REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on October 9, 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 Mr. Cooper, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Mrs. Green and Mr. Rodriguez. Chief Faulkner and Chief Carey were 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
Mr. Weller requested the addition of item #5C - Replacement of Underground Air Compressor Utility Body and Cab Chassis.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2000
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 25, 2000 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mrs. Malone and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PRESENTATION - RETIREMENT OF MIKE C. KARIA, CITY FINANCE DIRECTOR/TREASURER
Mayor Hutchison was joined by all members of City Council in presenting Mr. Mike C. Karia, City Finance Director/Treasurer, with a Certificate of Retirement, Dover Cup, and City Plaque as a token of appreciation for his more than 26 years of dedicated service to the City of Dover. In addition, a City of Dover Key was given as a gift from members of Council. Members expressed their sincere congratulations and best wishes to Mr. Karia during his retirement.
Mr. Karia stated that although he looks forward to retirement, it is difficult leaving and stated that the City of Dover will always be “home” to him. He thanked Mayor Hutchison, members of Council and former Mayors and members of Council for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him during the past 26 years. He also thanked City Staff, including City Solicitor Rodriguez and Deputy City Solicitor Pepper, for their cooperation and the citizens for their support. In return, Mr. Karia stated that he will pray for the City each day, explaining that he collected soil from the ground of each City building and placed it in a sacred container which will be kept in his home.
PARKS AND RECREATION (OPEN SPACE) COMMITTEE REPORT
The Parks and Recreation (Open Space) Committee met on September 25, 2000 with Chairwoman Malone presiding.
Maple Glen Subdivision
The Maple Glen Subdivision consists of 25.123+/- acres of land situated along the southerly side of Denneys Road, approximately 1,630+/- feet west of McKee Road. The developer is proposing a single-family residential subdivision to include 46 dwelling lots. The proposed street system emanates from Denneys Road and involves a main loop street. A large stormwater management basin is planned at the southerly end of the site. An open space area totaling 2.68+/- acres is situated behind residential lots in areas which lack frontage for use as residential lots. A total of 8.16+/- acres of the site has been delineated as wetland area.
In accordance with Article V, Section 10, Subsection 10.16 of the Zoning Code, all residential developments shall provide recreational areas in a size equal to 275 square feet per dwelling unit, or one-half acre of land, whichever is greater. However, in no case shall the City require that more than 10% of the gross area of the development be so dedicated or reserved when the gross area is greater than five (5) acres.
Based on the number of residential dwelling lots proposed (46), this subdivision shall provide a minimum of one half acre (0.5 acre) of open space designed to function as active recreation space. The plan proposes to provide 10.47+/- acres with 1.15+/- acres being active open space and 9.32+/- acres being passive open space. Approximately half of this space has been determined to be wetland. An additional 6.468.16+/- acres of existing wetland area would be preserved as open space as well.
A Conceptual Recreation Plan was submitted which proposes two (2) picnic tables, four (4) park benches, two (2) flat lid in-ground trash receptacles, one (1) piece of playground equipment, and a 6-foot paved pedestrian walkway.
Members relayed concern regarding the in-ground trash receptacles, feeling that they may not be necessary in that area and suggested that they be replaced with another item of equal value.
The committee recommended approval of the revised proposal for open space for the Maple Glen Subdivision, replacing the two (2) flat lid in-ground trash receptacles with another item of equal value.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Parks and Recreation (Open Space) Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on September 25, 2000 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Purchase of 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab and Chassis
Since employees of the City’s Maintenance Shop are required to respond to road calls, it has become necessary to purchase a diesel truck. After researching the various trucks available, staff recommended that the 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab and Chassis State of Delaware Spec “L” be purchased for this service, at a cost of $26,083. It was noted that I.G. Burton is the dealer under the State Contract for the purchase of this vehicle.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the purchase of a 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 Cab and Chassis at a cost of $26,083 from I.G. Burton, as recommended by the committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on September 25, 2000 with Chairman Weller presiding.
Proposed Canopy for Mailbox Clusters - Clearfield Apartments (Wedgewood)
Members considered a request of Clearfield L.P., equitable owner of the Wegewood Apartment complex located on Haman Drive, to construct a canopy within the City’s right-of-way. The proposed canopy will cover the existing mailbox cluster which serves 95 apartment units within the Wedgewood Apartment complex. The canopy is designed to enhance a rather unsightly cluster of mailboxes and provide protection from the elements for tenants getting their mail and waiting for public transportation.
In accordance with Section 19-6.1 of the Dover Code, the City Manager is authorized to grant approval for the placement of canopies and awnings within the City’s rights-of-way without Council consideration; however, it is only applicable to commercial establishments. The Wedgewood Apartment complex is currently zoned residential.
In reviewing the request, staff felt that the placement of the canopy in the proposed location would not impede either vehicular or pedestrian traffic in the area and that the result would be an improved benefit to the neighborhood for the purpose of sheltering tenants and other persons from the weather. Staff recommended approval of the request to construct a canopy within the City’s right-of-way on Haman Drive to serve the Wedgewood Apartment Complex, stipulating that the applicant, Clearfield L.P., abide by the conditions as outlined in Section 19-6.1 of the Dover Code for granting an approval for a canopy within the City’s right-of-way.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Todd Breck, Breckstone Group (architect and engineer for Clearfield, L.P.), provided members with diagrams depicting the design and location of the proposed canopy. He assured members that the canopy will include lighting for security purposes.
The committee recommended approval of the request of Clearfield L.P. to construct a canopy within the City’s right-of-way as recommended by staff.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Dover Downs Substation Transformer
Due to the planned additions to the Dover Downs Raceway (1,000 slots; 20,000 grandstand seats; and a 500-room hotel) and the continued growth in the northeast area of Dover, a new substation is required to accommodate the increase in load. The additions to Dover Downs will impact the distribution system considerably, and additional capacity is required. Dover Downs has informed the Electric Department that the increase in load is estimated to be up to 8 megawatts.
Mr. O’Connor advised members that Dover Downs has agreed to provide the required property for this substation at no cost to the City. Duke Engineering Solutions will provide the engineering services required to build this substation. This service is an in-kind contribution by Duke to the City as per the agreement, and the City will not pay any cash for this service. Conceptual drawings and the transformer specification have been completed. Since additional substations are required in the Long-Range Plan for the Electric Department, this design will become the “standard substation design package” for all future substation projects. This standardization will expedite future substation equipment procurement and construction.
The plan is to construct a 20/28/33 MVA 69/12kv four-circuit distribution substation on Dover Downs property. Due to the cost and extended delivery time, authorization to purchase the transformer only is being requested at this time. Requests for the substation switchgear, 69kv breakers, control house, and substation construction will be submitted at a later date. After completion, the substation will provide four 8-megawatt 12kv distribution feeders to the area, with a separate feeder dedicated to each - Dover Downs Raceway, Dover Mall, Delaware State University, and another for the anticipated load growth in the northwest area of Dover (Persimmon Tree Lane and Leipsic Road). This substation will also provide the seriously needed relief and backup for the already loaded feeders at McKee and Frazier Substations. In addition, the existing 69kv loop has limited fault isolation capabilities, which means the loss of several substations when a fault occurs on the 69kv line. As an added benefit, this substation shall be designed to insert a “zone of protection” which will improve system reliability by providing added fault isolation capabilities on the 69kv loop. This method of design shall be adopted with the addition of future substations as determined in the Electric Department Long-Range Plan.
Staff recommended awarding the bid for the purchase of the power transformer from the low bidder, GE/Prolec, at a cost of $428,859.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Weller moved to award the bid for the purchase of the power transformer from GE/Prolec at a cost of $428,859, as recommended by the committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
SCADA Master Station
The major goal of the Electric Department is to improve the overall operation of the transmission and distribution system. The most effective method of improving system reliability is by reducing outage occurrence as well as minimizing outage extent and duration. Re-designing the Electric Department Dispatch Center to a fully functional System Operations Center is the single most important task which will achieve this goal. The heart of this newly designed System Operations Center is the SCADA Master Station.
The existing SCADA Master Station is a proprietary system in which all hardware, software, and technical support can only be provided by one vendor. Presently, the Electric Department is totally dependent on this vendor. Upgrading the SCADA Master Station will enable the Electric Department to solicit bids from other vendors which will insure competitive pricing on hardware and software. In addition, the existing system is a stand-alone system which severely limits the transfer of data for reporting analysis and engineering studies. The new upgraded system will be a PC-based system enabling full data transferability to any PC in the existing City network. Furthermore, the upgraded Master Station will fully utilize the newly installed fiber optic backbone thereby increasing data communication speed and reliability. Because of technological advancements in the industry and development of improved products, support for the existing SCADA Master Station is becoming extremely limited. The present vendor has already notified users that software and hardware support for these older systems has been terminated.
The plan is to purchase and install the SCADA Master Station upgrade as an integral part of the new System Operations Center. This installation will coordinate with several projects ongoing in the Electric Department: 1) the newly installed fiber optic backbone, which will provide the communications media required to utilize the full potential of the new SCADA hardware; 2) the implementation of the T1 multiplexers (substation fiber optic electronics), which will connect to the fiber optic backbone and provide the required high-speed communication electronics at each substation; and 3) coordination with the construction of the new System Operations Center where the new systems will come together to improve system operations. These new systems will work together to improve system reliability by increasing data collection, expediting fault identification and isolation, minimizing outage extent and duration, and providing more accurate trouble crew dispatching.
Due to the shorter delivery time and compliance with the general requirements without exception, staff recommended that the bid for the purchase of the new SCADA Master Station be awarded to TeleGyr, in the amount of $117,000.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the bid for the purchase of the new SCADA Master Station from TeleGyr, at a cost of $117,000. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Replacement of Underground Air Compressor Utility Body and Cab Chassis
During the committee meeting held earlier this evening, members considered the Replacement of the Underground Air Compressor Utility Body and Cab Chassis. The current vehicle used for transporting the compressor is 11 years old and has experienced numerous problems with the electrical system. When the last repair was being made in September 2000, it was noted that there were a number of mechanical problems that should be repaired, at an estimated cost of $1,000. It was also noted that the transmission could fail at any time, which would require additional costs for replacement. The City’s Vehicle Maintenance Shop reviewed the suggested repairs and the information regarding the transmission and recommended replacement of the truck.
A Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel heavy-duty chassis is available under the State Contract to be purchased from I.G. Burton at a cost of $25,897, with a delivery to be made within six (6) days. The old vehicle would be sold at the City auction. The new vehicle will include all necessary equipment and features needed to transport the air compressor. It will also have a large portable diesel fuel tank to allow fueling of other equipment at the work site, eliminating the need to leave the site for refueling. Mr. O’Connor explained that the compressor is required for pulling underground wire and will be moved to the new vehicle. If the compressor is not available, underground wire installation would be stopped.
Staff recommended approval of the purchase of the Utility Body and Cab Chassis Truck from I.G. Burton, under the State Contract, at a cost of $25,897.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the purchase of the Utility Body and Cab Chassis Truck from I.G. Burton, under the State Contract, at a cost of $25,897. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey 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.
FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE
The First Reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of September 25, 2000.
Article III - City Council, Division I - Generally, Section 2-70 - Compensation and Expenses for Mayor, Council, Employees and Other Elected or Appointed Officials
Mrs. Malone moved that the final reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title only, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Mrs. Malone moved for adoption of the ordinance, seconded by Mr. Pitts.
Mr. Truitt indicated his satisfaction with a compensation that is ample reimbursement of expenses. His reward for serving as a member of Council is to help people by doing everything in his power to provide a clean, friendly, and safe City, offer the opportunity to raise families and become good citizens, opportunity for good jobs and housing, and to provide healthy environments. It is his belief that a Council that can do the most for the citizens of Dover is one comprised of non-partisan members, with civic minded individuals that place the citizens’ welfare above their own income. Mr. Truitt explained that he feels obligated in voting no for the proposed pay increase, especially with automatic annual salary increases and with it becoming effective prior to current members running for re-election.
On a call for the question by Mr. Salters, the motion for adoption of the following ordinance was carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, two (2) no (Mr. Truitt and Mr. Carey):
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
That Article III - City Council, Division I - Generally, Section 2-70 - Compensation and Expenses for Mayor, Council, Employees and Other Elected or Appointed Officials, be amended by deleting Subsection 2 in its entirety and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
(2)Each council member shall receive an annual salary of seven thousand two hundred dollars ($7,200.00), to be paid monthly, with an annual increase equal to the city employee’s pool for raises, effective October 10, 2000. The Council president shall receive an annual salary of eight thousand four hundred dollars ($8,400.00), to be paid monthly, with an annual increase equal to the city employee’s pool for raises, effective October 10, 2000. Council members shall receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred when on official business as prescribed by ordinance or policy.
ADOPTED: October 9, 2000
For record purposes, Council President Christiansen noted that a letter submitted by Mr. James Hosfelt (303 Pebble Valley Place, Dover) was placed on Council’s desks regarding this matter, as follows:
“In addition to being a city resident, I am also a city employee and President of Lodge#15, City of Dover, Fraternal Order of Police.
I am here to night to offer my individual support as well as the support of the FOP #15 to the distinguished members of City Council.
Over the last few months, there has been much criticism considering the proposed ordinance to increase pay for City Council.
I must admit, initially I also thought it was a drastic increase. But the more I considered the amount of time that you must spend on city related business, it all started to make sense to me.
If we consider population, the City of Dover is the second largest city in the state, at the same time, if we consider square milage it is the largest city in the state. So why shouldn’t you be paid a salary commensurate with the second largest municipality in the state.
I believe Council President Christiansen said it best when he was quoted saying, “There is a price for public service”. It is a fact that you get what you pay for.
In closing, I would like to remind everyone that pay increases are sometimes necessary to attract quality people to particular jobs. Councilman Gorman’s concern for the quality of future Council members is legitimate. I along with my brothers and sisters of the Fraternal Order of Police agree that City Council’s pay should fall between that of Wilmington and Newark’s.
Thank you.”
In addition, Council President Christiansen referenced information provided to members by the City Clerk’s Office obtained via a telephone call from Mrs. Johnson (948 Jawd Drive, Dover) relaying her concerns regarding this matter, as follows:
➛As a longtime resident of the community (and taxpayer) she is opposed to pay increase.
➛Feels that citizens should vote (taxpayers) to decide for or against pay increase.
➛Suggested that other means should be considered to bring about interest for serving City. Suggested that a survey be conducted of citizens.
➛It was her feeling that working people can’t make meeting to voice opposition.
➛Most current members are retired and receive a pension. If the job is so much, she questioned if the position shouldn’t be filled by hiring employees to do the job. This would also give people in the community jobs that are needed.
➛She also felt that there should be term limits for serving as a member of Council.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:08 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of October 9, 2000, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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