REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on February 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, Mr. Salters and Mr. Weller.
Council staff members present were Chief Faulkner, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, 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.
There was no one present wishing to speak during the Open Forum.
The invocation was given by Elder Wallace Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Nicholas (Cub Scout Pack 622), Daniel, and Jacob Abrams (Boy Scout Troop 632 Dover).
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 25, 1999
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 25, 1999 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Pitts, seconded by Mr. Weller and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL PATRIOTISM WEEK
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, Americans have an abiding faith in the ideals and strength of our nation, in our democratic processes, and in the men and women of the past, present, and future, who have served our country well; and
WHEREAS, for over two hundred years, millions of Americans have fought and died to defend, protect, preserve and build upon those basic elements of liberty which we all hold so dear; and
WHEREAS, all loyal citizens should stand up and be proud that we are Americans and should make it clearly known to all that our democracy will long endure; and
WHEREAS, our dedicated American citizenship is expressed through our devotion to the safeguarding of our freedoms, and our readiness to defend our country against all enemies, without and within.
NOW THEREFORE I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim February 15 through 21, 1999, as NATIONAL PATRIOTISM WEEK and urge all citizens to renew their pledge of allegiance to our nation, and to express their appreciation for the blessings of citizenship and freedom.
Mayor Hutchison presented the Proclamation to Mr. William Hufnal. Mr. Hufnal accepted the Proclamation on behalf of the Elks Lodge and thanked members for the recognition.
CONFIRMATION OF POLICE PENSION ELECTION - RET. LT. TIMOTHY MULLANEY (TERM TO EXPIRE JANUARY 31, 2002)
The term of office on the Police Pension Board of Ret. Sgt. Ralph Jones expired on January 31, 1999. Pursuant to Section 18-47(2)(b) of the Pension Plan, notice of an election was given to all plan members. Only one nomination was received, therefore, no election was held. Chief Faulkner nominated Ret. Lt. Timothy Mullaney to serve a three (3) year term, to expire on January 31, 2002.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the nomination of Ret. Lt. Mullaney to serve on the Police Pension Board, with a three (3) year term to expire on January 31, 2002. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) abstention (Council President Christiansen).
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING - REZONING
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning of property located at 15 Park Drive (lots #47, #48, #49, and #50), owned by Rhoslyn J. and Dorothy T. Bishoff. The property is currently zoned R-10 (Single Family Residential) and the proposed zoning is C-PO (Commercial/Professional Office).
Council President Christiansen noted that a letter was received requesting that the rezoning request be withdrawn.
Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the letter requesting to withdraw the rezoning request, seconded by Mrs. Malone and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on January 25, 1999 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Consideration of Retirement Health Care Coverage - Kent County (City of Dover) Paramedics
Members considered a letter submitted by Chief Colin Faulkner, Kent County Emergency Medical Services Department, requesting consideration of the City reopening the structure for continuation of health insurance as established in the Paramedic Integration Agreement of 1991. Chief C. Faulkner reminded members that the foundation for the current Kent County Emergency Medical Services was established from a core group of long-term City of Dover paramedics. The City, having provided the first paramedic service in lower Delaware, relinquished its service following passage of legislation in 1991, which created a statewide paramedic system.
Chief C. Faulkner indicated that the language in the Agreement of 1991 falls short in providing continued health care coverage to former City paramedics. Specifically, the provision limits the length of health care coverage after retirement to the length of employment with Kent County. Chief C. Faulkner advised members that six (6) employees are involved that will be subjected to non-coverage of medical insurance for a period of time. He thanked members for taking the time to review this matter.
During the committee meeting, Mr. O’Connor advised members that the Human Resource Department has been requested to determine the costs to the City, should the request of the paramedics be granted. It is his feeling that the request involves more than the City, since the paramedics are now employees of Kent County, and has requested a meeting with the County Administrator to discuss this issue. Mr. O’Connor requested that this matter be referred back to staff for further review and a recommendation to the committee. He requested that Chief C. Faulkner contact the County Administrator to schedule a meeting and advise him accordingly.
The committee recommended that this matter be referred to staff for further review and recommendation to the committee, as requested by Mr. O’Connor.
Mr. O’Connor advised members that he met with representatives of Kent County and Chief C. Faulkner and briefed members regarding the meeting. Mr. Salters indicated that the details regarding the meeting and staff’s recommendation will be presented at the next committee meeting for review and recommendation to City Council.
Mr. Salters moved to refer this matter back to the Legislative and Finance Committee for further review, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:52 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of February 8, 1999, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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