QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on November 4, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Fenimore, Mr. Salters, Mr. Hare and Council President Christiansen. Staff members present were Chief Smith, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima and Mrs. Boaman.

Mayor Hutchison stated that this meeting will provide an opportunity for an update by the committee that has been charged with the responsibility of reviewing the feasibility of a civic center, or a convention center, in Dover. Mayor Hutchison introduced Mr. E. Stuart Outten, a former Representative for the State of Delaware, and the current Chairman (appointed by Governor Carper) of the Civic Center Review Committee.

Mr. Outten stated that the members of the committee have spent a considerable amount of time reviewing and researching the merits of a civic center in Dover. He stated that many years ago, he supported the concept of a civic center on the John Hunn Brown property, but he always questioned if the infrastructure of this portion of Route #13 would be adequate and if such a center would be invasive to the neighbors that live in the area.

Mr. Outten noted that the City of Dover has offered to donate a parcel of land, consisting of approximately 40 acres, located just south of Sam's Club for the construction of a civic center. Taking into consideration that Delaware State University and Delaware Technical & Community College are located in very close proximity, and its close proximity to the new State Route #1, it appears that this would be an excellent site for a civic center. Mr. Outten stated that there has been some discussion of Delaware State University's interest in incorporating their basketball program into the center with a basketball arena. Such action could bring double A basketball to the Dover area, as well as significant royalties for television rights.

In reviewing the subject, the Committee attempted to determine if a civic center will fill a need for our region, not just for Dover or even for Kent County, but for our region, and if we can fulfill the need without it being a significant drain on the taxpayers. Mr. Outten stated that the committee has reviewed the possibility of construction of a 60,000 sq. ft. center, or something in that general size, that will encompass a basketball arena. The center will serve as a linkage between two of our higher educational institutions that should have viable needs for the center.

Referring to the cost of a civic center, Mr. Outten assured members of Council that the costs are expensive. In order to build a civic center that will be all that we want, we will not be able to justify its cost on a business basis. He suggested that it be looked at as a park. A park does not generate money, except for fees that are charged for services, but the park provides a benefit to the residents. He stated that it is anticipated that the facility will operate with a deficit in the beginning, and that the consultants have estimated a deficit of approximately $136,000 per year. To be on the conservative side, the Committee is using a figure of approximately $150,000. In order to build a center that would serve the region, it will probably require that some grant funds be used to assist with costs. He reminded members of Council that the Committee has not finalized its duties and that they are only sharing with members of Council the status of their work to date. They hope that the City and County will cooperate with funding the operational deficit. They believe that after approximately five years, if they only debt service the operational costs, they would probably be at a break even point. He predicted that they will ultimately be developing a positive cash stream that can go back into the government funding.

Referring to what is being looked at for the civic center, Mr. Outten stated that in addition to the basketball court and normal items such as a stage, proper lighting and sound system, and flexible and permanent seating, they hope to incorporate the possibility of an ice hockey rink. This would be a resource for our youth which is sorely needed in this area. Many of our youth travel to the University of Delaware to use their rink. It is also hoped that some day we would be able to develop a franchise for a minor league hockey team.

There are many positive spinoffs that are advantageous to the city, county and state which include financial as well cultural improvements. People that come to the events at the civic center will rent rooms and will eat and drink in the Dover area. It will create additional jobs within the area, not just for those employed at the center but it is felt that other businesses will be created as a result of a civic center. Often, when people come to a civic center, they enjoy other tourist activities in the area so it is felt that a civic center will enhance tourism throughout our entire state. As an example, Mr. Outten outlined a day trip for a tour of local museums such as the Delaware Agricultural Museum, John Dickinson Mansion, the Air Force Museum and the museums in the downtown area. Another idea is a day trip to the beaches and outlets in Sussex County. All of the above translates into increased jobs and taxes, as well as the benefit of quality events for our citizens to enjoy and for our children to be exposed.

Mr. Outten stated that research by the committee has revealed that one of the biggest mistakes that can be made is to build a center that meets only your immediate needs, especially in the area of a quality sound system. Therefore, their proposal includes a very sophisticated sound system and adequate lighting. They do not want to over-build the facility, but they certainly do not want to under-build it. They hope to visit with representatives of other centers in the near future to discover what mistakes, if any, they may have made to ensure that Dover does not repeat the mistakes.

He stated his opinion that the selected site is a perfect location since it is located close to two educational facilities and will have more than adequate roadway infrastructure when Scarborough Road is complete as it will directly connect to S.R. #1. He reminded members of Council that this project must be looked at as a service to the public and will require a financial commitment by all levels of government. He assured Council that the committee will continue to have the good of the public in mind while reviewing the feasibility of this project. It is a project that must have community support in order for it to work. It is their hope to have all the facts together by the end of December so that a complete report and recommendation can be made to the Governor of the State of Delaware.

Mr. Fenimore referred to a proposal to scale back the Scarborough Road project and asked if such action would have a negative effect on the Civic Center project. Mr. Outten stated his opinion that it would not effect the project, as the portion to be scaled back is further west than the civic center site. However, it is felt that the current roadways of Rt. 13 and S.R. 1 could handle the traffic. Mr. Fenimore stated that if the center draws participation from areas west of Delaware, such as those coming from Maryland, then S.R. 1 will not be used. Scarborough Road would be a natural route for those traveling from the west side of Dover. He suggested that the Committee work with DelDOT on issues of this nature.

Council President Christiansen stated that some other centers have experienced problems due to deed restrictions that prohibit the serving of alcoholic beverages. He suggested that all possible deed restrictions be examined prior to final site decision.

Mrs. Rexene Ornauer of 17 Mifflin Road stated that she has been involved in projects where populations were supposedly insufficient for the project's success but they were nonetheless successful. She suggested that the committee continue looking at doing the job right in the beginning. Not only will the project be more successful, but they will find that it is cheaper to do it right in the beginning than to add on or improve deficiencies at a later date.

Noting that there is very little recreation for our youth, Mr. Mike Chapman of 863 Schoolhouse Lane asked if the center would be open to the public. Mr. Outten agreed that Dover needs more activities for its youth and this center will provide an opportunity for such activities. It will be open for public participation.

Mr. Robert Tudor of 706 E. Division Street stated that he has always supported the concept of a civic center, but stated concerns with the number of civic centers that continually operate in the red. He specifically referred to the civic center in Salisbury, Maryland which continues to operate at a deficit. Mr. Roy Klein, a member of the Civic Center Committee, stated that the Salisbury civic center has broken even for the last three years. However, he reminded Mr. Tudor that they are prohibited from serving alcoholic beverages which limits certain types of events that otherwise would be held at the center.

In terms of increased patronage of our hotels, restaurants and gas stations, Mr. Tudor asked if some thought should be given to increasing taxes for these services to help defray some of the costs. Mr. Outten stated that hotels already pay a lodging tax of 8% (1% tourism, 1% beach erosion, 6% general fund). However, all areas of possible revenues will be reviewed.

Dr. Ed Goate' of 567 Westwood Drive suggested that the committee involve our local schools, stating that they have major tournaments and many very large school activities that could benefit.

Mr. Greg Kramedas, representing the Sheraton, referred to Mr. Fenimore's concerns about Scarborough Road being scaled down. He stated that 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles use the roadway daily into Sheraton/Walmart/Sams. It is a small roadway that handles an enormous amount of traffic. Although it would be wonderful to have the Scarborough Road project at the level requested, he stated that if the roadway is planned properly, it will handle the increased traffic.

Former Mayor, Crawford J. Carroll, is a member of the Civic Center Committee. He stated that Delaware is the only state that does not have a civic center/conventional center. This center would serve the entire State of Delaware, but should be situated in the capitol of the state.

Mr. Outten stated that this presentation was an update only. The committee has not yet made a final recommendation. As soon as all the facts and figures are available, they plan to make a final presentation and recommendation to Governor Carper. He assured everyone that the committee will not recommend construction of a civic center if they feel that it would place an undue burden on our taxpayers. He encouraged members of City Council and the general public to relay their feelings on a civic center to him or to the other committee members, reiterating that in order for this project to be successful it must have the support of the community.

Mayor Hutchison and members of Council thanked Mr. Outten for taking the time to update City Council on the status of actions of the Civic Center Committee.

Mr. Hare moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 P.M.

 

                                                                       DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                                                       CITY CLERK

                                                                       JAMES L. HUTCHISON

                                                                       MAYOR

/DJB