REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Council Meeting was held on March 10, 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. Fenimore, Mr. Salters and Mr. Hare.

Council staff members present were Chief Smith, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Chief Carey, Mrs. Boaman 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 Pastor Eldon Fowler, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, which was led by Scout Master Terry Lentz and Pack 650, from the Reily Brown School.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Leary moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 24, 1997

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 24, 1997 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Fenimore, seconded by Mrs. Malone and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.

PROCLAMATION - CITY OF DOVER EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY

The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:

WHEREAS, the City of Dover employees work diligently for all our citizens; and

WHEREAS, the employees of the City of Dover strive daily, through their dedication and hard work, to promote Community Excellence Through Quality Service; and

WHEREAS, it is due to the high productivity and accomplished efforts of our employees that the citizens of Dover are able to enjoy one of the lowest utility and tax rates in this region; and

WHEREAS, the City of Dover values its employees, recognizing that every member of the work force - from meter reader to engineer, laborer to policeman, dispatcher to secretary - is an integral part of the day to day operations of the City of Dover and its success is due largely to the pride and efforts of its employees.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim Friday, March 21, 1997, as CITY OF DOVER EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY, in recognition of the dedication and hard work of City of Dover employees, and ask the citizens to participate in this event by taking a moment to thank a City of Dover employee for their outstanding service to our community.

1996 ANNUAL REPORT - INSPECTIONS AND PLANNING

Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the 1996 Inspections and Planning Report, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried. Council President Christiansen expressed appreciation to the Planning and Inspections Department, stating that the departments have been very productive during this past year.

ANNEXATION/REZONING REQUEST - 1450 SOUTH DUPONT HIGHWAY

A request was received for annexation and rezoning of property located at 1450 South DuPont Highway, owned by Jeffrey S. Townsend. Staff recommended that the request be referred to the Utility Committee, that an annexation referendum be set for April 17, 1997 and that a public hearing be set for April 28, 1997.

Mr. Lambert moved for approval of staff's recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and Council unanimously acknowledged the first reading of the following ordinance, by title only, and adopted the following resolution:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1450 SOUTH DUPONT HIGHWAY.

A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER AND CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE SAID AREA.

WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deem it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include an area located at 1450 S. DuPont Highway, which is contiguous to the present City limits, into the limits of the City of Dover and within a zoning classification as recommended by the City Planner.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:

1. That a special election be held for an area located at 1450 S. DuPont Highway situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware.

2. That the election be held on the 17th day of April, 1997 commencing at the hours of 11:00 a.m. in the City Hall Annex, The Plaza, Dover, Delaware, for the purpose of submitting the question of annexation of the above area to those persons entitled to vote thereon.

3. That the election be held and conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the City of Dover as amended.

4. That this resolution be published in accordance with the City of Dover Charter.

ADOPTED:  March 10, 1997

Mr. Fenimore moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

                                                                       DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                                                       CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of March 10, 1997, are hereby approved.

                                                                       JAMES L. HUTCHISON

                                                                       MAYOR

/DJB