QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

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

Staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Bartolotta, Mr. Cregar and Ms. Bittner.

In light of a problem that seems to be of interest to everyone, Mayor Richter invited Dr. Goate' of the Capital School District to address Council on their drug and alcohol programs.

CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT - DRUG AND ALCOHOL PROGRAMS

Dr. Goate’, Superintendent of the Capital School District, stated that the Capital School District has a drug and alcohol problem, as does most other school districts. This is not a problem of the school district, but rather is a community problem. The school district has been working in many directions in an attempt to address the problem and now invites the City of Dover to join in their efforts. Education and prevention is the philosophy followed by the school district, which now offers drug and alcohol education in the elementary school levels. Many other problems are a part of the drug abuse problem, such as peer pressure and emotional and physical problems. Youth suicide is the second greatest killer of young people in the United States, only topped by automobile related deaths. The community as a whole needs to address the problems, not in isolation, but as a partnership to combat the problems.

Dr. Goate' stated that the City Police Department has worked diligently with the school district, resulting in an extraordinary working relationship. The City's youth officer has spent numerous hours in educating students and working with the school, students, and parents in dealing with youth related problems. To see a young person expelled from school due to the use, possession, or sale of narcotics or alcohol is a horrible loss not only to the student, but to the entire community.

Chief Hutchison stated that the Police Department has recently implemented a full time Crime Prevention Program and the Victim's Assistance Program. He introduced Cpl. Case to review the new programs and to explain the duties and responsibilities of the Youth Officer.

Cpl. Robin Case stated that the City's Youth Officer offers educational programs for students of all age levels, beginning with kindergarten through college, with each program geared towards the problems encountered by the respective age groups. Cpl. Case stated that drug abuse is a problem, but just as important for consideration is the definition and treatment of other problems that lead to drug abuse.

The Crime Prevention Program is now offered on a full time basis. Neighborhood Crime Watch Programs are the most popular, with over 13 active neighborhood watches in the City. The Police Department has the capability of immediate contact with the community through the designated contact person of the various neighborhoods. The department is represented at neighborhood civic meetings so that law enforcement questions can be answered as quickly and efficiently as possible.

A new program, Victim's Assistance Program, is now being offered by the Police Department, Police personnel contact victims of crime, automobile accidents, etc., as a follow up to offer any assistance available through social agencies and referral systems that many citizens are not aware are available.

Mayor Richter assured Dr. Goate' that the City will join them in their efforts to eradicate drug and alcohol abuse in the community.

Noting that Town Meetings are not televised, Mr. VanSant suggested that Storer televise a program similar to the one presented to Council for the full viewing of the general public.

John Kernan

Mr. John Kernan informed members of Council that many citizens are not comfortable in discussing their problems with the City because they feel that Council will not listen and many are unaware of how to contact their Council representative. He suggested that members of Council let their constituents know how to contact them.

Mr. Kernan stated concerns with the City of Dover having its Planner, Ed Cregar, serving on the Kent County Planning Commission and the County having Mr. John McKenna serving on the City of Dover Planning Commission. He felt that such a situation could result in a conflict of interest for the Commission members. Relating to the rapid growth of the City of Dover, Mr. Kernan suggested that the City give consideration to utilizing a full-time Mayor, feeling that the Mayor should have more power than what appears to be a ceremonial position.

When rezoning properties, Mr. Kernan suggested that the City personally contact property owners involved, stating that placing an advertisement in the paper is not sufficient notification.

Responding to questions from Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Cregar stated that the Levy Court now appoints seven members to the Planning Commission, enabling each commissioner to have an appointment from their respective district. Levy Court Commissioner McDonough appointed Mr. Cregar to serve as his representative on the County Planning Commission.

Mr. VanSant stated his feeling that it serves the City of Dover well to be represented on the County Commission as well as the County having representation on the City's Planning Commission.

Mayor Richter thanked Mr. Kernan for his input, assuring him that the City tries very hard to notify its residents of all on-going projects.

Larry Sussman

Mr. Larry Sussman, Vice-President of the White Oak/Towne Point Civic Association, addressed Council concerning problems at Williams Park. Mr. Sussman lives at 417 Nimitz Road which is adjacent to Williams Park. Over the past two years, Mr. Sussman has addressed various problems at the park. Most recently. the City installed loose stones in the parking area of the park. Mr. Sussman stated that the stones are very hazardous, creating possible personal injury and property damage. Children throw the stories at nearby signs and vehicular tires throw the stones into nearby lawns. The stones also allow ruts, creating an uneven surface which could result in personal injury to persons walking or jogging in this area. Mr. Sussman reiterated previous complaints of the layout of the ball field, stating that the balls are aimed at residential homes rather than towards the open field.

Since Mr. Sussman's presentation at the Safety Advisory Committee, the City rolled the parking lot to press the stones deeper into the ground surface. Mr. Sussman stated that this attempt was unsuccessful and is not a satisfactory solution. He strongly suggested that the City blacktop the parking lot at Williams Park before the beginning of the baseball season when the park experiences heavy use.

Mr. Bartolotta stated that he will continue to monitor this situation.

Ben Bowings

Mr. Ben Bowings of 198 Haman Drive questioned members of Council on the status of the smoke alarm ordinance. He urged its adoption, feeling that it is an important step for Council to make to ensure the safety of its citizens.

Mr. Bowings reminded Council that the trash containers issued to citizens who were involved in the initial test program experienced a problem with the lids. He suggested that these citizens be permitted to return their container to the City for replacement with the new container.

Referring to Mr. Kernan's suggestion for a strong Mayor form of government, Mr. Bowings stated his feeling that the present City Manager form of government is the best structure for the City of Dover.

Mr. VanSant thanked Mr. Bowings for his suggestions, stating that citizen concerns and suggestions are very important to members of Council.

Dave McDonald

Dave McDonald of Capital Green addressed Council, in reference to a recent drug bust in the Kirkwood Street area, stating that lie was one of those arrested for selling drugs to undercover police officers. Mr. McDonald is 15 years old and was sent to a youth detention center in default of $25,000 bail.

Mr. McDonald stated that there is no positive role model for teens to emulate. These young adults find themselves with time on their hands which often leads them to crime and drugs. Although his friends enjoy roller skating and bowling, they have no means of transportation to such facilities. He suggested that the City provide some sort of transportation for youth to recreational facilities so that they can participate in positive programs. It is too easy to buy and sell drugs in Dover, with a tremendous amount of peer pressure placed on the local youth to participate. Mr. McDonald urged members of Council to participate in any program or take whatever- steps are necessary to assist in the eradication of the problem, stating that it may save someone from taking the wrong path and making the mistake that he made.

Mayor Richter and members of Council thanked Mr. McDonald for sharing his experience with them, recognizing that it took a great amount of courage to speak before Council on this matter.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

                                                                                    DEBRAH J. BITTNER

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

                                                                                    JOHN E. RICHTER

                                                                                    MAYOR

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