QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on November 4, 1991 at 7:30 p.m., with Mayor Richter presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Weyandt and Council President Christiansen. Councilman Hare and Daisey were absent.
A silent moment of prayer was held in memory of Councilman Frederick VanSant.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mayor Richter requested the addition of an agenda item to consider a Resolution. Council President Christiansen moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.
RESOLUTION - DAKAR, SENEGAL, WEST AFRICA
By motion of Council President Christiansen, seconded by Mr. Lynn, Council unanimously adopted the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, Councilman Reuben Salters, City of Dover Council Representative of the Fourth District, is visiting Dakar, Senegal, West Africa on November 7, 1991; and
WHEREAS, on behalf of City Council and our citizens, Councilman Salters conveys our wishes of goodwill and friendship to the Mayor and citizens of Dakar, Senegal, West Africa; and
WHEREAS, we hope to establish educational and cultural ties with the citizens of Dakar and a most cordial invitation is extended to its citizens to visit our city in Dover, Delaware, USA.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover extend their best wishes to the Mayor and citizens of Dakar, Senegal, West Africa and convey their desire for a lasting and harmonious relationship between our cities.
ADOPTED: November 4, 1991
BOND ISSUE
Mayor Richter asked if there was anyone present to speak or ask questions on the proposed bond issue.
Grace Matthews - 359 Mockingbird Avenue
Mrs. Grace Matthews of 359 Mockingbird Avenue asked if the wetlands within the Park areas have been delineated. Mayor Richter assured Mrs. Matthews that the wetlands have been delineated and considered during the planning process of the Park areas.
Referring to the swimming pool proposal, Mrs. Matthews stated that citizens assume that the swimming pool is a part of Phase I, to be included in the bond issue. Since the pool is actually a part of Phase IV, the City needs to make it clear to the citizens that the pool is not a part of the bond issue. Mr. Worley explained that the total cost of the swimming pool is estimated at $5 million. There has been discussion on trying to seek other sources of funding for the pool. An interest-only question may be placed on the referendum ballot to determine if the citizens want the City to look into alternative funding for a swimming pool at the Park.
Eugene Ruane - 122 Shadow Court
Mr. Eugene Ruane of 122 Shadow Court stated that citizens seem to be confused on the timetable for the bond issue and asked if staff plans further review or refinement prior to the referendum.
Mayor Richter explained that a meeting is scheduled for November 5, 1991 to review these issues. Specifically, Council will attempt to finalize all details for the proposed bond issue for a bond referendum to be held in December. Once all details are finalized, members of City staff will meet with various Civic Associations and local organizations in an attempt to further explain the proposal.
Durward Matthews - 359 Mockingbird Avenue
Mr. Durward Matthews of 359 Mockingbird Avenue asked for a few moments to pay his respects to Councilman Fred VanSant, stating that he was a committed and caring member of Council and personal friend.
Mr. Matthews questioned the City's statement that the bond referendum would result in a 19% tax increase. In calculating the increase, compounding each year's increase, it actually results in an increase of approximately 22%.
Mr. Worley stated that the City did not offer the 19% figure, but only released the percentage of annual increases over three years. The local news media added the yearly percentage increases for the total of 19% which appeared in their articles.
Mr. Matthews urged members to cut the costs of the projects back as much as possible so that those on fixed incomes are not significantly affected by the tax increase. Referring to the proposal for a West Dover Fire Station, Mr. Matthews asked if the Robbins Hose Company fund drive has received contributions from newcomers to the area. Council President Christiansen responded that to date, approximately $57,000 has been received in donations but they do not have the capability of determining how long the donor has lived in Dover.
Responding to questions on additional costs due to increased personnel and vehicles for the proposed projects, Mr. Worley explained that these costs have been calculated and are included in the proposals.
Glenn Mahan - 411 Nimitz Road
Mr. Glenn Mahan of 411 Nimitz Road stated that for those citizens living east of Route #13, the only project of any benefit is the Police Department expansion. Referring to the proposed park, Mr. Mahan stated that the residents of Whiteoak Farms experience problems in their neighborhood due to the City's Williams Park.
MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES
Grace Matthews - 359 Mockingbird Avenue
Mrs. Grace Matthews of 359 Mockingbird Avenue informed members of Council that members of her community have been bothered by a rooster and stray cats. Mrs. Matthews also stated that the front door to City Hall often sticks and needs repair to keep the door from remaining open.
Tony Galla - 925 Woodcrest Drive
Mr. Tony Galla of 925 Woodcrest Drive thanked members of City Council and staff for replacing "no parking signs" with signs prohibiting parking within certain hours of the day. It has eliminated much confusion for those that thought the restrictions were in force 24 hours per day.
Mr. Galla applauded the City's efforts in attempting to preserve trees with a new proposed ordinance. He recommended that the City consider a regulation requiring all food handlers to use gloves, similar to the law in New Jersey.
Eleanor Barnes - 50 Greenhill Avenue
Mrs. Eleanor Barnes of 50 Greenhill Avenue requested that members of Council consider reducing the hours for trick-or-treating next year. She felt the times should be limited from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and a maximum age limit of 12 years be set.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:06 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
JOHN E. RICHTER
MAYOR
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