QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on May 4, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Pitts, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Salters, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Hare and Mr. Lambert. Mayor-elect Knopf and Councilman-elect Leary were also present.
COMMENTS - STORER CABLE FRANCHISE RENEWAL
Storer Cable has initiated the proceedings required by federal law to seek a renewal of its franchise. The current franchise will expire on January 21, 1994. City Manager Worley explained that the City of Dover must review the performance of Storer in terms of quality of service; rates cannot be considered as a part of the franchise renewal process.
Mr. Charles Weller of 241 Fiddlers Green asked for an explanation of how the process works. Mr. Levitt stated that the process for franchise renewal begins three years prior to the franchise expiration. The first step is a public proceeding to give the public the opportunity to participate in identifying the future cable related needs and interests of the community and reviewing the performance of Storer under the existing franchise. This public hearing was on January 29, 1992. At the conclusion of all the public proceeding portions of the renewal of the franchise, a proposal for franchise renewal will be submitted. Once the formal renewal is received from Storer, the public will be notified for further comment. Within four months after the first step of the process (public proceeding portion), the City must either renew the franchise or issue a preliminary assessment that the franchise should not be renewed. If such an assessment is issued, Storer may then request an administrative proceeding. The purpose of that proceeding is to formally consider the full renewal criteria specified by federal law. At the conclusion of the administrative proceeding, the City would then have to issue a written decision granting or denying the franchise based upon the record of the administrative proceeding.
Mr. Levitt stated that the City has no power to control basic rates at this time, although the City could require additional services such as a channel designated for public information. He suggested a "Public Bulletin Board" concept where citizens would have access to meeting notices, agendas, etc., as well as other community interest matters. Mr. Levitt explained that the City receives 5% of Storer's gross revenues as reimbursement for use of the City's poles. Mr. Weyandt suggested that the City investigate an avenue for demanding proof of Storer's revenues to substantiate the accuracy of the 5% payment to the City.
There was general discussion on the difficulties for competition in a City the size of Dover, and the concept of a City owned cable system similar to the system in Easton, Maryland.
PRESENTATION - GROWTH MANAGEMENT PROCESS
The City Manager, Tom Worley, and the City Planner, Tony DePrima, briefly explained the City's growth management process. Mr. DePrima stated that the City's Comprehensive Plan generally governs zoning and development in the City. He explained the development process, stating that new development normally requires site development, conditional use, or subdivision approval. Site plan approval is at the discretion of the Planning Commission and at the present time, public notification/public hearing is not required. However, at the direction of Council, staff is investigating an amendment to this section. Conditional Use and Subdivision approvals require proper notification and a public hearing prior to approval.
Mr. Worley stated that the City has developed a five year Capital Improvement Plan which leads the City into the future. The Capital Improvement Plan is only a guide; specific project funding is achieved through a budget approval process. He explained that a growth plan is necessary in order to ensure an adequate infrastructure and orderly growth process for the City of Dover.
MUDSTONE BRANCH SEWER LINE - NEW ALIGNMENT
The Mudstone Branch Sewer line was proposed to adequately service the northwest portion of the City. Over the past year, several meetings were held with residents that objected to the proposed alignment of the sewer line. After many meetings with residents and representatives of DNREC, a new proposed alignment was designed that would have less of an impact on the environment.
Mr. Scrafford presented a diagram depicting the original design and the new proposed alignment for review. Construction cost of the original design was estimated at $7,700,000. Construction cost of the new design is estimated at $9,058,000 for a total project cost of $10,900,000. General rates will fund 19% of the project, with 81% of the project costs being funded by impact fees.
Mr. James Marshall asked what costs would be involved for connection by a property owner. Mr. Scrafford stated that this is a capital project which normally is not assessed against property owners. City staff will investigate connection charges and report the information to Mr. Marshall.
JAMES MARSHALL - RACIAL VIOLENCE - RODNEY KING VERDICT
Mr. James Marshall of RD 5 Box 52 in Dover, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to address Council during the open forum. He related to the racial violence experienced in Los Angeles, California resulting from the verdict of the Rodney King case. He beseeched members of Council to provide the necessary leadership so that we can work together. He asked that African Americans not be denied the right to education and jobs, feeling that we need to find a cure for our problems rather than treating the symptoms. He stated that we could accomplish this together by being conscious of the problems and working together towards the solutions.
COUNCILMAN SALTERS
Councilman Salters thanked those present for participating in the meeting. He asked that citizens share their opinions and suggestions with Council members before decisions are made so that the desires of the community can be considered.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
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