REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on March 8, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, and Mr. Weller. Mr. Salters was absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Faulkner, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Deputy Fire Chief Farling, 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.
No one was present to speak during the Open Forum.
The invocation was given by Elder Wallace Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Leary requested the addition of item #5-D, Base Wage Adjustment - Civilian Pension and item #5-E, Real Estate Acquisition. Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 22, 1999
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 22, 1999 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Pitts and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PROCLAMATION - EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, the City of Dover employees work diligently for all our citizens; and
WHEREAS, the employees of the City of Dover strive daily, through their dedication and hard work, to promote Community Excellence Through Quality Service; and
WHEREAS, it is due to the high productivity and accomplished efforts of our employees that the citizens of Dover are able to enjoy one of the lowest utility and tax rates in this region; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dover values its employees, recognizing that every member of the work force - from meter reader to engineer, laborer to policeman, dispatcher to secretary - is an integral part of the day to day operations of the City of Dover and its success is due largely to the pride and efforts of its employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim Friday, March 12, 1999, as CITY OF DOVER EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY, in recognition of the dedication and hard work of City of Dover employees, and ask the citizens to participate in this event by taking a moment to thank a City of Dover employee for their outstanding service to our community.
PROCLAMATION - PARENTS AND COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, the Capital School District continues to aim for positive relationships among its schools, the homes of its students, and the community at large; and
WHEREAS, it is only through these positive relationships that students can expand their minds and reap all the benefits that a quality education has to offer; and
WHEREAS, parents who take an active role in their children’s education and citizens who volunteer their time to work with students can take comfort in knowing they are shaping the minds of our future leaders; and
WHEREAS, without the support of parents and the community, the Capital School District would be forced to seek other methods to handle the challenges now being met by these dedicated individuals.
NOW THEREFORE I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim Thursday, March 18, 1999, as PARENTS AND COMMUNITY APPRECIATION DAY in the City of Dover and urge all citizens to join me in recognizing the dedicated parents and citizens who support the Capital School District and its programs and take an active role in instilling pride, good citizenship and responsibility in our students.
Mayor Hutchison presented the Proclamation to Ms. Geraldine Jones, visiting teacher for the Capital School District, who thanked members for the recognition and support. She introduced others from the Capital School District: Dr. Tina Huff, Director of Curriculum; Mrs. Pam Herrera, Supervisor of Title I; Mrs. Beverly Banks, Parent and Volunteer Resident; and Ms. Mary Merritt, School Board Member.
Ms. Merritt indicated that the Capital School District recently adopted a family involvement policy. The policy recognizes the importance of families being involved in their children’s education. In order to acknowledge the participation and contributions of parents and community members during the past several years, Ms. Merritt stated that there will be an assembly held on March 18, 1999 at William Henry Middle School and invited members to participate.
PRESENTATION - THE HONORABLE WILLIAM L. WITHAM - SERVICE ON CITY OF DOVER PARKING AUTHORITY (1991-1999) AND DOWNTOWN DOVER DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (1993-1999)
Mayor Hutchison presented Mr. William L. Witham with a Dover Cup in recognition of service rendered on behalf of the City. Mr. Witham served as a member of the Dover Parking Authority from 1991 through 1999 and the Downtown Dover Development Corporation from 1993 through 1999. On behalf of all members of Council, Mayor Hutchison thanked Mr. Witham for the many hours contributed for the betterment of our City and wished him much success in his recent appointment as Superior Court Judge.
On behalf of the Dover Parking Authority, Ms. Rebecca Gordon, Vice-Chair, expressed appreciation for his participation and wished him success in his new career.
Mr. Witham thanked members for giving him the opportunity to serve the City, stating that it has been a privilege and honor. Although serving as a member on a committee can be difficult at times, he stated that it was made easy by the other members who served with him as well as the assistance of City Staff.
ANNEXATION/REZONING REQUEST - 196 MIFFLIN ROAD (OWNED BY THE ESTATE OF EUGENE S. SCHUYLER)
An annexation referendum was held on February 25, 1999 for property located at 196 Mifflin Road, owned by the Estate of Eugene S. Schuyler.
Referendum Results
The City Clerk reported that the referendum was held with one (1) eligible voter. One (1) vote was cast in favor of the annexation, with zero (0) votes cast against annexation. Mr. Truitt moved to accept the results of the referendum as reported, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Annexation
Mrs. Malone moved to waive the reading of the resolution, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried. By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mrs. Malone, Council adopted the following resolution by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent):
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 Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware, shall be annexed to and included within the limits of the City of Dover:
ALL that certain lot, piece or parcel of land and premises situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County and State of Delaware, lying on the westerly side of the black top public road leading from the Dover-Hartly Road to the Dover-Hazletville Road, designated as Lot No. 11 on a Plot of Lands of Atlantic Land Co., Inc., of record in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, at Dover, Delaware, in Plot Book 3, Page 157, bounded on the north by Lot No. 10, and on the south by Lot No. 12 as said lots appear on the aforesaid Plot, on the west by lands of Eugene G. Gagen, et ux, and on the east by the said black top public road, and being more particularly described as follows, to wit:
BEGINNING at a point in the westerly right of way line of the aforesaid black top public road at a distance of one thousand one-tenth (1,000.1) feet, south of lands now or formerly of Donald G. Carey, et ux, said distance of one thousand and one-tenth (1,000.1) feet being measured along the westerly right of way line of the said black top public road; thence binding with the south line of Lot No. 10, south 65 degrees 35 minutes west a distance of two hundred fifty-four and seven-tenths (254.7) feet to a point in line of land now or formerly of Eugene B. Gagen, et ux; thence binding with the said Gagen lands south 24 degrees 25 minutes east a distance of one hundred (100) feet; thence binding with the northerly line of Lot No. 12 north 65 degrees 35 minutes east a distance of two hundred sixty-two and three tenths (262.3) feet to a point in the westerly right of way line of the said black top public road; thence binding with the westerly right of way line on an arc to the right one hundred and five-tenths (100.5) feet to the place of beginning, be the contents thereof whatsoever they may.
2. The above described property shall be annexed into the City of Dover with a zoning classification of R-8 - One Family Residential 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 9th day of March, 1999 at 12:01 a.m. o'clock.
ADOPTED: March 8, 1999
Public Hearing - Zoning Classification
The City Planner, Mr. Tony DePrima, explained that the property is currently zoned as RS (Residential Single Family) in the County and is vacant. Since the proposed use is for a single-family home, the City Planner is authorized to make the recommendation directly to City Council on the annexation and rezoning.
Mr. DePrima explained that across Mifflin Road, to the north and east, are single family homes zoned RS-1 in the unincorporated portions of the County. To the south and southeast are single family homes zoned R-8 (Single Family Residential) in the City. To the rear of the property are lands associated with the Village of Westover Development, which is zoned RM-1 (Medium Density Residential). The Comprehensive Plan recommends low density homes and the Interim Annexation Policy has classified this area as lands most desirable for annexation. Mr. DePrima advised members that the applicants have a contract to sell the property to individuals who wish to construct a new single-family home and be connected to the City’s water and sewer system. Since the proposed annexation/rezoning is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, the Interim Annexation Policy, surrounding land uses, and because there is a need for City water and sewer, the City Planner recommended approval of the annexation with a zoning classification of R-8.
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. Leary moved that the property be zoned R-8 (One Family Residential) as recommended by the City Planner. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weller and by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent), Council adopted the following ordinance (the first reading of the proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of January 29, 1999):
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 196 MIFFLIN ROAD.
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 RS - Residential Single Family (Kent County zoning classification) to R-8 - One Family Residential (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 RS (Kent County zoning classification) to R-8 (City of Dover zoning classification) on that property located at 196 Mifflin Road, owned by the Estate of Eugene S. Schuyler.
ADOPTED: March 8, 1999
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on February 22, 1999 with Chairman Salters presiding (Mr. Leary presented the Legislative and Finance Committee Report in the absence of Mr. Salters).
Consideration of Retirement Health Care Coverage - Kent County (City of Dover) Paramedics
During the committee meeting of January 25, 1999, members considered a letter submitted by Chief Colin Faulkner, Kent County Emergency Medical Services Department, requesting the City to reopen the structure for continuation of health insurance as established in the Paramedic Integration Agreement of 1991. As requested by Mr. O’Connor, the committee referred the matter to staff for further review and meetings with the paramedics and Kent County Levy Court officials.
At the committee meeting, Mr. O’Connor advised members that he met with Chief Colin Faulkner, Mr. Robert McLeod (Kent County Administrator), Mr. Steve Cimo (Accounting Director), and Mr. Allan Kujala (Human Resources Director) from the County to discuss the request. He stated that an agreement was signed when the paramedics were transferred from the City to the County, as required by the State Mandate. When the agreement was signed, the County agreed to provide premiums to the City’s Pension Plan for the paramedic employees that were transferred from the City to the County. These employees were permitted to continue under the City’s Pension Plan and would be provided credit for their years of service with the City, as well as credit for their years of service with the County.
Mr. O’Connor also advised members that the City provides a Health Insurance Plan for City employees retiring with 25 years of service. In accordance with the Paramedic Agreement, the County agreed to pay the health insurance premiums (at the City’s cost) for the years of service that the employees worked for the County. As an example, Mr. O’Connor stated that a County paramedic, age 46, who is eligible to retire and has nine (9) years of service with the County, will receive nine (9) years of paid premiums from the County; however, there will be ten (10) years (from age 55 to age 65) before Medicare will become effective. The employees have the option of purchasing health insurance coverage at the City’s group rate to cover this period. Mr. O’Connor stated that the paramedics are requesting that the City provide health insurance coverage during the period prior to Medicare benefits becoming effective.
Mr. O’Connor relayed concern with providing health insurance for the paramedics since City employees of the IBEW workers have had to take a reduction in pay over the next ten (10) years in order to receive health insurance coverage upon retirement. They are, in effect, currently paying for their retirement health care premiums. Another issue of concern is the possibility of the paramedics becoming State employees, which could provide them with additional options and benefits.
Mr. O’Connor stated that, as suggested by Mr. McLeod, the paramedics have the option to continue working additional years to assure insurance coverage until reaching age 65 when Medicare benefits would become available.
Mr. Leary reminded members that this entire issue was discussed in 1991, including the lapse of health insurance coverage. At that time, it was stipulated that since it was due to State Legislation that City paramedics were transferred to the Kent County Emergency Medical Services as County employees, this issue should be addressed by the State and that the City should not be responsible for health insurance coverage.
Council President Christiansen stated that the City’s acceptance of the proposal in 1991 was based on the fact that the State promised to investigate the issue of insurance coverage. He stated that it would be a disservice to the City and the paramedics that worked faithfully for the City over the years if the issues are not resolved. Council President Christiansen suggested that the matter be tabled to allow staff to meet with Kent County and State of Delaware officials to assure that this issue is resolved. He stated that the City pioneered the paramedic program and had promised the paramedics that the City would take care of them in the transition.
Mrs. Malone noted that the insurance premiums under the City’s group plan are very reasonable and reminded members that the paramedics have been offered this service by the City.
Mr. Toby Sitler, Kent County (City of Dover) Paramedic, addressed committee members reminding them that the paramedics gave the City between 13 and 22 years of continuous service. As paramedics, they were under the impression that they would receive retirement health care benefits upon successful retirement from the City. The County is offering the paramedics health insurance coverage for each year of service with the County, as agreed to during the transition. Mr. Sitler referred to the City of Dover Handbook, page 252, section 2-197, titled City Paramedics Transferred to County, which states that “notwithstanding any other provision of this article, all persons employed by the City as paramedics who are transferred to the County Emergency Medical Services Department and who make a written election to remain in the City General Employee Pension Plan shall continue to be considered eligible employees within the meaning of the Pension Plan as long as they are employed by the County Emergency Medical Services Department. All pension benefits shall be calculated as if the paramedic had remained a City employee during his employment with the County Emergency Medical Services Department”.
Referring to the Retirement Benefits Section on page 39 of the handbook, Mr. Sitler read the following: “The City pension plans shall provide group hospital, surgical and health insurance coverage for retired employees and their families. The Plans pay 100% of each retiree’s individual coverage and 50% of the cost of dependent coverage.” Mr. Sitler requested that members consider this information when submitting their recommendation to Council.
The committee recommended to deny the request for consideration of Retirement Health Care Coverage for Paramedics and that a letter from the Council President, on behalf of the City of Dover, be forwarded to State Legislators requesting that this issue be given their priority.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report - Fiscal Year 1998
As required by the City Charter, the City’s financial books are audited by independent auditors each year. Accordingly, the C.P.A. firm of Faw Casson & Company has performed an audit of the books for fiscal year 1998. The financial statements representing all transactions are published in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.
The City’s Finance Director/Treasurer, Mr. Mike Karia, stated that it is the auditors opinion that the City has followed the generally accepted accounting principles and the financial statements represent a true and fair financial position of the City as of June 30, 1998. The auditors made a qualification in their certificate regarding the Year 2000 Issue. They have stated that they have not verified the details and are uncertain as to the impact. The City has made a detailed disclosure that Y2K is widespread and its full implications are unknown.
Addressing members during the committee meeting, Mrs. Janice Nesterak of Faw Casson & Company stated that the City, as required under governmental accounting standards, has disclosed certain Y2K issues; however, as auditors they are not able to gather sufficient audit evidence related to the Y2K issue. The advice to qualify their opinion on the Y2K issue comes from the AICPA and is the standard qualification being used. Another variation in this year’s report, in response to a new governmental accounting standard, is that the City has changed its method of reporting investments. They are now required to be reported at fair market value. This necessitates recognizing appreciation and depreciation each year.
The committee recommended adoption of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year 1998.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Purchase of Mobile Data Terminals
The Police Department received a State Grant for the purchase of Mobile Data Terminals. The terminals will be installed in 15 patrol cars and will be used to access the Department’s Computer Aided Dispatch System, the Records Maintenance System, and the statewide DELJIS System. Three (3) additional vehicles will be equipped with docking stations.
Staff recommended the purchase of 15 “Rocky II” Mobile Data Terminals, at a cost of $112,535, to be made directly from the manufacturer of the specified equipment, Amrel Inc. The New Castle County Police Department recently requested bids for this equipment and, as low bidder, Amrel, Inc. offered the equipment for the same price, which is below the available State Contract price, to the City of Dover. In addition, staff recommended the purchase of the required software, licenses, training, and support services from New World, Inc., the sole vendor for the Department’s CAD/RMS Computer System, at a price of $178,125. The in-car hardware and installation of the computers and hardware will be purchased from Delmarva Communications at the bid price of $7,884.
Chief Faulkner advised members that the Police Department has been approved for a State Grant in Aid for the expenditure of $261,608 for this project. The balance of $36,936 will be paid from funds that were received in December 1998 and are currently being held in the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant account. Although this project will not require budgeted funds to implement, the operation of the completed system will require expenditures of $674 per month for connection charges to Bell Atlantic.
The committee recommended approval of the purchase of 15 “Rocky II” Mobile Data Terminals from Amrel, Inc., at a price of $112,535; the purchase of the required software, licenses, training, and support services from New World, Inc., at a price of $178,125; and the hardware and installation of the computers from Delmarva Communications at a bid price of $7,884, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Purchase of Surveillance Van
The City continues to experience problems with illegal drug activities, prostitution, and other street crimes in a number of areas within the City. The Police Department has identified a need for a specially equipped vehicle for conducting surveillance operations to target the above-mentioned crimes. The Police Department has obtained grant funding from the State of Delaware in the amount of $80,120 to purchase a surveillance vehicle. The total grant consists of funds from the State Aid to Law Enforcement Grant in the amount of $70,120 and $10,000 from the State Law Enforcement Fund Grant. No matching funds are required and the purchase will not require the use of City funds.
Staff recommended the purchase of a 1999 Ford E-250 Econoline Surveillance Van fully equipped with the latest in surveillance equipment and technology from the Sirchie Group, Vehicle Division, located in Medford, New Jersey at a cost of $80,120. The Sirchie Group is the sole vendor/specialty supplier which offers complete vehicle design and all required equipment and training on the use of the equipment. Chief Faulkner advised members that the other vendor for this equipment is located in Michigan and requires the purchaser to design the vehicle layout. The City previously purchased an Evidence Processing Van from the Sirchie Group and is satisfied with the company. The State Police purchased two (2) similar vehicles from the Sirchie Group and they too are satisfied.
The committee recommended approval of the purchase of a 1999 Ford E-250 Econoline Surveillance Van fully equipped with the latest in surveillance equipment and technology from the Sirchie Group at a cost of $80,120, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Computer Purchase for Y2K Compliance
A recent evaluation of the computers in use by City Departments indicated that 60 personal computers (PC’s) would need to be replaced in order to be “Y2K” compliant. Only the base computers will be replaced while continuing use of existing monitors.
Bids were advertised for the purchase of 60 PC’s and 21 bids from 18 vendors were received. Of the bids received, only one (1) vendor, D.O.E. Technologies of Wilmington, Delaware, met all of the bid requirements. Staff recommended awarding the bid for 60 PC’s to D.O.E. Technologies of Wilmington, Delaware, in the amount of $57,780.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Leary moved to award the bid for the purchase of 60 PC’s to D.O.E. Technologies, in the amount of $57,780, as recommended by the committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lambert and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Proposed Base Wage Adjustment - Civilian Pension
During the committee meeting held earlier this evening, members considered a recommendation of the Civilian Pension Board that a base wage adjustment be provided to civilian pension retirees. The Civilian Pension Board periodically reviews the level of retiree pension amounts paid by the City. During their meeting on February 24, 1999, members reviewed the level of retiree pension amounts, the length of time since the last increase was provided for retirees, and such factors as the rate of inflation and retirement formula in use at the time of retirement to consider the possibility of providing retirees a cost of living adjustment.
The last increase provided to retirees was effective January 1, 1996. Due to the limited funds for such an increase at that time, this base wage adjustment was provided only to those that retired on or before June 30, 1991, retired with unreduced benefits or because of disability or job elimination, and were receiving $750 or less per month. Prior to that, effective July 1, 1993, retirees were provided a single, lump sum distribution, which did not raise base wages. The most recent increase that provided all retiree’s an increase (2%) in their base wage was made effective July 1, 1989.
Effective January 1, 1995, the formula for calculating an individual’s retirement income was increased from 1/60th to 1/50th of the average monthly income multiplied by years of continuous service (Section 2-185 of the Dover Code). The increase in the retirement formula was made more affordable as employees increased their contribution to 3½% of their salary. This change in formula produced an increase in the average retirement income for those individuals that retired after January 1, 1995. There are 89 retirees whose retirement income is based on the 1/60th formula and 34 retirees whose retirement income is based on the 1/50th formula.
The Civilian Pension Board recommended that a base wage adjustment be provided to retirees effective April 1, 1999, as follows:
A)For the retiree or survivor who retired prior to January 1, 1995 on the 1/60th formula, to increase their current retirement salary by 2% each.
B)For the retiree or survivor who retired on or after January 1, 1995 on the 1/50th formula, to increase their current retirement salary by 1% each.
The committee recommended approval of the base wage adjustment for retirees as recommended by the Civilian Pension Board.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Real Estate Acquisition
During an executive session held earlier this evening, Mr. O’Connor apprized members of property available for purchase that is located adjacent to the City Warehouse on Pear Street. Considering the City’s present growth rate, he felt that the facility, consisting of 35,000 sq. ft., would prepare the City and provide adequate warehousing for approximately 20 years.
Mr. Leary moved to authorize the City Manager to enter into negotiations for the acquisition of property located at 320 N. Pear Street in Dover and to negotiate obtaining a “first refusal” right agreement (with the property owners adjacent to 320 N. Pear Street) should they decide to sell in the future. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mrs. Malone), and one (1) absent (Mr. Salters).
Mr. Leary 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 February 22, 1999 with Chairman Lambert presiding.
Replacement of Metering Transformers at Dover Air Force Base Substation
The City has three (3) “metering oil filled (electric) current transformers” at the Dover Air Force Base (DAFB) location. The transformers provide the meters with a measurement of electric usage, which is used for billing purposes. Due to the age of the transformers (30 years old) and changing technology, staff felt that the current transformers should be replaced. Replacement of the transformers will improve the reliability of metering and service to DAFB.
Sealed bids for the transformers were received as follows:
Company Total Bid
Vanyo $25,716 (6-7 weeks delivery time)
Wesco $23,970 (24-26 weeks delivery time)
Taking into consideration the cost difference ($1,746) and delivery time, staff recommended that the bid for the metering transformers be awarded to Vanyo, in the amount of $25,716, with a delivery time of 6-7 weeks. Funding for the transformers is available in the current year’s Electric Engineering Budget in the DAFB Substation Upgrade account.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Lambert moved to award the bid for the metering transformers to Vanyo, in the amount of $25,716, with a delivery time of 6-7 weeks, as recommended by the committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weller and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Wastewater Master Plan Engineering Services Agreement
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was advertised for engineering services to prepare an update to the City of Dover Wastewater Facilities Master Plan. This document will be used to identify the necessary improvements to the City’s wastewater collection and transmission system over the next 20 years. Of the 13 engineering firms that submitted qualifications for review, six (6) firms were selected for the interview process. Based on the interviews, staff recommended entering into an engineering services contract with Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. to prepare the 1999 Wastewater Facilities Master Plan. Preparation of the plan will be a cooperative effort between the consulting firm, the Department of Public Works and the Planning Office. After considerable negotiations regarding the scope of the proposed work plan, Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. submitted an acceptable task outline with a proposed cost not to exceed $62,000.
The funding for this project is available in the FY 99 Wastewater Management Budget. Fifty percent (50%) of the total cost of the project will be reimbursed from a State of Delaware Wastewater Facilities Planning Grant awarded to the City of Dover in 1998.
Staff recommended awarding the engineering services contract to Davis, Bowen & Friedel, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $62,000 for all work associated with completing the tasks outlined in their work plan for preparation of the 1999 City of Dover Wastewater Facilities Master Plan.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Lambert moved to approve the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Weller and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Wastewater Rate Revisions
In order to meet the current and future needs of the City’s wastewater fund, the Department of Public Works recommended consideration of a $0.20 per thousand gallon wastewater rate increase. The proposed increase will be used to finance the maintenance of and improvements to the City’s wastewater conveyance and collection system. Projects to be partially financed through the rate increase are included in the fiscal years 2000, 2001, and 2002 Operating Budgets and Capital Investment Plans. The estimated total costs of these projects are approximately $700,000. Additional projects are likely to be identified in the 1999 Wastewater Facilities Master Plan Update.
Staff recommended that the wastewater rate be increased an additional $0.20 per thousand gallons for “In-City” customers, from $1.21 per thousand gallons to $1.41 per thousand gallons, and an additional $0.30 per thousand gallons for “Out-of-City” customers, from $1.81 per thousand gallons to $2.11 per thousand gallons, and that the new rates become effective with April 1, 1999 billings.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Lambert moved to approve the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Mr. Lambert moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
ANNUAL REPORTS - 1998
Robbins Hose Company
In response to Mr. Truitt, Deputy Fire Chief Farling explained that there has been a substantial increase in the number of false alarms responded to by the fire department. In an attempt to reduce the number of false alarms, members suggested that staff prepare an ordinance amendment that would increase the penalty for false alarms. Mr. DePrima explained that the Fire Marshal’s Office administers the fines for false alarms and assured members that the Fire Safety Standards Committee will review this matter and formulate a recommendation to be presented to the committee.
Mr. Truitt moved for acceptance of the Robbins Hose Company’s Fire Chief’s Annual Report for 1998, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Members of Council expressed their appreciation to the volunteers of the Robbins Hose Company for their dedicated service to the citizens of Dover.
Department of Inspections and Planning
Members of Council commended the Department of Inspections and Planning for an excellent report. Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Department of Inspections and Planning Department Annual Report for 1998, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT (MAYOR HUTCHISON) - DOVER PARKING AUTHORITY
Mayor Hutchison recommended the appointment of Mr. Thomas G. Smith to the City of Dover Parking Authority, with a term to expire July 1, 2001. This appointment is to fill the unexpired term of Mr. William L. Witham.
Mr. Pitts moved for approval of the appointment as recommended by Mayor Hutchison, seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE
The First Reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of February 22, 1999.
Mrs. Malone moved that the final reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title only, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
Mr. Truitt moved for adoption of the following ordinance, seconded by Mr. Leary carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent):
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
The amounts hereinafter named in the various City funds are changed from the currently approved revenues/receipts and appropriations to the revised revenues/receipts and revised appropriations for use by the several departments of the Municipal Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1998 and ending June 30, 1999:
A. GENERAL FUND - REVENUES
CURRENT +ADDITION/ REVISED
REVENUE BUDGET -REDUCTION ESTIMATE
Fines & Police Revenue $460,000 +$32,050 $492,050
911 Fee 74,000 -9,200 64,800
Interest Transfers & Earnings 290,000 +10,000 300,000
Library Revenues 53,900 -16,781 37,119
Business Licenses 900,000 +15,000 915,000
Permits and Other Licenses 382,000 +173,800 555,800
Miscellaneous Charges 30,600 +2,105 32,705
Property Taxes 5,711,780 +40,850