REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on October 23, 1995 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 Chief Smith, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Chief Baker, 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 Doreina Miles, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 9,1995
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 9, 1995 were unanimously approved by motion of Mrs. Malone, seconded by Mr. Salters and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PROCLAMATION - MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY
The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:
WHEREAS, the foundation of a humane and just society is the people's willingness to work together for the common good; and
WHEREAS, our country's volunteer force of 89.2 million people is a great treasure; and
WHEREAS, self-sacrificing individuals mobilized to help others can stem the tide of poverty, hunger, homelessness, spouse and child abuse, and other problems that afflict society; and
WHEREAS, the giving of oneself in service to another empowers the giver and the recipient and it is the duty of all our citizens to search out opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those around them and dedicate time and resources to the betterment of their community; and
WHEREAS, USA WEEKEND is working in partnership with The Points of Light Foundation to promote a national day of doing good.
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim October 28, 1995 as MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY in the City of Dover and urge my fellow citizens to observe this day by joining with friends, fellow employees and relatives, with religious, school, and civic groups to engage in projects benefitting their community.
PROCLAMATION-ADULT IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS WEEK
The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:
WHEREAS, influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia are responsible for tens of thousands of deaths among American adults, especially older Americans; and
WHEREAS, too few adults are immunized against these diseases as well as against other highly infectious diseases, including hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella; and
WHEREAS, fewer than half of Americans over the age of sixty are protected against tetanus and diphtheria; and
WHEREAS, the lives of many American adults can be spared this year through vaccinations that are approved as safe and effective and are readily available to the public; and
WHEREAS, the United States Public Health Service has repeatedly called on this nation to reduce the massive costs of health care through a program of preventive health care in immunization against infectious diseases.
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim October 22-28, 1995 as ADULT IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS WEEK and urge all citizens to obtain needed immunizations and to maintain records of their personal immunization status.
PRESENTATION BY MAYOR JAMES L. HUTCHISON FROM MAYOR'S PRAYER BREAKFAST PROCEEDS
The Second Annual Prayer Breakfast for Mayor James L. Hutchison was held on September 28, 1995. Proceeds from the 1994 event, totaling $500, were donated to the Dover Little League. Mayor Hutchison announced that proceeds from the 1995 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast will go to the Greater Dover Committee to benefit First Night. Mayor Hutchison relayed appreciation to the Prayer Breakfast Committee (Mary Skelton, Debra Berry, Mike Karia and Debrah Boaman) for their hard work in making the event so successful.
Mayor Hutchison presented a check in the amount of $500 to Mr. Joseph McDaniel, Past President of the Greater Dover Committee, and Ms. Lynn Appel, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Committee. Mayor Hutchison stated that First Night is a family driven event that he proudly supports and relayed his hope that others in the community will offer their support. On behalf on the Greater Dover Committee, Mr. Joe McDaniel accepted the donation and stated the appreciation of all its members. Mr. McDaniel stated that the Greater Dover Committee is a group of business and professional people in Dover who have committed to improving the quality of life in the Greater Dover area. As such, they have decided to sponsor First Night in Dover on December 31, 1996. He introduced Ms. Lynn Appel to explain the concept of First Night.
Ms. Appel explained that in 1976 in Boston, a group of individuals decided to place their trust in the power of the arts to bring people back to downtown Boston, at a time when people typically would not go there after dark. First Night was born that year when over 60,000 people came back to Boston that night and now over one million people come to downtown Boston every New Year's Eve to celebrate First Night. Many other communities now celebrate First Night which is a non-alcoholic celebration and is a perfect way for families, singles and seniors to bring in the New Year together. Typically, it is a day long event with an afternoon of children's activities, followed by an evening of visual and performing arts with performances staggered throughout the evening. The evening promises to provide an artistic and culturally diverse program with the hope of bringing the New Year in at midnight with fireworks. The Greater Dover Committee has sponsored the establishment of First Night Dover, Inc. and many individuals have already volunteered their time and their talent to bring this event to us on December 31, 1996. Ms. Appel and Mr. McDaniel conveyed their appreciation for the City's recognition and contribution towards the event.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on October 9, 1995 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Prior to beginning the committee report, Mr. Salters gave a brief review of the Million Man March which he attended in Washington, D.C. on October 2, 1995. He stated that it was a wonderful, spiritual experience, which gave an opportunity for African Americans to commit for betterment of their race and to the human race. He relayed his belief that the feelings of brotherly love and the commitment for betterment will follow all participants to their communities and their homes and will make all of us better people.
Proposed Ordinance - Bee Keeping in Residential Neighborhoods
The committee reviewed concerns of citizens in Heatherfield relative to one of their neighbors raising honey bees in their residential neighborhood. The committee heard the concerns of the neighbors and the suggestions from the State of Delaware, Department of Agriculture, on how to control managed hives. After discussing the matter at length, the committee recommended that action be delayed to provide an opportunity for City and State staff members to work together in developing a proposal that would meet the need for good European Honey Bees and address the concerns of the City residents. It was stipulated that a recommendation be made at the next committee meeting.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
MONTHLY REPORT
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Leary, the following monthly reports were unanimously accepted:
Chief of Police Report
City Assessor Report
City Clerk/Alderman Report (Fines) City Manager's Report
Mayor's Report
General Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Improvement and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report Internal Service Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Referring to the Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report, Mr. Lambert referred to a proposed meeting on the MPO long range plan. He asked if a meeting scheduled for October 25, 1995 in City Hall is for review of the MPO long range plan. Mr. DePrima answered affirmatively, stating that the meeting will be held in the Council Chambers and will be more of a workshop than a meeting. It will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is being held by the Public Advisory Committee to the MPO. Comments and questions will be encouraged.
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report for the month of September, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
SEMI-ANNUAL
Per City Code, Section 7-18, the City Manager performed the semi-annual inspection of the Robbins Hose Company on October 23, 1995. The following points were noted:
1. From January 1, 1995 to October 19, 1995, the Fire Company has responded to 638 calls.Volunteers responded to an average of 27 calls per volunteer.
2. Recruitment of volunteers is going very well for 1995 and has increased in comparison to previous recruitment efforts.
3. The Emergency Business Information Questionnaire that had been given to area businesses provided very good information to the Fire Company.
4. The Fundraising Committee has been meeting and working with area businesses. Only a small percentage of businesses have been contacted to date. This committee will continue in its efforts to increase contributions to the Fire Company.
Mr. O'Connor reported that it appears that the Fire Company continues to make great strides in promoting their service to our community. Members of the Robbins Hose work well together, and the Company has very good leadership.
Mr. Hare moved for acceptance of the report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
REZONING REQUEST - PROPERTY ON SOUTH SIDE OF ROUTE #8 - WEST DOVER PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATES
A request was received to rezone property located on the south side of Route #8, approximately 200' west of Bennington Street, owned by West Dover Professional Associates. The property is currently zoned C-2A (Limited Central Commercial) and the requested zoning is SC-1 (Neighborhood Shopping Center).
Prior to amending the zoning ordinances and zoning map of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Hare, Council unanimously referred the request to the Planning Commission and set a public hearing for December 11, 1995 at 7:30 p.m. The first reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished by title only:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF ROUTE #8, APPROXIMATELY 200' WEST OF BENNINGTON STREET.
APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY-ELECTION
The annual election for the Robbins Hose Company is scheduled for November 20, 1995. In accordance with the City Code, City Council must appoint the judges for the election. It has been recommended that Paul Kertiles (past chief) and Donald Hayes (past president) be appointed to serve as judges and that Robert Collison (current president) serve as an alternate.
Mr. Hare moved for approval of the appointment of the judges as recommended, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried with one (1) abstention (Mr. Christiansen).
FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE
The First Reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of October 9, 1995.
Mr. Hare moved that the final reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title only, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Mr. Hare moved for adoption of the following ordinance, seconded by Mr. Leary and carried by a unanimous roll call vote:
AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS AGAINST PROPERTY OWNERS FOR THE COST OF DEMOLITION OF A BUILDING LOCATED ON PROPERTY AT 31 SOUTH QUEEN STREET.
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 5-90, City Council is authorized to order the demolition of any building found to be a dangerous; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has caused to be demolished a dangerous building located at 31 South Queen Street; and
WHEREAS, City Council shall cause the costs of such demolition to be charged against the land on which the building existed as a municipal lien or cause such costs to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax, or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1 . An assessment shall be, and hereby is levied against the property owner of 31 South Queen Street, where the dangerous building existed, at a cost of $6,850.00 for the demolition of said dangerous building.
2. This assessment shall be a lien against said property and shall forthwith be entered in the Municipal Lien Docket.
3. This assessment shall be paid within a three year period from the date or enactment of the assessment and levied at the rate of 7% per annum on the unpaid balance of each assessment. The assessments plus accrued interest at the date of payment may be paid in full at any time during the three year period. If the assessments are paid in full within sixty days from date of enactment of the assessments and levies then all interest charges shall be waived and only the original amount of the assessment shall be paid.
ADOPTED: October 23, 1995
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:55 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of
October 23, 1995, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
/DJB