REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Council Meeting was held on July 12, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Weller. Mr. Leary and Mrs. Malone were absent.

Council staff members present were Chief Faulkner, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Chief Carey, Mrs. Green, and Mr. Pepper.

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.

Mr. Tom Smith, 126 Hampton Drive, relayed appreciation to the Mayor and Council for including and approving the Police Cadet Program in the City’s budget for this fiscal year. Referring to the recent escape of a dangerous snake, he suggested consideration of an ordinance banning the keeping of exotic and/or dangerous animals. With regards to the revitalization efforts of Main Street for downtown, he suggested that the City assist by subsidizing the hiring of a business recruitment specialist for a one or two year term to help initiate the efforts in bringing new businesses to downtown Dover. Mr. Smith also relayed concerns regarding the possibility of loss of jobs in the City should Kent County Administration vacate the O’Brien Building. He realizes that the State of Delaware needs more space for the court system and relocating to the O’Brien Building would be logical; however, the move could have Kent County relocating to a rural area. Mr. Smith noted the many office building spaces available downtown with adjacent parking. He reminded members of the parking lot between City Hall and the Dover Post Office that was previously considered for a office complex. He suggested that the Downtown Dover Development Corporation, along with City Council, suggest that Kent County consider the possibility of relocating their office building at this site.

Responding to Council President Christiansen, Chief Faulkner reported that the snake has not yet been located and that the Police Officers investigating this matter are looking into the possibility of it having been stolen. Feeling that the snake should have been seen or caught by now, Chief Faulkner advised members that the Police Department will be contacting experts for the possibility of providing additional information.

The invocation was given by Reverend William M. Fitzhugh, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Truitt requested the addition of item #6-B, Appointment by Mayor Hutchison - Silver Lake Commission. Council President Christiansen requested that the presentation of item #3-A be considered as item #3-D at the conclusion of the other presentations.

Mr. Weller moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 28, 1999

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of June 28, 1999 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Truitt, seconded by Mr. Salters and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.

Mr. Salters noted the recent passing of Mr. James Washington who served as a civilian member of the Legislative and Finance Committee and was a highly respected citizen among the leaders of the community. Services will be held on July 15^th, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mt. Zion Church. In memory of Mr. Washington, everyone stood for a moment of silence.

PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - GARRISON TRACT

During the Regular Council Meeting of April 12, 1999, City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding, whereby the City and County agreed to conform to their respective zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans. The agreement was designed to allow for the Garrison Farm, located on White Oak Road, to be considered for campus type industrial development. The Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding indicates an agreement to discourage further development east of the site.

Mr. O’Connor indicated that Kent County considered the Memorandum of Understanding and made changes to those areas pertaining to County issues only. In an attempt to unify the Memorandum of Understanding by both local government entities and assist the State of Delaware in their promotion of the tract of land as an industrial park, staff recommended approval of the Memorandum of Understanding as modified by Kent County.

Mr. Carey moved to approve the Memorandum of Understanding for the Garrison Tract, as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Leary and Mrs. Malone absent).

PRESENTATION - KATHLEEN MAXTED - SERVICE ON CITY OF DOVER PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE (1993-1999)

Mayor Hutchison presented Mrs. Kathleen Maxted with a Dover Cup in recognition of service rendered on behalf of the City. Mrs. Maxted served as a member of the Dover Parks and Recreation Committee from 1993 through 1999. On behalf of all members of Council, Mayor Hutchison relayed appreciation for the contribution and assistance provided in addressing the needs and concerns regarding parks and recreation within the City of Dover.

Mrs. Maxted thanked the Mayor, Council and Committee Members, and City Staff for their dedication to making the City a wonderful place to live for the past nine (9) years.

PRESENTATION - GEORGE WACKERHAGEN - VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF D/FD OPERATING SERVICES

Mayor Hutchison, along with Council President Christiansen, Mr. O’Connor, and Mr. Lambert (Chairman of the Utility Committee), presented Mr. George Wackerhagen with a Dover Cup and Certificate of Recognition in appreciation of the many contributions made toward the progress and accomplishments that have been experienced with the operations and maintenance of the McKee Run Generating Plant.

In March 1996, the City of Dover entered into a 10+ year contract with Duke Energy Corp. and Louis Dreyfus Electric Power (Duke/Louis Dreyfus) to manage the operations and maintenance of the City’s existing electric generation facility and to sell power to the City at a guaranteed price for the term of the contract. The City’s McKee Run Generating Plant has since been operated by Duke/Flour Daniel (D/FD) for Duke/Louis Dreyfus under the leadership of Mr. Wackerhagen. Mayor Hutchison indicated that many of the accomplishments and the successful partnership between D/FD and the City of Dover have been realized as a direct result of Mr. Wackerhagen’s commitment to responding to the needs of the customers, providing support and direction to staff, and supporting team development overall. Mr. Wackerhagen has been offered the opportunity of fulfilling a new position as Regional Manager for D/FD in Charlotte, North Carolina.

On behalf of all members of Council, fellow workers, and the citizens of Dover, Mayor Hutchison extended best wishes to Mr. Wackerhagen for much success in all future endeavors.

Mr. Wackerhagen stated that it has been a great partnership between the City of Dover and the entities from Duke Energy and thanked the City for their support. He introduced Mr. Ted Rosiac, Vice President of Operating Plant Services from D/FD, who will be the representative providing support in the future.

PRESENTATION - GIGI WINDLEY - SERVICE ON DOWNTOWN DOVER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (1993-1999)

In recognition of her service to the City of Dover as a member of the Downtown Dover Development Corporation from 1993 to 1999, a Dover Cup was presented to Mrs. GiGi Windley by Mayor Hutchison. He noted that she was appointed by the Governor to serve as a liaison member between the State of Delaware and the City of Dover. On behalf of all members of Council and DDDC, Mayor Hutchison thanked Mrs. Windley for her contributions and assistance provided and wished her much success in future endeavors.

Mrs. Windley stated that it has been a privilege and pleasure working with the Mayor, City Council, and City Staff, with special recognition given to Mr. O’Connor and Mr. DePrima for being a guiding force in assisting the DDDC and helping members to realize the importance of our downtown.

PRESENTATION - DELAWARE STATE HIGH SCHOOL GOLF TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Mayor Hutchison advised members that there have been 21 State Championship Golf Tournaments, of which 16 have been won by the Dover High School Golf Team - including this year’s championship. In addition to the members of the Dover High School Golf Team, he recognized their coach and the pro and the assistant pro at Maple Dale Country Club who contributed to the success of the Dover High School Golf Team. Mayor Hutchison presented Certificates of Recognition to Dale Donaway, Coach of the Dover High School Golf Team; Rick McCall, Head Pro at Maple Dale Country Club, and Tony Worm, Assistant Pro at Maple Dale Country Club; and the members of the Dover High School Golf Team: Meghan Adams, Mike Catts, Scott Donaway, Ray Franze, Andrew Maxted, Mike Mays, and Adam Sydell.

Coach Donaway expressed his appreciation for the recognition and the support provided by the City of Dover and the assistance provided by Maple Dale Country Club.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

The Legislative and Finance Committee met on June 28, 1999 with Chairman Salters presiding.

Bid - Fence Contract

The City currently has a blanket bid with Duck’s Quality Fence for fencing work, which expires June 30, 1999; therefore, bids were solicited for a new fence contract. Only one (1) vendor, Duck’s Quality Fence, submitted a bid. Members were provided detailed costs for the fence contract (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk) and were explained the process involved for any fence repairs and new fencing jobs.

The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation to award the fencing contract to Duck’s Quality Fence of Smyrna, Delaware, for the period of July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2002.

Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Truitt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Leary and Mrs. Malone absent).

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 June 28, 1999 with Councilman Weller presiding in the absence of Chairman Lambert.

Bid - FY99 Resurfacing Program

In conjunction with the City of Dover Capital Investments Plan, bids were solicited to resurface various streets throughout the City during fiscal year 1999. To date, eight (8) streets have received a financial commitment from Suburban Aid Agreements which are funded by area legislators. Additional streets will be funded through the Department of Public Works budget, provided the funds are available.

The low bid was received from George & Lynch, Inc., in the amount of $411,837, which results in an average cost of $6.04 per square yard. Any additional work will be completed based upon the average cost per square yard.

Mr. Lambert relayed appreciation to Senators Still and Bonini and Representatives Wagner and Stone for the support given to the City throughout the years.

The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation to award the FY99 Resurfacing Program Contract to the low bidder, George & Lynch, Inc. in the amount of $411,837.

Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Weller and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Leary and Mrs. Malone absent).

Mr. O’Connor clarified that should additional funds be received from the State Legislators for street resurfacing, the City has the option to extend the contract at an average cost of $6.04 per square yard in accordance with the bid contract.

Mr. Lambert moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

RE-APPOINTMENT (MAYOR HUTCHISON) - DOVER HOUSING AUTHORITY

Mayor Hutchison recommended the re-appointment of Mrs. Beverly C. Williams to the Dover Housing Authority for a six-year term to expire August 15, 2005.

Mr. Salters moved for approval of the re-appointment as recommended by Mayor Hutchison, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

APPOINTMENT (MAYOR HUTCHISON) - SILVER LAKE COMMISSION

Mayor Hutchison recommended the appointment of Ms. Phyllis M. McKinley to the Silver Lake Commission for a one-year term to expire May 2000. This appointment is to fill the expired term of Mr. Edward Bennett.

Mr. Pitts moved for approval of the appointment as recommended by Mayor Hutchison, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.

FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE

The First Reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of June 28, 1999. Copies of the proposed ordinance are available at the entrance of the Council Chambers.

Downtown Dover Business Improvement District - Cash Receipts Budget for 1999/2000

Mr. Weller moved that the final reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title only, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Mr. Salters moved for adoption of the following ordinance, seconded by Mr. Truitt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Leary and Mrs. Malone absent):

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:

1.       The amount hereinafter named aggregating Forty Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Eight Dollars ($40,168) or so much thereof as may be necessary are hereby appropriated from current revenues and other funds for the use by the City of Dover/Main Street, Inc. for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1999, and ending June 30, 2000:

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

Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 P.M.

                                                                       JANICE C. GREEN

                                                                       CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of July 12, 1999, are hereby approved.

                                                                       JAMES L. HUTCHISON

                                                                       MAYOR

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