QUARTERLY OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL

The first quarterly open meeting of Council was held on August 5, 1985 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Richter, Ambruso, Boaman, Bulley, Christiansen, Witt, Weyandt and Shevock. Members of Council and City Manager staff were also present.

Mayor Carroll called the first quarterly open meeting of Council to order. He noted that two matters on the agenda would be considered first and others in the audience would be given an opportunity to speak on other subjects. If questions cannot be answered to the satisfaction of a citizen, staff will research questions presented and contact citizens within a reasonable length of time.

HOUSING - SPEEDING - MOTORCYCLES - KIRKWOOD STREET

The Reverend Arthur Wiggins of 18 N. Kirkwood Street complained of a house directly across from his residence, owned by James Hardcastle, stating that the structure is in very bad condition. He questioned why the City has not caused the house to be repaired to comply with the City of Dover Zoning Code or demolished.

Mr. Weyandt advised that notices have been sent to Mr. Hardcastle for two of his properties with instructions to either repair his properties or take steps for demolition.

Mr. Saxton of the Inspections Department stated that Mr. Hardcastle has been given notice on the two properties but there has been a delay on the property at 501 West Division Street that houses an elderly gentleman. As soon as the State can provide suitable housing for the gentlemen, the house will be demolished. Mr. Hardcastle is fully aware of the circumstances and the State Housing Authority is involved in the case.

Reverend Wiggins also complained of speeding and loud motorcycles on Kirkwood Street racing back and forth during the early hours of morning.

Chief Klenoski advised that the department is well aware of speeding and the presence of loud motorcycles in the area. Once a month two officers are assigned to this particular area for sixteen hours per day for one full week. He suggested that residents of North Kirkwood Street call the Police Department and advise them of the presence of motorcycles or speeding.

Mayor Carroll suggested that someone in the neighborhood could obtain license numbers as information to the police.

Reverend Wiggins stated that some of the violators are relatives of people who live in the area and are hesitant to become involved. Also, the residents of North Kirkwood Street fear reprisals if they are involved with information leading the arrest of speeders or owners of motorcycles.

Mr. Terry Cephas of 21 North Kirkwood Street voiced similar complaints but stated his main concern as being motorcycles and intoxicated persons.

Chief Klenoski stated that he would make every effort to apprehend the motorcycle riders but asked for the help of the citizens.

ENFORCEMENT OF CITY ZONING CODE

Mr. Thomas MacLeish of 623 Roberta Avenue advised that he submitted a letter through Councilman Ambruso on June 9, 1985 concerning enforcement of the Zoning Code. On June 17, 1985 he attended a Planning Commission meeting but did not have an opportunity to present his complaint. The complaint concerns some type of buffer between the back of his house and property of Mr. Robert Tudor. Mr. Tudor has commercial facilities in an industrial park development. Mr. MacLeish also complained of unscreened trash facilities and swampy undrained areas on Mr. Tudor’s property.

Mr. Saxton advised of a hand delivered letter from Mr. Tudor to the Inspector’s Office on August 5, 1985. Mr. Tudor advised that he had been relying on another party to properly screen the property line between the residential area and his industrial development. This was not accomplished because the other party did not comply with his agreement. Since that time, Mr. Tudor has contracted with a landscaper from Marydel who will plant double rows of white pine, staggered down the perimeter of his property. This will be accomplished this fall since trees and shrubs cannot be planted during the hot summer months.

Mr. MacLeish submitted photographs of the area around Mr. Tudor’s facility for the use of the Department of Inspections.

Mr. Ambruso pointed out that Council was mistaken in referring Mr. MacLeish’s zoning matter to the Planning Commission and apologized for the unnecessary delay in determining a solution that would satisfy the residents of the area.

Mr. Robert Tudor stated that he has permitted use of his land by residents of Schoolview due to the easy access and recreation functions that benefitted the neighborhood. By encroachment through the years, Mr. Tudor stated that it is difficult to distinguish between his property line and the property lines of residents because they have extended their lawns and planted shrubbery. Mr. Tudor also noted that his property is properly zoned commercial and is in the flight path of the Dover Air Force Base where concentrated residential development is restricted. He pointed out that after planting of the pine trees as a buffer in the fall, access to his land by residents will be substantially restricted.

Mayor Carroll requested a short executive session to discuss legal matters immediately following adjournment.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

                                                                                    WILLIAM H. WILLIS

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

                                                                                    CRAWFORD J. CARROLL

                                                                                    MAYOR