The meeting reconvened at 8:25 p.m.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Lambert presiding. Members present were Councilmen Carey and Weller, and Mr. Nichols. Councilwoman Malone was deputized to serve in the absence of Mr. Kramedas.
Annexation/Rezoning Request - 3282 N. DuPont Highway - First United Pentecostal Church of Dover (Wilmington College)
An annexation and rezoning request was received for property located at 3282 N. DuPont Highway, owned by First United Pentecostal Church of Dover. Mr. DePrima advised members that the sale of this property has been finalized and that Wilmington College is now the owner of the property. The property is currently zoned BG - General Business, RM-H - Mobile Home, and A-R - Agricultural and Residential (Kent County zoning classifications) and is currently used for a school. The proposed zoning is I/O - Institutional/Office (City of Dover zoning classification), the proposed use for the property is to remain as a school.
The City Planner, Mr. DePrima, explained that to the north of this site is Scarborough Road that is in the unincorporated portion of the County. To the east is SR-1 that is zoned A (Agricultural). To the south is property located in the unincorporated portions of the County, including Kentwood Mobile Home Park, which is zoned RMH (Residential Mobile Home) and various businesses, which are zoned BG. The properties to the west and across Route #13 are businesses in the City and zoned C-4 (Highway Commercial). Mr. DePrima stated that the Comprehensive Plan did not contemplate areas outside the boundaries; however, in the general discussion of the Institutional Uses zoning classification, it was recommended that all public school buildings and churches in the residential zone should be changed to the I/O zoning classification.
The Interim Annexation Policy considers the area potentially desirable for annexation. These areas should be considered for annexation after an analysis by staff on the impact on existing City services, facilities, utilities, and fiscal vitality. Also to be considered is the goal of the annexation policy which is to avoid the premature annexation of lands that, if developed, would run counter to the goal directing development toward existing infrastructure, and of not lowering the current levels of services provided to the existing population.
Mr. DePrima stated that staff recommended approval of the annexation request. The annexation of an existing school in an urbanized area is in conformance with the Interim Annexation Policy and the Comprehensive Plan. This property is a very visible part of the gateway into the City from SR-1 and Route #13 North. Having this property developed under the guidelines of the City would help insure that it maintains a very high quality appearance.
Considering the above, Mr. DePrima advised members that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the annexation with a zoning classification of I/O.
Mrs. Malone moved to recommend approval of the Planning Commission's recommendation for annexation of property located at 3282 North DuPont Highway, with a zoning classification of I/O (Institutional and Office). The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Acceptance of Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Utilities - Maggies Way (Bryan Business Park)
The developer of the Bryan Business Park has requested that the street and utilities be accepted for maintenance and ownership by the City of Dover. Members were provided a map depicting the general location and configuration of the subject rights-of-way. After construction was completed, City staff inspected the public improvements and provided the developer with a list of repairs to be made to meet City standards and specifications. All work has been completed and a one year maintenance agreement and bond, and a release of liabilities have been submitted by the developer. The developer has also provided as-built drawings for City records. The following is a list of all public improvements which are to be accepted:
Utilities
8” PVC Sanitary Sewer Main - 410 l.f.
6” PVC Sanitary Sewer Laterals - 215 l.f. (5 laterals)
4’ Diameter Sanitary Sewer Manholes - 2 each
10” Ductile Iron Water Main - 840 l.f.
8” Ductile Iron Water Main - 110 l.f.
6” Ductile Iron Water Main - 35 l.f.
10” Gate Valves - 2 each
8” Gate Valves - 5 each
6” Hydrant Valves - 2 each
Fire Hydrants - 2 each
Roads
Maggies Way - Station 0 + 00 to Station 4 + 80
It was noted that the dedication excludes the private pump station on the property.
Staff recommended acceptance of the dedication of the Bryan Business Park Subdivision with the above referenced public improvements to be included in the acceptance of the dedication.
Mrs. Malone moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Bid - Replacement of Vehicle #774 (1981 Digger Derrick Truck - Electric Department)
The Electric Department has a 1981 International Digger Derrick Truck (Vehicle #774) which was purchased in 1981/82. This truck was used continuously to set poles throughout the City. Due to age and continuous use, it is no longer operable. The cost to refurbish the vehicle has been estimated at $38,000 to $40,000. It was staff’s feeling that the refurbishment would not be beneficial, since it would only extend the life of the vehicle three to four (3-4) years. Bids to replace the digger truck were solicited and received as follows:
Company Total Bid
Altec Industries, Inc. $148,975 (did not meet specifications)
Lift-All East, Inc. $189,000
Eclipse Leasing Corporation $191,500
Funding for the purchase of this vehicle is available in the Transmission and Distribution budget in the Electric Improvement and Extension Fund.
Staff recommended awarding the bid to the lowest bidder that met the specifications, Lift-All East, Inc., in the amount of $189,000, for the purchase of the new International Digger Derrick Truck.
Noting that a replacement truck is currently being leased for $2,300 per month, staff requested that this matter be considered during the Council Meeting later this evening for final approval.
Mr. Weller moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Bid - Boring for Electric Utility at Various Locations Throughout the City
The City’s electric utility has an ongoing program in which overhead lines are converted into underground lines. This conversion to underground lines increases the reliability of service and voltage for our residential, business, and institutional customers. The electric distribution lines are put underground through directional boring. The boring work is contracted out by the City.
Mr. O’Connor stated that the current contract for boring ended on December 31, 1999. Bids for directional boring at various locations in the City, based on the cost per foot for boring, were solicited for the period of January 25, 2000 through June 30, 2003. The sole bid was received from Joseph R. Smith, in the amount of $7.75 per linear feet for a 2” single bore with a minimum 100 feet per location. Although the City typically uses 2” bore, charges for other sizes and quantities were provided to members.
Funding for this project is through the Engineering Budget, in the Improvement and Extension Fund.
Staff recommended awarding the contract to Joseph R. Smith, Inc. for directional boring at various locations in the City for an amount not to exceed $350,000, in accordance with the bid received.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Breaker Replacement (69KV)
The City’s electric utility has a 69KV system with breakers at various substations. Since the breakers were originally installed in 1970, they have exhausted their life cycle. Replacement parts are not obtainable since the original manufacturer has discontinued making this model. The City has adopted new SFG gas-type breakers to be used as the standard for our utility. Currently, there are two (2) breakers that need to be replaced, one at McKee Run and the other at DAFB. The replacement will reduce the prolonged outages and also help Unit #3 to come online to support the electric system.
Bids were solicited for SFG gas type breakers. The sole bid was received from Wesco (Richmond, Virginia) in the amount of $106,845 for the purchase of three (3) breakers. It was noted that the installation of the breakers will be accomplished by City crews.
Funding for this purchase is available through the City’s 1999/2000 Improvement and Extension Fund Budget.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Mr. Weller moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20001-10-2000-UC.min