QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on May 4, 1987 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Council members present were Mrs. Legates, Mr. Ambruso, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Witt, Mr. Weyandt and Mr. VanSant. Mr. Richter was absent.

Roy Bogus - 229 Frear Drive - House at 726 Whiteoak Road

Mr. Roy Bogus related to a property located on Whiteoak Road that has not conformed to City Code for some period of time. A permit has been issued, which expires in September, to renovate the structure. Mr. Bogus felt that it was unfair to adjoining owners to be subjected to the unsightly property for a much longer period of time. He also advised that a boat and trailer have been sitting in the front yard but has since been removed due to notice by Mr. Roe’s office.

Mr. Roe advised that the permit for improvements to the property at 726 Whiteoak Road was issued September 19, 1986 and will not be renewed if renovations have not been completed by September 1987. He has spoken to the property owner and was advised that windows have been ordered for the house and the owner will commence improving the outside in the near future. The owner has also been notified that if substantial improvement to the property has not been completed by September 20, 1987, it will be posted for demolition.

Mr. Bogus also advised that it has been necessary for property owners in his development to replace old terra cotta sewer lines that required taking out a portion of the sidewalks in front. He stated that several owners have not replaced their sidewalks to City standards.

Mr. Bartolotta advised that he would have City personnel survey the area and notify property owners that they are required to replace the sidewalk in accordance with City standards.

Mr. Weyandt - Standards for Street Patching

Mr. Weyandt alluded to the fact that the City of Dover standards for street patching after utility repairs should be improved. This relates to water leaks and necessary repairs to other utilities when the street surface must be dug out and then replaced. He suggested that the Public Works Department devise more specific standards for road service patching.

Feasibility of Quarterly Open Meetings - Mr. Witt

Mr. Witt noted that City personnel and Council members have returned for a special open town meeting with very little participation. He wondered if the effort of opening City Hall for such a short session is feasible since most of the complaints presented by citizens can be readily corrected by calling a related department head or the City Manager.

Mr. Christiansen suggested that approximately 15 minutes be allotted after each regular Council Meeting for citizens to air any concerns that they might have. He added that open town meetings could possibly be cut back to two meetings per year.

Mr. Witt also noted that most of the problems that citizens present in the quarterly open town meetings could be readily solved by contacting a Councilman.

Mr. Ambruso felt that allotting 15 minutes after each regular Council Meeting for citizen input would be limiting the amount of participation since many Council Meetings are quite lengthy. It was also his opinion that those making remarks after a regular Council Meeting would be relating to action taken by Council that particular night. This would cause emotionalism by some citizens who did not particularly agree with the outcome of specific matters.

Mr. Ed Dahn - Purse Snatching

In opening his comments, Mr. Ed Dahn, an unsuccessful candidate in the First District in the 1987 Municipal Election, stated that he was honored to be associated with members of Council and to participate in many Council Meetings and committee meetings prior to the election.

Relating to a remark made by Councilman Witt concerning the cost of Council returning for an open town meeting with such a short agenda, it was Mr. Dahn’s opinion that Council should address the recently proposed $75 per meeting for Council members.

He also expressed his concern over the number of purse snatchings in the City. He wondered if there was a way the citizens of Dover could work with the Police Department in an effort to reduce this crime. He suggested a city-wide neighborhood watch system.

Chief Klenoski advised that there was a series of purse snatchings during the months of January and February. That person was taken into custody and is now incarcerated. Beginning two to three weeks ago, another series of purse snatching occurred. That individual has also been taken into custody. He advised that purse snatchings do not occur in neighborhoods, but usually occur around parking lots or businesses.

As a perpetrator on increasing reimbursement to Council members, Mr. VanSant reminded Mr. Dahn that costs have increased immensely since the $10 per meeting pay to Council members was incorporated in the 1929 Charter. To initiate more interest for a citizen to run for Council, he felt that the $75 per Council Meeting reimbursement might just make the difference, especially to those persons who would be required to have a babysitter to attend City functions.

Those present agreed that the matter of quarterly open town meetings should be discussed for the purpose of more convenience to the public and increased participation.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

                                                                                    WILLIAM H. WILLIS

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of May 4, 1987, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    CRAWFORD J. CARROLL

                                                                                    MAYOR

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