Regular Committee Meeting
iCal

Jul 26, 1999 at 12:00 AM

COUNCIL COMMITTEES

The Council Committees Meeting was held on July 26, 1999, at 6:30 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone (arrived at 6:45 p.m.), Mr. Salters, Mr. Weller and Mayor Hutchison.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilman Leary, Mr. Gorman, and Mr. Merritt. Councilman Pitts was deputized to serve in the absence of Councilwoman Malone.

Proposed Ordinance - Article 3, Section 20A - Creation of New Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone - Technology Center

Mr. DePrima reminded members that the City has been working with Kent County, the Central Delaware Economic Development Council (CDEDC) and the State of Delaware Economic Development Office in developing a site for a major technology-employment center. In reviewing the City zoning ordinances, it was determined that the current industrial zone would permit such a project; however, it would not necessarily protect the site from undesirable uses that would not be labor intensive. In order to accommodate the proposed site, as well as other sites for such uses in the future, staff submitted a proposed ordinance that would create a new Industrial Park Manufacturing Zone - Technology Center (IPM2).

Mr. DePrima explained that the proposed IPM2 zone is similar to the IPM zone with the following changes:

1.Warehousing and storage uses have been removed as primary uses. The purpose of this is not to allow the selected site to become a warehousing complex that has very little employment.

2.Manufacturing of Plastics was removed from Prohibited Uses. A recent CDEDC Study indicates that Kent County should target plastic product manufacturers.

3.The words “technological processes” and “biotechnology” were added to the list of process and activities that would be permitted in the zone. These were added for clarification. The CDEDC Study also cites biotechnology as an activity that should be targeted in Kent County.

4.The lot area and lot width requirements were increased significantly to prevent encroachment of smaller companies. This zone is being created to accommodate a very large complex under the control of one company. Also removed from this zone is the ability to create an industrial park with private interior streets.

Mr. DePrima stated that the Planning Commission has reviewed and recommended approval of the proposed zone. He noted that the City of Dover has made a rezoning application to place the Garrison Farm in this new zone.

Referring to the 100 acre minimum lot area, Mr. O’Connor recommended that it be reduced to 50 acres. He advised members of a site visited in Virginia that had the type of campus-style development with a major employer located on a 100 acre site; however, he stated that there was supporting industry located nearby on a 50 acre site. Not only should we attempt to bring industry to the area but we should also provide for support industry that may come along with the business, an bringing economic base.

In response to Mr. Pitts, Mr. O’Connor stated that, should the 100 acre minimum be decreased to 50 acres, there would be no need to change the lot width or depth minimums.

Mr. DePrima relayed no objection to the proposal to reduce the 100 acre minimum to 50 acres, assuring members that it would provide adequate protection.

Mr. Leary moved to recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance amendment as presented with the exception of the 100 acre minimum lot area being decreased to a 50 acre minimum lot area (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

Mr. Leary moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:48 P.M.

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE

The Parks and Recreation Committee met with Chairwoman Malone presiding. Members present were Councilmen Pitts and Truitt, Mrs. Moerschel, and Mr. von Reider.

Request of Ronald L. Horton - Establishing a Speed Limit/Eliminating Motor Boat Horsepower Limitations (Section 15-97 of the Dover Code)

Mr. Ronald L. Horton submitted a letter requesting that the City eliminate motor size as a requirement to operate a boat on Silver Lake and that a 35 mph speed limit be established for boaters using the lake. The City’s current regulations are as follows: 1) Maximum motor size - 115 horsepower; 2) Boat size - 18 feet in length; 3) No general speed limit during the day; 4 mph speed limit between sunrise and 10:00 a.m. (called no wake speed).

The request of Mr. Horton was forwarded to the Silver Lake Commission for their review and recommendation. The Commission recommended that the current regulations relating to the size of boats and boat motors allowed on Silver Lake not be changed. Staff recommended that the City accept the recommendation of the Silver Lake Commission.

In response to Mrs. Moerschel, Mrs. Malone stated that this issue has been considered by the Silver Lake Commission and Parks and Recreation Committee on several occasions. Council President Christiansen explained that the speed limit on the lake is controlled by horsepower.

Mrs. Moerschel relayed concern with there being no set speed limit on the lake during the day and suggested consideration of setting a wake speed during the day.

Mr. Leary reminded members that in considering this issue before, in addition to speed, there were other concerns regarding the environment, shoreline erosion, and noise. It was his recollection that the horsepower restrictions were instituted to address all issues of concerns and not just the issue regarding speed on the lake.

Considering that the civilian members may not be aware of the previous discussions, Mrs. Malone requested that the City Clerk’s Office provide background information to civilian members of the Parks and Recreation Committee for their review.

Mr. Horton, addressing members, indicated that, depending on the boat size, a 115 horsepower motor has the ability to travel 63 mph. He advised members that he recently purchased an 18 foot Bayliner, with a 120 horsepower motor. Mr. Horton noted that standard boat motors range from 115 to 150 horsepower and that Bayliner only provides a 90 horsepower motor or a 120 horsepower motor. He advised members that the majority of the ponds/lakes in the State of Delaware have no restrictions with regards to the size of boat motors but rather have a slow, no wake speed limit. Mr. Horton stated that there is no need to travel over a no wake speed limit in order to go fishing, which is what he wants to be able to use his boat for on Silver Lake. He requested that members consider eliminating the horsepower restrictions and establish a no wake speed limit on the lake. In response to the environmental and noise issues, Mr. Horton indicated that there have been many changes made to boat motors which alleviate pollution and noise levels.

Mrs. Malone moved to recommend no changes to the current regulations relating to size of boats and boat motors allowed on Silver Lake, as recommended by the Silver Lake Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried. (City Clerk’s Office Note: A meeting of the Silver Lake Commission has been scheduled for October 6, 1999 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss this matter further).

Mrs. Malone moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:12 P.M.

UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee met with Chairman Lambert presiding. Members present were Councilmen Carey and Weller, Mr. Kramedas and Mr. Nichols.

Bid Extensions

In accordance with City policy, bids that exceed $25,000 require Council approval. Staff advised members that there are instances when blanket bids are utilized for various jobs. Many of these jobs do not exceed $25,000 and, therefore do not require Council approval. However, since the total of the various jobs could exceed $25,000, the Finance Director/Treasurer and City Manager felt that the bids should be presented to Council for official approval. This would also allow for the possibility of a job exceeding $25,000. Members were advised that bids were received for fiscal year 1998/1999 for various jobs that did not exceed $25,000 that included a bid extension option. Although no single job has exceeded $25,000 in the past, since there is the possibility that some may exceed $25,000, or since the total of the various jobs could exceed $25,000, at this time staff requested approval of the bid extensions as follows:

     Concrete Contract

Various departments utilize concrete for projects and maintenance work throughout the year. The City currently has a bid with Wyoming Concrete for the purchase of all concrete mixes. Bids were originally sent to two (2) vendors Atlantic Concrete and Wyoming Concrete. The sole bid was received from Wyoming Concrete. Although this bid originally expired March 31, 1999, it included an option to renew for an additional two (2) years. A summary (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk) of the price per cubic yard for the concrete mixes was provided.

Although the Public Works and Electric Departments are the primary users of this bid, it is available for all departments. Funding for use of this service is provided in each department’s budget.

Staff recommended that the concrete contract extension for the period of July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001 be awarded to Wyoming Concrete as indicated on the bid summary.

Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Kramedas and unanimously carried.

Crusher Run, Type “C” Select Borrow, and #57 Delaware Stone

Crusher Run, Type “C” Select Borrow, and #57 Delaware Stone are used for various projects throughout the year. Bids were originally received from D.M. Stoltzfus & Son of Talmage, Pennsylvania and Tilcon of Delaware. Staff analyzed the bids (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk) and, based on the location of the vendor and the flexibility and convenience afforded by their location, the contract was awarded to Tilcon. Although this bid originally expired June 30, 1999, it included an option to renew for an additional two (2) years.

Although the Public Works and Electric Departments are the primary users of this bid, it is available for all departments. Funding for use of this service is provided in each department’s budget.

Staff recommended that the bid for Crusher Run, Type “C” Select Borrow, and #57 Delaware Stone be awarded to Tilcon of Delaware for the period of July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001.

Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Nichols and unanimously carried.

Electric Department Projects - Concrete Forming, Re-barring, Pouring of Concrete and All Associated Work; Wire Pulling, Installation of Raceways, Conduit, Switch Gear, and Associated Equipment, Hand Work and Miscellaneous Labor

There are instances when the Electric Department requires assistance with concrete work for various projects throughout the year, including poles, transformer pads, and substations. Bids were originally received from Satterfield & Ryan - Harrington, Delaware; Fry Electrical Contractor - West Chester, Pennsylvania; and Kriss Contracting - Hartly, Delaware. Staff analyzed the bids and, based on the low bid, awarded the contract to Satterfield & Ryan. Although this bid originally expired June 30, 1999, it included an option to renew for an additional two (2) years.

The Electric Department is the primary user of this bid and funding is available in the department’s budget. Although no single job exceeded $25,000 last fiscal year, it is estimated that $50,000 will be expended in each of the next two (2) fiscal years.

Staff recommended that the bid for Concrete Forming, Re-barring, Pouring of Concrete and All Associated Work; Wire Pulling, Installation of Raceways, Conduit, Switch Gear and Associated Equipment, Hand Work and Miscellaneous Labor be awarded to Satterfield & Ryan, Inc., for the period of July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001.

Mr. Nichols relayed concerns regarding concrete work being awarded to an electric company. Responding, Mr. O’Connor concurred that Satterfield & Ryan, Inc. does not perform concrete work. He explained, however, that there are projects that require both concrete and electrical work and that, in order to avoid any types of delays, the electric company will subcontract their required concrete work.

Mr. Weller moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Electric Department Projects - Lineman, Groundhand/Laborer, Lineman and Bucket Truck, and Lineman and Line Truck

There are instances that the Electric Department requires assistance of outside crews and equipment for various projects throughout the year. Bids were originally received from Fry Electrical Contractor - West Chester, Pennsylvania, and Kriss Contracting - Hartly, Delaware. Staff analyzed the bids and, based on the low bid, awarded the contract to Fry Electrical Contractor. Although this bid originally expired June 30, 1999, it included an option to renew for an additional two (2) years.

The Electric Department is the primary user of this bid and funding is available in the department’s budget. It was noted that this fiscal year’s usage is scheduled to include the conversion of The Retreat, Rodney Village, and Mayfair developments. It is estimated that $250,000 will be expended in each of the next two (2) fiscal years.

Staff recommended that the bid for Lineman, Groundhand/Laborer, Lineman and Bucket Truck, and Lineman and Line Truck be awarded to Fry Electrical Contractor for the period of July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2001.

Mr. Weller moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Nichols and unanimously carried.

Mr. Weller moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:25 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Robin R. Christiansen

                                                                                    Council President

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