QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on February 2, 1987 at 8:50 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Mr. Richter, Mr. Ambruso, Mrs. Legates, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Witt, Mr. Weyandt and Mr. VanSant.

Mr. Durward Matthews - Streets and Sidewalks - Crossgates, Sherwood, Mayfair Area

Mr. Durward Matthews, President of the Mayfair/Crossgates/Sherwood Civic Association spoke concerning the City’s street and sidewalk programs. He alluded to the need for repaving of streets in the Mayfair and Crossgates area, noting that the City’s present prioritized street program does not call for repaving of these streets for another six years.

Mr. Matthews questioned the equitability of criteria utilized in prioritizing the need for street repairs and requested a copy of the prioritized listing for street repairs.

Mr. Bartolotta stated all streets were prioritized initially. However, this list is reviewed every two to three years in the event that some streets may have deteriorated more than projected. This would result in the street being moved higher on the priority list.

Council invited Mr. Matthews to pick up the requested material from the City Manager’s office at this convenience.

Mr. Bartolotta informed Mr. Matthews that the City is in the process of formulating a five year sidewalk program, similar to the present street paving program.

Mr. Matthews requested radar surveillance in the Mayfair/Crossgates/Sherwood area, especially in the area of Kesselring Avenue.

Mr. Weyandt informed Mr. Matthews that the Police Department very recently obtained additional radar equipment. He suggested that citizens call the Police Department with complaints of speeding vehicles in their area, assuring Mr. Matthews that the Chief would look into his complaint as well as any future complaints of this nature.

Mr. Matthews commended the City on their excellent job on snow removal, although he requested that staff look into the problem of snow at the intersection at Post Boulevard and Webbs Lane.

Mr. Weyandt requested that all City residents attempt to remove their vehicles from the streets during snow storms, utilizing any off-street parking available, so that the City crews can remove snow efficiently.

Mr. Edward Dahn - 1199 Charles Drive

Mr. Dahn spoke in relation to progress on the Civic Center. He referred to a previous poll of citizens concerning their support of a Civic Center in Dover and stated that this poll resulted in a negative vote for construction of a Civic Center. Noting the response of the citizens, Mr. Dahn questioned how the City could be involved in the present plans for a Civic Center.

Mayor Carroll explained that the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Civic Center feasibility study, with monies appropriated from the state, county and city. The study is for the purpose of determining if in fact a Civic Center is feasible in this area. Once the study is complete, with all facts, figures, and probable costs projected, the City Council, as well as Kent County and State of Delaware officials, will consider the proposal.

Mr. Dahn referred to the one day per week trash pick-up policy, suggesting that perhaps citizens would prefer to pay a little more for the convenience of an additional day of trash pick-up.

Mr. Dahn commended City Council on the professional manner in which they conducted their meetings.

(It is noted by the City Clerk’s Office that the previous Civic Center poll that Mr. Dahn referred to was taken on the 1974 municipal election ballot; results were: 1,527 Votes in Favor of Civic Center - 1,232 Votes Against Civic Center)

Ruth Tee - Janotta Property - Whiteoak Road

Ms. Ruth Tee stated that she has spoken to City Council on several occasions concerning the deplorable condition of the Janotta property located on Whiteoak Road. Since her original complaint to Council, the property was sold to Mr. David Johnson. Mr. Johnson has made little progress on renovations to this property and she felt it unfair to the residents of Edgehill to have this type of property in their community.

Ms. Tee felt that complaints from the residents are ignored by the City.

Mr. Weyandt stated that since the change in ownership, City ordinance allows for a one year time limitation for repairs to meet City standards. Mr. Johnson settled on this property in September in 1986.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:25 P.M.

                                                                                    DEBRAH J. BITTNER

                                                                                    ASSISTANT CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Quarterly Open Town meeting of February 2, 1987, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    CRAWFORD J. CARROLL

                                                                                    MAYOR