QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on May 3, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber of City Hall with Mayor Knopf presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Leary, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Daisey and Council President Christiansen.
CHALLENGE - LEVY COURT AND CITY COUNCIL - BIKE RACE - TOUR DUPONT
Mayor Knopf announced that members of City Council officially accept a challenge to race members of Kent County Levy Court on May 6th as a part of the Tour duPont pre-race events. The race will take place at 4:00 p.m. in front of Legislative Hall.
UPDATE ON ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY FIRE STATION #2
Fire Chief Baker introduced Mr. Adam French of French & Ryan, the architectural firm that is designing the Robbins Hose Company Fire Station #2. Plans of the architectural design were on display for public viewing. Mr. French stated that they have made application to the City’s DAC committee and are on the Planning Commission agenda for May 17th for site plan approval. Bids will be solicited in mid-June and should be back in time for construction to begin in early July. Construction time is projected to be eight months, for completion in March 1994.
DelDOT is requiring that the fire trucks use an entrance from Walker Road and they will utilize a drive-thru bay in preparation for exit onto Kenton Road. This will eliminate the need for the fire trucks to hold up traffic on Kenton Road while backing into the fire station. Signalization will be installed by DelDOT at the intersection of Kenton & Walker Roads and Kenton & College Roads.
The first floor of the station will consist of 6,500 sq. ft., and will include 2 ½ bays. The second floor will consist of 1,800 sq. ft. the front of the building will be brick, similar to Station #1, with the other three walls to be blocked so that they could be bricked at a later date if desired. A separate, alternate bid for bricking the other three walls will be accepted. The bricked front wall is a part of the base bid.
Asked by Mr. Magoo Dorcy about the use of fire poles, Chief Baker stated that a fire pole is in the plan, however, they do not yet have the pole. He explained that fire poles are really not used much anymore and normally are installed for aesthetic and historic reasons.
Mr. Tudor questioned the need for a generator room rather than storing the generator outside the building which would be less expensive and would lower the volume of noise from the generator inside the Station. Chief Baker explained that at Station #1, they had stored their generator outside. They experienced problems with the generator due to its exposure to the weather elements and they feel that inside storage would provide better security.
Responding to questions by Ann Gneisco, Chief Baker stated that they plan to store two engine trucks and a ladder truck at the Station. The equipment has already been purchased.
Mr. Hare reminded the public that this station is being built by the Robbins Hose Company, not by the City of Dover. Mr. Levitt stated that the citizens of Dover owe Robbins Hose Company a vote of their support and their appreciation. Dover is the only state capital in the nation that has a volunteer fire company. Not only does a volunteer fire service save our citizens a tremendous amount of money, it serves as a great opportunity for young people to volunteer their time in a very positive way.
Mayor Knopf expressed his appreciation to Mr. French and Fire Chief Baker for bringing Council and the citizens up to date on the progress of the Robbins Hose Company Fire Station #2.
SILVER LAKE COMMISSION UPDATE
Mayor Knopf introduced Mr. Michael Malkiewicz, Chairman of the Silver Lake Commission, and expressed his appreciation to the Commission members who work diligently to preserve Silver Lake which is a wonderful natural resource and is the centerpiece in the City of Dover.
Mr. Malkiewicz expressed his appreciation to the following Commission members: John Armistead, Sherman Townsend, Robert Gorkin, John Stith, Ed Bennett and Don Knox. The members have been very dedicated in their commitment to this Commission. The Silver Lake project has earned praise at the national level by the EPA Clean Lakes Program, and it was featured in one of their national magazines. The project was highly praised for the united efforts of many layers of government as well as by the private sector. Mr. Malkiewicz also voiced extreme appreciation to representatives of the DNREC and the Kent Conservation District and Soil Conservation District, all of whom have been extremely supportive of the Commission’s efforts.
Mr. Malkiewicz stated the following quote from Don Knox which he feels summarizes the feeling of the Commission. “The Silver Lake Restoration Project is a very complicated project, involving the effort and cooperation of four levels of government, a private firm, local merchants, non-profit agencies, civic associations and many individual property owners. There is no quick fix to improving the water quality in Silver Lake. Instead, it is a slow, tedious process involving many inter-related steps all working toward one common goal - a cleaner, safer lake for the enjoyment of all.”
The Commission obtained federal grants and contributions from the City of Dover and paid $21,000 for a feasibility study which revealed the following needs:
1. Need to evaluate the quality of existing water
2. Identify the sources of pollution
3. Evaluate potential restoration alternatives
4. Develop a plan to accomplish their goals
All of the above are being accomplished. Mr. Malkiewicz explained in great detail many concerns with the lake; however, a major concern is the runoff from the agricultural community. The runoff is of such concern that the City has a policy that if ½” of rainfall is experienced, then the lake is automatically closed to swimmers. This is due to the health hazard posed by the bacteria in the runoff. Steps are being taken to work with the agricultural community to lessen the runoff. Steps are being taken to work with the agricultural community to lessen the runoff and most are very cooperative. The City now requires retention plans from all new businesses and consideration is being given to the construction of retention ponds near the lake. Private citizens and communities along the lake are helping by planting grass to control shoreline erosion.
Mr. Malkiewicz concluded by stating that all levels of government, the private sector and the Commission are continuing its efforts towards Silver Lake restoration. More grants will be applied for and the efforts of everyone involved will remain steady, but this is not a problem that will be quickly solved.
The City of Dover was recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture for its work at Silver Lake. Mr. Malkiewicz passed along to Mayor Knopf a plaque for the City that reads as follows: “The USDA, Soil Conservation Service salutes all Earth Team volunteers who assisted in the development of wildlife habitat by installing fish attractors in Silver Lake (Dover, Delaware) during the period of July and August 1992.”
Mayor Knopf asked if the Commission has considered dredging the lake and stated that once the silt is dried out it could be sold as topsoil since it is considered prime topsoil. Mr. Malkiewicz stated that although the silt could be sold, it has not yet been determined if dredging the lake would be advantageous. If studies show that dredging would be beneficial, then a spoil site must be found where the silt can dry.
Mr. Charles Weller suggested that the Commission enlist the services of volunteer students from Delaware State College and Wesley College to assist with monitoring services. Mr. Malkiewicz stated that the Commission has considered and will continue to look into areas that student services may be helpful.
Mr. Magoo Dorcy related that several vehicular accidents on State Street have resulted in vehicles running off the roadway into the lake and suggested that action be taken to eliminate this possibility. Members of Council advised that the services of DelDOT were enlisted for this matter.
Mr. Paul Scotton of the St. Jones River Watershed Association stated that his associated has worked extensively with area farmers on proper runoff during the last six years and it is felt that these efforts are really beginning to pay off.
SUBJECT MATTER PRESENTED FROM THE FLOOR BY CITIZENS
Magoo Dorcy - House Numbering
Mr. Dorcy reiterated previous recommendations that the City require all homeowners to display their street numbers in large letters to be clearly identified by emergency personnel. Chief Baker relayed that Council President Christiansen has appointed a committee to review public safety issues. The addressing of residential homes and businesses is one of the matters that this committee will review. City Council will receive information from this committee on its recommendations.
Dr. Howard Rowe - 207 Orchard Avenue
Dr. Howard Rowe expressed his appreciation to the members of Council for dedicating an enormous amount of their personal time to the citizens of Dover by serving on City Council. Dr. Rowe offered special appreciation to Councilman Daisey for his diligence in the passing of the City’s regulations on public smoking.
Mr. James Marshall
Mr. James Marshall referred to the positive aspects of the recent election of a female member of Council, feeling that Council should be as representative as possible of the citizens. He stated that this was a wonderful opportunity for the citizens and he was happy that they did not let the opportunity pass by. In this same light, Mr. Marshall urged members of Council select Alisa Swain as City Manager for the City of Dover. He relayed his feeling that Ms. Swain is very capable of filling this position and cautioned Council that they should not let this opportunity slip away.
David Anderson - 87 Spruance Road
Mr. David Anderson stated his concern with an article he recently read in a local newspaper. Apparently, the Planning Commission was considering site plan approval for a church to be located in the portion of the Acme building that is still vacant. The article implied that a member of the Planning Commission stated that there were already enough churches in this area. Mr. Anderson requested validation of such statements.
Mr. Salters explained that the Planning Commission is a separate entity from City Council and suggested that he request a copy of the Planning Commission meeting minutes. The City Clerk will ensure that Mr. Anderson is mailed a copy of the Planning Commission minutes.
There being no further comments from the floor, Mr. Salters moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
AARON O. KNOPF
MAYOR