QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on August 5, 1991, at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Richter presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Weyandt and Council President Christiansen. Mr. Hare and Mr. VanSant were absent.

Council staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Worley, Mr. Cregar and Mrs. Boaman.

Mayor Richter opened the meeting, reminding those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action. He explained that citizen's concerns will be heard and taken care of by staff or by Council during an official Council or Committee meeting.

PROCLAMATION - TERI POLO DAY

Mayor Richter read into the record the following Proclamation:

WHEREAS, Teri Polo, a life-long resident of our city, has become renowned far beyond the confines of this community; and

WHEREAS, Teri Polo attended Dover public schools, having acted with the Act I Players in Dover High School and was a principal dancer with the Delaware Regional Ballet Company; and

WHEREAS, leaving Dover five years ago to pursue her acting career, Teri has since appeared in the drama series "TV 101", in the mini series "People Like Us", was the female lead in the mini series "Phantom of the Opera" and is now co-starring in Orion Pictures comedy-thriller "Mystery Date"; and

WHEREAS, the Premiere Screening of "Mystery Date" will take place on August 8, 1991 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theater on State Street in Dover, Delaware.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. RICHTER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim August 8, 1991 as

TERI POLO DAY

and urge all citizens to join in recognizing and honoring the talent and accomplishments of Teri Polo and extending to her and her family our best wishes for many more years of happiness and success.

PROPOSED SALE OF COMBUSTION TURBINE - PAUL ZARTMAN

Referring to the recent publication of the City's intent to look into the possible sale of its combustion turbine at Schutte Park, Mr. Paul Zartman relayed his objections to the proposal. Being a former member of City Council, Mr. Zartman stated that the City's power plant has been a tremendous asset to the City of Dover and its taxpayers and warned members of Council against losing control of this asset. He questioned why the City of Dover would explore the possible sale of its new combustion turbine.

Mr. Worley stated that Mr. Zartman's concerns are well founded, explaining that City Council and staff are only exploring the possibilities of the proposed sale. They have made no commitment on the sale. The reasons for exploring the sale are:

    (1) When compared with the costs involved with the design for meeting our future power needs, this proposal appears to be 6-7% more economical for the City.

    (2) It enhances the economic vitality of Scott Paper, since the proposed purchaser, PANDA, would be capable of selling steam to Scott Paper.

    (3) It would provide for tax revenue to local governments since it would become a taxable property.

    (4) New federal legislation on the Clean Air Act will impact the McKee Run Generating Station. The proposed PANDA project provides for the introduction of a major national gas pipeline in southern Delaware. McKee Run Generating Plant could more easily meet the new Clean Air Act standards with the availability of natural gas.

    (5) The availability of a natural gas pipeline would enhance the potential for economic development in southern Delaware.

Mr. Worley reiterated that the above is an explanation of reasons the City is investigating a possible sale of the turbine. It does not mean, however, that the City will commit to a sale. It is staff's feeling that the City should investigate all possible avenues.

Mayor Richter stated that the feelings and concerns of Mr. Zartman and other interested citizens are very much invited by Council. He assured the citizens that public input will be encouraged prior to settlement of this issue.

CHARLES WITT - GENERAL ISSUES

Former City Councilman Charles Witt addressed members of Council on many issues of general concern. He expressed an opinion of a general deterioration of the City, alluding to such symptoms as grass growing between the curbs and streets, lack of scheduled street sweeping, commercial dumpsters not being properly enclosed, lack of yellow curb painting, and abandoned buildings and garages on alleys that should be torn down. Referring to a report from Building Inspector Cregar, Mr. Witt stated that Council is being asked to grandfather all the multiple dwelling conversions that were made illegally. He objected to this proposal and urged members of Council to deny this proposal. Referring to problems with multiple dwelling units, Mr. Witt suggested approval of a landlord/tenant ordinance similar to the one used in the City of Newark.

Mr. Witt voiced his objections to the loud music that is permitted from vehicles. He stated that the City Police have full authority to arrest the operators of such vehicles for causing a public nuisance and urged the Police to enforce this law. Mr. Witt suggested implementation of a hotline for citizen complaints or concerns to eliminate the need for a citizen to call several departments.

In closing, Mr. Witt reviewed the problems of drug abuse and urged Council to support legislation for stiffer penalties.

Mr. Weyandt moved for adjournment into executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

                                       DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                       CITY CLERK

                                       JOHN E. RICHTER

                                       MAYOR

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