COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting was held on May 11, 1993, at 7:00 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Hare, Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Leary, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Tudor and Mayor Knopf.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Tudor requested an addition to the Utility Committee agenda, item #4, to discuss the Supply of Oil for the Power Plant.
Mr. Hutchison moved to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilmen Hare and Leary. Councilman Hutchison was deputized to serve in the absence of Mr. Hindman.
ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY - ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS - SECTIONS 7-31, 7-32, 7-33 AND 7-44
Since an additional fire station is being created, the Robbins Hose Fire Company recommended that Sections 7-31, 7-32, 7-33 and 7-44 be amended to provide an additional Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Captain to the fire department's present organization.
On behalf of Chief Baker, Council President Christiansen advised members that the command structure for the fire department will commit two (2) Assistant Fire Chiefs and one Captain to operate out of Fire Station #2 and that the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, two (2) Assistant Fire Chiefs and a Captain to operation out of Fire Station #1.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend that Sections 7-31, 7-32, 7-33 and 7-44 of the Dover Code be amended as recommended by the Robbins Hose Fire Company (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mr. Hutchison and unanimously carried.
PROPOSED RELOCATION OF COMPUTER CENTER
When the City leased space in the WSFS building from the Downtown Dover Development Corporation, one of the occupants planned for the building was the Computer Center. During the past six months, staff has been investigating options for renovation of the basement to meet the needs of the Information Services Department at a reasonable cost.
Mr. Larry Shank, Director of Information Services, advised members that through the cooperation of the Public Works, Electric, Building Maintenance, and Information Services Departments, an estimated cost of relocation has been reduced from $150,000 to $65,600. The renovations will be accomplished primarily by City staff. He assured members that there are sufficient funds in the department's 1992/93 budget to cover these expenditures. Mr. Shank explained that the renovations will allow the computer center to occupy the basement of the WSFS building, including the establishment of a small training facility to be utilized by City staff for training in new technologies.
Ms. Swain stated that according to the Space Needs Study recently conducted, there were several departments identified in need of additional space. The study indicated that there is a need for an office area for members of City Council, additional space requirements for the Planning and Inspections Department, Finance Department and the City Clerk's Office. By moving the Computer Center, it is anticipated that those areas identified in the study could be accommodated.
Considering that the City has planned to relocate the Computer Center to the basement of the WSFS building, the current estimates, and that the City has sufficient funds in the 1992/93 budget to complete the move, staff recommended authorization for the relocation of the Computer Center to 5 East Reed Street and the allocation of $65,600 from the 1992/93 Computer Center budget for the project. Moving the Computer Center to the basement of the WSFS building will provide sufficient space for the Information Services Department and will free up space in the City Hall Annex.
In response to Mayor Knopf, Mr. Shank stated that the actual physical move of the computer system will take approximately one week and assured members that it will not have a large impact on productivity. Mr. Shank advised members that the space available at the WSFS building is more than double the current location. Although computers will become more powerful in the future, they will require less space; therefore, it is anticipated that the move will satisfy the space needs of the computer center for the next ten years.
Since the estimated cost of the relocation does not include the labor costs of City staff, Mr. Hare felt that it is not a true estimate. He suggested that the available funds be utilized for additional programming and applications that would improve City services to customers.
Responding, Mr. Shank stated that the payback for improving services to our customers would have a shorter term and be much greater. Ms. Swain reminded members that the City is currently paying rent in the amount of $12,000 per year for space at the WSFS building.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend that no action be taken regarding the relocation of the Computer Center and that the available funds be utilized for additional programming and applications. The motion failed for the lack of a second.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend authorization for the relocation of the Computer Center to 5 East Reed Street and the allocation of $65,600 from the 1992/93 Computer Center budget for the project. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hutchison and carried with Mr. Hare opposed.
SCHEDULE - 1993/94 BUDGET HEARINGS
The proposed 1993/94 City of Dover Operating Budget was presented to City Council on May 10, 1993. Mr. Salters suggested that the budget hearings be set for May 27th, June 1st, June 2nd and if necessary, June 3rd. The hearings will begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue no longer than two hours.
Responding to Mr. Leary, City Assessor Lucas noted that June 1st is one of the dates set for the tax appeal hearings; however, he will refrain from scheduling any hearing for the same time. Council President Christiansen noted that May 27th is the League of Local Governments last meeting of the season.
It was a consensus of Council to set the budget hearings for June 1st, June 2nd and June 3rd, to begin at 6:30 p.m. and continue for no more than two (2) hours.
COUNCIL VOTING PROCEDURES
In the past, during Council Meetings, roll call votes have been taken beginning from the first person seated at the right of the Council President and continuing counterclockwise, with the Council President voting last. Some members of Council have suggested that roll call votes be alternated. During the Annual Council Meeting of May 10th, Council President Christiansen stated that the Clerk alternated roll call votes from left to right and requested the committee's response or suggestions.
Mr. Tudor suggested the use of electronic voting. He explained that voting buttons would be placed at each member of Council's desk. When the Council President has asked for a vote, each member of Council would press the appropriate button and their vote would then be locked in. Once all members of Council have voted, the Council President or Clerk would hit a release button and the votes will either be displayed on a board or could be read aloud by the Clerk. Mr. Tudor advised members that the Planning Commission also has these same concerns and could also utilize the electronic voting system. He stated that he is aware of two companies that provide electronic voting systems and should there be an interest, he offered to solicit estimates to be presented to the committee for review.
Council President Christiansen and Mr. Pitts relayed concern with utilizing an electronic voting system, feeling that each member should have an opportunity to vocally vote for or against matters. Council President Christiansen advised members that the City Clerk recently obtained an estimate in the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of electronic voting equipment.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend that the concept of utilizing an electronic voting system be further investigated, in the meantime, roll call votes during Council Meetings should be alternated. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hutchison and unanimously carried.
SEATING ARRANGEMENT - COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Mr. Hutchison relayed concern with the current seating arrangements for Council Committee meetings, noting that it is very difficult for people in the audience to hear the proceedings of the meeting since there is insufficient microphones at the tables. He also felt that all members and staff should be facing the audience. Mr. Hutchison recommended that the portable tables be removed and that the Council Meeting seating arrangements be utilized where microphones are provided at each desk.
Concurring, Mr. Leary felt that the current seating arrangements are cumbersome. Mr. Tudor suggested that one table remain for staff members that must testify.
Mrs. Malone stated that she has received complaints from citizens that do not understand the separation of the committees and only certain members of Council voting when all members of Council are located around the table. As an alternative, Mr. Salters suggested that those members of the committee that will be meeting should sit at a small table with all other members of Council sitting at their assigned desk.
Mrs. Rexene Ornauer, 17 Mifflin Road, stated that she has a difficult time hearing the proceedings of the committee meetings and relayed her support of the proposal.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend that members of Council sit at their regular seats during Council Committee meetings, with civilian members and staff utilizing the remaining available seats. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hutchison and unanimously carried.
Mr. Hutchison moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Lambert presiding. Members present were Councilmen Hutchison and Tudor and Mr. Carey.
ABANDONMENT OF 14'x 75' PARCEL - KENT GENERAL HOSPITAL - FIRESTONE SITE
The committee considered a request of Kent General Hospital for abandonment of a dead end alley (14' x 75'), located on the east side of South New Street, approximately 405 feet north of South Street, which was the former Firestone site.
Mr. DePrima, City Planner, stated that Kent General Hospital is planning demolition of the old Firestone building and erection of new buildings. The alley would interfere with the development of the property by creating unusual setback requirements that would split the property. Abandonment of the alley would create a more uniform lot for Kent General Hospital's plans which would promote a superior site plan for the future buildings. Noting that the alley was utilized by the City as an access way to a storm drain, the City Engineer has requested that a storm drain access easement be maintained across the length of the property.
Staff recommended approval of Kent General Hospital's request for abandonment of a dead end alley, located on the east side of South New Street, stipulating that a storm drain access easement, across the length of the property, be established to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
Mr. Hutchison moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation (Attachment #2 - Resolution), seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
REQUEST FOR WAIVER OF STREET WIDTH REQUIREMENT - OLD FARM VILLAGE
A request for waiver of street width requirement was submitted for Old Farm Village, consisting of 129.21+/- acres, owned by Jane Massey Draper and Village Builders. The property is located on the north side of Route 8, approximately 900' west of Stoney Drive.
Mr. DePrima provided members with plans of the proposed planned residential development, which will include 367 dwelling units, including single family homes, patio homes, duplexes, and townhouses. The homes in the proposed development are situated in clusters around looped minor streets with central open space areas. A central looped collector road has been included to serve the residential clusters. It was noted that the development would have an extensive amount of open space and recreational areas in accordance with the Planned Residential Development Regulations.
In reviewing the request, Mr. DePrima advised members that the Planning Commission considered the environmental, City maintenance, safety, and superior design factors. He noted that the granting of the waiver would have the effect of increasing landscaped/natural areas and reduces impervious surfaces. Subsequently, the amount of storm water and "non-point" water pollution generated is lowered, which in turn reduces the amount of open space needed for stormwater retention. It was also noted that those developments with less pavement are generally cooler developments, which decreases summer energy consumption for air conditioning. Letters of support for the reduction of impervious surface were received from the Soil Conservation District and from the DNREC. Mr. DePrima indicated that maintenance costs to the City will be reduced for resurfacing and snow removal. Due to the proposed wider areas of grass road right-of-way, there will be the opportunity for placing city utilities in these areas rather than under the road pavement.
Mr. DePrima assured members that the Fire Department has reviewed the request. With the implementation of the proposed parking restrictions, parking islands, and curve designs, the reduced width would not impede their access to any units. He also advised members that the Police Department indicated no objections to the request, noting that the proposed designs discourage through traffic which will greatly reduce traffic problems.
Mr. DePrima advised members that the proposed development offers certain superior design features that are related to the roadway reduction request, as follows: 1) a central collector road that has no driveway or homes fronting on it; 2) landscaped islands centered in most of the clusters which provide additional off street parking, open space, and screening; 3) the entire development is focused on clusters with 20 to 40 homes, reducing through traffic and creating a sense of community within the cluster; and 4) the townhouses will be constructed with garages which will reduce front yard parking, provide additional storage, and add value to the development.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the request for a waiver of the street width requirement as stipulated in Article VI, Section A.13, of the Subdivision Regulations, as follows:
A) Reduce collector road from the 38 foot requirement to a 28 foot width, with no curbside parking.
B) Reduce townhouses and duplex courts to a 24 foot width with no curbside parking, and with one (1) space in the center island per unit.
C) Reduce duplex and single family courts to a 28 foot width with parking on one side, and with one (1) space in the center island per two (2) units.
D) Reduce single family streets, with parking on both sides to a 32 foot width.
The Planning Commission also recommended approval of the request for a waiver of the 150 foot right-of-way centerline radius on residential minor street curves, as required under Article VI, Section A.10, to be reduced to a 44 foot radius.
Mr. Tudor moved to recommend approval of the request for waiver of street width requirement for Old Farm Village, as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hutchison and unanimously carried.
KENTON ROAD SEWER MAIN ASSESSMENTS
In conjunction with the 1991-96 Capital Improvements Plan, 300 feet of 8-inch sewer main was installed at the intersection of College Road and Kenton Road. The final cost of the project was $26,316.18. Staff provided members with a map depicting the area. The only property involved is owned by Joe and Georgiana Burden, which has a total of 104.6 feet of assessable frontage. In accordance with Section 18.7-9 of the Dover Code, the assessment charge will be $40.00 per front foot.
Mr. Braun explained that additional assessments will be collected when the properties located on the west side of Kenton Road, south of the intersection at College Road, are annexed into the City limits.
Staff recommended adoption of an ordinance providing a front foot charge of $40.00 to be assessed to the adjacent property owner. 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. Hutchison moved to recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance (Attachment #3), as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
SUPPLY OF FUEL OIL FOR POWER PLANT
Mr. Tudor relayed his concerns with the costs for having fuel oil delivered to the Power Plant. At the present time, fuel oil is being transported from Wilmington at a high cost to the City. He advised members that he has recently contacted Delaware Storage and Pipeline Company, which maintains the tank farm at Port Mahon. There are three alternatives for supplying the Power Plant with fuel oil if the City utilized their tanks, as follows:
1) The fuel oil could be transported by an independent trucking firm from Port Mahon to the Power Plant, which is a much shorter distance than Wilmington;
2) the fuel oil could be transported by trucks which the City owns;
3) the fuel oil could be directly pipe fed into the power plant, which would be the most expensive.
Several years ago when this issue was considered, Mr. Tudor advised members that the Dover Air Force Base was utilizing all the storage tanks at Port Mahon. The Dover Air Force Base is no longer utilizing all the storage tanks and there are three tanks available. Mr. Tudor stated that Delaware Storage and Pipeline Company has an interest in storing the fuel oil for the City. He stated that representatives of the company would meet with members of Council to further discuss this matter.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Ms. Swain stated that the City's current contract will expire on June 30, 1993. She indicated that staff is in the process of soliciting bids for providing the oil and requested that Mr. Tudor provide staff with the names of those representatives of Delaware Storage and Pipeline Company.
Mr. Hutchison moved to recommend that this matter be referred to staff and that staff include the Delaware Storage and Pipeline Company in the bidding process, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Hutchison moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
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