WORKSHOP
Members of Council met in a Workshop Session on October 29, 1990 at 7:00 P.M. with the Mayor Richter presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Weyandt, Mr. VanSant, and Council President Christiansen.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES
Mayor Richter explained that Mr. Wayne Holden would be present representing the Downtown Dover Development Corporation. Other members of the DDDC present were Mr. Robert Berglund and Mr. Jerry Sheilds. As instructed by the DDDC, City Staff prepared and submitted a list of development incentives to be used to encourage investment in downtown Dover (attachment #1). The committee reviewed the following areas:
Target Area
A map of the proposed target area was submitted to members for review. It was generally agreed that the target was correct as shown on the map.
Uses
It was agreed that all uses are included in the proposal, excluding industrial development, but including taxable and untaxable properties. To clarify this, Page Two, Section B (Eligible Projects) was amended to exclude the words, "or expand the success of an existing enterprise".
Limit
A minimum of $15,000 in improvements is necessary for eligibility although not all improvements qualify (such as routine maintenance or ordinary repairs). Eligibility will be determined by the City Manager and staff, with appeals to Council.
Tax Obligation
There was discussion about the Freeze on Tax Obligation vs. the Freeze on Tax Assessment. In a letter to the Legislative and Finance Committee, the Assessor explained that if a Freeze on Tax Obligation is utilized it would mean that the actual tax obligation of the property at the time of an incentive program commences would remain fixed throughout the entire 10 years. If a Freeze on Assessment is utilized, it would mean that the actual assessment, in place before a project begins, remains unchanged (with the exception of reevaluations). The difference is that as tax rates change year to year, the tax obligation would also change.
Mr. Holden stated that the DDDC favors a Freeze on Tax Obligation. This keeps it simple for the developer since he knows up front what his tax obligation will be for the next 10 years. Although this could result in an enormous increase in tax obligation at the end of the 10 year period, Mr. Holden stated that the developer would be well aware of this and could plan accordingly.
Discussion evolved around the complexity of reassessing properties that may involve demolition and rebuilding, especially in instances where only a portion of the building is being demolished and refurbished.
Mr. VanSant moved to freeze the tax obligation of the 10 year period, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Period of Eligibility
It was agreed that to be eligible for consideration for the development incentives, the application must be made within three years from the effective date of the incentives, which is proposed for January 1, 1991.
Building Permit Cap
There will be a cap on building permits at $1,000 for eligible projects.
Impact Fees
It was agreed that impact fees will be waived for eligible projects, provided that in addition to the eligibility requirements, the project will maximize land use.
DDDC Contribution
It was agreed that the DDDC would receive 10% of the 10 year savings generated from the program which will assist in developing an outside revenue source for the Corporation.
Effective Date
Mr. Worley stated that the proposal will be drafted in ordinance form and submitted to Council for the first reading on November 12, 1990. The second reading will take place on November 26, 1990 and will become effective on January 1, 1991.
PROPOSED CHARTER AND CODE CHANGES
In accordance with recent Charter changes, the City Clerk and City Solicitor submitted necessary amendments to the City Code. Other related Charter amendments were also reviewed. Following is a summation of the committee's recommendations.
Creation of an Election Board
The City Clerk recommended the creation of an Election Board. This would remove the requirement of members of Council having to serve as judges at municipal elections. The Election Board would consist of five members, one from each of the four districts and one to serve at-large. The Alderman would serve as a liaison member. The guidelines were generally approved by Council (attachment #2). The City Clerk explained that the Election Board could be created by Resolution and could be considered at the next Council Meeting.
Section 8 - City Charter - Council to Serve as Election Judges
Section 8, 2nd paragraph, of the Charter would require an amendment. Council would like it to read similar to the following:
"All elections shall be held by an Election Board which shall consist of the Alderman and the necessary number of Election Board members. The necessary number of Election Board members to hold an election shall be determined and designated by the Election Board." The rest of the paragraph to remain as follows: "The Alderman may designate such other persons as he shall deem necessary to assist the members of the Election Board in the conduct of the election and counting..."
Section 9 - City Charter - Meetings of Mayor and Council - Generally
Last paragraph, last sentence to be amended to delete ('s) from the word "Council's", to read as follows : "The Mayor, upon recommendation from the Council President, will present Council appointments for Council approval".
It was generally agreed that the term "Council appointments" will mean the appointment of members of Council to their various committees/commissions. The term "Mayor appointments" will mean appointments made by the Mayor for committees/commissions not comprised of members of Council.
Section 2-70 (4) - Compensation
Council agreed to amend Section 2-70, paragraph (4) to permit compensation to Election Board members, as suggested by the City Clerk. Non-city employees serving as judge - $50; City employees serving as judge - $35; clerical assistants working a municipal election - $35.
Section 2-26 - Voter Registration - Requirements
Council agreed to alter this section to state that voter registration will be accepted from the first working day in May until 5:00 P.M. on the last working day in March. (Although the State will continue to accept voter registrations during our closed period, the State will hold the cards until the first working day in May, at which time the information will be forwarded to the City.)
Section 2-44 - Request for Ballot
This section needs to be altered to read, "Any voter who is qualified under Section 2-42 to vote by absentee ballot and who desires to do so shall, not later than 5:00 P.M. of the last working day prior to such election, request the election official for an official ballot to be voted at such election."
Section 18-1 - Police Force Generally
The second paragraph should be changed to read as follows: "The City Council shall, upon adoption of the annual budget, designate the number and salaries of the individual policemen who shall comprise the police force. The Mayor shall choose and appoint the policemen."
Section 2-77 - Members
Paragraph (a) should be amended to have the appointment by the Council President instead of by the Mayor. Confirmation by Council is to remain.
Section 2-87 - Members
Same as Section 2-77
Section 2-157 - Members
Same as Section 2-77
Section 2-167 - Members
Same as Section 2-77
Section 5-20 - Building Code Board of Appeals
Same as Section 2-77
Section 2-207 - Composition
Paragraph (2) - Same as Section 2-77
Section 18-47 - Membership Generally
Same as Section 2-77
Section 2-1 - Board of Revision and Appeals
Same as Section 2-77
The City Clerk explained that the proposals will be forwarded to the City Solicitor so that the necessary ordinances can be drafted. If possible, the ordinances will be presented to Council during their November 12th meeting for the first reading. Amendments to the Charter, upon approval by Council, will be sent to the General Assembly for action in January.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
John E. Richter
Mayor
JER/DJB/jg
Attachment