REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on August 11, 1997 at 8:00 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. Mr. Fenimore was absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Faulkner, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Chief Carey, Mrs. Boaman and Mr. Rodriguez.
In the absence of Reverend Joshua Lebelo, the invocation was given by Councilman Reuben Salters, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 28, 1997
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 28, 1997 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Weller and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 1997
The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of August 4, 1997 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weller, seconded by Mr. Salters and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on July 28, 1997 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Request for Tax Abatement - Bay Court Plaza Shopping Center
A request for tax abatement under Chapter 19.5 of the City Code has been received from the Robino Management Group, Inc. In accordance with Section 19.5-34, the application must be reviewed by City Council. Mr. Lucas explained that Bay Court Plaza will be purchased and renovated, with a small amount of new construction in the form of satellite stores.
Mr. Lucas expressed concern that the application does not qualify for tax abatement under the guidelines of the ordinance. It was his feeling that a new facade and the addition of small outbuildings do not meet the definition of an “expanded facility” and that the property owner will not meet the employment requirements.
After carefully reviewing the provided information, Mr. Salters agreed with Mr. Lucas’ concerns. He stated that the abatement program is specifically targeted towards industries and businesses that build new or expanded facilities and then hire employees to their company. The tax abatement incentive is for the purpose of attracting new and expanded businesses to our community which in turn, provides employment opportunities for our citizens. He stated his opinion that granting this request would substantially alter the original intent of the program.
Mr. Leary stated that the application process was not complete, noting that the information necessary for Council’s review was not included with the information submitted. Mr. Schaefer concurred with Mr. Leary and suggested that the matter be tabled until all the procedures set out in the ordinance have been followed.
The committee tabled action on the request until such time as an appropriate application is received along with detailed information, as outlined in the ordinance, which is necessary for Council to adequately review the request. Mr. Salters moved for approval of the recommendation of the committee, 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.
APPOINTMENTS
Planning Commission
Mayor Hutchison recommended the appointment of Mr. Robert M. Sadusky to the Planning Commission, representing the Second District, for a three year term to expire June 1, 2000. He will replace Mr. Theron Boots who requested that he not be reappointed.
Mr. Leary moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Robert M. Sadusky to the Planning Commission, as recommended by Mayor Hutchison. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lambert and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Fenimore absent).
Dover Housing Authority
Mayor Hutchison recommended the reappointment of Mr. C. Terry Jackson to the Dover Housing Authority for a six year term, to expire August 15, 2003.
Mr. Salters moved to approve the reappointment of Mr. C. Terry Jackson to the Dover Housing Authority as recommended by Mayor Hutchison. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
CONFIRMATION OF POLICE ELECTION RESULTS - MAJOR ROBERT HIRT
Due to the recent retirement of Chief Smith, a vacancy was created on the Police Pension Board. 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 an election was not necessary.
It is recommended that Major Robert Hirt serve on the Police Pension Plan to fulfill the term of a vacancy which expires January 31, 2000.
Mr. Truitt moved for confirmation of Major Robert Hirt’s appointment to the Police Pension Plan for a term to expire on January 31, 2000, seconded by Mr. Weller and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
AMENDMENT TO REZONING REQUEST - 1427 NEW BURTON ROAD
The application for rezoning of a property located at 1427 New Burton Road, owned by Janet L. and Ronald L. Harmon, indicated an incorrect proposed zoning classification of C-1A. The rezoning will be from R-8 (Residential Single Family) to C-3 (Service Commercial). This matter will be heard before the Planning Commission on August 18, 1997 and a public hearing will be held during the Council Meeting of September 8, 1997.
Mr. Salters moved to acknowledge the change, refer the rezoning request to the Planning Commission and set the public hearing as stated above, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Mr. Leary moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:05 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of August 11, 1997, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
/DJB