REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on September 9, 1985 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Richter, Ambruso, Boaman, Bulley, Christiansen, Witt, Weyandt and Shevock.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 26, 1985
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 26, 1985 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Witt and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
REPORT FOR COUNCIL INFORMATION FOR U.S. ROUTE #13 BY-PASS ALTERNATIVES
A report on the four final Route #13 by-pass alternatives was prepared by Norman Day Associates and submitted by Mr. Roe. The report contained Norman Day Associates' observations on the four alternate routes and graded each as to the positive and negative factors. Mr. Roe advised that the by-pass route will have a great effect on final decisions related to the Comprehensive Plan update.
Mayor Carroll stated that the four alternate routes should be carefully reviewed by members of Council to initiate a final decision on Council's recommendations as to the location of the by-pass.
Mr. Weyandt moved to refer the report from Norman Day Associates to the Safety Advisory Committee, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
PROPOSED FAMILY COURT BUILDING SITE SELECTION
Mr. Richter noted that the State seems to be having some difficulty in selecting a site for the new Family Court building. Two locations are under consideration; one being on Court Street, just east of the bridge behind Legislative Hall, and the other proposed site is on the south side of Water Street, between State Street and Governors Avenue.
Mr. Richter moved to refer the matter to the Utility Committee where he plans to invite the architect of the facility to address the committee and members of Council who wish to attend. He felt that it is important for the City to state a preference for the location of the Family Court building in an effort to expedite a final decision on the state level.
Mr. Richter's motion to refer the matter to the Utility Committee was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Solicitor Rodriguez - Chief Magistrate Barron - Legislation on Disposition of Fines Forwarded to the City Other Than Traffic Signs
City Solicitor Rodriguez corresponded with Chief Magistrate Barron, suggesting that legislation be drafted that would provide the City with entitlement to fines related to criminal cases handled by the City of Dover Police. Since mailing the letter, Mr. Rodriguez advised Council of House Bill #385 with provisions that would entitle the City to any fines related to criminal cases and handled by City Police. The bill has passed the House and Senate and is now awaiting the Governor's signature.
Mr. Witt moved that the City Clerk devise correspondence to Governor Castle urging his signature on House Bill #385. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Department of Natural Resources - Wetlands Section - Regulations Governing the Use of Public Subaqueous Lands
A public notice from the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control advised of revised regulations governing the use of public subaqueous lands.
Mr. Richter moved to acknowledge receipt of the letter, requesting that the City Manager check into the possibility of the revised regulations affecting the City of Dover adversely. The motion was seconded by Mr. Bulley and unanimously carried.
Department of Natural Resources - City Application for Federal Funds to Improve Parks
A letter from Mr. John E. Wilson, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, noted a City of Dover application for $20,000 of 50% matching funds to be utilized at Silver Lake Park, Mayfair Park, and the New Street ball field. Mr. Wilson shared the concern of the National Park Service that the City has reduced its commitment to parks and recreation.
Mr. Witt noted that a letter to Secretary Wilson has been drafted by Community Service Director Knox speaking to the concerns of the National Park Service and Department of Natural Resources. The letter pointed out that the City has had a shift in emphasis away from a large number of small programs to a small number of high volume programs. There is also a strong focus on providing facilities for the residents of Dover to utilize at their leisure. The City has also dropped overlapping and duplication of services offered by the YMCA and Kent County Parks and Recreation Commission, shifting emphasis to parks, neighborhood play lots, and ball fields which are not provided by these two entities.
Mr. Witt moved that the letter be forwarded to Secretary Wilson, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Delaware Heritage Commission - Request for Recipes - Bicentennial Cookbook
A letter was received from the Delaware Heritage Commission, Mrs. A. Hatz - Cookbook Chairman, requesting recipes for a planned Bicentennial Heritage Cookbook.
Mayor Carroll suggested that members of Council and staff submit their favorite recipes to the City Clerk for submission to the Heritage Commission.
Mr. Witt moved to acknowledge receipt of the letter, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
DelDOT - Public Hearing on Design of Improvements to State College Road
A public notice from Secretary Kermit H. Justice, Department of Transportation, announced design approval for improvements to State College Road from Road #156 to U.S. Route #13 and advised that maps, drawings, and environmental statements are available at the Highway Administration Building.
Noting that a design public hearing for the project was held on June 26th, Mr. Bartolotta stated that advance plans were received, three to four months prior to this date. The Public Works Department and the Electric Department have reviewed the plans and submitted any necessary input on concerns of the City.
Mr. Weyandt moved that a report addressing the road design and City of Dover utilities be prepared by the City Manager and submitted to the Utility Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Department of Transportation - Detour During Construction of McColley Pond Bridge
A letter from the Department of Transportation advised of detour routes during the construction of the bridge over McColley's Pond and requested the City's cooperation and assistance during the closure of Route #15.
Mr. Witt moved to acknowledge receipt of the letter, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Petition to Barricade East Loockerman Street at S. Edgehill Avenue
A petition from residents on S. Halsey Road requested the immediate construction of a barricade to be erected on the corner of E. Loockerman Street and S. Edgehill Avenue alley.
Mr. Roe advised that the original decision by Council to barricade E. Loockerman Street hinged on final plans to be submitted for development of the John Hunn Brown tract. This involved closing the present service road paralleling Route #13 and constructing a new roadway on the Brown tract which would act as an access road from the S. Little Creek Road to E. Loockerman Street. He felt that prematurely barricading E. Loockerman Street, before ingress and egress design by the Highway Department, would be detrimental to the flow of traffic in the area.
Mr. Weyandt moved that the City Clerk correspond with the petitioners explaining Council's original decision to have a complete design for development of the John Hunn Brown tract before altering any traffic flow on E. Loockerman Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
DelDOT - Notice of Location/Design Approval - Connector Road to Saulsbury Road South of Mudstone Branch to Denneys Road Near Kent North Vocational Technical School
A letter from Kermit H. Justice, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, announced location/design approval of proposed improvements for the construction of a new roadway to connect Saulsbury Road, south of Mudstone Branch to Denneys Road, near Kent North Vocational Technical School.
Mr. Witt moved for acknowledgment of the notice, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Joseph Brennan - Commendation to City of Dover Paramedics
A letter from Joseph Brennan of 188 Hickory Dale Drive commended the City of Dover Paramedics after receiving treatment for multiple hornet stings which placed him in shock with no pulse or blood pressure.
Mr. Witt moved to acknowledge receipt of the letter, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Kent County Levy Court - Request to Utilize City of Dover Reassessment Data
A letter from William C. Raynor, Secretary to the Kent County Levy Court, requested an opportunity to discuss the possibility of obtaining the City's data on the recent property reassessment project.
Mr. Weyandt suggested delaying any commitment to the Kent County Levy Court until such time that the matter is reviewed and a determination is made that no adverse tax jeopardy will be conveyed to the citizens of the City.
Mayor Carroll suggested that the chairmen of the standing committees of Council meet with Levy Court to discuss the details of relinquishing City of Dover tax data and a report submitted to Council.
Mr. Weyandt moved for Mayor Carroll's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Mr. Shevock suggested that Mr. Lucas of the Tax Assessor's Office contact the Levy Court immediately to expedite a final decision on the matter.
Kent General Hospital - Parking- Study in Vicinity of Hospital
A letter from Mr. Dennis Klima, President of Kent General Hospital, related to a proposed comprehensive analysis of parking problems near the hospital and Court House, to be conducted by the City. Mr. Klima requested to be included in any discussion that might take place on the subject.
Mr. Richter advised of attending a meeting of the Kent General Hospital Board where he was asked if the City would be interested in a comprehensive parking study in the area. He felt that the letter from Mr. Klima is a result of the conversation which took place.
Mr. Richter moved that the letter be referred to Councilman Witt for his review of the matter with hospital personnel. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boaman and unanimously carried.
Greater Dover Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
Mayor Carroll reminded members of Council of the Greater Dover Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, to be held on September 19, 1985 and invited Council members and their guests to attend. Governor Julian M. Carroll of Kentucky will be the guest speaker.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:56 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of September 9, 1985, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
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