QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on March 7, 1994 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Knopf presiding. Members of Council present were Council President Christiansen, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Leary, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Hutchison (arrived at 7:45 p.m.) and Mr. Salters. Mr. Pitts and Mr. Hare were absent.

OVERVIEW BY HOWARD SMITH - TRIP ACROSS THE COUNTRY TO SOLICIT FUNDS FOR THE NEEDY

Mr. Howard Smith offered a slide presentation on a cross country bike trip taken by he and his son in an effort to raise money for the needy. The trip began in Seattle, Washington and ended in Dover, Delaware. Mr. Smith and his son met many people during the course of their trip and visited many shelters for the homeless. Their adventurous trip resulted in the collection of nearly $10,000 which is to be contributed to the Ruth N. Dorsey Shelter, the Shepherd Place and the Coalition to Feed the Hungry. Mr. Smith stated that the trip was the experience of a lifetime for he and his son and he encouraged the members of Council to challenge themselves to participate in such projects.

GARY BREAKWELL - PROPOSED REZONING OF LAND - MAPLE DALE COUNTRY CLUB

Mr. Gary Breakwell of 6 Lost Tree Court submitted copies of petitions in opposition to a proposed rezoning of land located off of Dover Kenton Road, owned by Maple Dale Country Club and the City of Dover. Mr. Breakwell stated that the City entered into an Agreement of Sale in April 1993 to sell a two acre parcel of land to Maple Dale Country Club. The sale is contingent upon removal of applicable deed restrictions and proper rezoning of the land. A public hearing is scheduled for March 14, 1994 to consider the proposed rezoning. Mr. Breakwell stated that a meeting between neighborhood residents and the MDCC Board of Directors revealed that the plan was developed solely by the MDCC Board and that the MDCC General Membership was not adequately informed about the matter.

Mr. Breakwell stated that the community group in opposition to the rezoning will continue their efforts to preserve the open land because they believe it will enhance the quality of life for a significant number of City residents in West Dover. Mr. Breakwell stated that his community group plans a detailed presentation before City Council during the public hearing of March 14, 1994.

Mr. Mike Malkewicz, attorney representing Maple Dale Country Club, reminded City Council that the MDCC has a membership of over 400 families, equating to over 800 people, that endorse the proposal. Although there may be a few members that are in opposition to the proposal, the membership has been given details of the proposal and no members have contacted the Board in opposition to the project. Mr. Malkewicz stated that the Board of Directors have the legal authority to enter into the agreement on behalf of the membership. He invited members of Council and City officials to come to MDCC for a site viewing of the parcel and to obtain information on the proposed five single family homes planned for the site. Mr. Malkewicz reminded Council that every aspect of the proposal has followed all legal requirements of the City and the MDCC. During the last several years, the land owned by MDCC has been used by local residents as public open space. In their desire to be a good neighbor, MDCC has never objected to this use and has continued to maintain the property. They hope to work with the neighbors on the project, but Mr. Malkewicz reminded Council that this land is privately owned land and that the owners should have the right of development. He reminded those present that City Council endorsed the project back in April 1993 when they approved the Agreement of Sale and that the only matter before Council is the proper zoning of the parcel. Mr. Malkewicz also stated his plan to make a detailed presentation before City Council on March 14, 1994 and he urged Council to keep an open mind on the matter.

TONY GALLA - ELECTRIC SYSTEM

Mr. Tony Galla of 925 Woodcrest Drive complimented the City Manager and the City Electric Department for their efforts during the recent ice storm. Referring to the City's electric system, Mr. Galla stated that several months ago the Electric Department's ash reinjection system was inoperable. Although the ash reinjection system is now working, residents of Woodcrest experienced damage to the paint on their vehicles during the time that the system was out of operation. He submitted pictures depicting paint damage to two vehicles.

Responding to Mr. Galla's question on the carry-forward balance in the City's 'budget, Mr. O'Connor explained that the amount of the carry-forward resulted in the decision to defer some projects and to not fill positions when possible. Mr. O'Connor informed the public, however, that the City experienced astronomical and unbudgeted expenses during the recent ice storm which will utilize most, if not all, of any carry-forward funds. He also explained that a claim is being filed and if the President declares the storm as an emergency, then some portion of the costs may be recovered.

CHARLES WELLER - PROPOSED CHARTER CHANGES

Mr. Charles Weller of 241 Fiddlers Green stated that he has read the City of Dover Charter, as it relates to the proposed Charter changes, several times and simply does not see the need for the proposed changes. He stated his concurrence with former Mayor Crawford Carroll that the concept of having the City Manager report to the Mayor could be accomplished without changes to the Charter. Mr. Weller stated that the City Council has spent a considerable amount of time in reviewing this proposal. Although he feels that the Mayor needs to be more interactive with Council and staff, he believes that could be accomplished without changing the City Charter. He stated his opinion that no additional time should be wasted by Council, or by the General Assembly, in reviewing proposed Charter changes when Council could achieve the same results by making internal changes.

JAMES CARR - FACT ORGANIZATION

Mr. James Carr, representing the FACT organization, reiterated that the FACT organization continues to support the proposed Charter changes. Responding to Mr. Carr's question on the status of the sale of the parking lot adjacent to City Hall, Mr. DePrima stated that the final proposed option agreement will be considered by Council during the March 14, 1994 Council Meeting. He also asked if the City's policy to dispose of City land was followed for the sale of the parking lot and for sale of the property adjacent to property of Maple Dale Country Club. (It is noted that the sale of the above parcels was initiated prior to adoption of the Policy to dispose of City Land.)

Referring to the intersection of College and Walker Roads, at the Robbins Hose Company, No. 2

site, Mr. Carr questioned the status of the road design. He stated that he was told by DelDOT officials that the City has not requested that DelDOT complete the road design. It is his understanding that a temporary entrance permit has been requested and he questioned the merits of the request since the road design and utility relocation remains incomplete. Mr. DePrima explained that during the last technical advisory committee for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, this matter was discussed and Mr. Harbeson and Mr. Angelo informed him that the project has been initialized (authorized to go to design), but DelDOT has insufficient numbers of engineers to keep up with the workload. After discussions with DelDOT officials, Mr. DePrima feels that the project will not be designed and ready for completion prior to completion of the fire station. He assured Mr. Carr that the delay is not due to the City's failure to make the request.

Mr. Carr asked for the status on the proposal by Delmarva Power & Light to purchase the City's electric system and if the City has some time frame in which they plan to make a definite decision. Mr. Lambert reminded Mr. Carr that it took DP&L several months to make a firm proposal to the City. He stated that this is a complex issue that will require careful consideration by the City. City staff is working diligently to analyze the proposal by DP&L, as well as proposals that have recently been made by other utility companies. He assured Mr. Carr that the City will respond to the proposal in a responsible manner and requested that the public allow Council and staff the necessary time to carefully review the proposal and make a responsible recommendation.

MR. QUINTON WALSH - SALE OF POWER PLANT

Mr. Quinton Walsh of 256 Merion Road relayed his support of the sale of the City's electric system to DP&L. He stated that Dover's profit for the past few years has been in the $3 to $5 million range and projections of the next few years appear to show the amount to remain level. DP&L Company's proposal would provide a comparable amount of income over the foreseeable future. In addition, the property would be added back to the tax rolls of the City, County and School District. By reducing commercial electric rates as proposed by DP&L, it would encourage economic development in Dover. Mr. Walsh related to recent EPA fines and the probability of more stringent EPA regulations which will cost the taxpayers even more money since the City's plant will require significant capital improvements. He stated his opinion that the City of Dover lacked the expertise and the necessary funds to properly operate an electric system. Mr. Walsh stated his opinion that the sale would be a winner for the taxpayers of Dover. He relayed his hope that City Council will review the proposal in a logical, rather than an emotional, manner.

Mr. Hare moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hutchison and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

CITY CLERK

AARON O. KNOPF

MAYOR