REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on February 25, 1985 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Tudor, Boaman, Bulley, Christiansen, Witt, Weyandt and Shevock. Councilman Richter was absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mayor Carroll requested that a letter be added to the agenda, under the rezoning public hearing for property located on S. State Street and U.S. Route #13, requesting withdrawal of the rezoning request.
Mayor Carroll also requested that letters from the Dickinson Medical Group and Janice A. Donovan be added to the agenda under the Safety Advisory Committee Report concerning parking restrictions around Kent General Hospital.
Under correspondence, Mayor Carroll requested the addition of letters from Bill Satterfield regarding traffic signals, and from Kent County Levy Court concerning a proposed joint meeting date.
Council approved the agenda as amended.
RESOLUTION - MARTIN B. BERGLUND
Referring to the close relationship between the families of Robert Berglund and Gregory Boaman, Mayor Carroll requested that Councilman Gregory P. Boaman read into the record the following resolution:
WHEREAS, The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover have been greatly saddened by the unexpected death of Martin "Scud" Bernard Berglund, a prominent businessman in the City for many years, who departed this life on February 20, 1985; and
WHEREAS, Martin B. Berglund was the founder of the Dover Hardware Store in 1950. He was a veteran of World War II; and on October 5, 1964 he was named an Honorary Member of the Robbins Hose Fire Company; and
WHEREAS, as the owner of a successful business in Dover, Martin B. Berglund contributed greatly to the vitality of the Dover community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the Mayor and Council express their regret-12 the death of Martin B. Berglund and extend their deepest sympathy to his family.
2. That the Mayor and Council make known their appreciation of Martin B. Berglund for his accomplishments and service to the business community of Dover.
3. That the Mayor and Council direct the City Clerk of the Council to make this Resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover in recognition of the faithful and loyal efforts of Martin B. Berglund.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 25, 1985
By motion of Mr. Christiansen, seconded by Mr. Bulley, Council unanimously adopted the resolution.
Mayor Carroll presented a framed copy of the Resolution to Mr. Martin Berglund's son, Mr. Robert Berglund, expressing Council's sincere sympathy to the entire Berglund family.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Carroll issued the following Proclamation, recognizing Girl Scout Leader's Day:
WHEREAS, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. observes the fourth annual Girl Scout Leader's Day on April 22, 1985; and
WHEREAS, Since 1912, volunteer Girl Scout leaders have given generations of girls superb, enabling leadership as they have moved into new worlds of thought and action; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scouting reaffirms its 73-year commitment to foster the happy, wholesome development of girls in a constantly changing society; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scout leaders help prepare today's girls for the challenges and responsibilities of tomorrow; and
WHEREAS, Girl Scout Leader's Day will be celebrated by the Girl Scouts of our community on April 22, 1985.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CRAWFORD J. CARROLL, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Dover, hereby proclaim April 22, 1985, as
GIRL SCOUT LEADER'S DAY
in Dover and call upon all the citizens of Dover to give their continued interest, cooperation and support to the Girl Scouts through 1985.
PROCLAMATION - AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN (AAUW) WEEK
Mayor Carroll issued the following Proclamation recognizing American Association of University Women Week.
WHEREAS, the American Association of University Women has existed in Dover, Delaware for 46 years and has a membership of 101; and
WHEREAS, The Dover Branch of the American Association of University Women is an organization dedicated to education, as demonstrated by its 37 years of awarding Youth Scholarships to local high school students and its awarding of Returning Women Scholarships; and
WHEREAS, the American Association of University Women supports the advancements of women, involvement in community issues and life-long learning; and
WHEREAS, the American Association of University Women celebrates its heritage in conjunction with Women's History Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CRAWFORD J. CARROLL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE, do hereby proclaim March 3-9, 1985 as:
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN WEEK
in the City of Dover, and urge all citizens to recognize the importance of this observance.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 1985
The Minutes of the Regular Council meeting of February 11, 1985 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Bulley and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING - PROPERTY LOCATED ON SOUTH STATE STREET AND U.S. RT. #13 LUTHER D. SHANK III, LUTHER D. SHANK, JEFFREY K. SHANK, FRANCIS P. SILICATO AND DENNIS SILICATO
The Assistant City Clerk read into the record a letter from Gerald A. Donovan Associates, representing the owners of property located on S. State Street and U.S. Route #13, requesting that the application for rezoning be withdrawn and that the public hearing be stricken from the Council agenda.
Mr. Witt moved to accept the request for withdrawal of the rezoning request, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING - NORTHEAST CORNER OF S. QUEEN STREET AND NORTH STREET - G.E.N. ASSOCIATES
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning of property located on the northeast corner of S. Queen Street and North Street, owned by G.E.N. Associates.
Mayor Carroll declared the public open.
Mr. Douglas VanSant of Gerald Donovan Associates, representing G.E.N. Associates, was present to answer any questions of Council on the requested rezoning.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request.
There was no correspondence.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Christiansen, Council by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter absent), adopted the following ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SOUTH QUEEN STREET AND NORTH STREET.
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has enacted a zoning ordinance regulating the use of property within the limits of the City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of zoning and planning to change the permitted use of property described below from C-3 to RG-0.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover has been amended by changing the zoning designation from C-3 to RG-0 on that property located on the northeast corner of South Queen Street and North Street, owned by G.E.N. Associates.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 25, 1985
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING - NORTHEAST CORNER OF ROUTE #113 AND LAFFERTY LANE - SUN REFINING AND MARKETING COMPANY
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning property located on the northeast corner of Route #113 and Lafferty Lane, owned by Sun Refining and Marketing Company.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
Mr. Leonard H. Hall, equitable owner, was present stating that it is his intention to turn the property back to its original use as a service station.
There was no correspondence.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Bulley, Council by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter absent), adopted the following ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF ROUTE #113 AND LAFFERTY LANE.
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has enacted a zoning ordinance regulating the use of property within the limits of the City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of zoning and planning to change the permitted use of property described below from R-20 to C-4.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover has been amended by changing the zoning designation from R-20 to C-4 on that property located on the northeast corner of Route #113 and Lafferty Lane, owned by Sun Refining and Marketing Company.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 25, 1985
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING - 446 S. NEW STREET (LOTS #3 - #6) - ANDREW M. & MARSHA R. BERMAN
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning 446 S. New Street (lots #3 - #6), owned by Andrew M. and Marsha R. Berman.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
There was no one present to speak for or against the rezoning and no correspondence. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning request.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Bulley, Council by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter absent), adopted the following ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 446 S. NEW STREET (LOTS #3 W.
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has enacted a zoning ordinance regulating the use of property within the limits of the City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of zoning and planning to change the permitted use of property described below from RG-1 to C-lA.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover has been amended by changing the zoning designation from RG-1 to C-lA on that property located at 446 S. New Street (lots #3 through #6), owned by Andrew M. and Marsha R. Berman.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 25, 1985
PUBLIC HEARING - AMENDMENT TO ZONING CODE - POSTING OF POLITICAL SIGNS ON COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider adoption of an amendment to the Zoning Code concerning the posting of political signs on commercial and residential properties.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
There was no one present to speak for or against the proposed amendment and no correspondence.
The City of Dover Planning Commission felt that the proposed size limitation of 2' x 2' is too restrictive and recommended that the amendment be changed to allow a sign size of 2' x 4'.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the proposed amendment as written, seconded by Mr. Shevock.
Mr. Tudor stated that both the sign size and the length of time the sign is permitted to stand is too restrictive. He felt that a sign of 2' x 2' is too small for a candidate to use for proper name recognition to the voters and that a time limitation of 45 days would be more realistic for the needs of candidates.
Mr. Tudor moved to amend the motion to change subparagraph #1 to read "The sign may not be placed more than 45 days prior to the appropriate election;" and to change subparagraph #3 to read "The size of the sign shall be no more than 2' x 4' The motion was seconded by Mr. Boaman.
Mr. Witt questioned the possibility of having this ordinance encompass non-election related signs as well as political signs.
Responding to a question by Mr. Christiansen, Deputy Solicitor Catts stated that he feels the ordinance is written in such a manner that it is constitutional and would hold up in a court of law.
On a roll call vote to amend the main motion to allow a sign size of 2' x 4' and to allow the sign to stand for 45 days, the motion failed by a vote of four (4) yes, three (3) no (Mr. Witt, Mr. Weyandt and Mr. Shevock). (It is noted that it takes a majority vote of those Councilmen elected (5) to pass an ordinance.)
By a roll call vote of four (4) no, three (3) yes (Mr. Witt, Mr. Weyandt and Mr. Shevock) the main motion to adopt the proposed Zoning Code amendment concerning political signs was defeated.
MONTHLY REPORTS - JANUARY
City Manager's Report
Mr. Boaman referred to page two of the City Manager's Report concerning the tentative schedule for the renovation and addition to the library, moving that the schedule be amended to include a review by the Library Commission. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Christiansen, Council unanimously approved the following monthly reports, as amended:
Chief of Police Report
Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report
City Alderman Report
City Manager Report
J.P. Court #7 Report
General Fund, Cash Receipts Report
General Fund, Budget Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Revenue Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Budget Report
Inter-Governmental Service Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Revenue Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report
Improvement and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Municipal Street Aid Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report (Oct., Nov. & Dec.)
Parking Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report (Oct., Nov. & Dec.)
Police Grants, Cash Receipts & Budget Report (Oct., Nov. & Dec.)
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Parks and Recreation Committee met on February 12, 1985 at 3:30 p.m. with Chairman Witt presiding.
Public Address System Cost - The Green
The Committee is investigating the possibility of installing a permanent public address system on The Green for functions that take place throughout the year. The committee delayed action on this matter pending submission of additional information by the City Manager.
Capital Improvements Plan - Recreation Department
Mr. Witt explained that in reviewing the Capital Improvements Plan for the Recreation Department, the committee requested that the City Manager reschedule funds that were earmarked in the CIP for basketball courts in the Silver Lake park area and submit his proposal at the next committee meeting.
Elm Tree - The Green - Joseph Maybee, Friends of Old Dover
The Parks and Recreation Committee received a letter from Joseph Maybee, representing the Friends of Old Dover, requesting that the City defer action on removal of an elm tree on The Green until the Executive Committee of The Friends can seek an independent expert opinion.
Mr. Witt stated that it was the committee's recommendation that Mr. Maybee be contacted and requested to have a report on the elm tree prepared for the Council Meeting.
Mr. Christiansen stated that he was in contact with Mr. Maybee who stated that The Friends are still in the process of having someone examine the tree.
Mr. Tudor reported a conversation with State of Delaware grounds personnel who is willing to offer their services to examine the tree, suggesting that the City Manager contact the State to request this service. Mr. Bartolotta replied that the Director of Community of Services has contacted the State and received a verbal reply that the tree should be removed.
The matter will be discussed again at the next Parks and Recreation Committee meeting at which time all necessary information should have been submitted by interested parties.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Christiansen, the Parks and Recreation Committee Report was approved as submitted.
SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Safety Advisory Committee met on February 12, 1985 at 4:00 p.m. with Chairman Witt presiding.
Truck Traffic - N. Edgehill Avenue - Leonard Taylor - 35 N. Edgehill Avenue
Mr. Leonard Taylor addressed the committee requesting that truck traffic be prohibited on N. Edgehill Avenue except for local deliveries. Mr. Taylor pointed out that residents in the area paid for the paving of the street and most of the traffic stems from truckers stopping at the diner and exiting to the rear of the diner onto N. Edgehill Avenue.
The Safety Advisory Committee recommended that three (3) signs be installed on Maple Parkway near the intersection of N. Edgehill Avenue, stating "Trucks Prohibited - Local Deliveries Only".
Mr. Witt moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter absent).
East Lake Gardens - Traffic and Street Right-of-Way
Stemming from complaints from residents of East Lake Gardens of increased traffic due to construction of condominium units in Chatham Cove, the City Police Department conducted a traffic survey in the East Lake Gardens area. The report indicated that no change should be made in the present traffic flow patterns due to the south entrance/exit of the development being controlled by a traffic signal.
The survey also indicated that the main traffic flow in the area is from local residents. The streets are in need of repair or resurfacing which should be done as soon as possible. It was also recommended that street signs and stop signs be installed at the entrance and exits of the condominiums and apartments.
It was the committee's recommendation that the City Manager arrange a meeting with the residents of East Lake Gardens and members of the committee and staff. It was also recommended that a member of the Planning Commission be present with site plans of Chathams Cove and any other available information on other proposed projects in the area.
Mr. Witt moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Designated Disabled Parking - Curb Depression - Capitol Complex
A request was received from Mr. A. Laurence Field, Chief Administrator of the Capitol Complex, requesting handicapped parking spaces to provide better access to State buildings. Curb depressions have been installed in six (6) locations to facilitate the handicapped parking spaces.
Mr. Witt moved for the recommendation of the committee to approve the placement of handicapped parking signs in the Capitol Complex at the six (6) requested locations, as designated on a diagram submitted by the State. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Three Parking Spaces - Liberty Bell on Federal Street - April, May and June
The Safety Advisory Committee considered a request from Winifred H. Talemal, Supervisor for Kent County Museums, for permission to have three (3) parking places marked off at the Liberty Bell on Federal Street for the use of school buses bringing students to visit the State Capitol, to be utilized Tuesday through Friday for the months of April, May and June.
Based on the recommendation of City staff, the Safety Advisory Committee moved that permission for the parking spaces be denied, suggesting that the Supervisor for Kent County Museums seek permission from the various state buildings in the area for off-street parking during the loading and unloading of school children.
Mr. Witt moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Guard Rails - Silver Lake Causeway
The committee reviewed a request from Ciprian Jesus Clemente requesting consideration of the need for guard rails on both sides of N. State Street along the banks of Silver Lake bridge.
The committee reviewed past experiences of vehicular accidents in this area and based on these findings, and on the recommendation of City staff, the committee recommended that no action be taken on the matter.
Parking Restrictions - Vicinity of Kent General Hospital
Several employees of Kent General Hospital addressed the committee concerning the recent action of Council instituting two (2) hour parking on Hope and South Streets. The employees stated that there are no residences in this area and could not see the need for restricted parking on these two streets. The hospital employees stated that the parking restrictions only limit parking for hospital employees as the parking spaces are now being utilized by hospital visitors who already have a paved parking area on Governors Avenue. It was noted by the committee that hospital employees have a parking lot, but that it is not paved.
A petition was submitted to the committee containing approximately 50 signers requesting that two (2) hour parking restrictions be removed from Hope Street and South Street.
Mr. Witt explained that although the committee was divided on this issue, they recommended that the two (2) hour parking restriction be removed from Hope and South Streets.
The Assistant City Clerk read into the record a letter from the Dickinson Medical Group of 807 and 811 S. Bradford Street, opposing the lifting of parking restrictions on Hope and South Streets, stating that the parking problems for employees of Kent General Hospital are self-induced and that the hospital should be required to solve the problem of adequate off-street parking for their employees.
A letter from Janice A. Donovan of 732 S. State Street was also read into the record. The letter requested that Council maintain their recently adopted two (2) hour parking restrictions on streets surrounding the hospital. Ms. Donovan felt that once a decision has been reached it should be adhered to regardless of the lamentations brought by a select few. She alluded to the confusion and misunderstandings of citizens when regulations are constantly changing back and forth.
Mr. Weyandt moved to acknowledge receipt of the two letters, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Mr. Weyandt moved that the parking on Hope Street and South Street stand as approved in the Council Meeting of January 14, 1985 when the two (2) hour parking restrictions were initiated. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock.
Referring to the narrowness of Hope Street, Mr. Witt questioned Chief Klenoski on the ability of emergency vehicles passing through the street with cars parked along the sides.
Chief Klenoski replied that no problems have been experienced by emergency vehicles when attempting to utilize the street.
Mr. Shevock stated that employee parking is the responsibility of the hospital and not that of the City of Dover. He felt that Council made a decision on this matter and could see no reason for consideration of any change.
By a roll call vote of five (5) yes, two (2) no (Mr. Boaman and Mr. Christiansen), with Mr. Richter absent, the motion to leave the restrictions as they presently exist was approved.
Department of Transportation - Walker Road & Pear Street Intersection
In considering the installation of "No Right Turn on Red" signs at the intersection of Pear Street and Walker Road, a response was received from Mr. Raymond Pusey, Chief Traffic Engineer for the State of Delaware, stating that his department would move the existing signs so that they are visible from the stop line. In addition, he stated that red arrows could be added to the existing signals, pointing out that turns on red arrows are prohibited by State law. These alterations would be made at the City's expense.
The committee recommended that "No Right Turn on Red" signs be installed at the intersection of Walker Road and Pear Street designating a period from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
To eliminate the necessity of enforcing the directive when school is not in session, Mr. Witt moved that "No Right Turn on Red During School Hours" signs be installed at the intersection of Walker Road and Pear Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried by a roll call vote of five (5) yes, two (2) no (Mr. Bulley and Mr. Shevock), with Mr. Richter absent.
Dennis Bowie - Request for "Slow - Children Playing" Signs - Retreat
Stemming from a request of Mr. Dennis Bowie, a resident of Retreat, the committee recommended that a "Slow - Children Playing" sign be installed in an appropriate location at the entrance of Retreat development.
Mr. Witt moved that a "Slow - Children Playing" sign be installed in an appropriate location at the entrance of Retreat development, seconded by Mr. Christiansen. The motion was approved by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter absent).
Widening of Walker Road
Stemming from a request of Council, the committee considered the possibility of widening Walker Road from Saulsbury Road to Kenton Road. The committee was informed by Secretary Justice that Del Dot does not currently have funding available to design and construct a project of this magnitude. In his letter, Mr. Justice advised that it would be necessary to purchase approximately 40' of additional right-of-way along the entire length of Walker Road and would dramatically alter the State's plans to merely resurface the roadway.
The committee recommended that the City Manager be authorized to correspond with local legislators and the Department of Transportation requesting that Walker Road and College Road be widened from Saulsbury Road to the Kenton Road. It was stipulated by the committee that copies of the correspondence be sent to the Hamlet and Bicentennial Civic Associations.
Mr. Witt moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Christiansen, the Safety Advisory Committee report was approved as submitted.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on February 13, 1985 at 7:30 p.m. with Chairman Richter presiding. In the absence of Mr. Richter, City Manager Bartolotta presented the committee report to Council.
Sewer Lateral Repair Billings
The committee discussed at length the billings for sewer lateral repairs at 576 Westwood Drive (Dolores Adkins) and 944 Boggs Drive (David C. White). Council changed the method of sewer lateral repair billings in September 1984. Discussions on the change actually were initiated in June 1984. Between June and September, the City performed sewer lateral repairs for Mrs. Adkins and Mr. White, which included lateral repairs in the City right-of-way. The new policy states that the property owner is liable for repairs to the curb only, with the City assuming any costs for repairs from the curb to the main.
Since the sewer lateral repairs were performed during the time that discussions on the change were being initiated, Mr. White and Mrs. Adkins have appealed the City billings which included repairs in City right-of-way in conformance with the former billing method.
It was the recommendation of the Utility Committee that the billing of David C. White of 944 Boggs Drive, in the amount of $1,452.14, and the billing of Dolores Adkins of 576 Westwood Drive, in the amount of $763.21, be absorbed by the City.
Mr. Witt moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Christiansen.
Mr. Shevock objected to the proposed action, stating that when Council made the decision to change their billing procedures, it was made clear that the policy would not be retroactive and that it would take effect at the time of adoption of the change.
The motion was approved by a roll call vote of six (6) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Shevock), with Mr. Richter absent.
General Television - Discussion on Rate Increase Request
Mr. Bartolotta explained that General Television addressed the committee concerning the Council vote on their recent rate increase request. Chairman Richter requested that this matter be placed on the March 11, 1985 Council Meeting agenda.
Quarterly Review of Fuel Adjustment
In June 1983, Council decided that the fuel adjustment should be stabilized for a one year period and then the City could adjust the multiplier for the next year. This policy seemed less confusing to the public than the old method of changing the fuel adjustment on a monthly basis.
Mr. Bartolotta explained that there have been two reductions since stabilization of the fuel adjustment multiplier. Calculations indicate that no fuel adjustment will be necessary for the remainder of 1985, resulting in no fuel adjustment increase for a period of two and one-half years. If staff calculations on fuel costs are correct, the City Manager will be coming to the committee in December 1985 for a recommendation to set the fuel adjustment for the next calendar year. Using those same calculations, the fuel adjustment account should show zero dollars. Since the City has under-collected the actual fuel cost for a period of time, it will probably be necessary to increase the fuel adjustment in January 1986, raising the multiplier in a range more applicable to the cost.
It was the recommendation of the committee that Council maintain the present fuel adjustment until December 1985 at which time it will be reviewed and a rate set for the following calendar year.
Mr. Weyandt moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Tudor and unanimously carried.
Coal Conversion - McKee Run Power Plant
Mr. Bartolotta reported that the facility tour in South Carolina has been scheduled for March 8, 1985. Councilmen will leave Dover on Thursday, March 7, 1985.
Water Main Extension - Rudnick Tract - U.S. Route #113A - Webbs Lane to Coopers Corner
In conjunction with the 1984/89 Capital Improvements Plan, it was proposed that approximately 2,200' of 10" water main be installed along Route #113A to complete a loop of the system on the west side of Route #13 to the system on the east side of Route #13. Financing of a portion of the main is to be obtained through special assessments. The total estimated cost of the water main is $123,500. Based on the policy of assessing for water mains, the total estimated assessable cost will be $101,820. The committee recommended that a public hearing be set for March 11, 1985 at 7:30 p.m. for a special assessment on the proposed water main in the area of the Rudnick Tract.
Mr. Weyandt moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Cable Purchase - 750MCM 15KV
The City Manager reported to the committee that the City's stock of 750MCM 15KV cable is nearly depleted and we will have need for the product in 1984/85 and 1985/86. Bids were advertised for 20,000' of cable and five bids were received of which four were responsive to the City's specifications.
It was the recommendation of the committee that the bid be awarded to AJP Sales, a local supplier, for Okonite cable with a delivery of 16 to 18 weeks. The bid was $3,950 per 1,000' for a total of $79,000.
Mr. Christiansen moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Witt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter absent).
Purchase of Wood Poles - 69KV Line
Specifications were advertised and bids received on poles for the 69KV line. Thomasson Company was the low bidder in the amount of $95,655. The Utility Committee recommended that the bid be awarded to Thomasson Company.
Mr. Christiansen moved that the bid for wood poles for 69KV lines be awarded to Thomasson Company in the amount $95,655, seconded by Mr. Tudor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter absent).
Bid McKee Run - Unit #3 Turbine Overhaul
The City Manager received bids for routine maintenance on Unit #3 turbine overhaul. Bids were received from four firms. Mr. Bartolotta explained that Del Val Mechanical submitted a low bid of $60,000. They are, however, sending a letter of retraction due their lack of understanding of the work scope and job size. East Coast Management submitted a bid of $135,000 and did not take exception to any of the specifications. It was noted that East Coast Management has performed three previous overhauls and has a successful record of work performance with the City.
The bid covers only labor for dismantling and assembling the turbine and performing an inspection. Any required material costs will be in addition to the quoted bid.
The committee recommended that the bid for the unit #3 turbine overhaul be awarded to East Coast Management in the amount of $135,000.
Mr. Bulley moved to accept the committee recommendation, seconded by Mr. Tudor.
Mr. Tudor and Mr. Shevock expressed concern that the City did not require a bid bond for bidding of this nature and suggested that it be required in the future.
The motion to award the bid for unit #3 turbine overhaul to East Coast Management in the amount of $135,000 was approved by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter absent).
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Shevock, the Utility Committee Report was approved as submitted.
FIRST REVIEW - VOTER REGISTRATION PURGE
The Assistant City Clerk submitted a list containing 173 names of registered voters that will be stricken from registration records.
By motion of Mr. Shevock, seconded by Mr. Bulley, Council unanimously approved the first review of the Voter Registration Purge list.
TAX APPEALS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Carroll informed Council of his suggestion for two teams of Tax Appeals Committees so that appeals can be held for two weeks to afford taxpayers every opportunity to present their appeals. It was his suggestion that each team, consisting of four members, have three active members at all times with one member serving as an alternate. This will allow Councilmen more flexibility in arranging their schedules to meet the required dates.
Mayor Carroll suggested that tax appeals hearings be held on (1) March 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22; and on (2) March 25, 26, 27, 28 & 29 and suggested one Councilman from each district serve on the two committees, as follows:
Committee #1 - Councilman John E. Richter
- Councilman Robert H. Tudor
- Councilman Charles L. Witt
- Councilman Robin Christiansen
Committee #2 - Councilman David A. Shevock
- Councilman Francis R. Weyandt
- Councilman Gregory P. Boaman