City of Dover, Delaware - Regular City Council Meeting

Regular City Council Meeting

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Apr 22, 1996 at 12:00 AM

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Council Meeting was held on April 22, 1996 with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Leary, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Fenimore, Mr. Salters and Mr. Hare.

Council staff members present were Major Faulkner, 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.

Mr. Richard Ornauer of 17 Mifflin Road addressed the recent article in the Delaware State News

on the topic of a full-time Mayor. He stated that the survey indicated that more than a majority of the respondents supported the concept of a full-time Mayor and suggested that consideration be given to enhancing the role of the Mayor and making him a more active member of the governmental community.

Mr. Mike Chapman of 863 Schoolhouse Lane congratulated Mr. Truitt on his recent election as City Councilman of the Third District. Mr. Chapman stated that while campaigning for City Council, it was brought to his attention that City electric bills do not contain a return envelope as is the practice of many other billing agencies. It was his opinion that providing a return envelope is a courtesy that is especially helpful to our elderly citizens and suggested that the City give this concept some consideration. Mr. O'Connor stated providing envelopes to all of our customers would be wasteful since a large percentage of our customers pay their bill in person. He informed Mr. Chapman, however, that the City will provide a pack of 12 envelopes to any customer that requests them.

The invocation was given by Pastor Eldon Fowler, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

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

ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 8, 1996

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 8, 1996 were unanimously approved by motion of Mrs. Malone, seconded by Mr. Salters and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.

FIRST NIGHT - PRESENTATION OF DONATIONS

Mayor Hutchison explained that much has happened since the first presentation to City Council by the Greater Dover Committee on the celebration of First Night which is scheduled for December 31, 1996. To provide more information on the celebration by representatives of the Greater Dover Committee, Mayor Hutchison introduced Mr. Jerry Records, President, Mr. Joe McDaniel, Past President, and Mrs. Lynn Appel, Executive Director. Mr. McDaniel thanked City Council for the opportunity to update the community on the progress of First Night Dover. He explained that there are enormous costs associated with the celebration and that the community has been generous in their support. He introduced their Four Star Sponsors, who are sponsors that have given $5,000 or more towards First Night Dover, as follows: Carlyse Giddins on behalf of AETNA, Chesapeake Utilities, CitiCorp Insurance Group, Bryan Lynch on behalf of Comcast CableVision, Dave Coll on behalf of Delaware Trust Company, James Flood, Sr. on behalf of Dover Post Company, Tamra Brittingham on behalf of Independent Newspapers, Denis McGlynn on behalf of Dover Downs, Inc., Tom Russell on behalf of MBNA America Bank, Mr. Jerry Records on behalf of The Greater Dover Committee.

Mr. McDaniel expressed appreciation to the above mentioned companies and their representatives, stating that this celebration would never come to fruition without the financial commitment of the community.

PROCLAMATION - PEACE CORPS DAY

The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:

WHEREAS, the Peace Corps of the United States of America was established March 1, 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, and since that time, more than one-hundred and forty-thousand Volunteers, including 353 Delaware residents, have dedicated their time and talents to promoting world peace; and

WHEREAS, Peace Corps Volunteers have worked to improve the quality of life for thousands of people in over one-hundred developing countries throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting to honor the response of Americans to the Peace Corps' call for service in seeking solutions to the complex human problems of hunger, poverty, illiteracy and disease; and

WHEREAS, we recognize and reflect on the achievements of Peace Corps, honor its volunteers (past and present), and reaffirm our nation's commitment to helping people throughout the world help themselves.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE do hereby proclaim May 1, 1996 as "PEACE CORPS DAY" in the City of Dover and commend this observance to all of our citizens in honor of the Thirty-Fifth Anniversary of Peace Corps.

The Proclamation was presented to Mr. John Clark who relayed his appreciation for the recognition.

PROCLAMATION - SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:

WHEREAS, the history of America is one of a country at work -- a country of farmers, manufacturers and merchants joining together to create a greater society; and

WHEREAS, our growing and thriving nation is built on individual initiative, a competitive character and intense pride in our achievements; and

WHEREAS, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce engages in activities to assist small business persons and each year nominates small business persons as examples of the quality of the business persons in Central Delaware; and

WHEREAS, this year, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce has nominated:

Elizabeth B. Carlson and son, Arthur B. Carlson, Jr. - Dover Volkswagen Audi Subaru, Inc.

Charles F. Matthews - Matthews Motor Co.

William G. Neaton - Neaton's Tire Service of Delaware, Inc.

W. Charles Paradee, Jr. - Paradee Gas Company

John W. Whitby, Jr. - Kent County Motor Sales Co.

as outstanding small business persons.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, Mayor of the City of Dover, do hereby proclaim the week of April 29, 1996 through May 5, 1996, as "SMALL BUSINESS WEEK" in the City of Dover and ask that all in our fine City pay tribute to its small business men and women.

PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation which was presented to Juanita Bynum:

WHEREAS, the National Day of Prayer is held each year on the first Thursday in May with the 1996 National Day of Prayer to be held on May 2nd; and

WHEREAS, in 1952 the Congress resolved "that the President shall set aside and proclaim a suitable day each year, other than Sunday, as a national Day of Prayer on which the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups and as individuals"; and

WHEREAS, in observance of the National Day of Prayer, churches are encouraged to participate by ringing the church bells at 12:00 noon to remind our citizens of this specially designated day of prayer.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE do hereby proclaim May 2, 1996 as "A DAY OF PRAYER IN DOVER" and invite all to observe this day in ways appropriate to its importance and significance, and in particular, I request that all observe the time between 12:00 noon and 12:05 p.m. to ask God's blessing on their city, our nation, its leaders and its people and to thank Him for the blessing of liberty and peace.

PROCLAMATION - ARBOR DAY

The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation which was presented to Councilwoman Malone, Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Committee:

WHEREAS, in 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees and to recognize the importance of trees in our lives and this holiday, called Arbor Day, is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and

WHEREAS, the City of Dover was once again named a Tree City USA in 1995 for the seventh consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing Dover for its outstanding urban forestry program; and

WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, reduce heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and

WHEREAS, trees in our City increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community and the community's tree planting program is a living memorial to the citizens' concerns for the quality of life.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim April 26, 1996 as "ARBOR DAY" in the City of Dover and urge all citizens to support the efforts to care for our trees and woodlands

FURTHER, as the City of Dover plants trees on public property, I urge all citizens to plant trees on private property to enhance the environment and promote the well-being of present and future generations.

Council President Christiansen noted that the City of Dover will be celebrating Arbor Day with commemorative tree plantings on two days. On April 24th, at 1:00 p.m., five Amelanchier trees will be planted on the island in Schutte Park. On April 26th, at 10:00 a.m., a Kwanzan Cherry Tree will be planted in Memorial Park on Park Drive. This tree was donated by the Dover Lioness Club.

PROCLAMATION - MUNICIPAL CLERK'S WEEK

Council President Christiansen read into the record the following Proclamation:

WHEREAS, the Office of the Municipal Clerk, a time honored and vital part of local government, exists throughout the world and is one of the oldest positions among public servants; and

WHEREAS, the Office of the Municipal Clerk provides the professional link between the citizens, the local governing bodies and agencies of government at other levels and serves as the information center on functions of local government and the community; and

WHEREAS, the Municipal Clerk has pledged to be ever mindful of their neutrality and impartiality, rendering equal service to all; and

WHEREAS, the Municipal Clerk continually strives to improve the administration of the affairs of the Office of the Municipal Clerk through participation in education programs, seminars, workshops and the annual meeting of their state, province, county and international professional organizations; and

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate that we recognize the accomplishments of the Office of the Municipal Clerk.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE do hereby proclaim the week of May 5 through May 11, 1996, as "MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK", and further extend appreciation to the staff of the City Clerk's Office of the City of Dover, and to all Municipal Clerks for the vital services they perform and their exemplary dedication to the communities they represent.

The Proclamation was presented to Debrah Boaman, City Clerk, Janice Green, Deputy Clerk, and Nicole Bakota, Secretary of the Clerk's Office. Mrs. Boaman expressed appreciation for the recognition and for the support of City Council to the Clerk's Office.

DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD

The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, from Government Finance Officers Association, was awarded to the City of Dover for fiscal year beginning July 1, 1995. The award signifies the excellent manner in which the City prepares its budget. Council President Christiansen presented the award to Mrs. Terry Tieman, Administrative Services Director, and relayed the appreciation of City Council for the diligence and hard work of Mrs. Tieman, Mr. Karia and City staff in preparing the budget.

Mrs. Tieman stated that it is the cooperative efforts of all City employees that make the budget preparation successful and relayed her appreciation to City employees and City Council for their continued support. She also conveyed appreciation to Mr. Karia for the contribution of his financial expertise and to Donovan Watson and Elaner Brown who worked so diligently on preparation of the budget.

PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL READING - PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ZONING CODE

The first reading of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Code was accomplished during the Council Meeting of March 25, 1996. The City Planner explained that the amendments are to the RG-2, RG-4 and RG-5 zones which would remove language in the Code that regulates buildings via the form of ownership and replace it with uses based on defined types of buildings. It is generally believed that zoning regulations should not reference forms of ownership. The proposed amendments have been reviewed and approved by the City Solicitor and the Planning Commission recommended their approval.

Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing open.

There was no one present wishing to speak during the public hearing.

Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing closed.

Mr. Hare moved for adoption of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Code. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and by a unanimous roll call vote, Council adopted the following ordinances:

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:

Amend Article 3, Section 2. General Residence Zones (RG-1 & RG-2), by deleting in its entirety Sub-Section 2.12 and by inserting in lieu thereof, the following:

2.12 Multiple dwellings limited to: Garden Apartments as defined in Chapter 12; and multiple dwellings created by the conversion of dwellings, constructed prior to the enactment of this ordinance, to more intensive residential uses and complying with requirements set forth in Chapter 4 of the ordinance.

ADOPTED: April 22, 1996

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:

Amend Article 3, Section 4. General Residence Zones for Multi-Story Apartments (RG-4), by deleting in its entirety Sub-Section 4.12 and by inserting in lieu thereof, the following:

4.12 High-rise apartments as defined in Chapter 12

ADOPTED: April 22, 1996

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:

Amend Article 3, Section 5. General Residence Zones for Mid-Rise Apartments (RG-5), by deleting in its entirety Sub-Section 5.12 and by inserting in lieu thereof, the following:

5.12 Mid-rise apartments as defined in Chapter 12

ADOPTED: April 22, 1996

ELECTION RESULTS - 1996 MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The City Clerk reported the following results for the 1996 Municipal Election, as certified by the Election Judges:

First District Third District

Thomas J. Leary 185 Michael K. Chapman 35

James S. Lentini 69 William P. Truitt 227

Sandra D. Yates 71

Total Votes Cast (by district) 254 333

Total Registered Voters (by district) 5,004 5,324

Total Registered Voters (City-Wide)-15,792

Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the election results, as reported by the City Clerk. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met on April 8, 1996 with Chairman Salters presiding.

Presentation - North Dover Gateway Landscaping Project

The final design plans for the North Dover Gateway Landscape and Sign Project were presented to the committee. This project is being partially funded by a grant for DelDOT through the Enhancement Grant Program. The committee meeting and the subsequent Council Meeting could serve as the required public hearing for the project and Mr. DePrima requested that the committee's report to Council include a public hearing during the April 22, 1996 meeting.

Mr. DePrima explained that the project contains landscaped islands on the corners of Scarborough Road, with one of the corners containing a long concave brick wall with the seal of the City of Dover and the words "The City of Dover - Capital of the First State". Three flag poles will be located behind the wall for the American Flag, Delaware Flag and Dover Flag.

Responding to Mr. Christiansen, Mr. DePrima stated that the cost for the project is projected at $100,000, with 80% funding from federal funds and 20% funding is a required match. The City's part of the match is to supply the irrigation and a small portion of the planting. Other funds are coming from our State legislators from the Suburban Street Aid funds and a $1,200 grant from the Greater Dover Committee. The City will be responsible for maintenance of the project.

The project is located on State of Delaware land, with the north side being owned by Delaware Technical and Community College. We will have to enter into an agreement with Del Tech to construct and maintain the project. The wall is located on the side owned by the State of Delaware Department of Transportation and we have an agreement in perpetuity for its use. It is hoped that the project will be completed before this summer.

There was discussion on the wall inset, with a facade front that can be removed, that will facilitate an electronic sign if and when the City should desire it with many members of Council objecting to such a sign. It was clarified that the sign would never be used unless the City chooses to do so. The only action being taken at this time is to have the capability of such a sign should it ever be desired.

Mr. Fenimore commended those involved with this project and recommended that other ingress and egress avenues to the City be considered for some type of signage that welcomes visitors to Dover and delineates the City limits.

The committee recommended acceptance of the North Dover Gateway Landscape and Sign Project. (It is noted that a public hearing was not recommended.)

Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Hare.

Noting that several members of Council expressed concern with the sign having electronic capabilities, Mr. Fenimore moved to amend the motion to include "that all plans and specifications for the brick sign be altered so that any and all accommodations for a future electronic variable message sign be removed from the plans and specifications". The amendment was seconded by Mrs. Malone.

Since there is no plan to use the electronic sign until such time as the City approves its use, Mr. Hare could see no problem with permitting the capability of its use in the event it is wanted in the future. Mr. Fenimore stated that he offered the amendment to ensure that the current wishes of Council are taken seriously. If, in the future, City Council should decide otherwise, the wall can be retrofitted accordingly.

The amendment was approved with Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary and Mr. Hare voting no. The motion, as amended, was unanimously approved.

Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT

The Utility Committee met on April 8, 1996 with Chairman Lambert presiding.

Proposed New Electric Rate Classifications - Secondary Time of Use and Primary 2 Service

The development of open access to transmission facilities and retail wheeling has made it imperative that our electric rates be competitive. Staff has recommended approval of new electric rate classifications, which would be used to meet the needs of secondary service accounts that would qualify under specific requirements. Customers selecting either of the rate classifications would have a KW demand of 300 or more with a contract to be negotiated depending upon service needs. This also introduces time-of-day rates to encourage off-peak use of energy.

The committee recommended adoption of the new rates as recommended by City staff.

Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the proposed new rates as proposed. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and by a unanimous roll call vote, the following rates were approved:

SECONDARY - TIME OF USE

AVAILABILITY

This rate is available throughout the City of Dover electric service area for commercial and industrial use.

CHARACTER OF SERVICE

Secondary voltage, 60 cycle, alternating current, single or three phase service. Other voltages may be applicable where available and at the option of the City. Service must be provided through a single metering point. The summer maximum measured demand must be 300 kw or greater.

Summer Billing Months Winter Billing Months

MONTHLY RATES June Through October November Through May

Customer Charge $130.00 $130.00

Demand Charge $ 13.66 per kw $ 9.52 per kw

Energy charge per kwh

On-Peak .04236 per kwh .04236 per kwh

Off-Peak .03074 per kwh .03074 per kwh

DETERMINATION OF DEMAND

The billing demand will be the maximum fifteen (15) minute demand established during the month during on-peak hours, determined by a block demand meter.

In any month in which the average power factor at the delivery point is greater or less than ninety percent (90%), the measured demand shall be corrected in accordance with the following:

If the average power factor is below ninety percent (90%) for any given month, an additional charge of $.03 per kilowatt of measured demand for every whole percent less than ninety percent will be added to the monthly bill.

If the average power factor is determined to be between ninety percent (90%) and one hundred percent (100%) for any month, a credit of $.03 per kilowatt of measured demand for every whole percent above ninety percent (90%) will be added to the bill.

The City measures both leading and lagging power factor, treating both as non-unity power factors; and the customers are billed accordingly.

PEAK HOURS

On-peak hours are 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. during periods of the year when Eastern Standard Time is in effect, and 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. when Eastern Daylight Savings Time is in effect, Monday through Friday, including holidays falling on weekdays. All other hours are off-peak hours.

MINIMUM MONTHLY BILL

The minimum monthly bill shall be the customer charge and the minimum demand charge.

The minimum demand charge shall be based on 60% of the greatest billing demand established during any month of the 12 month period ending with the current billing month.

FUEL ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE

All kilowatt hours billed under this rate shall be subject to the Fuel Adjustment Clause approved by the Council of the City of Dover.

PUBLIC UTILITY TAX

In addition to the charges provided for in this service classification, a surcharge will apply in accordance with any tax imposed by governmental authority upon sales of electricity.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The General Rules and Regulations of the City of Dover electric service shall apply to service rendered under this service classification. If a customer who is on the Secondary Time of Use Rate Classification wishes to switch to the Commercial and Industrial Classification, the customer may do so at the customer's choice.

PRIMARY 2 SERVICE CLASSIFICATION

AVAILABILITY

This rate is available throughout the City of Dover electric service area for commercial and industrial customers taking delivery at the primary voltage available, and where the transforming and protective apparatus is furnished, owned, and maintained by the City of Dover and leased to the customer.

CHARACTER OF SERVICE

Primary voltage, 60 cycle, alternating current, three phase service.

Summer Billing Months Winter Billing Months

MONTHLY RATES June Through October November Through May

Energy charge per kwh .04589 .04589

Demand Charge per kw 8.50 5.80

Monthly transformer lease rate

500 KVA 400.00 400.00

750 KVA 550.00 550.00

1000 KVA 600.00 600.00

1500 KVA 900.00 900.00

DETERMINATION OF DEMAND

The billing demand will be the maximum fifteen (15) minute demand during the month, determined by a block demand meter.

In any month in which the average power factor at the delivery point is greater or less than ninety percent (90%), the measured demand shall be corrected in accordance with the following formula:

Billing Demand = Measured demand x 90

Average Power Factor

The City measures both leading and lagging power factor, treating both as non-unity power factors; and the customers are billed accordingly.

MINIMUM MONTHLY BILL

The minimum monthly bill shall be equal to the demand charge which shall be based on the greater of three hundred kilowatts (300 kw) or 60% of the greatest billing demand established during any month of the 12-month period ending with the current billing and the monthly transformer lease.

FUEL ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE

All kilowatt hours billed under this rate shall be subject to the Fuel Adjustment Clause approved by the Council of the City of Dover.

PUBLIC UTILITY TAX

In addition to the charges provided for in this service classification, a surcharge will apply in accordance with any tax imposed by governmental authority upon sales of electricity.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The General Rules and Regulations of the City of Dover electric service shall apply to service rendered under this service classification. If a customer who is on the Primary 2 Service Classification wishes to switch to the Primary Service Classification, the customer shall install their own transformer and reimburse the City of Dover for expenses incurred in the transformer changeover/removal and for any wiring/apparatus that would not have normally been installed for a Commercial and Industrial Service Classification account. If a customer who is on the Primary 2 Service Classification wishes to switch to the Commercial and Industrial Service Classification, the customer may do so at the customer's choice.

Directional Boring System Purchase

The City currently contracts all of its directional boring for the cable replacement program. During the first six months of fiscal year 1995/96, we spent over $157,000 for a contractor to perform the work. By purchasing a directional boring system and performing the work in-house, the City could save these contractual expenses in the future. The proposed equipment would be capable of installing conduit for large three-phase installations, as well as water lines for cul-de-sac loop tie-ins and new water line installations for the Public Works Department.

Specifications were determined and bids let for a Vermeer Model D24a, Ditch Witch Model JT3510, or approved equal. Bids were received from five vendors, with the low bid from Ditch Witch of Pennsylvania, in the amount of $165,500. This vendor, however, chose to take four exceptions to the specifications and their bid was rejected. Staff recommended that the bid be awarded to the vendor of the next lowest bid, Vermeer Sales & Service, MD, in the amount of $169,952.

The equipment will be used not only in the Electric Department, but also in the Water Department. It will be operated by a three member crew and would require the hiring of three new employees in the Electric Department. Mr. Carey stated that directional boring saves a considerable amount of restoration work, allows for easier stream crossings and saves on permitting and environmental study costs.

Referring to possible savings with the use of this equipment, Mr. Tudor reminded the City Manager that the City has been paying approximately $20 per foot for directional boring by a sub-contractor. Before any savings can be realized, the cost of the equipment must be recaptured and the costs associated with the additional three employees. In addition, we have to compensate for the costs of these employees when weather does not permit directional boring, and for the costs associated with normal wear and tear on the equipment. Of the $20 per foot cost, at least $2 per foot should be deducted to cover maintenance. Although he supports the purchase, he warned Council that the possible savings is less than what it appears to be on the surface.

The committee recommended that a bid be awarded to Vermeer Sales & Service, MD, in the amount of $169,952, for the purchase of a new Vermeer Model D24a directional boring system.

Mr. Leary referred to a memorandum from the City Manager that explains that the project will not really require three new positions. The plan is that the new positions will simply take the place of three other positions that are to be eliminated.

Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Fenimore and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

Trencher/Trailer Replacement

As part of our equipment replacement program, trencher #702, a 1988 Ditch Witch Model 3310, is scheduled for replacement because of its age and maintenance costs. It is also necessary to replace the trailer, #703, which is used in conjunction with the trencher as the new trencher will overload the existing trailer. Bids were received from four vendors although one bid did not meet the required specifications and was not considered. Staff recommended that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Vermeer Sales & Service, MD, for a new Vermeer V-3550 with a trencher, backhoe, backfill blade and trailer, at a new unit price of $37,993, a trade-in value of $5,000, for a net cost of $32,993.

Mr. Tudor reiterated previous concerns with the City's specifications being so narrow that only one vendor can meet the specifications. Mr. Lambert relayed his appreciation to Mr. Tudor for his close observation of large purchases of this nature and stated that since Mr. Tudor has chosen not to run for re-election, the other members of the committee will have to keep a close eye on this matter.

The committee recommended approval of staff's recommendation.

Mr. Lambert moved that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Vermeer Sales & Service, MD, for a new Vermeer V-3550 with a trencher, backhoe, backfill blade and trailer, at a new unit price of $37,993, a trade-in value of $5,000, for a net cost of $32,993. The motion was seconded by Mr. Fenimore and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

Mr. Lambert moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

MONTHLY REPORTS - MARCH 1996

By motion of Mr. Fenimore, seconded by Mr. Salters, the following monthly reports were accepted: