REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on October 27, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters and Mr. Weller.
Council staff members present were Major Hirt, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Mrs. Boaman and Mr. Rodriguez. Fire Chief Carey was absent.
Council President Christiansen announced that City Council would dispense with the Open Forum so that the Council Meeting could convene as scheduled.
The invocation was given by Elder Wallace Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 1997
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 13, 1997 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Pitts and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PRESENTATION BY MAYOR JAMES L. HUTCHISON - FRIENDS OF CAPITOL THEATER
The Fourth Annual Prayer Breakfast for Mayor James L. Hutchison was held on September 25, 1997. Each year, Mayor Hutchison donates proceeds from the event to an organization of his choice. Mayor Hutchison announced that the proceeds from the 1997 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will benefit the restoration and revitalization of the Capitol Theater. He presented a check in the amount of $500 to the Friends of the Capitol Theater. Mr. Jeff Fulgham, Director, and Mr. Frank Fantini, President, expressed their appreciation for the support of the City of Dover. Mr. Fantini thanked the Mayor for the donation and for his enthusiasm and leadership. He relayed that Mayor Hutchison was one of the leaders in proposing revitalization of the Capitol Theater. He invited Mayor and Council to attend a reception on November 15, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Mellon Bank. They will formally unveil the project and offer details on what is planned for the Capitol Theater. If all goes as planned, the theater should be open during the first half of 1999.
PRESENTATION - JOHN G. ARMISTEAD - SERVICE ON CITY OF DOVER SILVER LAKE COMMISSION AND ST. JONES GREENWAY COMMISSION
Mayor Hutchison presented Mr. John G. Armistead with a Dover Cup in recognition of service he rendered on behalf of the City, while serving as a member of the Silver Lake Commission and the St. Jones Greenway Commission. Mr. Armistead has served on the Silver Lake Commission since it was created in 1986 and served on the St. Jones Greenway Commission from 1992 through 1997.
Mayor Hutchison stated that Mr. Armistead has contributed a considerable amount of time for the betterment of our City and relayed his appreciation for Mr. Armistead’s contribution. Mr. Armistead relayed his appreciation for the recognition.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on October 13, 1997 with Chairman Lambert presiding.
Discussion - SR #1/Route 8 Interchange
Mr. Lambert stated that during their meeting of November 14, 1994, members of City Council reviewed the proposal for an interchange on SR #1/Route #8. Members of Council indicated their concern with the possible effect an interchange on Route #8 would have on the residents of the area. During their meeting of November 14, 1994, members were advised that the preliminary plan of the Greater Dover Transportation Study, which was being performed by DelDOT, should be complete in the Spring of 1995 and that the plan would include the results of traffic patterns throughout the entire City, including Route #8 and Center City Dover. Taking this into consideration, members of Council felt that review of the Greater Dover Transportation Study should be accomplished prior to making a recommendation. Members requested the Dover MPO to review the Greater Dover Transportation Study to obtain additional information for a report back to the Safety Advisory Committee for review and recommendation to City Council. This was the last official action taken by members of City Council regarding this issue.
There has recently been discussion regarding the SR #1/Route #8 Interchange. Since City Council has not taken any recent action on this issue, Mr. Lambert was concerned that it would be interpreted that the City has a lack of interest; therefore, he requested that staff provide members an update on the current status of the SR #1/Route #8 Interchange.
During previous discussions, members of Council relayed concern with the impact the proposed interchange would have on the Edgehill community. At that time, the City was waiting on a traffic study which would define traffic patterns throughout the City after the Scarborough Road and Puncheon Run Connector were completed. City Council felt that with this information, they could make a better determination on the impact the interchange would have on the residents of Edgehill. The City Manager reported that some studies have been completed, but the MPO is not yet prepared to make a recommendation. Additional studies need to be accomplished. Mr. Lambert reported that a number of residents and business leaders spoke during the committee meeting. It was an excellent review of the concerns that need to be addressed.
Mr. Lambert stated that it was not his intent to have the committee make a decision regarding the issue at this time, but felt it was an opportunity to review the history and current status of this project. He stated that the City has relayed their feelings to the Dover MPO and will await their recommendation.
Lacking complete information and a recommendation from the MPO, no action was taken by the committee on this subject.
Action by City Council was not required.
Evaluation of Bids - Four Wheel Drive Rubber Tire Backhoe with Loader
In conjunction with the Department of Public Works FY 1998 operating budget and the City’s Capital Investment Plans, staff requested the opportunity to solicit bids for one (1) four wheel drive rubber tire backhoe with loader. Bids were submitted by four (4) vendors, as follows:
Alban Tractor Company, Inc. Caterpillar 416C $62,272.00
Standard Equipment Company John Deere 310SE $57,453.00
First State Ford New Holland, Inc. New Holland #575E $52,000.00
B & A Equipment & Supplies JCB 214 $50,687.00
Staff visited each of the vendors to perform a field test with the models that were bid. Based on the field test and a review of the bids and specifications, staff found the New Holland #575E to be a superior piece of equipment. It was also noted that this purchase would also standardize the recently purchased backhoe. Although this model was not the lowest bid, staff recommended that the bid be awarded to First State Ford New Holland, Inc.
The committee recommended that the bid be awarded to First State Ford New Holland, Inc. in the amount of $52,000 for a New Holland Model #575E based on adherence to the general guidelines of the specifications and superiority of the product.
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Evaluation of Bids - City of Dover Water System - Miscellaneous Tapping Sleeves and Valves
In accordance with the Capital Investment Plan, the Department of Public Works solicited bids for various size tapping sleeves and valves for improvements to the City of Dover water system. These improvements are scheduled within the City of Dover water service district and will be used to expand and improve our existing water system. Bids were submitted by two (2) vendors, as follows:
Dover Plumbing Supply Company (Dover, DE) $69,597.00
U.S. Filter (Milford, DE) $65,802.71
Staff recommended that the bid be awarded to U.S. Filter in the amount of $65,802.71, for the purchase of various size tapping sleeves and valves.
The committee recommended that the bid be awarded to U.S. Filter in an amount not to exceed $65,802.71 for the purchase of various size tapping sleeves and valves, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Weller and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Evaluation of Bids - Overhead Wire Puller
To allow in-house personnel the ability to install and re-conductor overhead power lines, staff requested the purchase of an overhead wire puller. In the past, larger jobs had to be contracted out because the Electric Department did not have the equipment to install long sections of wire. The puller has also been modified to allow the installation of fiber optic cable. The low bid was received from Atlantic Southern Associates, Inc. in the amount of $39,740.00.
Asked if it would be more cost effective to rent this type of equipment, Mr. O’Connor stated that the wire puller can be used for fiber optic cable as well as for overhead power lines. Also, City personnel recently built equipment that can be used in conjunction with the overhead wire puller. Since our uses for the wire puller will be more diverse in the future, Mr. O’Connor stated his opinion that the purchase of the equipment would be more cost effective than equipment rental.
The committee recommended that the bid be awarded to Atlantic Southern Associates, Inc. in the amount of $39,740 for a 1997 Sherman & Reilly overhead wire puller/tensioner with trailer, Model #PT-2766-B-T.
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Weller and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
SEMI-ANNUAL INSPECTION BY CITY MANAGER - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY
In accordance with Section 7-18 of the City Code, City Manager, James R. O’Connor, performed a semi-annual inspection of the Robbins Hose Company facilities and met with the Fire Chief to discuss fire company issues. The following points were noted during the on-site visit:
► The new pumper arrived in October. It is now used as the first responder. The rescue truck is due before the end of the year.
► Volunteer response remains high. Fifteen (15) new members have been recruited since January.
► A recruitment drive was held at Dover High School on October 7th. It is anticipated that there will be new members recruited from that effort.
► The Fund Drive Committee is still working diligently. The annual solicitation letters were mailed recently.
Mr. O’Connor stated that Robbins Hose Company continues to provide quality fire protection to the City of Dover.
Mr. Salters asked if this report is typically more detailed than the current report. Mr. O’Connor stated that the City Manager’s inspection is very general but the Robbins Hose Company submits an informational monthly report and an annual report.
Mr. Leary moved for acceptance of the report as submitted by the City Manager, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY ELECTION
The Robbins Hose Company Election is scheduled for November 17, 1997. The following persons have been recommended to serve as judges for the election:
1. Harry Hayes 2. Paul Kertiles 3. John Raughley (Alternate)
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the appointment of judges as recommended, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried (with Mr. Christiansen not voting).
MONTHLY REPORTS - SEPTEMBER 1997
By motion of Mr. Leary, seconded by Mr. Salters, the following monthly reports were accepted:
Chief of Police Report
Planning and Inspections 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
REZONING REQUEST - PROPERTY LOCATED ON NORTH SIDE OF FORREST AVENUE (RT. #8) - JANE MASSEY DRAPER
A request was received to rezone property located on the north side of Forrest Avenue (Rt. #8), 2,240' +/- west of the intersection of Mifflin Road, owned by Jane Massey Draper. The property is currently zoned R-10 (Single Family Residential) and R-20 (Single Family Residential) and the requested zoning is A (Agricultural).
Prior to amending the zoning ordinances and zoning map of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.
Asked by Mr. Salters why the property is proposed as Agricultural, Mr. DePrima stated that the owner is considering placing it in an agricultural preservation district through the State of Delaware. Under the requirements of the state program, the property must be in an agricultural district.
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Weller, Council unanimously referred the request to the Planning Commission and set a public hearing for December 8, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. The first reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished by title only:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF FORREST AVENUE, 2,240' +/- WEST OF THE INTERSECTION OF MIFFLIN ROAD.
Mr. Leary moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of October 27, 1997, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
/DJB