SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Special Council Meeting was held on February 28, 1995 at 7:00 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Leary, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Salters and Mr. Hare.
Council staff present were Mr. O'Connor and Mrs. Boaman.
Council President Christiansen explained that this is the second public hearing scheduled to accept public comments on the proposal for a full-time Mayor, as submitted by Mayor Hutchison. Council President Christiansen requested that each speaker attempt to keep their remarks to approximately three minutes in order to allow ample time for all speakers. He announced that written comments on this topic will be accepted by the City Clerk for the next seven days. For the record, Council President Christiansen announced that letters have been received from Mr. Tom Feurer of 131 Merion Road and from Diane Sussman of 417 Nimitz Drive.
Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing open.
Roy Bogus - 229 Frear Drive
Mr. Roy Bogus of 229 Frear Drive conveyed his support for the concept of a full-time Mayor. He felt that City Council should have a job description for the Mayor's position for the citizens to review. Mr. Bogus felt that the Mayor should work towards garnering available state and federal funding for City projects that he or she work towards economic development (both in keeping current businesses in Dover and in enticing new businesses to Dover). The Mayor's position has grown beyond a ribbon-cutting, ceremonial position and he should be compensated for his/her time. Mr. Bogus suggested a salary in the area of $45,000 with an expense account, should include use of a vehicle and sick and vacation benefits. He stated his opinion that the term should be expanded from two years to four years. Mr. Bogus felt that the City Manager's position should be continued, stating that the Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City. Mr. Bogus voiced objections to the proposal for a referendum, stating that City Council should make this decision as they are more fully informed on the proposal than the general public.
Dr. Ed Goate' - 567 Westwood Drive
During the public hearing of February 22, 1995, Dr. Ed Goate' of 567 Westwood Drive spoke in favor of a full-time Mayor. However, Dr. Reed Stewart was unavoidably absent and was unable to speak during either of the hearings and requested that Dr. Goate' relay his feelings on the subject of a full-time Mayor. Dr. Goate' read into the record the following letter from Dr. Reed Stewart:
"I had asked the City Clerk to register me to present a statement to you this night and indicated I would probably arrive late. Former Philadelphia Mayor, W. Wilson Goode, was on the Wesley Campus to speak in recognition of our campus observance of Black History Month. I know you readily appreciate the appropriateness of my having dinner with him, introducing him and hearing his splendid address.
Just as Mayor Goode concluded, I dashed to City Hall--arriving at 7:54 p.m.--and you had just adjourned your meeting. I apologize for arriving too late to enter remarks into your record.
At your next public hearing on the full-time Mayor issue, I will be in Puerto Rico as chair of a team of ten dispatched there to review Colegio Unversitario Del Este for reaccreditation as a senior college. Accordingly, I greet you with this letter and hope it might find its way to your attention and to the record of Council.
It used to be that the common body of knowledge of all things in the Western world yielded to a completely new body of knowledge in approximately the span of a single human lifetime. Today, the common body of knowledge of all things is completely replaced by new knowledge every two years because the world is so information rich and information technology is so incredibly sophisticated. Think about that.
At Wesley College we are now educating students for jobs which have not yet been invested or named. That's how fast things are changing. Our children or grandchildren, loved and nurtured by us today, will live the bulk of their lives in the 21st century! That's a daunting and sobering thought. All of our tomorrows--and theirs--will be characterized by change. The only constant the future holds is the certainty of change.
There is no question but what we now have many conspicuously successful local governments in the United State today. Still, there is room for CHANGE and IMPROVEMENT and city governments must constantly bring themselves under reform by their own hands--their own decisions--in order to remain contemporary, intentional in purpose, and responsive to the needs of the electorate.
In March of 1985, then Mayor Carroll appointed a Charter Review Committee. I was named chairperson of the committee which included Leon DeValinger, Jr., Mrs. Esther Frear, James B. Jackson and former Mayor, Charles Legates. We worked for a year to craft a vision of the future which would introduce CHANGE to local government sufficient to help that local government to decisively meet our city's future needs.
though our purpose was to recommend a form of government, I well remember that it did not take us long to reach a tacit understanding that the rapidity of change bursting around us would eventually lead Dover to the necessity of having a full-time Mayor. then years later, that time has come because a full-time Mayor concept is now congruent with the environment which must be directed here; the efforts which must be facilitated here, and the chemistry, if you will, of the people our Dover City Government purports to serve.
We are literally blessed here with a splendid City Manager, but his role is precisely that--management. He looks at a set of challenges and crafts the strategies, tactics and methodologies by which those challenges may be effectively met.
In tandem with the city manager, we now need a leader--a man of vision--a champion of the people identified and brought forth by the votes of individual citizens to give advocacy to the cause of this capital city; to be an ombudsman for the peoples of the city, facilitating their quest for a quality life experience here. We need a full-time Mayor--not to do the job of the city manager and not to do the job of council and not to be the chief executive officer of the city, but to garner public opinion; to define the issues of the day; to keep the city proactive instead of reactive; to keep the people informed; to lobby the Federal and State governments in Dover's behalf; to provide for enhanced communication among all the peoples and between the people and their local government and the people and their police. We need a full-time Mayor to empower and validate the citizenry who called him to office; to collaborate with other area leaders and to craft a vision for us all which will guide Dover and its peoples to a positive destiny in the rapidly approaching 21st century.
This city needs and deserves a full-time Mayor who can roll up his sleeves and go to work every day distracted by nothing and devoted exclusively to articulating and crafting a future for our city which will keep this capital city impressive in perpetuity.
The time has come for a full-time Mayor in Dover--an ambassador- at-large for this city and The Honorable James Hutchison ought to be that full-time Mayor on the strength of the votes of you whom the people have elected and empowered to do right by our city. I urge that this matter be settled promptly.
I respectfully request that this matter not go to public referendum, but that you who have been called, validated and empowered by the people make this decision in the interest of the welfare of the people and the good of our city. Government may vary from city to city, but a local government in a capital city must be the best that it can be and, to my mind, that requires a full-time Mayor as soon as possible."
Mr. Phil Fenimore - 360 N. State Street
Mr. Phil Fenimore of 360 N. State Street read into the record the following letter:
"Please accept the following brief letter into the public debate over the Mayor's recent proposal to adopt a "full-time" mayor at $35,000 per year, plus unspecified benefits, pension, and related costs.
Last year Council decided against reorganizing city government and against making the Mayor our chief executive officer. That was a popular proposal made by several distinguished commissions and community groups which many in Dover supported: having the Mayor, not Council, supervise the City Manager and all executive departments in Dover. Had that reorganization occurred, it would have made consideration of full-time mayoral status, a City Charter defined job description with a fixed salary, and related perquisites worthwhile.
Mayor Hutchison's proposal is to not increase the duties and responsibilities of the mayor, but to keep the mayor in a ceremonial and "economic development" role. At the same time the proposal is to pay $35,000 a year in salary, pay an expanded expense account, provide a city car for exclusive use, and a four year term of office. This proposal lacks sufficient merit and Council should reject it outright, especially the notion of making the term of office four rather than two years.
I would suggest Council wait until it has a well-defined mayoral proposal to consider, or a revival of last year's reorganization plan to make any decision. Then Council should conduct public hearings. Hearings that would be preceded by a written proposal that could be gotten beforehand by the public and the press so it could be studied and spoken about by an informed public. This prescription would also remove the need for a referendum on the issue: make the proposal known in its final proposed form, conduct the hearings, then have Council vote.
The perception that a majority of people in Dover support the current proposal is, I believe, incorrect. We owe it to ourselves to return to the drawing board, draft a shared document for review and discussion, and then have public hearings followed by a straightforward, yes or no vote."
Al Hedgecock - Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Mr. Al Hedgecock, Executive Director of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favor of the full-time Mayor proposal. Mr. Hedgecock stated that Dover has had the reputation of being alert to change, hospitable to business, the right kind of growth industries, and the host of four major levels of government. In the past, this attention to our future has been accomplished by a volunteer Mayor, a City Council more dedicated to excellence than to compensation and a professional staff second to none. One of the most important ingredients for a successful community is leadership. He stated that the job of City Council is to be a deliberative body for artistic compromise. In Dover's form of government, the City Manager plays a key role and is basically the Chief Executive Officer, and in Dover's case, highly involved in financial accountability, electric service delivery and staff management. An effective and well received Mayor can accomplish much for the City. A full-time Mayor will be readily available to participate in matters of great importance. There are times when very important meetings are quickly called and the Mayor is unable to attend due to his part-time status. The City should be represented whenever major issues are discussed and the Mayor should be an integral part of every major issue concerning the City. Mr. Hedgecock reported that the Board of Directors of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce has endorsed the concept of a full-time, paid Mayor for Dover based on the need for economic leadership.
Larry Windley - 725 Bicentennial Blvd
Mr. Larry Windley of 725 Bicentennial Blvd (and an employee of Delaware Economic Development) spoke in favor of the proposal for a full-time Mayor. It is his opinion that despite the competency of City Council and the effectiveness of our City Manager, the lack of a full-time presence in executive leadership weakens government and the City's ability to compete effectively in the ever-increasing, competitive environment of economic development. He felt that without a full-time Mayor, we lack the energy and enthusiasm in the executive branch that will be necessary in shaping Dover's growth in a manner that will balance economic prosperity and quality of life. Mr. Windley stated that having a full-time, paid Mayor will allow all the people of Dover a chance to serve and participate more effectively in the leadership of the City.
Mr. Windley elaborated on the need for economic development in our City and that in the past the Mayor has played a key role in most instances. However, a full-time Mayor would be more readily available and could focus their full attention on the important matters of the City. Mr. Windley reminded Council that Dover is the state capital and is one of the fastest growing parts of the state. With a population of over 50,000 in greater Dover, we are now a metropolitan statistical area. The Mayor serves as chair of the Metropolitan Planning Organization which in itself, could become more than a full-time job. Someone needs to play a strong, consensus-building role in bringing the interests of Council, the practicality of City management, and the voice of the people together in a way that enables us to determine what Dover is going to look like as a result of this growth.
Ed Dahn - 1199 Charles Drive
Mr. Ed Dahn of 1199 Charles Drive stated that he is neither for or against the proposal for a full-time Mayor. He wished to address the apathy of the voters in this issue. He reminded Council of the last referendum where all four proposals were soundly defeated by the voters and yet the Council found a way to accomplish the proposals. It was his opinion that voters now feel that it does not matter what they think because City Council will move forward anyway. Mr. Dahn strongly suggested that the matter go to a referendum and that City Council live by the results of the referendum. Prior to a referendum vote, Mr. Dahn suggested that the City properly educate the voters by making information on this matter readily available.
Aaron O. Knopf - 144 Kings Highway
Former Mayor, Aaron O. Knopf, addressed the issue of a full-time Mayor. When he proposed the idea of a full-time, paid Mayor, he was painted as someone who wanted power and a big salary. The proposal for a $70,000 salary for the Mayor was a number thrown around by members of Council during a workshop, based upon the salary of the City Manager at that time. Although on three separate occasions a committee appointed by Council made specific recommendations on this issue, City Council has never yet taken action on the proposal. He stated that since it seems that Council is incapable of making a decision on this issue, the matter should be placed on the ballot for the voters of the City to decide upon. Former Mayor Knopf stated that the current Mayor strongly opposed the concept of a full-time Mayor when he ran for office and he felt unfair that Mayor Hutchison has now changed his mind. He also referred to minutes from previous public hearings where former Mayor Carroll has offered several differing views on this subject.
Former Mayor Knopf stated that the City of Dover needs a full-time Mayor, but that the Mayor needs to have full responsibility for running the City and that the Manager should report to the Mayor. He opposed the proposal for a full-time Mayor without a change in the City's structure.
Dr. Samuel Hoff - 813 Maple Parkway
Dr. Samuel Hoff of 813 Maple Parkway voiced his support for a full-time Mayor. This support, however, is based upon the premise that a City Manager would no longer be necessary. Dr. Hoff submitted a proposed change in the City's structure (on file with the City Clerk). He stated his opinion that the size of Dover and its projected growth supports this change. A study of eight regional cities of approximately the same size as Dover depicts definitively that where there is a full-time Mayor, there is no City Manager, and vice-versa. Should the form of government be changed to a strong Mayor form of government, Dr. Hoff suggested that the term be lengthened to four years, that consecutive service be limited to two terms, but allow the person to run again after a four year hiatus, with a salary of $50,000 (which would save the City approximately $40,000 based upon the current City Manager's salary and benefits). Dr. Hoff suggested that the non-partisan government be maintained.
G. Odell Collins - 28 Konschak Avenue
Mr. G. Odell Collins of 28 Konschak Avenue voiced his opposition to the proposal for a full-time Mayor. He felt that the citizens would see very little difference in the service they receive from the Mayor should the change be approved. Mr. Collins stated that City Council has not yet informed the public of the costs that would be associated with a full-time Mayor and that it is difficult to make such a decision without the necessary financial information. It was his projection that the costs for a such a position would rise each year and would encompass more and more personnel and benefits. Although he objected to the proposal, Mr. Collins stated that if Council approves the change to a full-time Mayor, they should eliminate the City Manager's position. He also felt that the matter should be decided upon by a referendum.
Tony Galla - 925 Woodcrest Drive
Mr. Tony Galla of 925 Woodcrest Drive stated that he has not yet determined if he does or does not support the proposal for a full-time Mayor. He stated, however, his opinion that the voters should be given the opportunity to vote upon the matter. Mr. Galla reminded members of Council that they have been given ample opportunity to solve this issue and that they have chosen not to do so. He felt it is now time to permit the voters to make this decision. He suggested that prior to a referendum, Council provide to the voters all financial information related to the proposal.
Javan Davis - 635 Nimitz Road
Mr. Javan Davis of 635 Nimitz Road voiced his support for the proposal for a full-time Mayor. Mr. Davis stated that it is time to take positive action on this issue. He stated that the citizens cannot expect their Mayor to be available to them 24 hours a day and pay him little or nothing. He stated his philosophy that if you want good service, you have to pay for it. It is his opinion that a full-time Mayor is needed in the City of Dover and that it should be a salaried position. He felt it very unfair to expect someone to give unlimited hours to the City without compensation.
Mr. Davis stated that City Council has held public hearings, has heard every citizen that wanted to speak, and has had recommendations from three separate commissions that studied the issue. He stated that the time has come for the elected officials to act, stating that they were voted to represent the citizens and that they cannot hide behind the citizens when a difficult decision comes along.
Ann Gniesco - 265 Mifflin Road
Mrs. Ann Gniesco of 265 Mifflin Road stated her concern with the proposal for the full-time Mayor is one of costs. She wanted to know exactly how much it would cost to implement the proposal, feeling that the costs would continually rise at the expense of the taxpayers. She stated that members of City Council also volunteer their time, as well as members of the Planning Commission and various other committees and boards, and wondered where it would end. Mrs. Gniesco stated that this topic seems to come up every year and she suggested that Council make a decision to limit the number of times the issue will be considered.
Referring to comments by some that other cities being compared to Dover are not experiencing the rapid growth of Dover, Mrs. Gniesco stated that research has proven to her that many of those cities are in fact experiencing such growth. She stated her feeling that if the City of Dover approves the proposal for a full-time Mayor, then the position of City Manager should be eliminated, although she does not want to jeopardize the City Manager position.
T. Magoo Dorcy - Kings Cliff Mobile Home Park
Mr. T. Magoo Dorcy of Kings Cliff Mobile Home Park stated his support for a full-time Mayor. He stated that such a move would not lessen the responsibilities of the City Manager. Mr. Dorcy stated that there are many issues that a City Manager cannot become involved in but that a Mayor could, such as lobbying at Legislative Hall and coordination between all levels of government. He suggested a salary of $50,000 which is a level that will entice most interested citizens and would amply support their salary needs. Mr. Dorcy reminded the citizens that a Mayor could bring that amount of money back to the City many times over with hard work in economic development and state and federal funds. He suggested that City Council clearly show all duties and responsibilities as well as all costs associated with the proposal so that the citizens are properly educated on this issue and then allow the people to vote upon the proposal.
Bernard Greenfield - 901 Wilson Drive
Mr. Bernard Greenfield of 901 Wilson Drive voiced his opposition to the proposal for a full-time Mayor. He relayed that many questions remain unanswered, such as exactly what will the Mayor's responsibilities be, will it be more than what is currently being done, what will be the ultimate cost to the taxpayers, etc. Mr. Greenfield stated his feeling that the suggestions of a salary of $35,000 is excessive and unnecessary. He stated that the desire to serve your community should be based upon the desire to give something back to the community and should not be based upon the economic advantages associated with the position. Should Council wish to pursue the proposal, Mr. Greenfield suggested that the voters be allowed to vote at a referendum.
Anna Hammond - 505 Troon Road
Mrs. Anna Hammond of 505 Troon Road stated that she has no strong opinion for or against a full-time Mayor, but she requested that any action taken be done regardless of who is Mayor. She felt that many times decisions are based upon personalities and on whether we like or dislike the person at the time. She reminded Council that any action taken on this matter will not only effect the present Mayor but that it will effect many generations to come. She, therefore, suggested that members of Council make their decision in a fair and equitable manner and on what is best for the City of Dover.
Richard Senato - 152 Evergreen Drive
Mr. Richard Senato of 152 Evergreen Drive stated that a decision to adopt a full-time Mayor concept would be a major change in the operations of the City and needs careful scrutiny. He stated that more study is needed to determine if now is the right time to make this change. He is not in favor of a full-time Mayor without knowing what the duties will be and where the salary will come from. Mr. Senato stated that if Council wishes to consider the proposal of a full-time Mayor, then it should be put before the voters in a referendum or in some manner that will allow the citizens of Dover to make their wishes known. He stated that although the Council members are elected to represent the citizens of Dover, it is the citizens who have the right, when the need arises, to have a say in this type of decision. Mr. Senato stated that he does not support the elimination of the City Manager's position, and felt it very important that the proposed duties of the Mayor be spelled out to ensure that they do not overlap those of the City Manager or take away his authority.
Mayor James L. Hutchison
Mayor James L. Hutchison addressed members of Council and the public on the full-time Mayor proposal. Mayor Hutchison stated that when he was elected in 1994 as Mayor, he was elected for a two year term to serve on a part-time basis. He accepted that responsibility then and he accepts it now. Any proposed changes to the Mayor's position would be effective for persons running for the office in 1996. He explained that after 10 months in office, it has become clear to him that the responsibilities associated with the position has changed over the years and is already a full-time job. The real question is not if the position should be full-time, but if the citizens wish to recognize the time it takes to do the job well and if they wish to compensate the person for their time. Mayor Hutchison stated that the City of Dover is experiencing rapid growth and within the next 10 years we will see major changes. The Mayor is expected by citizens and businesses to be very active in all aspects of the City and he felt that everyone benefits by the Mayor's presence and contribution. The Mayor is voted upon by all the citizens of Dover to represent their best interests. Unlike a professional City Manager, the Mayor answers to the people and is the link between the wishes of the people and needs of a City Manager to properly run the City. He felt that a professional City Manager is very important and should never be eliminated. The City Manager should continue to be responsible for running the day to day operations of the City.
Mayor Hutchison expressed his respect for the opinion of those that have spoken during public hearings, both those in favor and against. He stated his personal belief that the City of Dover will benefit from having someone working at the state and federal levels on their behalf. He cited examples of state monies that often go to New Castle County agencies because the City of Dover and other Kent and Sussex County agencies do not pursue available funds. He suggested that the citizens ask themselves if they do or do not want this type of representation. He relayed his belief that representation of this nature is extremely important to the City of Dover and its taxpayers.
Referring to the need of economic development, Mayor Hutchison stated that not only do we need to continue enticing new development and associated jobs and revenues, but we also need to continue working with those that are already here to ensure that their needs are being met and that our citizens continue to have ample employment opportunity. He cited the need to closely watch the closings of air bases and to work with federal officials to ensure that Dover Air Force Base will continue as a vital part of our community. He referred to recent concerns of sponsorship at Dover Downs and the need to maintain this activity in Dover, reminding Council that millions of dollars are brought to City businesses during these races.
Mayor Hutchison stated that if the proposal is not approved, there will always be people willing to serve, but the citizens of Dover must decide at what level they wish their Mayor to participate in their best interests. He emphasized that the proposal is not specifically for him, but is for anyone that should hold this position in the future, reiterating that the proposal would not become effective until after his present term expires. Mayor Hutchison encouraged anyone with questions or concerns to call on him and promised that regardless of the outcome of the question, he will continue his term by being the best Mayor that he can possibly be and will continue to represent the citizens to the best of his ability.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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