REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on September 28, 1998 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, Chief Carey, 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.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Salters requested the addition of item #2A, Presentation - Third Place Award - The Need for Speed (Nascar) Parade. Council President Christiansen requested the deletion of item #3A, Proclamation - Child Health Month.
Mr. Weller moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 14, 1998
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 14, 1998 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mrs. Malone and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PRESENTATION - 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OPERATION NICKEL GRASS
Mayor Hutchison introduced Mr. Kenneth K. Robertson, Jr., Chairman of the NICKEL GRASS 25 Committee. Mr. Robertson advised members that the objectives of the 25th Anniversary Celebration of Operation NICKEL GRASS is: 1) to pay tribute to Dover Air Force Base, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, the nation of Portugal, and the United States Navy for their contributions and support of this historic airlift; and 2) to educate the public of NICKEL GRASS and to promote the increasing importance of airlift and air mobility as critical tools of United States national policy.
Mr. Robertson explained that Operation NICKEL GRASS was a massive, rapid airlift conducted by the United States Air Force’s Military Airlift Command, predecessor of the current Air Mobility Command, that re-supplied Israel during the Yom Kippur War of 1973. This was done to preserve the balance of power in the Middle East. Compared to the United States’ role in the Berlin Airlift, NICKEL GRASS transported 5.5 more tons per mile, per day to Israel than to Berlin. He reminded members that on October 6, 1973, Arab forces from Egypt and Syria staged an unexpectedly powerful, surprise attack on Israel, inflicting grave damage. The United States did not respond immediately due to diplomatic and oil concerns in the Arab nations. However, when Prime Minister Golda Meir made an urgent request to President Nixon for help, and after the Soviets began airlifting supplies to the Arabs on October 9th, President Nixon told MAC “to send everything that can fly,” which included the only Main Battle Tank-carrying plane in the world, the new C-5. The first mission, flown by a C-5 crew from Dover Air Force Base, landed at Lod Airport in Israel on October 14th. Portugal was the only nation that gave tangible assistance, providing Lajes Field in the Azores for en route refueling, without which, the airlift would not have succeeded. The United States Navy provided air traffic control and escort coverage in the Mediterranean. By October 26th, a cease fire was in effect. To finish the resupply, NICKEL GRASS continued until November 14th. The last mission out was a C-5 from Dover Air Force Base.
Mr. Robertson stated that the 25th Anniversary of Operation NICKEL GRASS will be a major event and will mark a significant chapter in United State Air Force and Middle Eastern history. He provided members with a brochure listing the schedule of events and invited them to participate in the celebration. Highlighting its international significance, he stated that there will be several distinguished guests from as far away as Israel and Portugal who will be attending the many events scheduled for October 13th and 14th.
PRESENTATION - THIRD PLACE AWARD - THE NEED FOR SPEED PARADE
Mayor Hutchison stated that The Need for Speed Parade was held in conjunction with the Second Annual Thunder in Dover (NASCAR) Festival on September 17th. He stated that participants were judged and awarded a trophy (1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place) for overall originality and racing theme and advised members that the 3rd Place winners were the Sankofa Drummers and Dancers. Mayor Hutchison congratulated and presented the trophy to Mr. Salters and members of the Sankofa Drummers and Dancers: Eric Morton, Koshina Lewis, Markett Shaw, and Lamaine Sanders.
PROCLAMATION - HALLOWEEN OBSERVANCE
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, the City of Dover wishes a safe and festive Halloween celebration for its citizens and encourages participation in the gaiety of this holiday by both young and old; and
WHEREAS, parents are prompted to join in the festivities by accompanying their children throughout their journey of gathering treats as is the custom of the celebration of Halloween; and
WHEREAS, the observation of this holiday brings joy to many children as they travel with friends and families, showcasing their costumes; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Dover has deemed it advisable to observe the celebration of Halloween Trick-or-Treat on Saturday, October 31, 1998 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM:
1. That the Halloween Trick-or-Treat observance shall be held on the 31st day of October, 1998 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
2. That the residents of the City of Dover, or any other persons within the corporate limits of the City of Dover, limit their observance of this holiday to the aforesaid date and time, in an effort to maintain a fun and safe environment for everyone participating in the festivities.
PROCLAMATION - FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, approximately 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home; and
WHEREAS, smoke detectors provide early warning of fire and reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 50 percent; and
WHEREAS, smoke detectors should be tested regularly and batteries should be replaced at least twice a year; and
WHEREAS, the Robbins Hose Company, Inc. serving as Dover’s volunteer fire department, is dedicated to the protection of life and property from the devastating effects of fire.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim the week of October 4, 1998 through October 10, 1998 as "FIRE PREVENTION WEEK" in the City of Dover, and urge all citizens to participate in fire prevention activities at home, work, and school, to test their smoke detectors and to install fresh batteries in those smoke detectors.
The Proclamation was presented to Fire Chief Carleton Carey, Jr., by Mayor Hutchison and Mr. Truitt, Chairman of the Safety Advisory Committee.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on September 14, 1998 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Proposed Zoning Text Amendment - Article 3, District Regulations - Section 10, Institutional and Office Zone
At the request of Mayor and Council, the City Planner, Mr. DePrima, reviewed the Institutional and Office Zone (I/O) to determine if there was any need to change the permitted uses, prohibited uses, and conditional uses, given possible governmental and institutional uses that may be proposed for the zone. Mr. DePrima submitted proposed zoning text amendments to Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 10 - Institutional and Office Zone that would allow the uses more specific and tailor them to the goals of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
During the committee meeting, Mr. DePrima explained that added to the list of examples of permitted uses are police stations, courthouses, transit centers, motor vehicle storage and repair facilities accessory to public or institutional uses, public indoor recreation centers, and civic centers. He advised members that these are all uses that have been considered to be permitted uses in the past. Added to the list of conditional uses are prisons and correctional facilities, and public incinerators. Added to the list of prohibited uses are dumps and landfills.
Mr. DePrima stated that the Planning Commission has reviewed the proposed amendments and have recommended their approval.
The committee recommended approval of the Zoning Text Amendments to Article 3, District Regulations - Section 10, Institutional and Office Zone - Subsections 10.12, 10.13, 10.15, and 10.53 of the Dover Code, as recommended by the Planning Commission and that a public hearing be set for October 12, 1998 at 7:30 p.m.
Utilizing the consent agenda format, Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting).
Proposed Zoning Text Amendment - Article 6, Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities - Section 5, Supplementary Regulations for Parking and Loading Facilities - Subsection 5.5, Race Weekend Parking
During the committee meeting on July 13, 1998, members directed staff to prepare an ordinance amendment to codify the City’s policy to allow parking on residentially zoned property during race weeks at Dover Downs. The City’s current policy allows race fans to park cars and recreational vehicles with sanitation systems in residential zones for a fee during race weekends.
Mr. DePrima submitted a proposed amendment to Article 6 - Off-Street Parking, Driveways, and Loading Facility, Section 5 - Supplementary Regulations for Parking and Loading Facilities, Subsection 5.5 - Race Weekend Parking of the Dover Code, as recommended by the Planning Commission. He noted that the last sentence “Commercial parking does not include . . . ” was added by staff after the Planning Commission’s review. Mr. DePrima explained that the addition of this sentence clarifies that commercial vendors and sales representatives would not be permitted.
During the committee meeting, Mr. DePrima advised members that geographic limits were not included in the policy since market demand and proximity to the race track would promote self-regulation.
In response to Mr. Truitt, Mr. DePrima stated that the proposed amendment would allow a parking fee to be charged by the property owner. Mr. Truitt relayed concern that the proposed amendment does not specifically indicate that parking for a fee would be permitted and suggested that it be included in the proposed amendment.
The committee recommended approval of the Zoning Text Amendment to Article 6 - Off-Street Parking, Driveways, and Loading Facility, Section 5 - Supplementary Regulations for Parking and Loading Facilities, Subsection 5.5 - Race Weekend Parking of the Dover Code, stipulating that “(for a fee)” be added to the amendment following “commercial parking” within the first sentence and that a public hearing be set for October 12, 1998 at 7:30 p.m.
Utilizing the consent agenda format, Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting).
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
MONTHLY REPORTS - AUGUST 1998
By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters, the following monthly reports were accepted:
Chief of Police Report
City Assessor Report
City Clerk/Alderman Report (Fines)
City Manager's Report
Mayor's Report
General Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Improvement and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Internal Service Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Mr. Leary noted that included in the Planning and Inspections Report is notification of new staff members. Mr. DePrima introduced the new Assistant City Planner, Mr. Steven Lee, who is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, is a native of Kent County, lives in the Dover area, and has had several years of experience with Kent County Planning and Zoning.
Mr. Leary moved to accept the Planning and Inspections Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
FIRST READING - PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
Mr. Lambert moved to waive the reading of the proposed ordinances before Council, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried. Council President Christiansen reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinances are available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office. Since the ordinances are amendments to the Zoning Code, a public hearing is required. A public hearing and final action by Council on the proposed ordinances will take place during the Council Meeting of October 12, 1998.
Mr. Lambert moved for acknowledgment of the First Reading of the following proposed ordinances, by title only, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried:
►ARTICLE 3, DISTRICT REGULATIONS - SECTION 10, INSTITUTIONAL AND OFFICE ZONE (10.12, 10.13, 10.15, and 10.53)
►ARTICLE 6, OFF-STREET PARKING, DRIVEWAYS AND LOADING FACILITIES - SECTION 5, SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS FOR PARKING AND LOADING FACILITIES - SUBSECTION 5.5, RACE WEEKEND PARKING
Mr. Leary moved to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss personnel and legal matters, pursuant to 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(4) and 29 Del. C. §10004(b)(9). The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:56 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of September 28, 1998, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
/JG