COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting were held on March 10, 1992, at 7:00 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Salters, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Hare, and Mr. Lambert.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Weyandt requested that a letter from Mr. Tony Galla concerning two hour parking restrictions downtown be considered as additional information to item #1 on the Safety Advisory Committee agenda. Mr. Weyandt requested that item #3 be added to the Legislative and Finance Committee agenda to consider an appointment to the Kent County AeroPark Authority. He also requested that item #4 be added to the Legislative and Finance Committee agenda to consider the Data Processing Proposal.
Mr. Levitt moved to accept the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Levitt presiding. Members present were Mr. Salters, and Mr. Carey. Noting the absence of Mr. Daisey, Mr. Pitts was deputized to serve as a member (Mr. Daisey arrived immediately following the opening of the meeting).
REQUEST TO WAIVE LENGTH OF CUL-DE-SAC REQUIREMENTS - WEST SIDE PARTNERS - NORTH SIDE OF WALKER ROAD
During their Regular Meeting of January 13, 1992, Council denied the request of West Side Partners to waive the length of cul-de-sac requirements for the proposed subdivision located on the northerly side of Walker Road. The conceptual plan proposes a 52 unit townhouse development to be accessed by means of a single 650 foot cul-de-sac street. In accordance with City regulations, the maximum length permitted for a cul-de-sac street is 400 feet. As provided under Article VII, Section A of the Land Subdivision Regulations, the developer is requesting a waiver from the length to 700 feet.
Based on correspondence received from Mr. R. Brandon Jones, representative for West Side Partners, the committee re-considered the request.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of waiving the length of cul-de-sac requirements as requested by West Side Partners for their subdivision located on the northerly side of Walker Road, west of the intersection of Walker and Saulsbury Road, stipulating that an additional fire hydrant be placed in the cul-de-sac. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pitts.
Mr. Lambert reiterated his concern with the amount of traffic and density problems currently in the area. He advised members that several residents have contacted him relaying their opposition to the proposed subdivision. Mr. Lambert also questioned the possibility of a conflict of interest from the City Solicitor since he was a previous owner of the property.
Mr. Hare stated that the opinion rendered by the City Solicitor was a professional legal opinion and was not based on his past interest in the property.
On a call for the question by Mr. Pitts, the motion was unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Daisey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:10 P.M.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Weyandt presiding. Members present were Councilmen Lynn and Hare and Mr. Leary.
SELECTION PROCESS FOR CITY INSURANCE
Several years ago the City adopted a policy requiring the solicitation of quotes on insurance coverage every three years through a formal bid process. This would require staff to develop a lengthy and complex set of specifications which are distributed to interested local and regional insurance companies. Those firms interested in securing the City's account would then require extensive historical data to be compiled and submitted on their special forms.
Ms. Swain advised members that Hardesty Insurance, Inc. was awarded the insurance bid in 1986 and 1989 and that they had handled the City's insurance for over 24 years prior to being awarded the contract in 1986. She stated that Hardesty has extensive knowledge and experience relative to the City's insurance requirements and has successfully retained the account. Although formal bids are not requested during the interim years, Ms. Swain explained that Hardesty shops the insurance market to obtain informal quotes which give the City the best coverage and pricing available at the time. She stated that there are two reasons why Hardesty has been able to retain the City's business for several years, as follows:
1)Hardesty ties up the market because it is the first company to submit completed applications to insurers. Insurers will provide only one quote and that is given to the company who applies first.
2)Municipal insurance is a specialized market, and there are a limited number of insurers who will write municipal insurance. The City has never received a formal quote from a local insurance company other than Hardesty Insurance, Inc.
Based on the above facts, it was staff's feeling that the most efficient method of obtaining quotes for the City's insurance coverage this year is to have Hardesty Insurance, Inc. act as the agent of record and informally shop the municipal insurance market instead of going through the protracted formal bid process. Staff recommended that Hardesty Insurance, Inc. be requested to seek informal quotes for this year in the City's property and casualty insurance.
Considering the City's insurance history, staff also felt that the current City policy should be reviewed and the possibility of establishing a formal client/broker relationship be considered. Ms. Swain explained that a Request for Qualifications would be developed and proposals solicited from interested firms.
Some members relayed concern with the concept of a client/broker relationship, feeling that it could hinder the possibility of reducing the costs of insurance coverage.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend that staff solicit quotes on insurance coverage from multiple brokers through a formal bid process, seconded by Mr. Lynn.
Due to the extensive work involved in obtaining quotes through a formal bid process, Ms. Swain advised members that there would not be enough time to obtain insurance policies for fiscal year 1992/93.
Mr. Leary amended his motion to allow staff to obtain insurance coverage through informal bid process for fiscal year 1992/93, seconded by Mr. Lynn.
Mr. Weyandt requested that the motion include that staff begin soliciting quotes for insurance coverage for fiscal year 1993/94 by January 1, 1993.
On a call for the question by Mr. Weyandt, the motion recommending that staff obtain insurance coverage through informal bid process for fiscal year 1992/93 and that staff obtain quotes through a formal bid process for fiscal year 1993/94 was unanimously carried.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - 1994 CHICKEN FESTIVAL
The committee considered a proposed resolution in support of the Kent County Tourism Corporation in its efforts to sponsor the 1994 Chicken Festival in the City of Dover.
Mr. Lynn moved to recommend approval of the proposed Resolution (Attachment #1), seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
The committee requested that upon adoption of the Resolution, a copy be sent to Kent County Levy Court.
NOMINATION - KENT COUNTY AEROPARK AUTHORITY
Mayor Richter has requested that the committee nominate Mr. Tony DePrima, City Planner/Inspector, to serve on the Kent County AeroPark Authority. Mr. Weyandt explained that the appointment is made by Kent County Levy Court.
Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that Mr. DePrima be nominated to serve on the Kent County AeroPark Authority, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
DATA PROCESSING PROPOSAL
During their Regular Meeting of February 24, 1992, Council considered a Data Process Proposal submitted by Systems and Computer Technology Corporation (SCT) and tabled the matter for further review by the Legislative and Finance Committee.
Staff provided members with a copy of the proposed contract with SCT. Mr. Worley explained that the contract was developed with the assistance of the Deputy City Solicitor, Mr. William Pepper.
Mr. Worley introduced Mr. Bob Wilson of SCT and Mr. Richard Blumenthal, Attorney representing SCT.
Some members reiterated their concern with the time and costs involved for the contract. Although they agreed that the City must move forward with its computerization, they felt that additional review is necessary.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend that staff investigate other options such as privatization, seconded by Mr. Weyandt. The motion failed by a vote of two (2) yes (Mr. Hare and Mr. Weyandt) and two (2) no (Mr. Lynn and Mr. Leary).
After extensive review of the contract, the committee made the following recommendations:
1)Section 6.3 - Expenses, subsection (b). Members felt that the City should make payments directly to vendors.
2)Section 6.4 - Cost of Living Adjustment. Noting that City employees are not guaranteed increases in their salaries, members felt that SCT employees should not be guaranteed an increase in their salary and that this provision should be eliminated.
In addition to the contract, a separate advisory committee consisting of several local computer experts would be created to assist the City Manager in the administration of the contract and evaluation of the performance of SCT. The Committee recommended that two elected officials also be appointed to serve on the advisory committee.
Mr. Leary moved to recommend approval of the contract with SCT, stipulating that the revisions to Section 6.3(b) and Section 6.4 be made as recommended and that two elected official be appointed to serve on the advisory committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lynn and carried with Mr. Weyandt voting no.
Mr. Lynn moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Parks and Recreation Committee met with Chairman Daisey presiding. Members present were Councilmen Pitts, Hare and Lambert. Mrs. McIntosh, Mrs. Wasko and student liaison member Mr. Engstenberg were absent.
NEW STREET BALL FIELD - (MR. HARE)
Mr. Hare advised members that he has received many complaints relative to the noise and lighting disturbances at the New Street Ball Field which is adjacent to a residential community. He requested that the City establish a policy that no new innings be permitted to start after 9:30 p.m., with the ball field lights to be out no later than 10:00 p.m.
Mr. Zachery Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, advised members that the lights are currently turned out by 10:30 p.m. each night.
As a compromise, members suggested that the lights be off by 10:15 p.m.
Mr. Christiansen suggested that staff investigate the possibility of a timer to be put on the lights so that they would automatically be turned off at 10:15 p.m. Responding, Chief Hutchison felt that the concept could create safety hazards.
Mr. Lambert moved to recommend that the lights at the New Street Ball Field be cut-off by 10:15 p.m., seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory Committee met with Chairman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilmen Hare, Pitts, and Lambert.
TWO HOUR PARKING RESTRICTIONS - S. BRADFORD STREET - CHRIS DONKIN
During their meeting of February 25, 1992, the Committee tabled a request from Ms. Chris Donkin to extend the two hour parking limitation on South Bradford Street to allow staff to further review alternatives for parking restrictions downtown. It was noted that Mr. Tony Galla also submitted a letter requesting the City to consider three hour parking spaces for Downtown Dover.
Chief Hutchison advised members that the Central Dover Business Association has not had the opportunity to review the request. He stated that the matter will be discussed at their next meeting.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend that Chief Hutchison meet with the Central Dover Business Association to review the parking restrictions in the downtown area and formulate a recommendation for the committee's review. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
REQUEST TO REMOVE PARKING RESTRICTIONS DOWNTOWN ONE DAY PER MONTH - TONY GALLA
The committee considered a letter from Mr. Tony Galla, 925 Woodcrest Drive, requesting the removal of all parking restrictions one Friday afternoon each month in the downtown area. Mr. Galla felt that this would allow citizens to spend the day visiting the historical area, shop, have dinner or lunch and spend some leisure time in downtown Dover.
Mr. Worley explained that the request is basically a promotional program for the downtown area. He stated that sufficient notice and advertisement would be required so that the various signs could be disregarded without physically removing or covering them. Staff recommended that the request be referred to the Central Dover Business Association for their recommendation to Council.
Mr. Lambert moved to recommend acceptance of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
RECOMMENDED SOLUTION TO DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC PROBLEMS - BUZZ JOHNSON
A letter was received from Mr. Arland "Buzz" Johnson of 348 North Governors Avenue requesting that State Street and Governors Avenue be made one-way from Walker Road to Wyoming Avenue.
Mr. Worley reminded members that the issue was considered in July 1991. At that time, it was felt that the traffic flow in downtown Dover did not warrant a change although it may be needed in the future.
Mr. Worley advised members that the Delaware Department of Transportation is currently completing the Greater Dover Area Comprehensive Traffic Plan and that no further action should be taken until this plan is complete and submitted by the State. He also stated that computer controllers of the intersections have recently replaced the old mechanical controllers; however, there are still some programming details which are being worked out. Once the system is complete, Mr. Worley stated that the traffic on Division Street, State Street and Governors Avenue will be better coordinated.
Staff recommended denial of the request for one-way streets on State Street and Governors Avenue and that matter be reviewed once the Greater Dover Area Comprehensive Traffic Plan and the computer controller system are complete.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend acceptance of staff's recommendation and that a letter be sent to Mr. Johnson thanking him for his suggestions. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
CITY OF DOVER TRAFFIC LIGHTS - OSCAR SEBASTIAN
A letter was received from Mr. Oscar Sebastian concerning the adverse effects of traffic lights in the City of Dover and provided graphs and other information for the committee's review.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend that Council acknowledge receipt of the letter from Mr. Sebastian and thank him for the information. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
REQUEST TO REMOVE STOP SIGNS AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ON SCHOOLHOUSE LANE
The committee received a petition from five residents on Woodcrest Drive and one on Schoolhouse Lane requesting the removal of the pedestrian stop signs.
Mr. Worley advised members that the stop signs were erected at the pedestrian crossing on Schoolhouse Lane to deter speeding on Schoolhouse Lane. In accordance with the regulations of the Delaware Uniform Traffic Manual, Mr. Worley stated that the signs are illegal; however, the City has consistently used stop signs for speed control throughout Dover as a matter of policy. Staff recommended that the signs temporarily be removed and that the results be assessed. If speeding remains a concern, staff recommended that the signs be replaced with a traffic choker.
Chief Hutchison advised members that several residents requested the signs be erected and that he cannot support staff's recommendation without a majority of the residents requesting that the signs be removed.
Mr. Lynn reminded members that several years ago, Council authorized the Chief of Police and the City Manager to regulate traffic-control devices by utilizing past practices exercised in the City, the Uniform Traffic Code, and the Department of Transportation guidelines. Should a resident be dissatisfied with staff's decision, the matter could be presented to the Safety Advisory Committee for consideration. It was Mr. Lynn's feeling that these types of requests should be handled directly by staff.
Mr. Pitts moved to recommend that no action be taken on the matter until a petition with a majority of the resident's signatures is received. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Mr. Hare moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
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