QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on May 1, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Leary, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Salters, Mr. Hare and Council President Christiansen. Council staff present were Mr. DePrima, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. Lucas and Mrs. Boaman.

PRESENTATION - SILVER LAKE WATERSHED

Mr. Zach Carter, Recreation Director, introduced Mr. Earl Shaver, Environmental Engineer with DNREC, along with other DNREC employees (Randy Greer, Elaine Logothetis, Dave Carter, and Karl Yetter). Mr. Shaver showed several slides depicting various portions of Silver Lake and the problems associated with certain aspects of the lake. He discussed rainfall and storms and the effect they have on the lake. He addressed runoff from impervious lands, not only from commercial properties but also from residential lands that may be up to 40% impervious. Everything that goes into the storm drain has to come out the other end, so what we do on the land determines what ends up in our waterways. He addressed problems associated with algae blooms and fluctuating oxygen levels. Mr. Shaver stated that we must look at the problem in totality, stating that not just one property is the problem. The problem arises when we look to the cumulative impact of runoff from hundreds of properties. With many new housing developments and businesses being developed everyday, we can expect this problem to multiply.

Mr. Shaver suggested a partnership between the City, County and State to combat this problem, to improve our resources, and to prevent further decline. He reminded those present that it has taken over 200 years of accumulation for the lake to reach its current condition and that it will take the coordinated efforts of all concerned parties to improve the water quality of the lake. Mr. Shaver and Ms. Logothetis explained that DNREC has been working very hard to educate the public about water pollution. This fall they plan to look at alternative watershed development scenarios. They have spent the last several months studying the watershed and its associated problems and collecting data such as water quality readings, topography on the watershed, land use, soils, wetlands, rainfall, etc. Referring to natural wetlands, Mr. Shaver stated that they can remove up to 70% of the sediments that would end up in the lake. The costs associated with their studies to date total approximately $750,000. When all alternatives have been reviewed, it is necessary that the City and County agree with the selected protection plan for the Silver Lake watershed before it can be implemented by DNREC. It is, therefore, very important that this be a partnership program. Mr. Shaver stressed that when a direction has been chosen, it is then necessary to address how the program will be funded. One concept for consideration is a stormwater utility where those that live within the watershed pay a fee, based upon the percentage of imperviousness on their property. The creation of partnerships and public education is the key to the success of any program and DNREC will work with the City and County to educate the public on the Silver Lake watershed. Mr. Shaver stated that many problems associated with the watershed and resource protection of the lake can be addressed by the City and County through development policies that mandate specific methods of addressing runoff.

Ms. Elaine Logothetis spoke on a program recently initiated to stencil (label) stormdrains. They utilized the services of children from the Dover Housing Authority areas. The volunteers made notations of what was in the area, where the drain was located, and if it flows to Silver Lake or the St. Jones. They have targeted volunteers from the Capital School District that are located along Silver Lake watershed, such as Dover High, Central Middle, West Dover and Towne Point Elementary and William Henry Middle School. Also, students from Delaware State University have expressed an interest in the program. They plan a full scale educational program to be kicked off in the very near future. The program will include teacher packets that will provide information on the history of Silver Lake, on what a stormdrain is and does, a glossary of terms, and a listing of activities and maps. The program will teach students that they can affect what goes into the stormdrains and ultimately into the lake and the effects of the environment on the watershed and the birds and fish associated with waterways. They have discovered that this is an excellent way to disseminate the information that we are all part of the problem and that we all have to be part of the solution.

There was general discussion by members of Council and DNREC representatives on various alternatives such as aeration, dredging of the lake and use of various types of chemicals. Mr. Shaver stated that these options, as well as many others, will be considered during the upcoming months. Responding to Mr. Salters' question on the viability of Silver Lake becoming a good recreational swimming area, Mr. Shaver felt that it is too early to answer that question. He also stated that recreational swimming is only one aspect of Silver Lake and that the lake and its associated uses and benefits to the community must be looked at in totality.

General Fred Vetter relayed his feeling that too much money is being spent on studies and that there has been insufficient action. He stated the water continues to go down the stormdrain at the corner of Walker Road/State Street/Bradford Street and runs directly into Silver Lake. He stated that there are so many things that we can do that would cause immediate improvement. He related that he owns a small lake in Pennsylvania which had the same muddy water condition as Silver Lake. He drained the lake and shot nearly 6,000 large carp which were then removed from the lake. The carp were constantly working up the bottom of the lake, causing the muddy waters. They installed very inexpensive aerators at the head of the lake which did wonders for the algae.

General Vetter suggested shutting off the drain that comes from the Dover Downs racetrack and runs to Silver Lake, and similar drains throughout the City that run directly from the roadway into the Lake. Alternative means could be instituted to take care of this runoff which would make a great improvement to the lake. General Vetter stated his opinion that less money should be spent on studies and more money and energy should be spent on taking common sense action to alleviate the problems.

Mayor Hutchison and members of Council expressed appreciation to the representatives of DNREC and to General Vetter for their participation in the meeting. Mayor Hutchison stated his belief that the true long term solution is proper education to all of our citizens. He relayed that the City endorses the partnership concept, to include participation by the City, County and State. Mayor Hutchison requested that DNREC representatives continue to keep City Council updated on their progress and that the City be included in the problem solving process.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 P.M.

                                                                       DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                                                       CITY CLERK

                                                                       JAMES L. HUTCHISON

                                                                       MAYOR

/DJB