COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting was held on August 10, 1993, at 7:00 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Leary, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Tudor. Mr. Hare and Mr. Pitts were absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Salters requested the deletion of item #1, Sewer Assessment - 145 Ann Avenue, from the Legislative and Finance Committee agenda, indicating that the matter is being handled by the City Manager.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Salters presiding. Councilman Leary was present. Councilmen Lambert and Tudor were deputized to serve in the absence of Councilman Hare and Mr. Hindman.
PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
Increase in Fines - Noise Ordinance - Section 14-8(c)
As authorized during the committee meeting of July 13, 1993, staff presented members with an amendment to Section 14-8(c) of the Dover Code that would increase the fines for violations of the noise ordinance.
Chief Smith explained that the increase in fines will make enforcement of the noise ordinance more meaningful and effective and recommended approval of the ordinance amendment.
Mr. Lambert moved to recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance to amend Section 14-8(c) of the Dover Code (Attachment #1), seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Increase in Fines - Handicapped Parking - Section 13-6.6
The Police Department has been in the process of reviewing the existing fine schedule. Chief Smith advised members that in accordance with Section 13-6.6 of the Dover Code, there is a ten dollar ($10) fine for violation of the handicapped parking ordinance and that under Title 21 of the State of Delaware Code there is a $50 fine for violation of the handicapped parking ordinance. Staff suggested that the City's fine be increased to $50, feeling that it would deter violators and assist the handicapped citizens or visitors in relieving their parking problems or concerns.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance to amend Section 13-6.6 of the Dover Code (Attachment #2), seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
REVIEW OF RESIDENTIAL PARKING ORDINANCE - SECTION 13-40
A resident of The Green has submitted a letter to the Police Department, complaining of certain buildings being issued multiple parking permits under the one-per-business rule. In reviewing this matter, Chief Smith advised members that there is one building that includes no less then seven (7) separate State of Delaware offices. In accordance with Section 13-40(4)(b) of the Dover Code, the Police Department issues a permit to each office as a separate business. Staff requested that the following issues be reviewed for a recommended change or clarification of the ordinance, as follows:
1) Does a State Office or other agency which is exempt from business license requirements qualify as a business under this ordinance?
2) Should there be a maximum number of business parking permits issued for any given address such as the three-per-residential address, and if so, how will it be determined who receives the limited permits?
3) Will a business occupying more than one building in a given permit area be eligible for multiple permits?
As recommended by Mr. Salters, Council President Christiansen formulated a sub-committee, consisting of the Police Chief, City Manager, Main Street Manager and City Planner DePrima (as representative of the Dover Parking Authority), to review this matter and formulate a recommendation for the committee's review.
The committee deferred any further action until receipt of a recommendation from the sub-committee.
Mr. Leary moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Parks and Recreation Committee met with Councilman Tudor presiding in the absence of Chairman Pitts. Members present were Councilwoman Malone, Mrs. Maxted and Mr. Caballero.
PARKLAND FUND DONATION - LANDS OF PULLELLA - WILLIS ROAD
In accordance with Article VI, Section F-2 of the Subdivision Regulations, members considered accepting a cash donation in the amount of $13,500 for property located on Willis Road, owned by Frank P. Pullella. Mr. DePrima advised members that the property consists of 1.37 acres and that 18 townhouse lots are proposed. He stated that staff from the Parks and Recreation Department has determined that there is insufficient land for the development of private or public parkland. Mr. DePrima assured members that the donation represents 10% of the value of the land area of the development as determined by the City Assessor. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the cash donation.
Mr. Tudor moved to recommend acceptance of the cash donation in the amount of $13,500 for property located on Willis Road, owned by Frank P. Pullella, as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:28 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
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