $125,857 with the trade-in of the current unit.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to award the bid to Keystone Truck Equipment for the purchase of a Freightliner Chassis and National Crane Unit in the amount of $125,857 with the trade-in of the current unit. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Weller moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
SEMI-ANNUAL INSPECTION BY CITY MANAGER - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY
Per Section 7-18 of the City Code, City Manager, James O'Connor, met with the Fire Chief to discuss fire company issues. The following points were noted during the on-site visit:
1.The renovations for the Communications Center have been completed. Discussions with the telephone system vendor about problems and concerns of the Fire Company are ongoing. The Deputy City Solicitor has been contacted and is involved with these discussions.
2.The 800 Mhz radio system is operational. There are some dead spots that cannot be received by the radio, but this is not a major concern and was somewhat anticipated. Unlike the high-band system that had been used, the new system lets the person carrying the radio know when there is no reception.
3.Fire calls are up by 30 compared with this time last year. There have been 750 calls so far this year.
4.Response by volunteers is still very good. The Chief is very pleased with the turnout.
5.Fire Prevention Week was held from Monday, October 9th through Saturday, October 14th. Volunteers were asked to visit different places around town to discuss and promote fire prevention. This does require a lot of time from the volunteers, but they did respond.
6.Ladder #1 is on order and is expected by April 2001.
The City Manager reported that Robbins Hose Company continues to provide quality fire protection to the City of Dover.
Mrs. Malone moved for acceptance of the report as submitted by the City Manager, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.
Members of Council relayed appreciation to the volunteers of Robbins Hose Company No. 1 for their outstanding service.
MONTHLY REPORTS - SEPTEMBER 2000
By motion of Mr. Weller, seconded by Mr. Carey, 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
APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY ELECTION
The Robbins Hose Company election is scheduled for November 20, 2000. The following persons have been recommended to serve as judges for the election:
1. Carlton Dill 2. Harry Hayes 3. William Jacobs (Alternate)
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the appointment of judges as recommended, seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried with Mr. Carey abstaining.
REZONING REQUEST/FIRST READING - NORTHEAST CORNER OF EAST WHITE OAK ROAD AND HALSEY ROAD EXTENDED
A request was received to rezone property located on the northeast corner of East White Oak Road and Halsey Road Extended, owned by James D. and Mary Jane McGinnis. The property is currently zoned CPO (Commercial/Professional Office) and the requested zoning is RG-2 (General Residence).
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. Pitts, Council unanimously referred the request to the Planning Commission and set a public hearing for December 11, 2000 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 ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF EAST WHITE OAK ROAD AND HALSEY ROAD EXTENDED.
Mr. Weller moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:14 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of October 23, 2000, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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