COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting was held on July 28, 1992, at 7:00 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Leary, Mr. Salters, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Hare, Mr. Lambert and Mayor Knopf.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Lambert requested the addition of item #6 to the Utility Committee agenda for consideration of a Far West By-Pass Connector.
Mr. Levitt moved to accept the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Daisey presiding. Members present were Councilmen Pitts and Lambert and Mr. Carey.
ANNUAL CONTRACT - ASBESTOS INSULATION REMOVAL - MCKEE RUN
There is a considerable amount of asbestos insulation around pipes, turbines, heat exchangers, etc., at the McKee Run facility. This insulation provides efficiency improvements and personnel burn protection. Plant maintenance periodically requires access to the equipment that has asbestos insulation. Removal of asbestos insulation requires trained and certified personnel, which are not on staff at the plant. To remain within applicable regulations, bids were solicited for certified asbestos handlers to deal with the asbestos insulation on an as-needed basis. It is estimated that $25,000 will be spent on this contract. Based on work experience in an electric generating facility, staff recommended that the City identify Tri-State Insulation as the asbestos abatement contractor for the 1992/93 budget year at a rate of $25.00/hour for Supervisor/Foreman and $22.00/hour for Mechanic.
Mr. Lambert moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
At the request of Mr. Tudor, it was noted that the concept of including pre-qualifications on all bids solicited will remain a pending item for the Utility Committee for a report by staff.
CONTRACT - IN-HOUSE ELECTRICIAN
The City currently does not request any of it employees to maintain an electrician's license. Bids were requested for the services of a licensed electrician. It was estimated that the work would cost approximately $10,000 per month. Staff recommended that the contract be awarded to Advance Electric at a cost of $17.00/hour for Electrician and other rates as listed, totalling approximately $80,000 for fiscal year 1992/93.
Mr. Pitts moved to recommend that Advance Electric be awarded the contract at the rates listed (Attachment #1), totalling approximately $80,000 for fiscal year 1993/92. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
BID - PADMOUNT TRANSFORMERS
Bids were solicited for 3 phase padmount transformers for warehouse stock. Staff evaluated the bids by comparing purchase costs with operations heat loss efficiency to determine the most economical transformer to purchase. Staff recommended approval of the following bids:
1)Three (3) - 500 Kva 277/480 transformers to Valley Power at a cost of $23,565 (Engineer's estimate was $25,156).
2)Five (5) - 300 Kva 277/480 transformers, Five (5) Kva 277/480 transformers, and Four (4) 150 Kva 120/208 transformers to Wesco at a cost of $72,103 (Engineer's estimate was $74,281).
3)Two (2) - 300 Kva 120/208 transformers, One (1) - 150 Kva 120/240 transformer, One (1) - 75 Kva 277/480 transformer, and One (1) - 75 Kva 120/240 transformer to Hesco at a cost of $24,139 (Engineer's estimate was $24,478).
4)One (1) - 75 Kva 2400 120/240 transformer to A.J.P. Sales at a cost of $3,664 (Engineer's estimate was $3,534).
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
ACCEPTANCE OF STREETS AND UTILITIES - SHERWOOD V
The developer of Sherwood V Subdivision has requested that the streets and utilities be accepted for maintenance and ownership by the City. After construction was completed, staff inspected the improvements and provided the developer with a list of repairs to be made to meet City standards. All work has been completed. A one-year maintenance agreement and bond, and a release of liabilities have been submitted. Staff recommended acceptance of streets and utilities for Sherwood V Subdivision.
Mr. Pitts moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
ENGINEERING SERVICES - NORTH LOOP WATER MAIN
In conjunction with the 1991-96 Capital Improvement Plan, it was proposed to construct approximately 15,000 linear feet of water main along Denneys Road from Kenton Road to U.S. 13. During their meeting of January 13, 1992, Council authorized staff to proceed with the design and bidding of this project.
Proposals to provide design services were received from 23 engineering firms. Staff selected six (6) firms for interviews. Based on the proposals and interviews, staff began negotiations with Karins and Associates of Dover. Staff recommended approval of the design contract with Karins and Associates in the amount of $79,500 for the North Loop Water Main.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
FAR WEST BY-PASS CONNECTOR
Mr. Lambert advised members that the Department of Transportation is holding a meeting on July 30, 1992 to receive comments on the proposed Puncheon Run Connector. It was noted that the City has already gone on record in opposition to the Puncheon Run Connector. Noting that the development of west Dover is rapidly increasing and the traffic that will be generated, Mr. Lambert suggested that the City submit a letter to the Department of Transportation in favor of a Far West By-Pass Connector. It was his feeling that an avenue should be established to alleviate the traffic congestion that has increased with the development of West Dover. Mr. Lambert advised members that as an alternative to the Puncheon Run Connector, the Department of Transportation has proposed three alternate Western Connectors.
Mr. Lambert moved to recommend that a letter, signed by the Mayor and Council President, be sent to the Department of Transportation reiterating the City's opposition to the Puncheon Run Connector and that as an alternative, they consider a Western Connector. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Richard Ornauer, 17 Mifflin Road, suggested that members of Council attend the meeting on July 30th to annunciate the City's position on the matter, since the Department of Transportation plans to make a final decision on the matter very soon.
After discussing the matter at length, and noting that the public meeting is scheduled for July 30th, a consensus was given for staff to devise a letter under the Mayor and Council President's signature, urging the selection of a Western Connector and restating the City's opposition to the Puncheon Run Connector. Although other members of Council plan to attend the public meeting, Mr. Lambert was designated to speak on behalf of Members of Council during the meeting on July 30th.
Mr. Lambert moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Levitt presiding. Members present were Councilmen Salters and Leary and Mr. Hindman.
1992 GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ISSUE (1992 STREET/STORMWATER PROGRAM)
During their Regular Meeting of June 8, 1992, Council adopted the 1992 Street Program to include the following projects:
1) Street and Curbs 5) Handicap Ramp Program
2) Residential Alley Program 6) Waters Street
3) Commercial Alley Program 7) Girl Scout Lane
4) Sidewalk Program 8) Tar Ditch Improvements
The estimated costs for the projects total $961,000. The City's Charter authorizes Council to approve the issuance of General Obligation Bonds up to $1,000,000 for streets, storm sewer, and related purposes. The Finance Director, Mr. Mike Karia, presented members with details relative to the Bond Issue. He explained that the services of a bond counsel and financial advisor would be necessary for the Bond Issue. Every two years, their fees are compared with other bond counsels and financial advisors. When there is a bond issue, their fees are compared with the industry standards.
Staff recommended the appointment of Potter Anderson & Corroon of Wilmington, as bond counsel for the 1992 G.O. Bond Issue at a fee not to exceed $12,000 plus an estimated out of pocket cost of $1,000, if fees are incurred. It was noted that Potter Anderson & Corroon has worked with the City on the six (6) bond issues since 1985 and have provided excellent services.
Staff recommended the appointment of James T. Cavanaugh & Associates of Baltimore, as Financial Advisors for the 1992 G.O. Bond Issue at a fee not to exceed $5,000 plus an estimated out of pocket cost of $1,000, if fees are incurred.
Mr. Salters moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendations, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
SUGGESTIONS - COUNCILMAN WILLIAM F. HARE
Council Procedures - Introduction to Council Prior to News Release of Council Related Issues
It was Mr. Hare's feeling that a procedural policy is necessary for members of Council to address issues of mutual interest prior to release to the news media to ensure that members of Council are not hit cold by the Press on important issues.
Although members of Council did not feel that a procedural policy should be adopted that would restrict Council from giving statements to the press, it was agreed that members of Council should be courteous by notifying one another of issues prior to contacting the Press.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend that no procedural policy be adopted at this time, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Revenue Ideas Committee
In light of the revenue shortfalls, Mr. Hare suggested that a Revenue Ideas Committee be created, led by two Council Members and consisting of civilian members, to offer ideas for the City to generate revenue.
Mr. Hindman felt that one of the reasons members of Council are elected is to formulate recommendations for increasing revenues. Mr. Worley reminded members that this matter was discussed during Council's Goals Workshop for 1992/93 and that staff will be formulating recommendations for further review.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend that staff submit recommendations to increase revenues for the committee's review, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Review of Budget Process
Feeling that the current budget process does not allow adequate time for members to review the budget, Mr. Hare suggested that a committee be found to establish a better way to review the budget.
Noting that Council will begin review of the budget in September, no further action was taken.
Hiring and Reclassification Freeze
Mr. Hare suggested that the City institute a hiring and reclassification freeze until the Council appointed sub-committee has completed its review of total personnel and related salaries.
Chief Hutchison stated that he has been notified that the Police Department will receive one grant, pending Council's approval, that would provide for a Victim Services Employee. He has applied for another grant that would provide four (4) additional police officers. It was noted that this matter will be presented to the Legislative and Finance Committee for formal approval. Chief Hutchison relayed his concern with a hiring and reclassification freeze, feeling that it could jeopardize the Police Department from acquiring the additional personnel through grants, which would have no impact on the City's budget.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend that a hiring and reclassification freeze be tabled to be considered at a future meeting, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Strong Mayor Concept
Since the strong Mayor concept was recently initiated, Mr. Hare requested that a committee be established to pursue the issue.
Mr. Worley reminded members that the City's structure is a pending item to be further discussed during the Council's Goals Workshop.
Mr. Leary moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
RRC/jg
Attachment