REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on March 27, 1989 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Richter presiding. Members present were Councilmen Legates, Christiansen, Levitt, Weyandt, and VanSant. Councilmen Hall, Daisey, and Lynn were absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Bartolotta, Mr. Cregar, Mr. Karia, Ms. Bittner and Mr. Rodriguez.
Mayor Richter requested a silent moment of prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mayor Richter stated that an executive session is scheduled to discuss personnel matters and announced that legal matters will be considered during the executive session.
Mrs. Legates moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. VanSant and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 13, 1989
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of March 13, 1989 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Christiansen, seconded by Mrs. Legates and bore the written approval of Mayor Richter.
PROCLAMATION - WOMEN IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC.
The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:
WHEREAS, America was founded with the spirit of volunteerism that continues today in the action of millions of citizens freely giving their energy, talent, and time for the benefit of others; and
WHEREAS, Women in Community Service, Inc., sustains the spirit of volunteerism by enabling others to achieve richer and contributing lives; and
WHEREAS, Women in Community Service, Inc., volunteers, with proven dedication, work to benefit our youth and our community, and have earned the priceless gift that only comes from giving.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. RICHTER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM 1989 as WOMEN IN COMMUNITY SERVICE, INC., SILVER ANNIVERSARY YEAR, and request that it be appropriately observed by our citizens.
Mayor Richter presented the Proclamation to Barbara Natel on behalf of Women in Community Services, Inc. Ms. Natel thanked Mayor Richter for the recognition and members of the public for their support and participation in the program.
ZONING - ELMA WILCUTTS PROPERTY - HORSEPOND ROAD
Action on the zoning of Elma Wilcutts property was tabled during the March 13, 1989 Council Meeting. Mr. VanSant moved to remove the matter from the table, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Mr. Weyandt explained that this matter was considered by the Legislative and Finance Committee. By request of Mrs. Wilcutts’ legal counsel, action by Council was tabled until March 27, 1989. The property owned by Elma Wilcutts was rezoned by the City during adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. Mrs. Wilcutts’ attorney contends that when the City rezoned the Wilcutts’ property, located on Horsepond Road, from R-8 to IPM, there was insufficient notification to the property owner. The change in zoning has deprived the owner of all the protections that are built into the City Code for residential property, such as a buffer zone, noise and lighting restrictions, and larger set back requirements.
The Legislative and Finance Committee recommended that the property owned by Mrs. Elma Wilcutts be rezoned to R-8.
If Council desires to review the merits of Elma Wilcutt’s request for rezoning to a residential zoning classification, the City Planner recommended the following procedure:
- That this request follow the same procedure and schedule as other rezoning applications.
- That Council’s motion direct the Planning Office to prepare the Site Map and application for the Wilcutt’s property.
- That the application request a change in zoning classification from IPM (Industrial Park Manufacturing) to R-8 (Single-Family Residence).
- Such Site Map and application shall be filed for Council’s next Agenda deadline and read at Council’s April 10, 1989 Meeting, referred to the Planning Commission’s May 15, 1989 Meeting and set the Council’s Public Hearing and action for June 12, 1989.
- By following the normal procedure, the City Council will have a report from the Planning Commission which will discuss the merits of whether such change in zoning is consistent with the aims and principles embodied in the proposed rezoning; which areas and establishments will be directly affected by such change and in what way they will be affected; and wether such proposed amendment is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. Weyandt moved to direct the Planner to prepare the site map and rezoning application for the Wilcutts property to change the zoning from IPM to R-8, utilizing the schedule as submitted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
REVIEW OF EXTENSION GRANTED BY COUNCIL FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF DANGEROUS BUILDING ORDINANCE - 620 RIVER ROAD
On February 27, 1989, Council granted an extension for non-compliance of the Dangerous Building Ordinance by a property located at 620 River Road. The extension was granted to allow the nephew of the owner to obtain estimates for the repair and renovations of the structure. Mr. Weyandt moved to remove the matter from the table, seconded by Mrs. Legates and unanimously carried.
The City Planner stated that Mr. Gerald Curd, the owner’s nephew having power of attorney, has been working with contractors to obtain estimates for repairs. They have replaced the glass in most of the house and have cleaned up the general area around the house.
Mr. Cregar recommended that Mr. Curd be allowed to contract with the low bidder to make the necessary repairs to the house, with construction to be complete within 90 days.
Mr. Weyandt moved to grant a 90 day extension on demolition of the property located at 620 River Road, at which time the property will be repaired and habitable. It was stipulated that progress be monitored by the City Planner and if progress is not being made, the Planner will, at his discretion, report the lack of progress to Council for action. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Legates and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn absent).
Answering a question by Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Cregar stated that a final inspection of the property will be performed to ensure that all necessary repairs have been made.
Mr. VanSant clarified that if the property is not habitable within the 90 day period, then the structure will be demolished regardless of the amount of money expended in repairs.
CITY/COUNTY INITIATIVE
The City Clerk read into the record a Resolution concerning cooperative efforts between the City and County.
By motion of Mr. VanSant, seconded by Mrs. Legates, Council unanimously adopted the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, the City and County governments wish to provide their citizens with excellent services in the most economical manner; and
WHEREAS, citizens residing in the City of Dover are represented by members of the Kent County Levy Court as well as by the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, in order to provide the most effective and efficient level of service to our citizens, the City wishes to convey a new wave of cooperation between the two governmental bodies by consolidating our resources and synthesizing our goals.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. In this light, the City and County will share information on their capital improvement plans, will work together on the St. Jones Greenbelt, joint recreational endeavors, and other joint projects such as parking, assessments, water, sewer, planning, and zoning.
2. The City of Dover joins the Kent County Levy Court in supporting State funded paramedic legislation, since the City feels strongly that a life saving service should not be limited to jurisdictional boundaries.
Every resident of our state is entitled to quick and efficient, highly skilled medical assistance and the City of Dover feels that the best possible funding of this service is from a broad tax base of all users.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover urge the institution of a State funded paramedic program on behalf of all residents of the State of Delaware.
3. The Mayor and Council direct the City Clerk to make this Resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover.
ADOPTED: March 27, 1989
In this spirit of cooperation, Mr. Levitt stated his hope that the City and County will work closely in developing a viable library system for the entire County.
Mayor Richter stated that the Resolution will be forwarded to local legislators as well as to the Kent County Levy Court.
MONTHLY REPORTS - FEBRUARY
By motion of Mr. VanSant, seconded by Mrs. Legates, Council unanimously approved the reports for the month of February, as follows:
Chief of Police Report
Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report
City Assessor Report
City Alderman Report
J.P. Court #7 Report
City Manager Report
General Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Internal Service Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Improvement and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
General, Water/Sewer, Electric Revenue - Receipts & Disbursements Report
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on March 14, 1989 with Councilman Levitt presiding.
Delmarva Warehouse - Request to Utilize Unused Portion of William Street
In 1986 Council granted a request of Delmarva Warehouses to utilize the unimproved portion of William Street, with the following three conditions:
1. Permission from Conrail would be required to use their right-of-way.
2. The portion of William Street extending to the Conrail right-of-way would have to be improved to City standards.
3. A gate would have to be installed in the existing fence at the Conrail property line.
The conditions were unacceptable with Delmarva Warehouses and no further action was taken. A new request has been submitted by Delmarva Warehouses to utilize the City right-of-way of William Street for access to the rear of their property. It was explained that use of Conrail’s right-of-way has been eliminated and their permission is no longer necessary. They are willing to install a gate int eh existing fence, but are not willing to improve the remaining portion of William Street. Mr. J. Richard Berry, President of Delmarva Warehouse, Inc., informed the committee that the City uses this portion of William Street in its unimproved state. City employees park their cars on the street, and it is used for access to the rear of the City’s warehouse.
The committee recommended approval of the request of Delmarva Warehouses to utilize the City right-of-way without improving that portion of William Street.
Mr. Levitt moved for acceptance of the committee’s recommendation, approving the request of Delmarva Warehouses, Inc. in accordance with previous stipulations, and eliminating the requirement of paving the unimproved portion of William Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Annexation Request - Sunoco Station Located on Southwest Corner of State Street and Wyoming Avenue
The committee considered a request for annexation of the Sunoco Station located on the southwest corner of State Street and Wyoming Avenue. Delaware Rural Ministries, owning property adjacent to the Sunoco Station, has also expressed an interest in annexation into the City’s corporate limits.
The committee recommended that an annexation referendum be held for the two properties.
The Planning Commission also reviewed the request for annexation of the two properties. In accordance with the current land use existing on the properties and the recommendation of the city;s Comprehensive Plan for land use in this vicinity, the Planning Commission recommended, if the properties are annexed, a zoning classification of C-3 (Service Commercial) be designated for the Sunoco Service Station, and that a zoning classification of C-2A (Limited Central Commercial) be designated fro the offices and clinic of Delmarva Rural Ministries.
By motion of Mr. Levitt, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council accepted the recommendation of the Utility Committee and the Planning Commission, and by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn absent), adopted the following Resolution:
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER AND CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE SAID AREA.
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes the Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deem it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include an area contiguous to the present City limits, and hereinafter more particularly described within the limits of the City of Dover.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That a special election be held for the following described area situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware, and more particularly described and bounded herein:
PARCEL NO. 1 - ALL those two certain lots, pieces or parcels of land situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County and State of Delaware, lying on the south side of Wyoming Avenue between State Street and Bradford Street, and being designated as Lots Nos. 7 and 8 on a plot of lots knows as South Dover Acres, said plot being of record in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds at Dover in Plot Book 1, Page 41, bounded on the North by said Wyoming Avenue, on the east of lands of S. H. Benson, on the south by Lot No. 10 as shown on said plot and on the west by lands of Glordon Cockburn, each of said lots having a frontage on said Wyoming Avenue of fifty (50) feet and extending back from the curb line thereof between parallel lines a distance of one hundred thirty-nine (139) feet, be the contents thereof whatsoever they may.
PARCEL NO. 2 - ALL that certain tract, piece or parcel of land and premises situated, lying and being on the south side of Wyoming Avenue, adjacent to the City of Dover, Kent County and State of Delaware at the southeast corner of the intersection of Wyoming Avenue with Bradford Street extended, of the City of Dover, bounded on the north by Wyoming Avenue aforesaid, on the east by Lot No. 8 of a Plot of Lots known as “Subdivision of the lands of John L. B. Hutchison, Dover, Delaware,” on the south by Lot No. 10 as shown on said Plot of lots, and on the West by said Bradford Street extended, having a front on said Wyoming Avenue of fifty (50) feet and extending back therefrom between parallel lines a distance of one hundred and thirty-nine (139) feet to the north line of said Lot No. 10, as on said Plot, be the contents thereof whatsoever they may. AND BEING also the same lot designated as Lot No. 9 on a Plot known as “Subdivision of the land of The First National Bank of Dover” of record in the Office of the Recorder of Deed, at Dover, Delaware, in Deed Record Book R, Volume 14, Page 162.
2. That the election be held on the 27th day of April, 1989, commencing at the hours of 11:00 a.m. in the City Hall Annex, The Plaza, Dover, Delaware, for the purpose of submitting the question of annexation of the above area to those persons entitled to vote thereon.
3. That the election be held and conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the City of Dover as amended.
4. That this resolution be published in at least two issues of a newspaper published in the City of Dover at least two weeks prior to the day of this election.
ADOPTED: March 27, 1989
Proposed Engineering Agreement for Fork Branch Pumping Station and Mudstone Branch Interceptor
Fork Branch Pumping Station and Mudstone Branch Interceptor is a major sewer project for which the City has recently issued Revenue Bonds. The project will eventually consist of a pump station and interceptor lines, at a total cost of approximately $4,000,000.
Proposals were received from engineering firms to provide engineering services for the Fork Branch Pumping Station and Mudstone Branch Interceptor, consisting of four phases, as follows:
Study Phase - $ 70,000
Design Phase - 230,000
Rights-of-Way/Permit Phase - 11,000
Bidding Phase - 3,000
Total $314,000
The City estimated the engineering costs at $400,000.
The committee recommended awarding the contract to Whitman, Requardt and Associates for an amount not to exceed $314,000.
Mr. Levitt moved to approve the committee’s recommendation to award the contract to Whitman, Requardt and Associates for an amount not to exceed $314,000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn absent).
Bids - 1989 Street Resurfacing Program
In conjunction with the 1988-93 Capital Improvements Plan and the 1988 Revenue Bond Issue, it was proposed to resurface 32 streets in the summer of 1989. The engineer’s estimate on the project was $821,443. The low bid was received from George & Lynch, Inc. in the amount of $693,875.45.
The committee recommended that the bid be awarded to George & Lynch in the amount of $693,875.45.
Mr. Levitt moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to award the bid to the low bidder, George & Lynch, Inc., in the amount of $693,875.45. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn absent).
Addition to Curb and Street Projects
Due to the low bids received on the curb and street projects, the City Manager explained that it will be possible to add six more streets to this year’s program. He suggested utilizing change orders until the sum of the two contracts total the $1,030,000 available. He presented the committee with a list of six streets, taken from the CIP list, to be added and the revised contract amounts, as follows:
Halsey Road Mimosa Avenue
Kent Avenue (River Rd. to New Castle Ave.) Shadow Court
Gooden Avenue Collins Drive
Mr. Weyandt advised that the new fund balance is substantially higher than the $1,030,000 indicated, due to accrued interest, feeling that additional streets could be paved, until the funds are depleted.
The committee recommended that the City utilize the additional funds to expand the street program by approving the change orders as recommended by staff, plus any other funds that may be available as interest payments reflect.
Mr. Levitt moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn absent).
Bids - 1989 Sidewalk Program
In conjunction with the 1988-1993 Capital Improvements Plan, the Department of Public Works conducted a survey of the area designated for the third year of the Sidewalk Replacement Program, which includes the pruning of tree roots.
The 1989 program is bounded by the railroad on the west, Mary Street on the south, the St. Jones River and Silver Lake on the east, and William Street on the north. This is a special assessments program, with funds to be recovered over a three year period.
The engineer’s estimate was $55,355. The low bid was received from Art Concrete in the amount of $44,258.15. The committee recommended that the bid be awarded to Art Concrete in the amount of $44,258.15.
Mr. Levitt moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to award the 1989 Sidewalk Program contract to Art Concrete in the amount of $44,258.15, seconded by Mr. Weyandt. The motion failed by a roll call vote of four (4) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Christiansen), and three (3) absent (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn).
Questioned by members of Council, the City Solicitor stated that the matter could be reconsidered by full Council if desired.
Mayor Richter complimented the Public Works Department on the bids obtained on the streets and sidewalks programs.
Bids - Padmount Switchgears
In order to replenish stock of padmount switchgears, bids were solicited for six 12KV padmount switchgears. The committee recommended that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Rigby Electric, in the amount of $50,088.
Mr. Levitt moved that the bid be awarded to Rigby Electric and that a purchase order be issued to purchase six padmount switchgears in the amount of $50,088. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn absent).
Quarterly Fuel Adjustment Review - March 1989
the 1989 fuel adjustment was set at -$0.01 based on a fuel cost of 35 cents a gallon for the year. Results have been received for only one month, which is an insufficient amount of data to establish any trends at this time. Oil prices have risen and are currently at 35 cents per gallon, which is what the City anticipated for the full year.
The City projected reducing the fund balance by $783,844.02, but only reduced it by $145,514.52; therefore, there is $638,329.20 more in the fund than what the City anticipated. Staff will submit the next quarterly fuel adjustment review in June.
Life Extension Study of Units #1 & #2
A life extension study of units #1 and #2 was recommended in the City’s power supply study. Both units are old and in order to properly evaluate their condition, testing and evaluation will be required that the City is unable to perform in-house. After interviewing several firms, staff selected EBASCO based on their experience with similar studies, the qualifications of their personnel, and the typical reports they have produced on other jobs.
To assure the most effective use of the City’s funds, they study will provide an initial assessment of the condition of the units, to be complete in approximately six weeks. Should the initial assessment indicate that the continuation of the evaluation, with specific equipment inspections, is not justified, the City could choose to terminate the study at this point. The initial assessment represents a firm price of $31,000 which is included in the total price. EBASCO submitted a firm total price of $147,000, should the initial assessment indicate the continuation of the testing and study.
During committee discussion, members of Council expressed concern with the lump sum proposal.
The committee tabled action on the study, directing staff to acquire a breakdown of costs that formulate the $147,000 proposal, enabling the committee to make a recommendation to Council.
Mr. Levitt stated that the Utility Committee held a special meeting on March 22, 1989 to further discuss the matter which will be addressed later in this meeting.
Well Field Development - Phase IV - Engineering Agreement
Staff has recently completed negotiations with BCM Potomac, Inc. to provide engineering services for the design of the production wells and treatment plant for the new well field, taking the project through the bid phase. The negotiated contract is a lump sum of $230,000, which is the same amount presented by BCM in October 1986.
The committee recommended that the contract be awarded to BCM Potomac, Inc. for engineering services for Phase IV of the Well Field Development, in the amount of $230,000.
Mr. Levitt moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to award the contract to BCM Potomac, Inc. in the amount of $230,000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christiansen and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn absent).
Mr. Weyandt moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
SPECIAL UTILITY COMMITTEE
A Special Utility Committee meeting was held on March 22, 1989 with Chairman VanSant presiding.
Life Extension Study of Units #1 and #2
During the committee meeting of March 14, 1989, the committee considered the life extension study of unites #1 and #2. The committee felt that additional information was needed before a recommendation could be made.
During the special meeting, Mr. Bartolotta explained that EBASCO has agreed to perform the study on a “time and materials - not to exceed” basis. Members of the committee expressed very positive feeling towards the change, feeling that many of their concerns would be abated with the new proposal.
The committee recommended that staff be authorized to issue a purchase order to EBASCO Plant Services for life extension services of Units #1 and #2, on a time and material basis, not to exceed $147,000.
Mr. VanSant moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to award the contract to EBASCO on a time and material basis, not to exceed $147,000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Levitt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey and Mr. Lynn absent).
Responding to a question by Mr. Weyandt on a projected completion date, Mr. Bartolotta explained that at the end of seven months (from the date of issuance letter), a final report will be issued. Mr. Weyandt request that this information be obtained in writing from EBASCO.
Non-Utility Generators
With recent discussions on additional capacity, the City has been inundated with proposals from non-utility generators. Delmarva Power & Light, required by the Public Service Commission to consider NUGS, is presently evaluating proposals from various power producers.
Staff is skeptical of the utilization of NUGS since the City could contract for the additional power that may or may not be available when it is needed. It was suggested by staff that the City follow Delmarva Power & Light’s evaluations on cost of generating their own capacity in relation to the cost of utilizing a non-utility generator. After the City has bid for the combustion turbine, the bid information can be compared with DP&L’s evaluations.
Middle West Bond Engineer
Mr. Fred Biere, bond engineer for Middle West, was introduced to the committee. The City’s bond covenants require that an outside engineer perform an annual review of the City’s rates, insurance, unkeep, etc.
Mr. Biere explained the type of review performed by Middle West. Key personnel are interviewed, and records of maintenance and operation are reviewed. A brief inspection of the system is performed and calculations are made to ensure that the City is in compliance with coverage and rate covenants as specified in the ordinance. One item of great importance is review of the City’s budget which represents the City’s commitment to its bondholders. He acknowledged that the City is in a growth period and additional staffing should be added gradually as well as increased hardware and computer software.
Mr. VanSant moved for approval of the Utility Committee Report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Levitt and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT OF 1989 MUNICIPAL ELECTION JUDGES
The City of Dover municipal election is scheduled for April 17, 1989. Mayor Richter requested approval of the following appointment of election judges:
Judge - Councilman VanSant
Judge - Councilman Weyandt
Alternate - Councilman Legates
Mr. Christiansen moved for approval of the appointments, seconded by Mr. Levitt and unanimously carried.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC HEARING - CENTRAL AREA PLAN
Mayor Richter announced that a public hearing is proposed for April 5, 1989 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall to review the final report on the Central Area Plan, as submitted by Urban Partners.
Mr. Weyandt moved that the public hearing be scheduled as proposed, seconded by Mr. VanSant and unanimously carried.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANS
The proposed Capital Improvement Plan was distributed for referral to the proper committees for review.
Mr. VanSant moved for referral to the Utility Committee, the Legislative and Finance Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Trash Collection - Kent Apartments
A letter was received from Cabell Corporation, requesting refuse collection for Kent Apartments, with the City assuming all or a portion of the costs.
Mr. VanSant moved for referral to the Utility Committee, seconded by Mrs. Legates and unanimously carried.
Request for Annexation - Property Located on County Road #99
Mr. William S. Hudson, representing Bay Developers, Inc., submitted a letter requesting annexation of 19 acres of land located on the north side of College Road (County Road #99).
Mrs. Legates moved for referral to the Utility Committee and the Planning Commission, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Kent County Levy Court - On-Street Parking - Governmental Complex
In a letter to Mayor and Council, William Paskey, Jr., President of Kent County Levy Court, requested an opportunity to meet with Mayor Richter and members of Council on any future plans the City may have to change on-street parking arrangements in the vicinity of the governmental complex prior to the implementation of such a plan.
Mr. VanSant moved for referral to the Safety Advisory Committee and the Parking Authority, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Dee Coffey - Concerns of Maintaining an Historical Dover
Ms. Dee Coffey of 224 N. State Street, posed questions on the status of rezonings of 11, 21, and 23 N. State Street properties, and urging Council to preserve the historic nature of the City and to enforce sanitation ordinances relative to animals.
Rezoning of the above mentioned properties is scheduled for public hearing on May 8, 1989 and Ms. Coffey’s concerns will be considered at that time.
Regarding the enforcement of ordinances relative to animals, Mr. VanSant requested that the City Building Inspector review the concerns outlined in Ms. Coffee’s letter.
Substance Abuse Policy - Roger A. Lucio
Mr. Roger A. Lucio stated his feeling that there was insufficient public input prior to adoption of the City Employee Substance Abuse Policy. Mr. Lucio suggested that City leaders show good faith by submitted to drug testing along with City employees.
Mr. VanSant moved to acknowledge receipt of the letter, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
OPEN FORUM
Mayor Richter declared the open forum in session and reminded those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action.
Roy Bogus - 229 Frear Drive
Mr. Roy Bogus of 229 Frear Drive addressed Council, informing that he is the newly elected President of the Whiteoak/Towne Point Civic Association. Mr. Bogus expressed concern with the City’s policy on bulk trash pickup. The City plans bulk trash pickup for Mondays, as requested by citizens. However, there have been many residents that requested bulk trash pickup and the City has failed to collect it until many days later. Mr. Bogus also questioned the plan for pickup of leaves and expressed his appreciation for the repaving of streets in his neighborhood.
Mr. Bogus announced that a Neighborhood Watch Program is scheduled for April 4, 1989 at 7:30 p.m. at the Modern Maturity Center and he welcomed all residents of the Towne Point/Whiteoak area to attend.
Richard E. Dennis - 142 S. New Street
Mr. Richard E. Dennis of 142 S. New Street addressed concerns with the City’s sidewalk replacement program. Sidewalks in his area were recently replaced, but the grass area between the street and the sidewalk was dug out and has not been seeded. He wondered who is responsible for the grass seeding.
Mr. Dennis expressed his dismay when learning of the closing of the downtown Acme and requested that Council continue its efforts gaining approval for a food store to operate in the downtown area.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BITTNER
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of March 27, 1989, are hereby approved.
JOHN E. RICHTER
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