QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on February 1, 1999 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Council members present were Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, and Mr. Weller. Mr. Salters and Mr. Leary were absent.
Council staff members present were Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Captain Mays and Mrs. Gardner.
The invocation was given by Reverend Steven Wellman, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mayor Hutchison requested the addition of item #4, Update on Pending Deregulation Legislation.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW LEVY COURT PRESIDENT - HAROLD J. “JACK” PETERMAN
Mayor Hutchison introduced Mr. Harold J. “Jack” Peterman, newly appointed President of the Kent County Levy Court. Mr. Peterman thanked the Mayor and Members of Council for this opportunity and invited them to attend a meeting of the Kent County Levy Court. He stressed the importance of continuing to build the relationship between Kent County and the City of Dover, feeling that the City and County must grow together or they will fall separately.
Mr. Peterman relayed the importance of education, explaining that young people should be provided the option and opportunity to stay in the area. Although there are tremendous higher educational facilities in our area, he questioned if they are being used to their fullest. He suggested that by conducting “round table” discussions, Kent County could assist these facilities in meeting their goals, which would in-turn help the City, which would in-turn help Kent County.
Mr. Peterman also questioned how Kent County can assist the City of Dover with new businesses. Good businesses drive the prosperity of Kent County and the City of Dover. Although we are always looking for that “new”, large company to come to the area, we should consider supporting the companies that are already here. On many occasions, it is the smaller, established companies that may need our assistance and through time, will prosper. He suggested that these companies be assured that they have our support so that they feel at “home”.
With regard to economic development, including infrastructure, roads, taxes, etc., Mr. Peterman indicated that although necessary, he is not aware of how the City and County can share in these responsibilities. However, he is confident that if the City and County work together on these types of issues, solutions will be discovered.
Mr. Peterman has suggested that Levy Court Commissioners meet with the residents of Kent County, which includes the City of Dover, and that a quarterly report be given to members of Kent County Levy Court. He is confident that the more shared, the closer the City and County can become. Mr. Peterman stated that the need for communication and cooperation between all levels of government is extremely important. In order for there to be success, there must be a joint effort in all of our affairs.
GROWTH IN THE 1990'S - CITY OF DOVER - ANTHONY DEPRIMA, CITY PLANNER
Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Planner, addressed Mayor and Council relative to the growth experienced in the City of Dover during the 1990's. Noting that much of the growth that occurred during this period is a result of action taken by the Planning Commission, Mr. DePrima recognized those Planning Commission Members present, as follows: Mr. Sadusky, Mr. Outten, Mr. Friedman, and Mrs. Horsey and, former member, Mr. Bogus.
Mr. DePrima reminded members that he had reported at the last Quarterly Open Town Meeting that 1998 will be the first year that Dover will exceed $60 million in value of construction reported on building permits. The actual amount totals $69,820,835. Not only was the $60 million exceeded, which has never been previously accomplished, but the amount far exceeds the anticipated amount. The total value of construction reported from 1990 through 1998 was $432,591,249.
A slide presentation was conducted providing a “tour” of Dover, depicting a variety of major building projects that have occurred from 1990 through 1998, including industrial, office, commercial, and residential developments. Mr. DePrima stated that a total of 5,912,854 square feet of non-residential buildings were approved from 1990 through 1998, the majority of which were industrial buildings totaling 2,060,832 square feet. He noted a spike in these approvals during 1994, which totaled 683,833 square feet. Mr. DePrima noted that during the 1990's, emphasis was placed on providing storm water retention and water quality, which are required by law when considering major developments.
With regard to residential dwelling units, there were a total of 4,423 approved from 1990 through 1998, as follows: 1) 1,564 single family detached dwellings; 2) 923 apartments; 3) 597 duplexes; 4) 1,031 townhouses; and 5) 308 other (manufactured homes). Mr. DePrima stated that a total of 2,052 dwelling units were built, explaining that of the buildings approved by the Planning Commission, only 60% to 80% are actually built (residential and non-residential buildings).
Mr. DePrima thanked members of Council and the Planning Commission for an outstanding job in their review and reaction to the growth and development of our City.
As we look into our future, Mayor Hutchison indicated a desire for a second post office, expansion of facilities that provide employment, additional hotels, etc. However, he stressed the importance of maintaining a balance in our City to provide employment, shopping, governmental services, medical services, entertainment, education, and housing. He stated that the City has identified the Regional Community Sports and Recreational Facility at Schutte Park as their #1 project for the next three (3) years. Considering the major role Dover Air Force Base has on our City, Mayor Hutchison advised members that there has been over $125 million worth of new construction on the Base.
Ret. General Fred Vetter, 729 N. Bradford Street, complimented the City Planner on the presentation. Considering that once SR #1 is completed, one will be able to travel from mid-Wilmington to central Delaware in 35 to 45 minutes, at 65-70 mph, with no traffic lights, General Vetter questioned if there is an anticipated shift in population expected in Dover.
Responding, Mr. DePrima stated that the price difference of housing in New Castle County and Kent County does not substantiate a commute. He does not anticipate a flood of people moving to Kent County and commuting to New Castle County for work.
Mr. O’Connor reconfirmed the importance of maintaining a balance of commercial, industrial, and residential communities for the City of Dover. He stated that it is critical that the City has vigilance on maintaining and acquiring employment opportunities in order to keep the family structure alive.
Concurring, Mayor Hutchison stated that in order to protect the quality of life for our residents, the City must protect the jobs already available, look for new opportunities, and assure we are providing outstanding educational opportunities.
Y2K UPDATE - CITY OF DOVER - JAMES O’CONNOR, CITY MANAGER
Mr. James O’Connor, City Manager, provided members an update of the City’s Y2K Plan. He explained that the City has an inter-connect with PJM and other vendors, such as the Institution of Credit Cards, which transfers money by computers. There are many inter-connections with vendors which the City has no control over. The City is preparing for the Y2K internally and has received responses from our vendors assuring that they are also preparing for the Y2K. However, he indicated that it is critical to note that the City is not an island and there are many outside sources that will play a role in the total operation.
The City has purchased new software upgrades that are Y2K compliant and has completed approximately 90% of these upgrades. Total completion will be accomplished prior to July 1999. Mr. O’Connor stated that the City has identified 54 personal computers that are not Y2K compliant. Four (4) of these computers are Pentiums that will simply require modifications and the other 50 will require replacement, which is planned to be accomplished prior to July 1999. The SCADA System, the City’s monitoring system for electric, water, and sewer facilities, has been certified as Y2K compliant. The software components within the water and sewer system are relatively new and are probably Y2K compliant; however, the City has a backup contingency plan if they test negative. The City’s electric partner, Duke Energy is in the process of making all of their systems Y2K compliant. Duke Energy considers the Dover generation units a part of their system; therefore, they are performing any necessary modifications and improvements.
Mr. O’Connor stated that since the majority of the City’s utility systems are old and contain manual backups, the City is not dependent upon computer operations in this respect. The City’s contingency plan is to activate the manual systems for the first part of Year 2000 until assured that the computer systems are compliant.
Staff is confident that the City will meet the goal of Y2K compliancy by December 1999. However, Mr. O’Connor reminded members that with the creation of many inter-connections, the City is just one player in a large wheel of operation. The City must rely on many vendors while processing our programs. He noted that since the first day of the year 2000 is a Saturday, the change-over will not occur during a busy time as it relates to the operations of our systems.
Mr. Eugene Ruane, 122 Shadow Court, relayed concern regarding the assurance of all the inter-connections being prepared and questioned who would be responsible. He felt that there appears to be too much inter-dependency and questioned if a group has been established to address this as a unified effort.
Responding, Mr. O’Connor stated that the City’s Information Services Director, Mr. Mark Callen, is the staff member in charge of preparing the City of Dover for the Y2K. There is no county-wide effort since the tentacles of our vendors are not county-wide. As an example, he explained that MasterCard and VISA, which the City accepts for payment of utilities and programs, are international as well as the banks that the City deals with on a daily basis. The City must rely on industry and federal regulations. Although the City has been certified by suppliers and service providers, there is not 100% assurance since it would be nearly impossible to identify each module in a computer that may be affected by the Y2K issue. Mr. O’Connor felt that the Y2K will not cause a major catastrophe and is confident that the electricity, water, and sewer in the City of Dover will continue to operate at midnight on January 1, 2000 and throughout the year.
DEREGULATION UPDATE - JAMES R. O’CONNOR, CITY MANAGER
Mr. O’Connor noted that House Bill 10, regarding deregulation, has passed the House and has now been sent to the Senate. The City has indicated endorsement of House Bill 10. He explained that either the State may enact a deregulation bill or the Federal Government will be issuing a deregulation bill. The City prefers a State Bill. Within the next six (6) weeks, the Senate plans to hold several public hearings to discuss the pros and cons of House Bill 10.
Mr. Christiansen moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:07 P.M.
LISA C. GARDNER
SECRETARY, CITY CLERK
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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