REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on September 25, 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, Chief Carey, Mrs. Green, and Mr. Rodriguez.
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.
Ms. Ruth Tee, 822 Whiteoak Road, addressed members regarding the City’s public relations, feeling that it should be enhanced and made more visible. It was her feeling that this would reduce, if not eliminate, citizens contacting her on many occasions.
The invocation was given by Councilman Salters, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Council President Christiansen requested the addition of item #1A - Special Presentation and item #3C - Comments of City Manager, Wesley College Parking Lot.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 11, 2000
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 11, 2000 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mrs. Malone and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - DOVER POST - CELEBRATION OF 25TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Mayor Hutchison presented a Certificate of Recognition to Mr. and Mrs. James Flood, Sr. and family in recognition of the 25th Year Anniversary of the Dover Post Company and relayed congratulations and best wishes for continued success.
In recognizing his family, Mr. Flood stated that the Dover Post would not be celebrating its 25th Year Anniversary if it were not for his family’s involvement. He relayed appreciation to the City of Dover, indicating that it has been a privilege to serve the City in this way.
CERTIFICATES OF RECOGNITION - YOUTH IN ACTION
The City Clerk read the following Certificate into the record:
WHEREAS, “Youth in Action” was born in the fall of 1999, when St. Andrews Lutheran and Christ Episcopal Senior High Youth Groups traveled to Tilton, New Hampshire to assist Habitat for Humanity. It was then that the camaraderie of these two groups grew, sharing one common goal, through fund raising and private donations, they planned a venture that would be known as “Mission Trip 2000". In June of 2000, this group of young adults, with a theme - “Raising Spirits High and Dry 2000", journeyed to Tarboro, North Carolina to assist in the building of four (4) homes that were lost due to floods in September 1999. With high spirits and determination, this group was able to restore not only homes to those in need, but to remind others that when we unite as one, anything is possible.
WHEREAS, it is deemed an honor and privilege to present this certificate as follows:
Adult Leaders
Wayne Zschech Hazel Partridge
Tom Kennedy Amy Pierce
Gary Knight
Youth Participants
Rich Auborn Beth Knight Lindy Pierce
Mike Best Jaime Koons Megan Schlecht
Shannon Brady Jason Koons Michelle Schlecht
Amy Catalino Danny Larson Julianne Shockley
Mike Ebaugh Todd Menden Calli Speakman
Doug Kiefer Amanda Morgan Anne Marie Tow
YOUTH IN ACTION
Best of Wishes on all Future Endeavors
From the City of Dover
September 2000
Mayor Hutchison presented the Certificates to those that were in attendance and thanked them for their contributions. He expressed appreciation for those participants that took time out to help someone else in need and commended them for their actions.
Mrs. Pierce thanked members for the recognition, stating that it is acts such as this that need to be included in the media reports as opposed to the negativity so often included. The youth in the community need to know that there are positive acts that can be done that attract attention.
PROCLAMATION - FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, approximately 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home; and
WHEREAS, smoke detectors provide early warning of fire and reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 50 percent; and
WHEREAS, smoke detectors should be tested regularly and batteries should be replaced at least twice a year; and
WHEREAS, the Robbins Hose Company, Inc., serving as Dover’s volunteer fire department, is dedicated to the protection of life and property from the devastating effects of fire.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim the week of October 8, 2000 through October 14, 2000 as "FIRE PREVENTION WEEK" in the City of Dover, and urge all citizens to participate in fire prevention activities at home, work, and school, to test their smoke detectors and to install fresh batteries in those smoke detectors.
Mayor Hutchison presented the Proclamation to Fire Chief Carey, along with Councilman Carey (Deputy Fire Chief), and Councilman Truitt (Chairman of the Safety Advisory Committee).
PROCLAMATION - HALLOWEEN OBSERVANCE
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, the City of Dover wishes a safe and festive Halloween celebration for its citizens and encourages participation in the gaiety of this holiday by both young and old; and
WHEREAS, parents are prompted to join in the festivities by accompanying their children throughout their journey of gathering treats, as is the custom of the celebration of Halloween; and
WHEREAS, the observation of this holiday brings joy to many children as they travel with friends and families, showcasing their costumes; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Dover has deemed it advisable to observe the celebration of Halloween Trick-or-Treat on Tuesday, October 31, 2000 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM that Halloween Trick-or-Treat observance be held on the 31st day of October, 2000 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the City of Dover and urge all residents or any other persons within the corporate limits of the City of Dover, to limit their observance of this holiday to the aforesaid date and time in an effort to maintain a fun and safe environment for everyone participating in the festivities.
COMMENTS OF CITY MANAGER - WESLEY COLLEGE PARKING LOT
Mr. O’Connor, City Manager, advised members that the City has received numerous complaints regarding the lack of parking near Wesley College, in particular, on Governors Avenue. With the assistance of Senator Still, State funds have been acquired and, through the use of property owned
by Wesley College, there will be a parking lot constructed at the corner of Governors Avenue and Fulton Street. This will help address the need for parking in the area by providing approximately 48 additional spaces. He explained that although State funds will be used for its costs and the property is owned by Wesley College, there will be no restrictions on the use of the parking lot.
To clarify concerns of members, Mr. O’Connor explained that the construction plans must be presented to the Planning Commission for their review and approval. He also assured members that State funds will be used for all costs involved for this project and that the City will not be responsible for maintenance once it is constructed.
Mr. Salters moved that the City Manager be authorized to proceed with the construction of the Wesley College Parking Lot on Governors Avenue. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) no (Council President Christiansen).
ANNEXATION/REZONING - N.E. CORNER OF ROUTE 13/RUSTIC LANE - OWNED BY MARVIN FAIRCLOTH, JR. AND THOMAS F. DAVID (WAWA, INC., EQUITABLE OWNER)
An annexation referendum was held on September 14, 2000 for property located on the northeast corner of Route 13 and Rustic Lane, owned by Marvin Faircloth, Jr. and Thomas F. David. The equitable owner is Wawa, Inc.
Referendum Results
The City Clerk reported that the referendum was held with two (2) eligible voters. Two (2) votes were cast in favor of the annexation, with no votes cast against annexation.
Annexation
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mrs. Malone, Council adopted the following Resolution by a unanimous roll call vote:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER.
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deem it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include an area contiguous to the present City limits, and hereinafter more particularly described within the limits of the City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover provides that if a majority of the Votes cast in an election held in a territory proposed to be annexed shall be in favor of inclusion of that territory within the limits of the City of Dover, the Council may thereupon adopt a resolution annexing said territory and including same within the limits of the City of Dover.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the following described area, situated in East Dover Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware, shall be annexed to and included within the limits of the City of Dover:
Right-of-Way
ALL that certain piece or parcel of land situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware, a portion of a public street referred to as Rustic Lane running west to east, lying on the easterly side of U.S. Route 13, between Maxwell Street and Leipsic Road and the street parallel to Maxwell Street, starting at the intersection of U.S. Route 13, being 50 feet wide and approximately 520 feet in length, comprising 26,000 square feet, more or less.
Parcel #1 - Marvin Faircloth, Jr. (Tax Map Parcel No. ED-00-57.00-05-01.00-000)
(Tax Map Parcel No. ED-00-57.00-05-02.00-000)
ALL that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, with the improvements thereon erected, situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware, lying on the northerly intersection of U.S. Route 13 and East Rustic Lane, being bounded on the southwest by U.S. Route 13, on the northwest in part by lands now or formerly of Paul and Sharon Rose and in part by Harriet Street, on the northeast by lands now or formerly of Thomas F. David, on the southeast in part by lands now or formerly of Thomas F. David and in part by East Rustic Lane and referenced from a recent survey prepared by Becker Morgan Moore Olds and Richter, Inc., dated July 3, 2000 and being more particularly described as follows to-wit:
BEGINNING for this description at a point of intersection of the northeast right-of-way line of U.S. Route 13 with the northwest right-of-way line of East Rustic Lane; thence running from said point of beginning with the northeast right-of-way line of U.S. Route 13 North 40◦00'00" West a distance of 350.00 feet to a found concrete post at a corner for this parcel and lands now or formerly of Paul and Sharon Rose; thence turning and running in part with said lands of Rose and in part with the southeast right-of-way line of Harriet Street North 50◦00'00" East a distance of 272.50 feet to a found concrete post at a corner for this parcel and lands now or formerly of Thomas F. David; thence turning and running with said lands of David on the following three (3) courses and distances: 1) South 40◦00'00" East a distance of 150.00 feet to a point; thence 2) South 50◦00'00" West a distance of 62.50 feet to a point; thence 3) South 40◦00'00" East a distance of 200.00 feet to a found iron pipe in the northwest right-of-way line of East Rustic Lane; thence turning and running with said northwest right-of-way line of East Rustic Lane South 50◦00'00" West a distance of 210.00 feet to the point and place of beginning and containing 1.90 acres of land, being the same more or less.
Parcel #2 - Thomas F. David (Tax Map Parcel No. ED-00-57.00-02-01.00-000)
(Tax Map Parcel No. ED-00-57.00-02-02.00-000)
All that certain lot, piece or parcel of land, with improvements thereon erected, situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware, lying on the northwest side of East Rustic Lane, a short distance northeast of U.S. Route 13, being bounded on the southeast by East Rustic Lane, on the southwest by lands now or formerly of Marvin Faircloth, Jr., on the northwest in part by lands now or formerly of Marvin Faircloth, Jr. and in part by Harriet Street, on the northeast in part by lands now or formerly of Paula and Randall Hooker and referenced from a recent survey prepared by Becker Morgan Moore Olds and Richter, Inc., dated July 3, 2000 and being more particularly described as follows to-wit:
Beginning for this description at a found iron pipe at a corner for this parcel and lands now or formerly of Marvin Faircloth, Jr., said point of beginning being North 50◦00'00" East a distance of 210.00 feet from the point of intersection joining the northeast right-of-way line of U.S. Route 13 with the northwest right-of-way line of East Rustic Lane; thence running from said point of beginning with lands now or formerly of Marvin Faircloth, Jr. on the following three (3) courses and distances: 1) North 40◦00'00" West a distance of 200.00 feet to a point; thence 2) North 50◦00'00" East a distance of 62.50 feet to a point; thence 3) North 40◦00'00" West a distance of 150.00 feet to a found concrete post in the southeast right-of-way line of Harriet Street; thence turning and running with said southeast right-of-way line of Harriet Street North 50◦00'00" East a distance of 187.50 feet to a found iron pipe at a corner for this parcel and lands now or formerly of Thomas and Donna Halfpenny; thence turning and running in part with said lands of Halfpenny and in part with lands now or formerly of Paula and Randall Hooker South 40◦00'00" East a distance of 350.00 feet to a point in the northwest right-of-way line of East Rustic Lane; thence turning and running with said northwest right-of-way line of East Rustic Lane South 50◦00'00" West a distance of 250.00 feet to the point and place of beginning and containing 1.79 acres of land, being the same more or less.
2. The above described property shall be annexed into the City of Dover with a zoning classification of C-4 (Highway Commercial) in accordance with the zoning map and environs, then in force, effective upon such lands being included within the limits of the City of Dover.
3. That the certified copy of the resolution of annexation, together with a plot of the area annexed, shall be filed for record with the Recorder of Deeds of Kent County.
4. That the effective date of this resolution shall be the 26th day of September, 2000 at 12:01 a.m.
ADOPTED: September 25, 2000
Public Hearing - Zoning Classification
The City Planner, Mr. Tony DePrima, explained that the property, currently zoned BG (General Business) in the County, consists of four (4) parcels totaling 3.70+/- acres and is the site of a vacant mobile home dealership. The proposed use of the parcel is the construction of a food market/filling station for Wawa, Inc.
The Planning Commission recommends that the zoning classification of this property be approved as C-4 (Highway Commercial). In making their recommendation, members considered the following:
Surrounding Land Uses: The present use of the property is a mobile home sales business that was recently closed. To the north of the site, along Route 13, are various businesses zoned BG in Kent County. To the east and behind the site are residential properties known as DuPont Manor which are zoned Residential Mobile Home in Kent County. It appears that some of the residential properties immediately adjacent to the site are encroaching on the property proposed for annexation. To the south is a vacant gas station, salvage yard, and residence. These properties were recently annexed into the City and zoned C-4. Further south is the State Police Headquarters zoned Institutional/Office in the City. To the west and across Route 13 is the new Lowes site and Schwartz Auto Dealership zoned C-4.
Comprehensive Plan: In the Route 13/113 Section of the 1996 Comprehensive Plan, the potential for redevelopment along the corridor is noted and the renovation and adaptive reuse of older buildings and previously developed but under utilized lands is encouraged. The redevelopment of these parcels will significantly enhance the image of the corridor.
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.
Mr. Salters moved that the property be zoned C-4 (Highway Commercial) as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and by a unanimous roll call vote, Council adopted the following ordinance (the first reading of the proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of July 24, 2000):
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 THE INTERSECTION ON ROUTE 13 AND RUSTIC LANE, CONSISTING OF 3.7+/- ACRES.
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 BG - General Business (Kent County zoning classification) to C-4 - Highway Commercial (City of Dover zoning classification).
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 has been amended by changing the zoning designation from BG (Kent County zoning classification) to C-4 (City of Dover zoning classification) on that property located on the northeast corner of the intersection on Route 13 and Rustic Lane, consisting of 3.7+/- acres, owned by Marvin Faircloth, Jr. and Thomas F. David.
ADOPTED: September 25, 2000
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider approval of proposed zoning text amendments. The proposed amendments will give the Planning Commission authority to consider physical orientation and architectural characteristics of proposed buildings, the relationship of proposed buildings to existing buildings and to other proposed buildings, and their contributions to the overall image of the immediate vicinity when considering Site Development Plans. The amendments establish basic guidelines for physical orientation and architectural characteristics of the building and would require the submission of architectural elevation drawings or other graphic representations as part of the submission plan requirements for the commission to consider. The amendments also create an Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee to review projects that the Planning Commission does not feel meets the architectural guidelines. Mr. DePrima advised members that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the proposed amendments.
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 hearing closed.
Mr. Carey moved that the final reading of the proposed zoning text amendments be acknowledged by title only, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved for adoption of the following ordinance, seconded by Mr. Pitts and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Weller) (the first reading of this ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of July 27, 2000):
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
That Article 10, Section 1.6, Submission Requirements Accompanying Conditional Use Permits, be amended by renumbering Subsections 1.65, 1.66 and 1.67 to 1.66, 1.67 and 1.68 respectively, and by creating a new Subsection 1.65 to read as follows:
1.65 Proposed Development:
(a) Conditional Use Applications involving construction of new buildings and structures shall include a Site Plan which reflects compliance with the minimum requirements of Article 10, Section 2.54 of this Ordinance.
That Article 10, Section 2 - Site Development Plan Approval, Subsection 2.2 - Objectives, be amended by adding an additional Item to be known as Item 2.27 to read as follows:
2.27 Consideration shall be given to the physical orientation and architectural characteristics of proposed buildings, the relationship of proposed buildings to existing buildings and to other proposed buildings, and their contributions to the overall image of the immediate vicinity by considering the Building and Architectural Design Guidelines as set forth in Article 5, Section 19. Design characteristics of proposed buildings and building additions should not detract or devalue existing buildings in the immediate vicinity.
If the Planning Commission determines that the proposed physical orientation and architectural characteristics of the proposed buildings do not meet the intent and objectives of this section, then the Planning Commission shall refer the proposal to the Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee for review and comment. The Subcommittee shall meet and review the proposal with the applicant, and return its comments to the Planning Commission by the next regularly scheduled meeting. The Architectural Review Oversight Subcommittee shall be appointed by the Commission at its annual meeting, membership shall consist of two planning commission members, and two design professionals with experience in construction, and the Mayor or the Mayor’s designee. Two alternate design professionals with experience in construction shall also be appointed.
That Article 10, Section 2.5 - Site Development Plan Elements Submission Requirements Accompanying Applications for Site Development Plan Approval, Subsection 2.54 - Proposed Development, be amended by adding an additional Item to be known as Item (o) to read as follows:
(o) Architectural elevation drawings or other graphic representation illustrating exterior building characteristics of proposed buildings and/or building additions that would be visible from the public right-of-way. Elevation drawings shall be drawn to scale and shall reflect major architectural elements such as exterior surface materials, windows, doors, columns, and wall-mounted signage. Elevation plans are intended to provide a general depiction of the physical appearance, massing and scale of the proposed construction.
That Article 5, SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS, be amended by creating a new Section 19 - Building and Architectural Design Guidelines, to read as follows:
Section 19. Building and Architectural Design Guidelines
The following guidelines shall be used in design of buildings and their architectural characteristics for the purposes of meeting the intent of Article 10, Section 2, Subsection 2.27:
(1) Physical Orientation and Facade.
(i) The principal building facade of proposed buildings should be oriented toward the primary street frontage, and in the same direction as the majority of existing buildings on the frontage street. Proposed buildings on corner properties should reflect a public facade on both street frontages.
(ii) Consideration should be given to the dominant architectural features of existing buildings, but do not necessary have to mimic those styles. Large expanse of blank walls are to be avoided, considering should be given to windows and entrance ways along frontage, as well as projecting elements such as eaves, cornices, canopies, projecting bays, shadow lines and overhangs.
(2) Architectural Characteristics.
(i) Building Proportions. Consideration should be given to proportional attributes including overall height-to-width ratios of existing building facades, doors, windows, projecting canopies, and other architectural features, found in adjacent existing buildings.
(ii) Building Mass. Facades of new buildings should consider, but not mimic, the sense of lightness or weight of existing buildings on neighboring properties and consider similar proportions of solids (i.e. siding, blank walls, etc.) to voids (i.e. windows, door openings, etc.)
(iii) Materials. Proposed buildings should incorporate durable exterior surface materials similar to and complementary with the color, texture, size, and scale of exterior materials reflected on existing buildings in the immediate vicinity.
(iv) Roofs. Consideration should be given to general shape, ridge and eave heights, and material characteristics expressed in existing buildings along the Subject Street.
(3) Exemptions.
(i) Building Additions. Proposed building additions which will be designed to match the architectural characteristics and exterior material treatments of the existing building to which the addition is being made shall be exempt from the requirement to submit elevation drawings or other graphic representations.
ADOPTED: September 25, 2000
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on September 11, 2000 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Request for Tax Abatement - Lowe’s Companies, Inc.
During the Regular Council Meeting of July 10, 2000, members considered a legal opinion regarding the request of Lowe’s Companies for tax abatement. In accordance with an opinion submitted by City Solicitor Rodriguez, Section 19.5-34(b) of the Dover Code clearly refers to a certificate of occupancy as opposed to a temporary certificate of occupancy and since Lowe’s was only issued a temporary certificate of occupancy, their application for tax abatement was timely. As a result, Council authorized the City Assessor to submit a letter to Lowe’s Companies advising them of the legal opinion and providing a 30-day notice, indicating that they must reapply for tax abatement prior to August 12, 2000 in order to qualify.
The committee considered a request, dated July 27, 2000, submitted by Lowe’s Companies for a phased in 10 year tax abatement on their new store located on North DuPont Highway. Mr. Jerome Cooper, City Assessor, indicated that the request meets the spending and hiring requirements of Article IV of the Dover Code.
The committee recommended approval of the request from Lowe’s Companies for tax abatement.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
One Year Review - E-Mail Policy
In August 1999, City Council adopted the E-Mail Policy with the stipulation that the policy be reviewed after one year. Based on the successful usage and growth of the e-mail system under this policy, staff recommended that the E-Mail Policy continue to remain in effect in its current form.
The committee recommended re-affirmation of the E-Mail Policy as recommended by staff.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Gorman and unanimously carried.
Discussion - Council Compensation
Members considered a proposal submitted by Mr. Gorman for a compensation increase for members of City Council. He suggested the possibility of a sub-committee being formed to evaluate the job, compensation, etc., and that a recommendation be presented within 30 days of being appointed. Mr. Gorman offered the following option for consideration:
►Increase compensation to $600.00 per month, with an annual increase equal to the city employee’s pool for raises.
►The President of Council would keep the same percent difference he has currently.
►Any new member of Council, in succeeding years, would start at $600.00 per month.
During the committee meeting, Mr. Gorman reminded members that for the past few years, Council has been running for office unopposed. Citizens either feel that current members are doing a wonderful job or there is a lot of apathy in the community. In order to move forward, Mr. Gorman felt that the City needs to cultivate a larger interest by increasing the civic awareness of the many talented citizens in the community. A random survey indicated that individuals simply feel that the time and money are not worth the giving of their time civically to serve as a member of City Council. Mr. Gorman stated that he is proud of the work done by members of Council, and that it is time to provide a remuneration system to members that befits their contributions to this City.
The committee recommended adoption of an ordinance amending Section 2-70 of the Dover Code to increase the Council compensation to $600.00 per month, with an annual increase equal to the city employee’s pool for raises, and that the Council President keep the same percent difference he has currently, to become effective immediately.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Malone.
Mr. Truitt explained his opposition to the recommendation for an increase in Council compensation. It was his feeling that an increase in compensation will not be effective in ascertaining interest among the citizenry to serve in office. Those that have a desire to serve do so because they want to give to the City. The current compensation, in his opinion, more than reimburses members for any expenses as a result of their duties. In reviewing the history of Council’s compensation, Mr. Truitt noted that it was doubled in 1998 and that Council is wishing to double it once again only a couple of years later. He felt that action regarding this matter should be postponed until truly needed and urged members to oppose the proposed ordinance amendment.
On a call for the question by Mrs. Malone, the motion approving the adoption of an ordinance amending Section 2-70 of the Dover Code was carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, two (2) no (Mr. Carey and Mr. Truitt). (The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting).
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on September 11, 2000 with Chairman Weller presiding.
Covington Subdivision - Street Waiver Request
Subdivision Regulations, Appendix A of the City Code, Article VI, Section A, specify a street pavement width of 38' within a 60' right-of-way with no consideration given to whether or not on-street parking is controlled. A petition for a waiver from the 38' paved width, to permit a paved width of 32', was received for the Covington Subdivision located on the southwest corner of McKee and Denny’s Roads.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the street waiver request. In making this recommendation, they considered that reducing the pavement width of streets as proposed would provide several benefits including a reduction of impervious cover, less stormwater runoff, reduction in design speed and resultant travel speeds, increased pedestrian safety, and a reduction in construction costs. It was noted that the project is in the Silver Lake Watershed.
The committee recommended approval of the requested street waiver for Covington Subdivision, as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) no (Council President Christiansen).
Mr. Weller moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT OF CITY FINANCE DIRECTOR/TREASURER
Considering the recent notification from Mr. Mike Karia, Finance Director/Treasurer, of his intent to retire, a Finance Director/Treasurer Sea