COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting was held on July 28, 1997 at 6:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, Mr. Weller and Mayor Hutchison. Mr. Fenimore was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Leary requested an executive session to discuss legal and personnel issues. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried. Members recessed into executive session at 6:35 p.m. and reconvened at 6:42 p.m. Mr. Leary moved to reconvene the Council Committees meetings, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Mr. Truitt requested the addition of an item to discuss traffic safety in downtown Dover. Mrs. Malone requested the deletion of item #1 on the Legislative and Finance Committee agenda (Bond Bill Appropriation - Use of One Time Aid Allocation) and that the matter be placed on the committee agenda for August 11, 1997.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilman Leary, Councilwoman Malone, Mr. Schaefer and Mr. Merritt.
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.
Mr. Schaefer moved to table 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. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Council President Christiansen suggested that the Tax Assessor and City Planner coordinate their efforts on this matter prior to its review by the committee.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:50 P.M.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Parks and Recreation Committee met with Chairwoman Malone presiding. Members present were Councilmen Truitt and Weller and Mrs. Maxted. Mrs. Northshield was absent.
Evaluation of Bids - Fencing of Softball Fields - Schutte Park
In conjunction with the development of Schutte Park, four softball fields are being developed. The fields have been seeded and the infield installed. Four bids were received for fencing of the fields, with the low bid received from Duck’s Quality Fence in the amount of $52,450. Funding for the project is from the Parkland Fund and the Delaware Land & Water Conservation Trust Fund.
Mr. Truitt moved to recommend that the bid be awarded to Duck’s Quality Fence in the amount of $52,450 for fencing of the four softball fields. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:55 P.M.
SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Although there was no Safety Advisory Committee meeting scheduled, Mr. Truitt requested the addition of an agenda item to discuss traffic concerns in downtown Dover. He noted that the owners of Ben’s Tailor Shop, located at the corner of Loockerman Street and Governors Avenue, relayed that there have been several accidents in this general area. The speed limit in this area is 25 mph and Mr. Truitt suggested that the committee investigate the possibility of reducing the speed limit on Loockerman Street, from State Street to Queen Street, to 15 mph.
Mayor Hutchison noted that speed restrictions on some roadways are set by the Delaware Traffic Code. He suggested that Mr. Truitt refer this matter to the Police Chief for review and recommendation prior to any action by the committee.
Mr. Salters also noted that speed restrictions are set by DelDOT on streets that are in the City limits, but are maintained by the State. This type of information will be supplied by the Police Chief as a part of his review and recommendation to the committee.
Council Committee Meetings Adjourned at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
RRC/DJB