QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on November 6, 1989 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Richter presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey, Mrs. Legates, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Salters, Mr. VanSant and Mr. Weyandt.

Members of staff present were Mr. Cregar, Ms. Swain, Mr. Lucas, Chief Hutchison and Mrs. Boaman.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mayor Richter reminded those present that the purpose of the Quarterly Open Town Meetings is to allow citizens an opportunity to express their opinions or to relate their problems to Council.

FULL TIME MAYOR

Roy Bogus

Mr. Roy Bogus, President of the Towne Point Civic Association, stated that during a recent civic association meeting, a consensus of the members depicted that they are not in favor of a full time Mayor for the City of Dover. If, however, this was approved, the Association felt that the current Mayor and/or current Council members, should not be permitted to run for the paid office for at least two years and that a full-time, professional City Manager should be utilized. The association favors the proposal for a civic center.

Robert Tudor

Former Councilman Bob Tudor, expressed his opposition to the proposal for a full-time, paid Mayor. Mr. Tudor stated that the City of Dover has never had an unsatisfactory Mayor. Money is not what entices public officials; it is love for the City of Dover. Mr. Tudor feared that utilization of a paid Mayor would lead the City into partisan politics. He also expressed concern with the costs involved to the taxpayer for a full-time, paid Mayor.

Ben Bowings

Mr. Ben Bowings expressed his agreement with the statements made by Mr. Tudor. Although he was unable to attend the public hearing on the proposal for a full-time Mayor, Mr. Bowings reminded Council that he has sent letters in opposition to the proposal.

Questioned by Mr. Weyandt and Mr. Christiansen, Mayor Richter suggested that members of Council save their comments for a regular Council meeting so that the time afforded for town meetings can be utilized by the citizens. Mr. Christiansen felt that a special meeting should be scheduled so that members of Council may interact with the citizens on this subject without taking time away from the citizens at the Town Meeting.

CIVIC CENTER

Gregory Kramedas

Mr. Gregory Kramedas informed Council that he intended to make remarks concerning the proposed civic center. However, since a public hearing is scheduled on the rezoning of this property, he has decided to hold his remarks so that they will be an official part of the public hearing.

Mayor Richter announced that the developers of The Liberty Center plan to request postponement of the public hearing, pending -receipt of traffic survey information.

Prompted by Mr. Levitt to make a general statement, Mr. Kramedas expressed concern with the City of Dover, Kent County and the State of Delaware contributing taxpayer money for a civic center. He questioned if the Liberty Center will be a true center for the community or if it will be a private enterprise.

AUGUST HAAS - 412 KINGS HIGHWAY

Mr. August Haas of 412 Kings Highway explained that a tree, located next to his residence, is over 200 years old and is falling down in pieces. He requested that the City have the tree removed to prevent possible personal injury or property damages.

Mayor Richter assured Mr. Haas that staff will investigate this matter.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:50 P.M.

                                                                                    DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

                                                                                    JOHN E. RICHTER

                                                                                    MAYOR

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