COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting was held on January 12, 1993, at 7:07 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Leary, Mr. Salters, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor and Mayor Knopf. Mr. Hare was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Leary moved to accept the agenda as submitted, seconded by Mr. Daisey and unanimously carried.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Levitt presiding. Members present were Councilmen Salters and Leary and Mr. Hindman.
FILING PROCEDURES FOR REZONING PETITIONS
During their meeting of September 15, 1992, the committee considered requesting the General Assembly to amend 22 Del. C. S 305, that would require petitions in opposition to rezonings to be filed on the last business day prior to the day of the scheduled hearing. Noting that the request would effect other municipalities, members deferred action to allow staff the opportunity to contact other municipalities for their opinion.
Mr. Chappy Lucas, City Assessor, submitted letters from the Delaware League of Local Governments, Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association, City of Milford, and Town of Smyrna in support of an amendment that would require petitions, in opposition to rezonings, to be filed on the last business day prior to the day of the scheduled rezoning public hearing.
Responding to Mr. Salters, Mr. Lucas stated that the requirements for filing petitions could be included in the notification letters from the City Clerk that are sent to those property owners within 200 feet of the property to be rezoned. Members also suggested that the requirements be included in the public notice that is advertised in a local newspaper.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend that staff be authorized to submit a letter requesting the General Assembly to amend 22 Del. C. Section 305, seconded by Mr. Hindman and unanimously carried.
REPORT ON SECOND PUBLIC HEARING - PUBLIC'S REVIEW OF PROGRESS OF FY92 CDBG PROGRAM
As required by H.U.D. (Housing and Urban Development) guidelines, a second public hearing was held for the purpose of providing any interested citizen the opportunity to comment on the FY92 Community Housing and Development plan, which guides the use of funds under the Community Development Block Grant Program.
Mr. Don Knox, Community Services Director, advised members that no one was present at the public hearing; therefore, staff will continue with the CDBG FY92-93 program as approved by Council on February 11, 1992.
There was no further action taken by the committee.
FY93 CDBG APPLICATION SCHEDULE
Funds are made available to the State of Delaware Development Office/Division of Housing and Community Development through a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grants. These funds are provided to induce community development and revitalization.
In order to participate in this year's CDBG program, staff has prepared a schedule to be used as a guide in preparing the application. It was noted that it may be necessary to change some dates at the discretion of Council.
Mr. Salters moved to recommend approval of the application schedule for FY93 CDBG (Attachment #1), with the understanding that some dates may be altered. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Mr. Salters moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:18 P.M.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Parks and Recreation Committee met with Chairman Pitts presiding. Members present were Councilman Tudor and Mrs. Malone. Noting the absence of Councilman Hare and Mrs. Dean, Councilman Salters was deputized to serve as a member.
DOWNTOWN PUBLIC RESTROOM FACILITIES
During their meeting of August 25, 1992, the committee directed staff to investigate the location of any restrooms downtown that are available for the public's use and the feasibility of installing portable latrines in the downtown area and their costs.
In researching this matter, staff advised members that public restrooms are available at City Hall and the State Visitors Center. It was also noted that each restaurant downtown has restroom facilities that are generally available to the public. Since complaints have been received concerning people relieving themselves at the Loockerman Way Park, staff contacted the Central Dover Business Association (CDBA) and suggested that a portable latrine be placed at the Park. Mr. Worley stated that the CDBA opposes the use of portable restrooms. He assured members that the Police Department has been alerted to the problem at Loockerman Way Park and is attempting to remedy the situation.
Members noted that public restrooms are also available at the Dover Library, Robbins Hose Company, 5 East Reed Street, Court #7, the two State Museums, and the Federal Building. Members felt that advising the public of those facilities that provide public restrooms may alleviate some of the problems.
Feeling that the public is not aware of the restroom facilities that are available downtown, Mr. Daisey suggested that those businesses located downtown place signs on their buildings indicating that public restroom facilities are available.
Mrs. Janice Sibbald stated that she has observed people urinating at the Loockerman Way Park and it appears that no attempt is made to locate a restroom facility. As an alternative, she suggested that a portable latrine be placed in a more exposed location such as in one of the parking lots located near the Robbins Hose Company.
Former Chief of Police, James Hutchison, reminded members that several years ago, it was necessary to close the public restroom facilities that were provided downtown due to the illegal activities occurring at the facilities. He also relayed the possibility of liability being placed on the City.
Taking into consideration that the City has a Main Street Program, Council President Christiansen suggested that this matter be referred to the new Main Street Manager. Mr. Tom Smith, Chairman of the Main Street Program, stated that although they are willing to take on the project, they do not feel that portable latrines are the answer.
Mr. Tudor moved to recommend that the matter be referred to the Downtown Main Street Manager for possible resolution and that progress be reported in 60 days. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Mr. Salters moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:43 P.M.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Daisey presiding. Members present were Councilmen Pitts and Lambert and Mr. Carey.
ANNEXATION REQUEST - JEMM INVESTORS - NORTH SIDE OF COLLEGE ROAD
The committee considered a request for annexation of property located on the north side of College Road, consisting of 1.28+/- acres, owned by Jemm Investors. The property is located immediately east of the Conrail line.
Mr. DePrima, City Planner, advised members that the property is the former location of Eastern Disposal and has a County zoning classification of IG (General Industrial). The proposed use of the property is for central receiving and motor pool operation for Delaware State College. Mr. DePrima stated that in accordance with the City's Comprehensive Plan, the property would be given a zoning classification of Medium Density Residential (RG-2). The land north of the property is also zoned IG in the County; to the east are various residential zones within the County and City; to the southwest is Westminster Village zoned RG-5; and to the west is the College Industrial Park zoned C-PO (Commercial/Professional Office), IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing) and M (Manufacturing).
The Planning Commission recommended annexation of the property with a zoning classification of C-3 (Service Commercial). Although this zoning classification does not comply with the Comprehensive Plan, Mr. DePrima stated that the C-3 zone would serve as a good transition between the industrial park and the residential property.
Mr. Pitts moved to recommend that an annexation referendum be held for property located on the north side of College Road, owned by Jemm Investors (it is recommended that the referendum be set for February 25, 1993). The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried (Resolution - Attachment #2).
ANNEXATION REQUEST - WESLEY REALTY COMPANY - EAST SIDE OF HORSEPOND ROAD AT THE INTERSECTION OF LAFFERTY LANE
The committee considered a request for annexation of property located on the easterly side of Horsepond Road, consisting of approximately 7.8+/- acres, owned by Wesley Realty Company. The property includes a 40,000 sq. ft. warehouse, which is being used as a beverage wholesale company. There is a vacant single family home that is in disrepair and will be demolished. The property is currently zoned IG (General Industrial) in the County.
Mr. DePrima advised members that the Planning Commission recommended approval of the annexation and that the property be given a zoning classification of M (Manufacturing). The City's Comprehensive Plan recommends manufacturing and industrial uses for the area. He assured members that the existing establishment conforms with the plan and would be an asset to the City.
Mr. Lambert moved to recommend that an annexation referendum be held for property located on the easterly side of Horsepond Road, owned by Wesley Realty Company (it is recommended that the referendum be set for February 25, 1993). The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried (Resolution - Attachment #3).
PAVING OF STREETS - SETTING OF ASSESSMENTS PUBLIC HEARING
During the last year, Waters Street, Girl Scout Lane and Spruance Road have been proposed for paving. It is the City's policy to assess the adjacent property owners for the cost of this work. In accordance with Section 28 of the City of Dover Charter, a resolution is adopted setting the date and time for a public hearing which is required prior to proceeding with the project.
Mr. Dave Braun advised members that the adjacent property owners are notified of the public hearing by certified mail. He noted that there has been confusion with Water Street and Waters Street, and stated that staff will be accepting suggestions at this time for a new name for Waters Street.
Staff recommended adoption of the resolutions to set public hearings for the paving of Waters Street, Girl Scout Lane and Spruance Road, for February 8, 1993 at 7:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend acceptance of staff's recommendation (Resolutions - Attachment #4, #5, #6), seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
BID - PADMOUNT TRANSFORMERS PURCHASE
Although shipments of transformers are continuing to arrive from our most recent purchase, quantities of various sizes will be exhausted during the spring and summer construction. Staff solicited bids for the purchase of ten transformers to increase the inventory of three types of three phase units.
Ms. Swain, Acting Electric Director, stated that the bids were evaluated by staff. She explained that the evaluation combines unit costs with operational heat loss efficiencies to determine the most economical transformer. Staff provided members with the bid evaluation indicating the comparison and recommended approval of the following bids:
Item Quantity Description
#1 1 500 KVA 4160GRDY/2400V to 480Y/277V
#3 1 150 KVA 4160GRDY/2400V to 208Y/120V
#4 3 500 KVA 12470GRDY/7200V to 480Y/277V
To be awarded to Valley Power Inc. in the amount of $36,761. The Engineer's estimate was $38,300.
#2 5 300 KVA 12470GRDY/7200V to 208Y/120V
To be awarded to A.J.P. Sales, Inc. in the amount of $38,875. The Engineer's estimate was $40,000.
Mr. Lambert moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
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