QUARTERLY OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL
The Quarterly Open Meeting of Council was held on November 4, 1985 with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Richter, Boaman, Bulley, Christiansen, Witt, and Weyandt. Mr. Ambruso and Mr. Shevock were absent.
Construction of Community Swimming
Mr. Michael J. Malkiewicz of 38 Winged Foot Road was present to speak concerning the construction of a community swimming pool, the Silver Lake area, and recreation in general in the City of Dover.
According to a report published by the State of Delaware, Department of Environmental Control, swimming is the third most popular activity in the State, but swimming pool facilities is a major deficit in Kent County and the City of Dover.
Mr. Malkiewicz related to the abundance of algae in the lake during the months of July and August. Fecal bacteria, plant growth and run-off has been a specific problem identified by the State. He alluded to the fact that the lake was closed for 17 days, or 25% of the usable time during 1985. Normally the turn-over at the lake facility is approximately 10,000 persons. In 1985, only 5,000 to 6,000 persons utilized the lake swimming areas.
Since a majority of the population does not have the money to drive to beach areas, Mr. Malkiewicz requested that the City compile a feasibility study pertaining to the construction of a community swimming pool, working closely with the County and the State. In addition, he advised of a hearing being conducted by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control on November 12, 1985 at 12:00 p.m. concerning indicator organisms that cause sickness in persons using public swimming facilities. He felt that the City should participate in the hearing.
Relating to recreation in general, Mr. Malkiewicz requested that the City keep mind the recreational needs of its citizens. Out of 40 former recreational programs that once existed within the City, only six remain which are predominately softball oriented for males between the ages of 20 and 28 years of age.
Questioned by Mayor Carroll, Mr. Malkiewicz stated that he intends to address County officials on the same subject.
Condition of Houses on Mitscher Road - Roy Bogus
Mr. Roy Bogus of 229 Frear Drive, Whiteoak Farms, advised that he contacted the City Inspection Department in July concerning 193 and 195 Mitscher Road. The duplex was surrounded by trash with grass and weeds over 2' high. Mr. Bogus, on July 12, 1985, was advised that the process of condemnation had been initiated by the City. Within 60 days, half of the duplex was torn down with the remaining section still standing. The remaining half contains broken windows and is partially boarded. An adjacent house, which is occupied, is also partially boarded and is littered with trash. It was his opinion that the remaining half of the duplex should be completely torn down and the adjacent structure brought up to City standards.
Mr. Bogus also advised that Marsteller's Market on Whiteoak Road owns a dumpster which constantly overflows and trash blows up Frear Drive and against properties adjacent to Whiteoak Road. One side of Marsteller's facility has been mutilated by persons using canned spray paint.
Mr. Bogus also requested that five ton limit signs be posted at the entrances to Whiteoak Farms, noting that 10 wheeler tractor trailers often enter the developments and park at night with refrigerator units running. This is particularly annoying in the summer, late at night. He expressed concern that the recently paved streets will be damaged by the weight of the tractor trailers.
Mr. Weyandt stated that there are ordinances that prohibit tall grass, trash around residences, substandard dwellings and trucks in residential areas. These ordinances can be enforced when the City is notified.
Questioned by Mr. Weyandt and Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Roe stated that half of the duplex mentioned by Mr. Bogus was torn down but he has been stymied on the second half by deed problems with heirs of the property. The properties mentioned by Mr. Bogus are a part of the Pleasanton Estate and Mr. Roe explained that he has run into difficulty locating some of the heirs. This is necessary to legally condemn the property.
Proposed Package Store - Dover Air Force Bases
Mr. Kevin J. Boyd of 77 Shady Lane was present to speak concerning the proposed package store on Dover Air Force Base. On July 8, 1985, Col. Richard Murphy of Dover Air Force Base, contacted Kent County Levy Court seeking support for a liquor store outlet on Dover Air Force Base.
In the initial letter to Kent County Levy Court, Col. Murphy conveyed the idea that the Base is in need of funds to finance sports, physical fitness, arts, crafts, hobbies, outdoor activities, child care, and library services. The Air Base withdrew its request for support from the Kent County Levy Court at the first sign of publicity on the matter. Mr. Boyd was curious as to why the Base withdrew its request and it seems that they will probably go forward with the idea without seeking public support. He felt that the Base is using a priority for recreation on the Base over an entire segment of the business community; that being off-sales of alcoholic beverages.
Mr. Boyd stated that Dover Air Force has three swimming pools, attractive facilities for non-commissioned and commissioned officers, a beautiful golf course, and numerous recreational areas, but it seems that these facilities are inadequate. He estimated that a liquor store on Base would realize approximately 1.1 million dollars in gross sales annually. His particular package store, across from Dover Air Force Base, realized just over $200,000 in liquor and wine last year. His sales involve a substantial dollar amount in State tax where the Base would not be subject to the tax. He noted that Dover businessmen have expended an enormous amount of capital to provide services for the Air Base as the Base has expanded through the years. The Base formerly has established a policy not to compete with local businessmen but it appears that this policy is changing.
Mr. Boyd stated that Dover Air Force Base contributes tremendously to the community, but if allowed to open a package store on Base, some local businesses will be forced to close, affecting employment and reducing tax income for the State of Delaware.
Mr. Boyd urged the City of Dover to contact Dover Air Force Base voicing opposition to a package store facility on Base.
Questioned by Mayor Carroll, Mr. Boyd stated that his package store is not within the corporate limits of the City of Dover, but reminded those present that all package stores in Dover that will be affected if the Air Base is permitted to open an on-Base package store.
Connie Vassas - East Lake Gardens - Traffic, Parking, and Access to Silver Lake
Ms. Connie Vassas, a resident of East Lake Gardens was present to express her concern for increased traffic in the development and "No Parking" signs that do not seem to correct the parking problem. She also questioned the status of a property on Lakeview Drive that was proposed for some type of development.
Ms. Vassas also questioned red stakes that were recently placed on a portion of the lakefront, which was supposed to be set aside for accessibility of residents in East Lake Gardens, according to deed provisions.
Mr. Bartolotta advised that there was some confusion as to the property boundary lines on the lakefront which was set aside for access. A storm drainage pipe has been installed in a portion of the land which further confuses the outline of the frontage. In reality, access to the lake, after a survey was made, was found to be just north of the storm sewer pipe. This portion of lakefront has been staked off and the City plans to clear off trees and bushes obliterating the access point.
In answer to the development of property owned by Mr. Keith on Lakeview Drive, Mr. Roe stated that he has received no applications or plans in his office.
Streets in Morris Estates I - Gary Tracy
Mr. Gary Tracy of 1127 Park Avenue, Morris Estates I, was present to ask what criteria is utilized to decide what streets are in need of repair.
Mr. Bartolotta advised that a comprehensive survey has been made of all streets in the City of Dover; said survey to be presented to committee in the near future and initiated over a five year period.
Mr. Tracy related to the bad condition of the streets and curbs to the point that residents repair their own curblines after damage by snowplows in the winter. The bad conditions encompass Park Avenue, Morris Drive and Orchard Avenue.
Questioned by Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Tracy stated that he could not remember any street repair work performed in the area in the 17 years he has been resident.
Speaking to residents repairing their curblines, Mr. Bartolotta advised that the City will repair anything that is damaged, if notified.
Package Store - Dover Air Force Base - Charles Miller
Mr. Charles Miller, of 7 Squire Circle in Royal Grant, was present to speak against Dover Air Force Base having a package store on premises. It was his opinion that if the federal government can place a package store on Base, then it is conceivable that they could place any type of business on their property. He also felt that a package store is a poor method of funding programs for children and other recreational activities.
Mr. Witt questioned whether the Quarterly Open Meetings are considered an official Council Meeting.
Mr. Boaman advised that the matter could be referred to his committee from the contents of the Minutes.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
November 11, 1985
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