COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting was held on November 15, 1994, at 7:00 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mrs. Malone and Mr. Weyandt. Mr. Leary, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters and Mr. Hare were absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Tudor and unanimously carried.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Councilman Weyandt presiding in the absence of Mr. Salters. Civilian committee member, Mr. William Schaeffer, was present. Noting the absence of Mr. Leary and Mr. Salters, Mr. Weyandt deputized Mrs. Malone and Mr. Tudor as temporary members of the Committee.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Emergency Access Regulations
The Fire Safety Standards Review Committee presented members with proposed amendments to the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations related to emergency access to buildings and subdivision developments.
Mr. DePrima explained that the proposed zoning text amendments would establish standards and requirements for the fire protection of structures and inhabitants by providing emergency vehicle access to structures that enable the City of Dover Bureau of Fire to approach and attack fires in such a way that there is a reduced threat to the lives and safety of citizens. The amendment also provides flexibility by authorizing the Planning Commission to waive the regulation of the section if equivalent alternative protection measures are proposed. Mr. DePrima advised members that the proposed amendments to the Land Subdivision Regulations would clarify street locations and layouts and how they relate to emergency access.
The proposals were reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission and by local land developers, engineers and architects.
Referring to the section on subgrade emergency access lanes, Mr. Tudor and Mr. Weyandt questioned the advisability of having 4" of topsoil and sodding on top of the access lane. Mr. Weyandt stated that his experience has shown that large vehicles, such as fire trucks, can get stuck in 4" of topsoil. Fire Chief Baker stated that although he personally would rather not have the topsoil, it was agreed upon in order to satisfy those that want more greenery and less asphalt. Although the Fire Department prefers asphalt, the proposal will meet their needs. Maintenance of plantings and all greenery will be the responsibility of the property owner or condominium association.
Responding to questions by Mr. Tudor, Mr. DePrima stated that the City Grounds Superintendent believes that 4" of topsoil will be sufficient for plantings. Regarding the issue of cul-de-sacs, Mr. DePrima stated that the proposals will probably limit the number of cul-de-sacs in new developments.
Mr. Schaeffer stated that it appears that those that are effected by the ordinance are supporting its adoption and he recommended approval of the amendments.
Mr. Lambert felt it important that the developers have specific guidelines to follow. Although he sometimes feels that we are becoming over-regulatory, he supports the ordinance since it does provide for an opportunity of exceptions, when applicable.
Mr. Weyandt objected to the provision that permits the Planning Commission to make exceptions to the ordinance, stating his opinion that if rules are made, they should be enforced uniformly for everyone.
After discussing the matter at length, Mr. Schaeffer moved to recommend approval of the proposed Zoning Text amendments (Attachment #1) and proposed amendments to the Land Subdivision Regulations (Attachment #2), as recommended by the Fire Safety Standards Review Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tudor and unanimously carried. (Since these are amendments to the Zoning Code and Land Subdivision Regulations, a public hearing is required. It is recommended that the public hearing be held during the second reading of the proposed ordinances on December 12, 1994).
DECCASA - Designated Implementation Agency
The Dover Substance Abuse Prevention Advisory Board recommended that the Dover Housing Authority serve as the Designated Implementation Agency (DIA) for the DECCASA project for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1995. The Dover Housing Authority will be awarded $37,500 to provide substance abuse prevention programming. In a letter from Yvonne Bunch, Community Prevention Coordinator, several issues were raised which must be resolved prior to final approval. Asked by Mr. Tudor if these issues have been resolved, Mr. O'Connor stated that the Dover Housing Authority has responded to the proposed issues to the satisfaction of the Board.
Mr. Tudor moved to recommend that the Dover Housing Authority serve as the Designated Implementation Agency (DIA) for the DECCASA project for the fiscal year ending August 31, 1995. The motion was seconded by Mr. Schaeffer and unanimously carried.
Quarterly Write-Off of Uncollectible Electric Bills
Members were provided with a list of uncollectible electric bills, in the amount of $20,605.27, which includes $1,275.34 from accounts that have filed bankruptcy. The list consists of those accounts from April 1, 1993 through June 30, 1993 that have shown no collection activity for a period of one year or longer. The list has been screened to insure that no one listed is currently in our utility customer base.
Staff recommended endorsement of the write-off of uncollectible electric bills in the amount of $20,605.27.
Mr. Weyandt reiterated previous concerns with the collections of delinquent bills, feeling that additional precautions should be taken to prevent write-offs of this magnitude. Mr. O'Connor reminded Committee members that the City collects 99.78% of monies owed, which he feels is very good. Mr. Tudor suggested the possibility of increasing deposits over a period of time so that a hardship is not placed on the customer.
In discussing the proposal of increasing deposits to cover delinquent bills, Mr. O'Connor stated his opinion that such a move would only make it more difficult for the majority of our customers that pay their bills regularly. He felt it somewhat unfair to implement rules, specifically to deal with a very small number of people, that place a hardship on the entire population.
Mrs. Malone questioned if claims for delinquent accounts are made against estates in situations where the customer is now deceased. Mr. O'Connor stated that he is unsure how estate billings are handled, but will investigate the matter and report his findings to Council.
Mr. Tudor moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation for the endorsement of the write-off of uncollectible electric bills in the amount of $20,605.27. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Mr. Weyandt moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Lambert presiding. Members present were Councilman Tudor and Mr. Carey.
Route #8 Sewer Main Assessment
In conjunction with the 1993-98 Capital Improvements Plan, 595 linear feet of 8-inch sewer main was installed south of Route #8 from Bennington Street to Independence Boulevard. The final cost of the project was $41,333. There is a total of 998 feet of assessable frontage. In accordance with Section 18.7-2 of the Dover Code, the assessment charge will be $40 per front foot.
Staff recommended adoption of an ordinance providing a front foot charge of $40.00 to be assessed to the adjacent property owners. In accordance with Section 18.7-7 of the Dover Code, property owners may file a written notice of appeal of the assessment, at which time a hearing will be scheduled.
Mr. Tudor moved to recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance (Attachment #3), as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Acceptance of Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Utilities - Heatherfield East Subdivision
The developer of Heatherfield East Subdivision has requested that the streets and utilities be accepted for maintenance and ownership by the City. Staff provided members with a map depicting the location and configuration of the rights-of-way. After construction was completed, staff inspected the improvements and provided the developer with a list of repairs to be made to meet City standards. All repairs have been completed. A one-year maintenance agreement and bond and a release of liabilities have all been submitted. Staff recommended acceptance of the dedication of Heatherfield East Subdivision.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Tudor and unanimously carried.
Winter Contingencies - Electric Department
During the ice storm of 1994, the entire State of Delaware experienced severe weather conditions that caused havoc with electric utilities. Staff was requested to use the experience to enhance our procedures for the future. By the request of Council President Christiansen, Mr. O'Connor advised members that staff has corrected the radio and telephone communications problem, have initiated a more aggressive tree pruning program, replacement of old electric poles, and has included ice storms in the City's disaster plan. The plan now provides an informational officer to feed information to the media and establishes a work force so that the most experienced employees are not worked too much, too soon.
Mr. O'Connor stated that Mr. Don Knox has been appointed as Emergency Management Director and the City is now in the process of updating the Emergency Management Plan for the entire City. Hopefully, a plan will be available within the next few months for Council's review and acceptance. Mr. O'Connor reminded committee members that Unit #3 will be off-line this year due to a scheduled outage for its overhaul. During last year's ice storm, the City's units were called upon in order to have as much current on the system as possible. This could be a weakness in the event of a similar storm this year.
Committee members reviewed known deficiencies from last year's ice storm and agreed that no further action will be taken until after the Emergency Management Plan has been submitted for review and acceptance.
Mr. Tudor moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
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