ANNUAL MEETING
May 14, 1984
The Annual Meeting of Council was held on May 14, 1984 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members of Council present were Messrs. Tudor, Boaman, Christiansen, Witt, Weyandt and Shevock. Mr. Richter and Mr. Hardcastle were absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 9, 1984
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 23, 1984 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Witt and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 30, 1984
The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of April 30, 1984 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
OATH OF OFFICE - MAYOR AND COUNCILMEN-ELECT
The Honorable William G. Bush, III, Judge of the Superior Court, administered the oath of office to Mayor Crawford J. Carroll and the following Councilmen-elect:
Councilman - First District - David A. Shevock
Councilman - Second District - Francis R. Weyandt
Councilman - Third District - Gregory P. Boaman
Councilman - Fourth District - Roger F. Bulley
As a new member of Council, Mayor Carroll presented Councilman Bulley with a lapel pin embossed with the seal of the City of Dover. Councilman Bulley introduced his wife, Jean, his father, Dr. Stanley Bulley of Virginia, a daughter, Susan, and a daughter, Cynthia, and son-in-law, Sean Mullarky.
Mayor Carroll announced that an agenda item related to a resolution to former Councilman James C. Hardcastle and other awards will be presented during the June 11th Regular Council Meeting. Mr. Hardcastle was out of town on business and unable to attend the Annual Meeting.
MAYOR CRAWFORD J. CARROLL - REMARKS
Mayor Carroll presented the following remarks to members of Council and the citizens of Dover:
“During the last two years the City of Dover has increased in size and population. It has been through the combined efforts of the City Council and Staff that our City is in a much better financial and physical condition today. We still have a great deal to do and plan for to keep pace with the increased demands on our services and personnel.
I will mention tonight those areas that are of great concern to me and many of the residents of the City of Dover. Some of these issues I will mention have been raised in the past and hopefully this year will be given favorable consideration by all of the members of this Council.
The first is re-instating the provision in our Charter giving the Mayor the authority to break a tie vote. Every poll taken within the City by the News Media and the Chamber shows that the majority of our citizens agree that the tie vote for the Mayor should be re-instated. Our City Solicitor has also said the Mayor should have the power to break a tie. A tie vote should not be considered a “no” vote. A councilman that votes “yes” on any motion should be given an opportunity to have the tie decided one way or the other. The Mayor could vote “no” as well as “yes” to break a tie; which means the citizens of Dover are assured that both sides of any issue will be decided. If you want the Mayor of Dover to be the Executive and Chief Administrator of the City as the Charter calls for, then give the Mayor some decision making authority.
The second area of concern is the election day change that was made in our Charter. Changing the election day from January to April was suppose to encourage more voters to cast ballots at our Annual Elections. This has not proven to be the case. The date change created a bigger problem due to the fact any newly elected Councilman or Mayor has no say as to the tax rate, or the make-up of the General Budget for the coming fiscal year. There could be a time when four new Councilmen, and a Mayor, could be elected and they would be forced to live with decisions made by those that have no more official responsibility to the citizens of Dover.
The third issue facing us is the cost of maintaining the City paramedics. This is a service that should always continue. It will be up to this Council to continue to talk with the Kent County Levy Court Members and convince them that they also have a moral responsibility to give all citizens the best and most economical paramedic service possible. Never let them forget that every citizen of Dover is also a Kent County resident. The taxpayers of Dover provide the largest tax income to the Levy Court, but receive very limited services. The doctors and insurance companies, along with all those in need of paramedic service benefit from our well-trained paramedics, due to the fact that we are saving lives. Maybe we should consider increasing the license fees of the doctors and insurance companies to help those having to pay the high cost of those in need of service.
There was a proposal before Council two years ago to have the Legislature give us the authority to collect a 1% transfer tax on all real estate transfers in Dover. I still feel this is the best and least burdensome method to the citizens of Dover for raising additional revenues to maintain our high standards and services.
By the end of this year the reassessment of all the properties in Dover should be completed. With this information we should update our Comprehensive Plan and re-define our four Council representative districts so that each district has equal population.
Studies are underway that will make it possible for our Electric Generating Power Plant to burn all three fuels, the City will no longer be dependent on the high cost of oil. We also now have a full staff of capable employees at the Plant that will make our system more efficient and reliable.
The Civic Center Study is another issue that should be reconsidered. Every poll taken by the News Media and the Chamber has indicated the public supports conducting a feasibility study. Such a study will make it possible for all questions and concerns raised by the public to be answered. Even though 25 acres have been offered as a Civic Center site with no strings attached, I would be the first to abandon the project if the study showed it wasn’t economically feasible and a burden to the taxpayer. This is not just a City project, because all levels of government are being asked to finance the study, and if a Civic Center ever became a reality, then it should be operated as an independent authority made-up of appointees from all levels of government.
Other issues that deserve your support are the Dover by-pass, Dover Air Force Base runway extension, completion of our 69KV electric line loop, the Chamber economic development director, setting up a benefit district for financing downtown parking and I am sure there will be many other needed projects that members of Council will propose this year.
In closing, I wish to thank the Members of the City Council, the appointed Department Heads and all of the employees of the City for their past support and dedicated services. I am sure the Members of Council join with me when I say “thank you” to the members of the Robbins Hose Company, Dover Library Commission, Planning Commission, Authority and Committee appointees, and many other for their dedicated service in helping the City of Dover to be the best and most progressive City in the nation.”
RECESS
Mayor Carroll called a short recess for photographs of newly sworn Council members and appointed staff members.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mayor Carroll reconvened Council and requested additions or deletions to the agenda.
Mr. Shevock requested an addition agenda item related to Council appointees.
Council unanimously approved the agenda as amended.
DATE FOR OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
Mayor Carroll noted that the City of Dover coordinates holiday dates to coincide with those observed by the State of Delaware. The City and State had set Wednesday, May 30th, to observe Memorial Day. Since the time of adopting holiday dates throughout the year, the General Assembly recently changed the State observance of Memorial Day to the 18th of May which falls on a Monday. If the Council approved a change in Memorial Day observance to a Monday, it would be necessary to cancel a rezoning public hearing, set for May 28th.
Mr. Boaman advised Council that the Legislative and Finance Committee has recommended that the observance of Memorial Day be set for May 28, 1984 and that the Regular Council Meeting for that date be cancelled.
Mr. Boaman moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
CANCELLATION OF ERNEST KEITH REZONING
Mr. Christiansen moved that the Keith rezoning public hearing be rescheduled for June 11, 1984 at 7:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
REQUEST FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Boaman moved that an executive session to discuss personnel matters be held immediately following adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS - 1984/85
Vice-Mayor
Mr. Weyandt moved to designate Councilman Charles L. Witt as Vice-Mayor, seconded by Mr. Christiansen.
Mr. Christiansen moved that nominations be closed, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Councilman Witt was unanimously elected Vice-Mayor for 1984/85.
City Solicitor
Mr. Witt moved that Nicholas H. Rodriguez be appointed as City Solicitor, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Deputy City Solicitor
Mr. Witt moved that Douglas Catts, with the law firm of Schmittinger & Rodriguez, be appointed as Deputy City Solicitor, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Chaplain
Mr. Weyandt moved that the Reverend J.H. Williams be designated as Council Chaplain, seconded by Mr. Bulley and unanimously carried.
Fire Marshal
Mr. Christiansen moved that Jack T. Roe be appointed as Fire Marshal, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
City Clerk
Mr. Shevock moved that William H. Willis be appointed as City Clerk, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Deputy City Clerk
Mr. Witt moved that Debrah J. Bittner be appointed as Deputy City Clerk, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
City Treasurer
Mr. Witt moved that William H. Willis be appointed as City Treasurer, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Deputy City Treasurer
Mr. Witt moved that Debrah J. Bittner be appointed as Deputy City Treasurer, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
City Alderman
Mr. Christiansen moved that William H. Willis by appointed as City Alderman, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
Deputy City Alderman
Mr. Witt moved that Debrah J. Bittner be appointed as Deputy City Alderman, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fire Prevention Code Appeals Committee
Mayor Carroll appointed Councilman Robert H. Tudor as Chairman of the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fire Prevention Code Appeals Committee, with Councilman Roger F. Bulley and City Manager Robert Bartolotta as members.
Chamber of Commerce and County Government Committee
Mayor Carroll appointed Councilmen Gregory P. Boaman and John E. Richter to the Chamber of Commerce and County Government Committee.
Legislative and Finance Committee
Mayor Carroll appointed Councilman Gregory P. Boaman as Chairman of the Legislative and Finance Committee with Councilmen David A. Shevock and Francis R. Weyandt and Mr. Sherman Townsend as members.
Parks and Recreation Committee
Mayor Carroll appointed Councilman Charles L. Witt as Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee with Councilmen Robin Christiansen and Francis R. Weyandt and Mr. Fred B. Carey, Sr. as members.
Pension Committee - Civilian Pension Board of Trustees
Mayor Carroll appointed Councilman David A. Shevock and Roger F. Bulley as members of the Civilian Pension Board of Trustees, with City Manager Robert Bartolotta, Luther C. Lucas and Tracy Walters serving as employee members. It was noted that one seat is presently open due to the resignation of Douglas VanSant; said seat to be filled during the June Civilian Pension Board Election.
Pension Committee - Police Pension Board of Trustees
Mayor Carroll appointed Councilman David A. Shevock and Roger F. Bulley as members of the Police Pension Board of Trustees, with Chief Joe A. Klenoski, City Manager Robert Bartolotta, Captain James L. Hutchison, Lt. Larry Gray and Cpl. Timothy Mullaney serving as employee members.
Safety Advisory Committee
Mayor Carroll appointed Councilman Charles L. Witt as Chairman of the Safety Advisory Committee with Councilmen Robin Christiansen and Francis R. Weyandt serving as members.
Utility Committee
Mayor Carroll appointed Councilman John A. Richter as Chairman of the Utility Committee. Mayor Crawford J. Carroll, Councilman Robert H. Tudor and citizen member, Irving Levitt, will also serve.
Mr. Shevock moved for approval of the committee appointments as submitted, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED USE OF REVENUE SHARING FUNDS
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider the proposed use of revenue sharing funds.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
There was no one present to speak for or against the use of revenue sharing funds and no correspondence.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
By motion of Mr. Boaman, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council by a unanimous roll call vote, (Mr. Richter. Richter absent) approved the following use for revenue sharing funds:
FUNCTION/DEPARTMENT ITEM AMOUNT
Financial & General Adm.
Tax Assessor Re-evaluation $ 80,000
Health
Paramedic Operating Expenses 166,280
Public Safety
Fire Operating Expenses 154,920
Fire Fire Truck 60,000
Fire Pagers 5,500
Roads
Streets Resurfacing 151,100
Streets Curbing and Gutters 20,000
Streets Three Dump Trucks 123,890
TOTAL $ 761,690
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on May 2, 1984 at 4:00 p.m. with Chairman Boaman presiding.
Ambulance Transports
The Legislative and Finance Committee was advised by staff that Professional Ambulance Service, Inc. has received and installed necessary radio and telephone equipment to assume ambulance transports. The company will assume transports now performed by the City of Dover Paramedic and Ambulance Service. The City will still perform emergency runs.
The Legislative and Finance Committee recommended that all ambulance transports be reverted to Professional Ambulance Service, Inc.
Mr. Boaman moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried.
Water and Sewer Budget - 1984/85
Mr. Boaman noted that the committee initiated several changes in the Sewer and Water budget for fiscal year 1984/85 and recommended that a total budget of $3,389,290 be adopted.
Mr. Boaman moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt.
By unanimous roll call vote (with Mr. Richter absent), Council adopted the following ordinance:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. The amounts hereinafter named aggregating Three Million, Three Hundred Eighty Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Ninety Dollars ($3,389,290) or so much as may be necessary are hereby appropriated from current revenues and other funds for the use by the several departments of the Municipal Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1984 and ending June 30, 1985:
WATER/SEWER FUND
Revenue Estimates
Items
Water/Sewer Fees $ 2,938,890
Miscellaneous Service Fees 51,000
Interest Earnings 22,000
Interest Transfers 125,000
Municipal Street Aid -
Beginning Balance 252,400
TOTALS $ 3,389,290
Budget Summary
Items
Direct Expenses
Water 623,100
Sewer 282,390
County Sewer Fees 719,200
Allocated Expenses
City Manager 56,740
Public Works - Eng. 108,410
Data Processing 28,820
Finance 65,500
Vehicle Maintenance 14,710
Central Services 34,780
Public Works - Adm. 39,600
Building Maintenance 19,580
SUB TOTAL $ 1,992,830
Capital Outlay - Water 440,500
Capital Outlay - Sewer 152,500
Debt Service - Water 470,900
Debt Service - Sewer 247,700
Emergency Reserve - Water 14,860
Emergency Reserve - Sewer 15,000
General Fund 55,000
Balance Carried to Next Year -
TOTAL $ 3,389,290
2. The City Manager is hereby authorized without further approval of the City Council to make interdepartmental transfers of up to 10% of the amount hereinafter appropriated to any department.
ADOPTED: MAY 14, 1984
Special Assessments Fund
Mr. Boaman moved that the Special Assessments Fund Budget be approved, seconded by Mr. Shevock.
By a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Richter. Richter absent) Council adopted the following ordinance:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. The amounts hereinafter named aggregating Two Hundred Twenty Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Ten Dollars ($226,610) or so much as may be necessary are hereby appropriated from current revenues and other funds for the use by the several departments of the Municipal Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1984 and ending June 30, 1985:
Cash Receipts/Estimates
Item
Assessments Receipts &