QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on November 5, 1990 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Richter presiding. Council members present were Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Weyandt, Mr. VanSant and Council President Christiansen.
Council staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Worley, Mr. Petit deMange and Mrs. Boaman.
Mayor Richter opened the meeting, reminding those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action. Citizen's concerns will be heard and taken care of by staff or by Council during an official Council or Committee meeting.
STAFF UPDATES
City Manager - Fuel Adjustment Charges
Although the costs of fuel have fluctuated drastically over the last few months, Mr. Worley reported that the City would not need to have a mid-year increase in fuel adjustment charges. The City calculates its fuel adjustment on an annual basis in order to eliminate the disruptive monthly swings in the rate to make it easier for the customer to budget their bill. However, with an annual adjustment, it is necessary for staff to forecast the fuel costs as well as our power sales and purchases to DP&L and General Foods, and attempt to end the year with a zero balance in the fuel account. If there is a surplus in the account at the end of the year, the fuel adjustment for the following year is calculated so that the surplus is utilized. If a deficit exists at the end of the year, the fuel adjustment for the following is calculated to make up the deficit. During the year, the fuel adjustment is reviewed quarterly in case of unexpected increases/decreases in fuel costs which could require an adjustment during the year.
The fuel adjustment that was set last January was approximately $18.50 per delivered barrel at the Power Plant. Fuel costs at that time were approximately $21 per barrel. During the first part of last year, we were operating at a deficit. During the summer months, the fuel costs dropped to $14 per barrel which was also during our peak time for sales. As a result of the lower fuel costs and increased sales, the beginning of the year deficit was made up and a surplus was experienced in the fuel account. When fuel costs increased to $23 per barrel, the surplus began to be utilized. If fuel costs do not increase prior to the end of the year, the City could actually end up with a surplus of approximately $500,000, which equates to 2% - 3% of the fuel account totals.
In January, the fuel adjustment will be set to utilize the end of year surplus as well as compensate for the projected increased costs of fuel for the next year, with a goal of attaining a zero balance in the fuel account at the end of next year. It is expected that there will be an increase in the fuel rate in January, depending upon the cost of fuel at that time.
Referring to many questions on the efficiency of switching to natural gas, Mr. Worley explained that the City is capable of switching but the plant would only be capable of running at 60% - 80% efficiency on natural gas. The cost of natural gas tracks the costs of oil and at the City’s cost of gas, no savings would be realized.
City Planner - Route #8 Corridor Study
Mr. Mike Petit deMange, Assistant Planner, offered a progress report on the Route #8 and McKee/Saulsbury Road Corridor study. The study area has been defined as terminating just beyond the westerly perimeter of the City on Route #8 and at the east end of Route #8 at the Division Street/Forest Street split, to include Saulsbury Road to North Street and McKee Road to the County Road #100 intersection. A deadline for Requests for Proposals has been set for November 30th.
Mr. Petit deMange cited the necessity for the study, stating that this area will be subjected to increasing development pressure for changing uses, and increased traffic uses on McKee/Saulsbury Roads. The study will consist of a basic land use survey for the area, an analysis of the changing land uses that have been occurring over the last several years, and a proposal for an overlay amendment to the Comprehensive Plan which would then make recommendations for land use decision making in the area. An urban corridor design plan will be devised which will address such things as the visual quality of the corridor area, aesthetics, landscaping, building forms that would be acceptable in the area, signing, and lighting. The key objections of the plan area to preserve and protect the functional quality of the roads, address the safety issues along the corridors to ensure that adequate plans are in place to have certain safety features built as new areas of the City are developed, and enhancement and promotion of the visual quality of these two corridors.
Responding to Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Worley stated that it is hoped that the study will be complete this spring.
TONY GALLA - TWO HOUR PARKING RESTRICTIONS
Mr. Tony Galla expressed his concern with recently approved two hour parking restrictions in various areas of the City. He explained that he is receiving extensive dental work and with the recent two hour parking restriction on Gooden Avenue, he can no longer park his vehicle near his dentist’s office. Mr. Galla felt that perhaps restrictions have been placed upon streets where parking is not a problem. He reminded Council that all streets are owned by the taxpayers, not by the citizens that live nearest the street. If in fact parking is a problem, Mr. Galla suggested that only one side of the streets be restricted, leaving the other side for other to park upon. He suggested that more long term parking should be available in the downtown area for patrons that may wish to be downtown for more than two hours. Mr. Galla offered his time to work with members of Council or the Parking Authority in solving parking problems in an equitable manner.
Regarding Mr. Galla’s concerns of inadequate parking facilities for jurors, Mr. Levitt explained that the Parking Authority is working with the Courts on a system for jurors to park in the Water Street parking lot for specified periods of time.
Mayor Richter stated that Mr. Galla's dentist has requested that the Safety Advisory Committee review the parking restrictions on Gooden Avenue. This will be considered during their meeting of November 13, 1990. Mr. Galla was assured that his recommendations will be considered and Council expressed their appreciation for his input.
CLAIR LESLIE
Mr. Clair Leslie requested Council's assistance in solving a problem he has encountered with his gas company. He explained that his gas company fills his propane tank without his request and they often overfill the tank allowing gas to flow onto the ground.
Noting that the City has no jurisdiction over the involved gas company, Mr. Salters offered to assist Mr. Leslie in resolving his concerns.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
JOHN E. RICHTER
MAYOR
JER/DJB/jg