Regular City Council Meeting
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Jan 27, 1992 at 12:00 AM

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

The Regular Council Meeting was held on January 27, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members present were Councilmen Lambert, Daisey, Levitt, Pitts, Salters, Lynn, Weyandt and Hare.

Council staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Worley, Mr. DePrima, Fire Chief Baker, Mrs. Boaman and Mr. Rodriguez.

The invocation was given by Reverend Harris, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Weyandt requested the addition of an item to discuss a rezoning request by Robert George and Elizabeth Robinson, for property located at 1380 and 1400 Forrest Avenue.

Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 1992

The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 13, 1992 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Lynn, seconded by Mr. Salters and bore the written approval of Mayor Richter.

RESOLUTION - YOUTH SERVICE

By motion of Mr. Lynn, seconded by Mr. Hare, Council unanimously adopted the following Resolution:

WHEREAS, one of our proudest traditions is local community service and neighbors helping neighbors; and

WHEREAS, local community service can generate millions of hours of dedicated neighborhood improvement at no cost or limited cost to government; and

WHEREAS, the quality of life in America and Dover Delaware is dependent upon this tradition of service being adopted by our youth and future leaders; and

WHEREAS, young people often are overlooked in their leadership and the contribution they can make to society; and

WHEREAS, the excitement of the American dream is that each individual, including young Americans, has important and unique abilities which can help build stronger families, neighborhoods and a stronger nation; and

WHEREAS, youth service, to be effective, needs to be institutionalized in our families, schools, service organizations, and communities to create a sustained quality environment for service; and

WHEREAS, all across the country there is an exciting groundswell of young rededicating themselves to helping others.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover, is committed:

1.         To work with the public and private sector to establish quality, institutionalized programs encouraging youth service, and

2.         To support a coordinated local system linking our schools to our existing social service organizations to help stimulate and encourage youth service.

ADOPTED:    January 27, 1992

PROCLAMATION - PERFECT ATTENDANCE MONTH

The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:

WHEREAS, an alarming number of our students do not graduate from high school and we can no longer afford to ignore the issue; and

WHEREAS, our economic welfare, social ethics, and community atmosphere hinge upon the thesis of education and knowledge for all the children of all the people; and

WHEREAS, in keeping with the First State Plan, Delaware 2000, the Capital School District is promoting a drop-out prevention/attendance improvement project; and

WHEREAS, one of the objectives of the project is: "to help students recognize that education is critical for success in life and to ensure their graduation"; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary that we review our commitments to helping students reach for high goals and aim for high achievements; and

WHEREAS, parents, churches, businesses, and the community are charged with the task of serving as role models for our youth, to help them stay in school and succeed.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. RICHTER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE, do hereby proclaim February 1992 as PERFECT ATTENDANCE MONTH and call on the entire community to offer their help in encouraging our students to attend school, stay in school, and graduate from high school.

Mayor Richter will present the Proclamation during a scheduled ceremony. Dr. Goate' expressed his appreciation for the City's support for this very worthwhile project.

PROCLAMATION - CARDIAC REHABILITATION DAY

The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:

WHEREAS, while heart disease continues to be the number one killer of persons in Delaware and across the nation, a growing public interest in services and activities aimed toward prevention and recovery from cardiac disease is evident; and

WHEREAS, the prevention and rehabilitation of this number one killer is performed each day by professionals trained in cardiac health, and these professionals staff the cardiac rehabilitation programs throughout Kent County; and

WHEREAS, the theme for this year's national effort "BACK IN CIRCULATION" aims to promote continued achievement in this field.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. RICHTER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim February 14, 1992, as CARDIAC REHABILITATION DAY in the City of Dover, and urge all citizens to adapt prudent lifestyle habits to help combat this number one killer.

REZONING - 1380 & 1400 FORREST AVENUE - ROBERT GEORGE AND ELIZABETH ROBINSON

A public hearing was held on January 13, 1992 to consider rezoning of property located at 1380 & 1440 Forrest Avenue, owned by Robert George and Elizabeth Robinson. Since the design guidelines of the Route #8 Corridor Study have not been approved by Council, the applicant would not be required to comply with conditions set forth by the study once it is adopted. However, the applicant indicated that they will comply with the proposed guidelines as much as possible. Feeling that the term "as much as possible" was vague, members of Council tabled action on the request, pending further information relative to adoption of the design guidelines of the Route #8 Corridor Study.

Based upon the Planner's recommendation, Mr. Weyandt moved that the rezoning request be removed from the table for action. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Mr. DePrima reported that a letter has been received from attorneys representing the applicants, Robert George and Elizabeth Robinson, as follows:

"This letter will serve as a follow-up to my earlier letter to you of January 22, 1992. Along with this letter you will find enclosed two copies of the concept plan for Kent 8 Plaza which will incorporate properties of Robert H. George and lands of Elizabeth M. Robinson located on Delaware Route 8. We understand that this concept plan may be considered by the City of Dover at its next regularly scheduled meeting on January 27, 1992. It is imperative, on behalf of my client, that this matter come before Council and be rezoned as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, on behalf of my client, we wish to inform the City of Dover that we fully intend to comply with any future ordinances to be adopted by the City of Dover to implement the Delaware Route 8, McKee, Saulsbury and Kenton Road Corridor Study of August, 1991. We believe that this plan meets all of the requirements that we agreed to at an earlier meeting with the City Planner on January 14, 1992.

To the extent that this letter differs from my earlier letter to you of January 22, 1992, this letter amends and supplements that letter. We therefore ask that our rezoning request be presented to City Council at the earliest practical date."

The City Solicitor stated that the above letter is a binding commitment by the applicant.

The applicant has submitted an amended concept plan that meets the approval of the Planning Department and is in accordance with the design guidelines of the Route #8 Corridor Study.

Responding to questions of Mr. Lambert relating to noise complaints, Mr. DePrima stated that noise was addressed in their review. The plan calls for the elimination of parking along the back of the property, near the residential neighborhood, and the planting of dense shrubbery to buffer noise.

Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the rezoning request as recommended by the Planning Commission and Planning Staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lynn and by a unanimous roll call vote, Council adopted the following ordinance:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1380 AND 1400 FORREST AVENUE

WHEREAS, the City of Dover has enacted a zoning ordinance regulating the use of property within the limits of the City of Dover; and

WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of zoning and planning to change the permitted use of property described below from RG-2 and C-1A to C-2A.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:

1.         That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover has been amended by changing the zoning designation from RG-2 and C-1A to C-2A on that property located at 1380 and 1400 Forrest Avenue, owned by Elizabeth M. Robinson and Robert H. George.

ADOPTED:    January 27, 1992

Members of Council urged the Planning Department to submit the necessary ordinances for approval of the design guidelines of the Route #8 Corridor Study as soon as possible.

MONTHLY REPORTS - DECEMBER

Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the following monthly reports by title only, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried:

            Chief of Police Report

            Internal Service Fund, Revenue & Budget Reports

            Improvement and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Reports

Referring to the Building Inspector's Report, Mr. Weyandt asked if there is any way to verify the accuracy of construction costs listed on building permit applications. Mr. DePrima stated that this is a matter that he has been reviewing with the City Assessor. They plan to review this matter to establish a system that will provide adequate verification.

Mr. Weyandt questioned the Administrative Expenses in the Electric Revenue Fund, requesting that staff provide information explaining the 71% over-expenditure. This will be reviewed by the Utility Committee.

Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the following monthly reports, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried:

            Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report

            City Assessor Report

            City Alderman Report

            J.P. Court #7 Report

            City Manager Report

            General Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report

            Water/Sewer Fund, Revenue & Budget Report

            Electric Revenue Fund, Revenue & Budget Report

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

The Legislative and Finance Committee met on January 14, 1992 with Chairman Weyandt presiding.

Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

The City's annual financial report for fiscal year 1990-91 was prepared and published by the Finance Department and is audited by the independent certified public accounting firm of Faw Casson & Company.

The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ended June 30, 1991 was submitted by Mike Karia, Finance Director/Treasurer. Ms. Janis Nesterak of Faw Casson & Company explained that the report shows the City's financial controls and procedures to be in very good order.

Two reportable conditions were brought to Council's attention in the report. One such condition was irreconcilable differences between actual inventory and inventory as recorded in the perpetual inventory system and as recorded in the general ledger system. The second reportable condition is the City's need for periodic observation of fixed assets with comparison to records. Good internal controls dictate that fixed assets be compared to detail records on a regular basis.

Mr. Karia assured the committee that both of the reportable conditions will be acted upon by his staff.

Ms. Nesterak reiterated that the report shows the City's financial controls and procedures to be in very good order and that the matters discussed above were reportable conditions only and are not considered to be material weaknesses.

The committee recommended acceptance of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 1990-91.

Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried. Members of Council commended Finance Director, Mike Karia, for the excellent work on the Financial Report.

Review of Proposed Schedule - Election District Realignment

The City Clerk submitted a proposed schedule for review and adoption of a redistricting plan that will be in effect for the 1993 Municipal Election. This plan must be approved prior to May 1, 1992 since filing petitions for the 1993 election may be accepted anytime between May 1, 1992 and February 12, 1993.

The committee recommended approval of the following proposed schedule:

            February 11, 1992

            Legislative & Finance Committee - First Review of Proposed

                                    Redistricting Plan

            March 10, 1992

            Legislative & Finance Committee - Second Review of Proposed

                                    Redistricting Plan

            March 25, 1992

            Council - Public Hearing on Proposed Redistricting Plan

            April 15, 1992

            Council - Final Public Hearing on Proposed Redistricting Plan

Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the proposed schedule, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Recording of Municipal Liens

During the last committee meeting, Mr. Weyandt requested that staff research the possibility of having municipal liens recorded with Kent County rather than only recording them in our Municipal Lien Docket. Our City Charter requires that liens be entered in a municipal lien docket. In addition to the Charter, there is another law that regulates City liens. This is 25 Delaware Code Section 2901 et seq. This section of the State code sets the order of priority for collection of all liens, including City liens. While researching this matter, Deputy Solicitor Pepper discovered that in October 1990 this Code section was revised so that it does not recognize liens for installation of sewer lines, water mains, sidewalks or curbs, and this has important consequences for the City. This amendment has also effected superiority of our liens over certain other types of liens. The City's long term payment arrangements for water/sewer assessments also makes the City vulnerable in the case of property foreclosure.

Deputy Solicitor Pepper recommended that the City seek legislative relief for this problem. He recommended that 25 Delaware Code Section 2901 et seq. be amended by adding additional charges to the seven already listed in the section to make it clear that special assessments for the installation of sewer lines, water mains, sidewalks and curbs will also enjoy super priority. This change would also permit the City to use the notice of lien procedure established in 25 Delaware Code Section 2901 et seq. This procedure would entitle the City to have the lien arising from the special assessment to be placed against all property owned by the chargeable in the county.

The committee recommended that the City pursue legislative relief as recommended by the Deputy Solicitor.

Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Downtown Dover Development Corporation Lease

The City of Dover has indicated an interest in leasing a portion of the WSFS building, purchased by the Downtown Dover Development Corporation. The City currently wishes to lease the basement area, the first floor, and an area large enough to house the City Assessor on the third floor. The basement would be leased for $10 per sq. ft. at an estimated 2,000 sq. ft.; the first floor would be leased for $12 per sq. ft. at an estimated 3,910 sq. ft.; and if the third floor is necessary for the Assessor, it would be leased at $10.75 per sq. ft. at an estimated 1,140 sq. ft. The total square foot measurements will be verified prior to finalization of the lease.

The committee recommended that the City Manager be authorized to negotiate (up to the maximum amount stated above) and sign a lease to rent space in the WSFS building in the basement, first floor and a portion of the third floor if needed, effective January 1, 1992.

Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

Community Development Block Grant Application

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. As in the past, the available funds may be used for a number of eligible activities designed to induce community development and revitalization. The deadline for submitting a completed application is March 31, 1992.

The committee recommended that they be permitted to submit the required application and for approval of the FY92 Community Development Grant Block Application Schedule.

Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Emergency Shelter Grant Application

The City of Dover received the announcement of the availability of $57,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant Program funds, made available by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development. The deadline for submitting an application is February 28, 1992.

The committee recommended that staff be authorized to apply for the Emergency Shelter Grant.

Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

City Manager's Monthly Report - November 1991

The committee reviewed various sections of the City Manager's Monthly Report for November 1991. No further action was taken.

Mr. Lynn moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT

The Utility Committee met on January 14, 1992 with Chairman Levitt presiding.

Acceptance of Streets and Utilities - Bay Tree Development

The developer of Bay Tree - Phase I has requested that the streets and utilities be accepted for maintenance and ownership by the City. Staff has inspected the improvements and provided the developer with a list of repairs to be made to meet City standards. That work has been completed. The one year Maintenance Bond, Maintenance Agreement and Release From Liabilities have all been submitted.

The committee recommended acceptance of the dedication of Bay Tree Development -Phase I.

Mr. Levitt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Daisey and carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Christiansen).

Request for Alley Abandonment - Forrest Street - Maurice Hartnett

The City of Dover Planning Commission recommended approval of a request to abandon a 15' wide undeveloped alley which accesses the southerly side of Route #8, approximately 210' east of Saulsbury Road. In making this recommendation, the Planning Commission considered that the abandonment would eliminate a public access point onto Route #8. Limiting the number and frequency of access points along the corridor is viewed as important in improving the corridor's utility. The alley does not appear to be in use along the portion proposed for abandonment, which is 92.5' in a southerly direction from Route #8. There are no utility lines or easements along the alley.

The committee discussed the matter at length, with adjacent property owners voicing their objections to the proposed abandonment.

The committee recommended denial of the request.

Mr. Levitt explained that since the date of the committee meeting, staff researched the request and found that the alley in question was abandoned by Council on December 2, 1963 at the request of William Holden. Although a revised deed was never filed to show the alley abandoned to Mr. Holden, a deed was filed which transferred the alley, along with other property, from Mr. Holden to Mr. Hartnett.

Mr. Salters moved that the alley request be denied and that any further consideration be discontinued. The motion was seconded by Mr. Daisey.

Members discussed this matter at length relative to the legality of the previous abandonment of the alley in question.

Mr. Weyandt moved to table the matter for further research by the City Solicitor. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lynn and carried with Mr. Salters and Mr. Christiansen voting no.

Power Plant Emissions

Referring to recent news articles and concerns raised by Senator Still, an explanation was offered by Mr. Worley and Mr. French on Power Plant emissions. The City has been utilizing a lower sulfur content in the oil at McKee Run Power Plant. The Plant meets DNREC and EPA requirements, but there are times when emissions seem higher. Although the cause has not been determined, it is felt that this condition occurs more often in the fall when the system is not operating at a full load. The City is looking at possible solutions to the problem. One solution being considered is an extraction system where soot would be captured and reinjected with air into the boiler and reburned.

This is a very sensitive issue and staff assured Council that they will do everything within reason to resolve any problems.

No further action was taken by Council.

Summary of Units #1 and #2 Life Extension Expenditures

As requested by committee members, staff submitted a summary of Units #1 and #2 life extension expenditures. The RMI study determined that total expenditures up to $7.74 million for Units #1 and #2 could be justified for life extension by the year 2000. Expenditures up to this amount would be justified by the unit revenues. The life extension items recommended in the Ebasco study and those recommended by staff or required by equipment failure were listed for committee review. The Ebasco study identified life extension projects totaling $3.06 million. Mr. Worley stated that to date, only $1,283,000 has been spent. In addition, unanticipated major expenditures of $2.02 million have been identified this year by staff. This brings the anticipated total for the units to $5.08 million which is still well below the $7.74 million justified by the RMI study. The major expenditures include an estimate of $120,000 for ash reinjection (soot control).

The committee recommended acceptance of the summary of Units #1 and #2 life extension expenditures.

Mr. Levitt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.

Summary of 1991 Fall Power Plant New Projects

As requested by Council, staff submitted an informational report on additional expenditures, totaling $2,801,000, required for the McKee Run Power Plant which will require adjustment of the plant budget. This information will be brought back for Council approval through budget amendments at a later date. No further action was taken.

Sanitation Containers Fund

The Public Works Department submitted a memorandum responding to questions of Council on the Sanitation Containers Replacement Fund. This fund was established in March 1988, with the funding plan for the proposal approved by Council on October 26, 1987. The balance in the Container Replacement Fund as of December 1, 1991 was $45,170.

Because of problems with the Rand lifting arms resulting from the weight of a fully loaded 440 gallon container, the Department began switching to 330 gallon containers in 1989. As of January 1, 1992, all 440 gallon containers have been received from service, totaling 250 containers. The current container inventory and stock purchases are managed by Support Services.

Responding to Mr. Weyandt's question on what the City plans to do with the 440 gallon containers, staff advised that they would like Council's permission to sell the 250 (440 gallon) containers.

The committee recommended that staff be authorized to sell the unused sanitation containers.

Mr. Levitt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.

Bid - College Road Sewer Line

In conjunction with the 1991-96 Capital Improvements Plan, the construction of a sewer line extension on College Road of approximately 900 linear feet of 8" sewer main was proposed in College Road from Mishoe Street to Railroad Avenue. The engineer's estimate for the project was $119,000.

The low bid was received from Ray Savage, Inc. in the amount of $92,890.50. The property owners to be assessed as a result of this project were notified by certified mail of the results of the bidding and invited to discuss the issue at the Utility Committee meeting. The assessment charge for the project will be the maximum allowed by ordinance of $40 per front foot. Chairman Levitt noted that there were no property owners present to address the matter with the Utility Committee.

The committee recommended that the contract be awarded to Ray Savage, Inc. in the amount of $92,890.50.

Mr. Levitt moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Daisey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

Mr. Levitt moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.

ANNEXATION - JOHN C. HAMMOND

An annexation referendum was held for property located on Forrest Avenue and Saulsbury Road, owned by John C. Hammond. The City Clerk reported that only one property owner was eligible to vote in the referendum, resulting in one vote cast in favor of the referendum and no votes cast against.

Mr. Weyandt moved for acceptance of the results as reported, seconded by Mr. Lynn and carried with Mr. Salters and Mr. Christiansen voting no.

Mr. Lynn moved for approval of the annexation, seconded by Mr. Daisey, and by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Salters) and one (1) not voting (Mr. Pitts), Council adopted the following Resolution:

A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER.

WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deem it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include an area contiguous to the present City limits, and hereinafter more particularly described within the limits of the City of Dover, and

WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover provides that if a majority of the Votes cast in an election held in a territory proposed to be annexed shall be in favor of inclusion of that territory within the limits of the City of Dover, the Council may thereupon adopt a resolution annexing said territory and including same within the limits of the City of Dover.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:

1.         That the following described area, situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware, shall be annexed to and included within the limits of the City of Dover:

ALL that certain lot, piece or parcel of land situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, and State of Delaware, lying on the south right-of-way line of Forrest Avenue being 50 feet wide, also lying on the east right-of-way line of Saulsbury Road being 200 feet in length and containing ten thousand (10,000) square feet of land for the same more or less.

2.         The above described property shall be annexed into the City of Dover with a zoning classification of C-3 (Service Commercial) in accordance with the zoning map and environs, then in force, effective upon such lands being included within the limits of the City of Dover.

3.         That the certified copy of the resolution of annexation, together with a plot of the area annexed, shall be filed for record with the Recorder of Deeds of Kent County.

4.         That the effective date of this resolution shall be the 28th day of January, 1992 at 12:01 a.m. o'clock.

ADOPTED: January 27, 1992

REZONING REQUEST - 1230 FORREST AVENUE - RJB, INC.

A request was received to rezone property located 1230 Forest Avenue, owned by RJB, Inc. The property is currently zoned RG-2 (General Residence) and the requested zoning is C2-A (Limited Central Commercial).

Prior to amending the zoning ordinances and zoning map of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.

By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council unanimously referred the request to the Planning Commission and set a public hearing for March 9, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. The first reading of the following proposed ordinance was accomplished by title only:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1230 FORREST AVENUE.

FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE

Mr. Lambert moved to waive the reading of the proposed ordinance before Council, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried. Council President Christiansen reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinances are available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office. Final action by Council on the proposed ordinance will take place during the Council Meeting of February 10, 1992.

Mr. Lynn moved for acknowledgment of the first reading of the following proposed ordinance, by title only, seconded by Mr. Daisey and unanimously carried:

SECTION 2901 OF TITLE 25 - SPECIAL ASSESSMENT LIENS

Mr. Lynn moved to adjourn into Open Forum, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.

OPEN FORUM

Council President Christiansen declared the open forum in session and reminded those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action.

Richard Ornauer - 17 Mifflin Road

Mr. Richard Ornauer of 17 Mifflin Road expressed his appreciation for Council delaying action on the George/Robinson rezoning until an agreement could be reach on compliance with the Route #8 Corridor Study requirements. Mr. Ornauer stated that the residents of Deerfield are grateful for everyone's cooperation in this issue.

Tony Galla - 925 Woodcrest Drive

Mr. Tony Galla of 925 Woodcrest Drive relayed his appreciation for Council's review of reduction of soot from the McKee Run Power Plant. He requested that review also be given to toxic oil vapors that escape from the storage tanks and noise pollution from the Power Plant.

Ruth Tee - 822 Whiteoak Road

Ms. Ruth Tee of 822 Whiteoak Road expressed concern with the intent of some members of Council to bring back certain referendum items for reconsideration. Ms. Tee stated that the economic slump and the high rate of unemployment leaves our citizens in the position of being unable to afford a property tax increase. She urged members of Council to hold back on expenditures until the economy improves.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:25 P.M.

                                                                                    DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of January 27, 1992, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    JOHN E. RICHTER

                                                                                    MAYOR

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