REGULAR MEETING
August 22, 1983
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on August 22, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Richter, Tudor, Boaman, Hardcastle, Christiansen, Witt and Weyandt. Mr. Shevock was absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Richter requested an additional item to discuss the purchase of pagers for the Fire Department which was tabled during a previous Council Meeting. In addition, a fire siren survey was submitted by Chief Kemp of the Robbins Hose Company.
Mayor Carroll requested an additional agenda item under correspondence to present a letter from the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and other letters of correspondence from the Delaware Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and the Kent County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council.
Mayor Carroll advised Council that item #7 of the agenda, amending the Zoning Code that would include restrictive parking of mobile homes in residential areas will be deleted due to improper advertising. The public hearing will be held on September 12, 1983 at 7:30 p.m.
Council unanimously adopted the agenda as amended.
PRESENTATION - VOLUNTEER FIREMEN’S ASSOCIATION - CHAIRMAN CHARLES O. SMITH
Mayor Carroll displayed a plaque presented by the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association in appreciation of dedicating the Mirror Pond area as “Memorial Park”.
Mr. Charles O. Smith, Chairman of the dedication ceremonies, was present and presented a pin to each Council member that was adopted by the Association in May 1983.
In behalf of William R. Carrow, President of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Mr. Smith thanked Mayor Carroll and members of Council for the rededication of the Mirror Park area as “Memorial Park”.
RESOLUTION - ROBERT L. SCHUCKER
By motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council by unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Shevock absent) adopted the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Robert L. Schucker was employed by the City of Dover on August 26, 1969 as Transmission and Distribution Superintendent in the Electric Department and was later promoted to the position of Electric Manager; and
WHEREAS, during his employment Robert L. Schucker always put forth his greatest effort toward his duties, expending countless hours during storms and emergencies for the operation of the Electric Department; and
WHEREAS, Robert L. Schucker was popular and well liked by his co-workers; and
WHEREAS, Robert L. Schucker resigned his position effective August 12, 1983.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the Mayor and Council extend their deepest gratitude to Robert L. Schucker for his dedicated service to the City of Dover during his 14 years of employment.
2. That the Mayor and Council wish Robert L. Schucker the best of luck and good fortune in future endeavors.
3. That the Mayor and Council direct the City Clerk to make this Resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover in appreciation of the dedicated service rendered by Robert L. Schucker.
ADOPTED: August 22, 1983
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 8, 1983
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Christiansen, Council unanimously approved the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 8, 1983, which bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
PUBLIC HEARING - ROBERT LOUIE PROPERTY - 730 OAK DRIVE - NON-COMPLIANCE OF CITY ORDINANCES - PROPERTY VIOLATIONS
Mr. Roe advised Council that his department has notified Mr. Louie of property violations on many occasions resulting in Mr. Louie performing minimal corrections and then leaving the area.
Presently the property is in violation of the grass and weed ordinance, trees are down in the yard and the house and other structures on the property are in disrepair. Mr. Roe requested that Council authorize his department to engage outside help to correct the violations, placing a lien on the property for any costs incurred.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
Mr. Robert Louie, owned of the property, was not present and no correspondence was received.
Mr. Fred C. Evans of 720 Oak Drive was present and informed Council that Mr. Louie’s property has been a problem for the past 17 years. The grass has not been cut, fallen trees are in the yard, and the yard is rat infested in the area of a former dog pen. Mr. Evans stated that the property is a health hazard and appears to be abandoned by Mr. Louie.
Mrs. Mary Apostolopoulos of 738 Oak Drive concurred with the remarks of Mr. Evans.
Councilman Richter, owning the property directly across the street from Mr. Louie, stated that the Louie property in its present condition is a blight to the neighborhood and is causing devaluation of adjacent properties. Mr. Richter stated that the neighborhood has attempted to contact Mr. Louie without success.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Roe stated that Council could put the property on notice of demolition or engage a contractor that would upgrade the structures to comply with City ordinances, placing a lien on the property. A second approach would be to contact the lien holders to determine if they would upgrade the property to protect their investment. A third approach would be to demolish the present structures.
Questioned by Mayor Carroll, Mr. Roe advised Council that liens on the property and the China Gardens property (a restaurant) exceed $150,000.
Mr. Witt moved that Mr. Roe be given ten (10) days to notify all lien holders on the Louie property of violations of the City of Dover Code relating to health and safety. If, in those ten (10) days, lienholders do not assume the responsibility of performing necessary corrections, the City assume that responsibility on the 11th day and work completed within thirty (30) days, except for those items that require hiring a contractor. If, within thirty (30) days, work required on the structures by a contractor are not completed, then the property will be readvertised and set for demolition. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Shevock absent).
MONTHLY REPORTS - JULY
Mr. Richter related to the fact that the City has adopted a stabilized fuel adjustment multiplier for electric billings. For the first time since the adoption of the stabilization factor, the City Manager has prepared a report comparing fuel costs with actual income derived from the fuel adjustment. He requested that the City Manager submit a brief oral report on his findings to date.
Mr. Bartolotta pointed out the inclusion of the May Delmarva Power and Light billings from the City of Dover which is used in the July fuel adjustment calculations. He also submitted a report on the actual July fuel adjustment calculations. If the variable fuel adjustment clause had been utilized for the month of July instead of the stabilized multiplier of .188, a minus six tenths of a cent would have been the fuel clause multiplier. An additional report submitted to Council showed the amount of fuel clause budgeted and the actual amount collected. The purpose of the information submitted is to outline a monthly running total of fuel calculations. It was pointed out during formulation of the budget that during certain periods of the year the City would over collect for actual cost of fuel, but in other periods of the year the City would over collect for actual cost of fuel, but in other periods would under collect. These total calculations for the year should cover only the actual cost for fuel related items. The fuel adjustment calculations will be reviewed after a six month period which will be January 1984 and also during budget time which will involve a period of nine months for possible revisions.
Mr. Witt disagreed with a segment of the fuel adjustment calculations and stated that he would submit a format for the Utility Committee to review for the purpose of a better understanding of the method utilized for fuel adjustment income.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council unanimously approved the following reports for the month of July, as submitted:
Chief of Police Report
Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report
City Alderman Report
City Manager’s 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 Report
Inter-Governmental Service Fund, Budget Report
Electric Fund, Revenue Report
Electric Fund, Budget Report
Electric Division Reports
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on August 15, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. with Chairman Richter presiding.
Roswell Annexation Request
Mr. Richter advised Council of a meeting with citizens living east of Dover that would have been involved in an annexation referendum stemming from a request by Robert Roswell. The area that was being considered for annexation involved Acorn Lane, Nixon Road, east to Fox Road, bordered by the Little River and Long Point Road.
Approximately 100 people attended the meeting with 98% of those in attendance being opposed to the annexation.
The committee recommended that the City not hold an annexation referendum in the proposed area east of Dover.
Mr. Richter moved for the recommendation of the committee, stipulating that Mr. Roswell be notified of Council’s decision based on the rejection of a majority of the citizens in the area. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt.
Mr. Tudor felt that the City should establish a revised method for determining if a majority of residents in a proposed annexation area are interested in becoming a part of the corporate limits prior to City staff taking the time necessary to compile information that includes a meeting with those involved. He suggested that the person to persons requesting annexation poll residents in the area for the purpose of determining at least a 40% positive feeling for annexation.
Mr. Richter and Mayor Carroll felt that if a request is received by the City for annexation, then the City must respond to the citizen with any information or procedures necessary.
Mr. Richter’s motion to deny annexation as requested by Mr. Roswell was unanimously carried.
Annexation Request - Julius Copes
Mr. Bartolotta reported that 36 letters were mailed to residents in the area of property owned by Julius Copes who has requested annexation. A petition was received by the City Manager’s Office containing 22 names opposing annexation of the area proposed by the City. A meeting was held with approximately 15 to 20 residents of the area who unanimously opposed annexation.
Council took no action to set a date for annexation, therefore, the request initiated by Mr. Julius Copes was rejected.
Water Interconnection Study - Camden/Wyoming Sewer and Water Authority
Mr. Richter advised Council of a request by the Camden/Wyoming Sewer and Water Authority for a water interconnection with the City of Dover. The committee recommended that the City Manager prepare a preliminary list of concerns to include advantages and disadvantages of an interconnection which will be submitted to the Utility Committee prior to any discussions with Camden/Wyoming. All related departments will contribute to the report including Mr. Roe’s office, who expressed concern related to health and emergency use.
Offer to Purchase City Land - State Department of Transportation - Triangular Plot of Land - South of Dover Air Force Base
The committee discussed an offer of $125,000 by the State Department of Transportation for a triangle of land owned by the City, consisting of 2.3 acres, located on the southern boundary of Dover Air Force Base at the intersection of Kitts Hummock Road. The land will be utilized by the State for channelization of traffic and the widening of Route #113 to Little Heaven.
It was noted that City Assessor McDowell reviewed the offer and investigated comparable land. It was his opinion that the offer is a fair and equitable settlement. Mr. Weyandt moved that the City of Dover accept the offer of $125,000 for the aforementioned land as offered by the State of Department of Transportation and upon receipt of the money, said money is to be placed in a contingency fund until such time that a 3/4 majority vote of Council designates it for a purpose. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christiansen.
Questioned by Mr. Tudor, Mr. Weyandt stated that the purpose of the contingency fund is for emergencies that might arise and are not covered in the budget.
Mr. Hardcastle called for the question.
By unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Shevock absent) Council approved the sale of the land to the State Department of Transportation.
Unit #3 Superheater - Progress Report
Mr. Richter advised Council that bids have been received on the new superheater unit #3 which are being analyzed and will be presented to the Utility Committee at their next meeting. A recommendation from the Utility Committee is forthcoming to Council.
Mrs. Cynthia K. Witt - Water Service - 910 McDowell Drive
A letter was received from Mrs. Cynthia K. Witt concerning service by the City Water Department that was arranged during the week of June 27th. Mrs. Witt complained that an appointment by the City for July 6th to restore water service at 910 McDowell Drive was not kept which caused a fraction over one hour delay.
The one hour delay caused an additional hour charge by a plumber ($20) while awaiting for City personnel. Mr. Bartolotta informed the committee of his investigation of the complaint and stated that circumstances surrounding the one hour delay by City personnel was due to a breakdown in communications. However, he added that it is very difficult to arrange appointments to the minute for water and electric service but the City strives to cause as little inconvenience as possible.
After discussing the matter, the committee felt that the present policy for water service is adequate and agreed that every effort should be made to prevent inconvenience to the customer.
In a letter to Mrs. Witt, Mr. Richter explained that staff makes every effort to keep its word to a citizen, however, appointments are sometimes missed as was experienced. He apologized for the inconvenience and expense but confirmed the policy of the City not to reimburse for any expense resulting from incidences as explained in her letter.
Mr. Christiansen moved for approval of the Utility Committee Report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
HOUSING AUTHORITY PLAN AMENDMENT
Mr. Bartolotta explained that the City has on record, as adopted in 1981, a Housing Assistance Plan that basically outlines to the federal government the areas where housing is needed. The City has always defined this area consistent with the Community Block Grant Program perimeters that includes Kirkwood Street, Queen Street and New Street from Loockerman Street to Mary Street.
In the last four months there have been two potential applications submitted; one by Lutheran Senior Services of Dover, Inc. for additional housing on their site located adjacent to the lake at 430 Kings Highway, and another for Hilde Brand Villa, owned by Dr. Mishoe, on his property adjacent to State College Road, more specifically bordered by Jason Street and Grove Street. The two requests for additional elderly housing submitted by the aforementioned are not in the City’s designated housing assistance area.
The City Manager’s Office has prepared an amendment to the housing assistance plan which includes the Hilde Brand Villa property and the Lutheran Senior Services of Dover, Inc. property as part of the City’s plan for future housing. He requested that Council adopt the amendment to facilitate the additional elderly housing as submitted by the aforementioned.
Mr. Nadab Bynum, Director of the Community Block Grant Program, stated that it is important that the City addresses low and moderate income persons both for the Lutheran Senior Services of Dover, Inc. site and fore the Hilde Brand site, and also that the City is relating to approximately 100 units for the two sites. He stated that this information should be a part of the amendment.
Questioned by Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Bartolotta stated that essentially the amendment would remove a roadblock for the development of additional units at the aforementioned sites. The federal government could turn down any application for additional housing because the two sites are not included or designated in the City’s plan nor are the units included.
By motion of Mr. Richter, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Shevock absent) adopted the following amendment to the Housing Assistance Plan:
THE CITY OF DOVER AGREES TO AMEND ITS EXISTING 1981 HOUSING ASSISTANCE PLAN TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Lutheran Senior Services of Dover, Inc. of 430 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware - approximately 50 units of elderly and handicapped housing.
2. Hilde Brand Villa, Jason Street and Grove Street, Dover, Delaware - approximately 50 units of elderly and handicapped housing.
REZONING REQUEST - 5.573 ACRES - WEST SIDE OF COUNTY ROAD #104 (KENTON ROAD) AND ROUTE #8 - RICHARD G. & ANN BRODEN AND WILLARD C. & CAROL BRODEN
A request was received to rezone 5.573 acres of land located on the west side of County Road #104 (Kenton Road) near the intersection of Route #8, owned by Richard G. & Ann Broden and Willard C. & Carol Broden.
Prior to amending the zoning ordinance and zoning map of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council by unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Shevock absent) adopted the following resolution and referred the request to the Planning Commission.
A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH TIME AND PLACE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING MAP FOR THE CITY OF DOVER AND DIRECTING THAT NOTICE OF SAID HEARING BE PUBLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE DELAWARE CODE.
WHEREAS, certain lands located on County Road #104 (Dover-Kenton Road) are presently zoned for R-20 use, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to hold a public hearing prior to amending the zoning map and zoning ordinance of the City of Dover.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That a public hearing be held in City Hall on September 26, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. on a proposed amendment to the zoning map that would rezone from R-20 to RG-3 that property located on County Road #104 (Dover-Kenton Road), owned by Willard C. & Carol K. Broden and Richard G. & Ann Broden.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
ADOPTED: AUGUST 22, 1983
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter of Appreciation - Major and Mrs. James Egan
A letter was received from Major and Mrs. James Egan of 116 Shadow Court expressing their appreciation for the tremendous performance by the City employees during the aftermath of the July 21st storm.
Mr. Weyandt moved for acknowledgment of the letter of appreciation, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
Request to Hold Block Party - Yearsley Drive
Mrs. Jacqueline Harling of 1155 Oak Drive requested permission to barricade a section of Yearsley Drive fro the purpose of a block part on September 5, 1983 between the house of 3:00 P.M. and 8:00 p.m.
Noting that Council previously has granted a similar request for Yearsley Drive, Mr. Weyandt moved for approval, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Mayor Carroll requested that one of the committees take a close look at request for block parties since the request could involve an area where the flow of traffic would be jeopardized and the safety and welfare of the community. He suggested that Council consider the issue of block party requests to a committee for discussion with the Chief of Police, the Fire marshal and the City Manager to initiate a recommendation back to Council.
Mr. Witt moved for referral to the Safety Advisory Committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Terry Campus - Request to Construct Pistol Range
Mr. William C. Pfeifer, Vice President and Director of Terry Campus, in correspondence to Mayor Carroll appealed a decision made by the Chief Inspector, Mr. Roe, that denied a request for the construction of a pistol rante on campus.
Mr. Roe stated that it will be required to amend the zoning ordinance since there is nothing in the IO zoning category that permits a pistol range. He suggested that City Solicitor Rodriguez review the matter.
Mr. Weyandt moved to refer the subject matter to the City Solicitor and the Planning Commission for a report back to Council, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
Kent County Department of Community Development - Block Grant Program
A letter was received from S. Michael Thompson, Director of the Kent County Department of Community Development, requesting a meeting with Mayor and Council to discuss how the County can assist the City in making application for the State Community Development Block Grant Program and advising that fiscal year 1984 will make available 1.5 million dollars for Kent and Sussex counties.
Mr. Witt moved for acknowledgment of the letter and referral to the City Manager, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Kent County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and the Delaware Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council
A letter was received from the Kent County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, advising of their Council’s discussion on problems surrounding the City of Dover’s new rate schedule and various other policy changes of the Ambulance Service and urged a meeting between the Kent County government and the City to attempt a more equitable plan for providing emergency medical services to the citizens of Kent County.
The Council stated their feeling that the County should be willing to pay their fair share towards the ambulance service since much of the district encompassed by the City of Dover services actually outside the City limits. A resolution of concern was attached.
A similar letter was received from the Delaware Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, signed by Dr. Ben C. Corballis, Chairman. The letter expressed concern for the new City rate schedule and various other problems with the City of Dover ambulance service and urged the continuance of ambulance service provided prior to July 1, 1983. They also felt that the respective governmental agencies involved should resolve the dollar issue without effecting patient care. A resolution to that effect was attached.
It was Mr. Witt’s feeling that the statements in the letters from the two Councils did have merit and suggested that the Kent County and Delaware Emergency Medical Services Councils assist the City in resolving problems that have arisen with the City of Dover paramedic and ambulance service.
Mayor Carroll referred to a letter from the Kent County Firemen’s Association that objected to his term of “meat wagons” relating to an ambulance service. The letter was signed by Mr. Bill Betts, Secretary to the Firemen’s Association. In correspondence to Mr. Betts, Mayor Carroll issued the following statements:
“Dear Mr. Betts:
Thank you very much for your letter of August 2, 1983, which was postmarked two weeks later, expressing the objections by the members of the Kent County Firemen’s Association to a comment I made during a hearing of the Legislative & Finance Committee on July 6, 1983.
It is unfortunate that the term “meat wagon” used by me at the meeting was taken in a way the members of the Association felt to be disrespectful of the volunteers within our State. The term “meat wagon” is one I have always used for all ambulances, including the City of Dover as do many other people, for many years. Even with that as my reason for using the term I also explained and apologized at the July 6, 1983 meeting for its use.
In your last paragraph of your letter you said that the members of the Association felt I should get down off my pedestal and realize the time and training the volunteer ambulance personnel put into their job of Basic Life Support. I can assure you after twenty-two years of volunteer service in public office, my knowledge of the time and personal sacrifice that the volunteers devote to the safety and welfare of the citizens of our State is well-known to me and greatly appreciated.
The State of Delaware is small in area, and our dependence on each other for ambulance and fire service is very important to the safety and welfare of our citizens. I would suggest that each volunteer fire and ambulance company in Kent County take inventory as to how little financial assistance the Kent County Levy Court gives to our volunteer firemen and ambulance services.
In the City of Dover for fiscal year 1983 and 1984 the taxpayers of the City will pay $210,650 toward helping to maintain the service of the Robbins Hose Company. You and I can also estimate what this figure would be if we didn’t have a volunteer fire company. With Dover’s contribution of $210,650 Kent County Levy Court will contribute $6,250 towards maintaining Robbins Hose Company. The volunteer fire and ambulance companies in Kent County not only serve their respective towns and cities, but all of the un-incorporated areas within the County. It is also important to note that regardless of where the services are rendered all of these citizens are County residents.
As for ambulance service throughout Kent County, I, as much as every member of the Firemen’s Association, am well aware of the valuable and professional services these trained personnel render to the public. I would also like to point out in fiscal year 1983/84 the costs to the City of Dover will be $277,550 to maintain Paramedic service within the service area of Dover with the County only contributing $2,250. This same disappropriation financial burden exists throughout our County.
I am sending this letter to the Kent County Firemen’s Association and not to the news media as was your letter to me. If my position with the members of the Association is not truly understood upon receipt of this letter, I respectfully request that I be invited to your next meeting and answer any questions the members of the Association may have. I would also suggest that a meeting between all Kent County Municipal Elected Officials and the Kent County Levy Court recognizes our financial needs, all volunteer services will be limited.
Please make this letter a part of the official records of the Association along with having your letter to me and my response read at the next meeting of the Association.”
Commenting on the remarks made by the two Advisory Councils, Mayor Carroll stated his amazement that the organizations are pointing all objections and criticisms toward the City of Dover concerning the ambulance service and not recognizing Kent County’s responsibilities to their citizens.
Mr. Weyandt pointed out a list of organizations and agencies that was attached to the letter from the Delaware Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and noted that although the City of Dover is very much involved in emergency services, no representation is listed for the City. He suggested that if the Governor of the State did not see fit to appoint representation from the City of Dover, then the Council really is out of order in criticizing the City’s emergency services.
Mr. Richter moved to refer the letters from the Delaware Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council and the Kent County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council to the committee consisting of the four chairmen of Council committees, stipulating that the contents of the letters and resolutions be reviewed and a meeting be arranged between the City of Dover and the two advisory Councils. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company - Fire Service Area
A letter was received from Mr. Harry Consalo, Chief of the Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company, referring to an article in the Delaware State News, dated July 3, 1983, which intimated that the City of Dover is planning an expansion of the corporate limits south of Dover Air Force Base on Route #113 West and south of County Road #68. The letter objected to the fact that the City might infringe on Magnolia Fire Company’s fire zone.
Mr. Witt moved to acknowledge receipt of the letter and inform Chief Consalo that the City is not planning to expand the corporate limits in that area nor has there ever been any discussion on the matter. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
FIRE SIREN SURVEY - PURCHASE OF PORTABLE PAGING SYSTEM
Chief Kemp of the Robbins Hose Company submitted a report that surveyed the placement of fire sirens in the City. In former meetings of Council, it was proposed that a portable paging system be purchased to replace the conventional fire sirens that are presently being used. The proposal was initiated due to complaints from citizens about the noise from the sirens. The findings of the survey were unanimously supported by the Robbins Hose Company in order to best serve those in need of emergency services and provide an alerting system that will be effective as well as tolerable within the community.
The report stated that the placement of fire sirens in Dover many years ago required that they be located predominately in residential areas and preferably in the center of an area where members of the Fire Department reside. The report pointed out that each active member of the Fire Department now has an electronic home alerting device which is kept inside the home, thus the mission of the outside mechanical siren has changed.
With the change in the primary function of the fire siren, the survey focused on the placement of sirens at locations which would permit them to be more effective for the Fire Department needs as well as provide less annoyance to the citizens.
The following proposed new siren locations was a part of the survey:
1. Move the siren presently located at Wyoming Avenue and Governors Avenue to Coopers Corner
2. Move the Pine Street siren to the Blue Hen Mall, near the Super Saver Food Store
3. Move the Edgehill siren to the Dover Mall
4. Move the Presidential Courts siren to an open field across from General Foods, between Route #8 and W. North Street
The cost in moving the sirens would involve $3,967.60
Chief Kemp recommended not to utilize the pagers as a sole primary alerting system. At a future time, when the combination of other systems meets the needs of the Robbins Hose Company, only then should a program be considered to phase out the siren system to only civil defense needs.
The survey recommended that a pilot program using a pager system be purchased from the funds appropriated. This would include the purchase of the pager and coder and a limited number of portable paging units to be placed in service in conjunction with the audible siren system as it is presently being used. This would involve an approximate cost of $10,000.
The survey also recommended that an evaluation of the system be conducted to determine the effectiveness of the systems with consideration being given to possibly silencing the audible sirens during the nighttime hours and reducing siren tests to weekly as opposed to daily checks.
Mr. Richter suggested that Council move forward on the recommendations as submitted by the Robbins Hose Company since the City has budgeted funds for the purchase of pagers.
Mr. Witt moved that the question of purchasing pagers for the Robbins Hose Company be removed from the table, seconded by Mr. Christiansen and unanimously carried.
Mr. Witt moved that the recommendations as submitted by Chief Kemp, in behalf of Robbins Hose Company, be approved and that the City Manager begin implementation of the recommendations as outlined in the survey along with Chief Kemp. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt.
Questioned by Mr. Christiansen, Chief Kemp stated that there was $5,500 per year budgeted for the pagers over a three year period, for a total of approximately $18,000. Robbins Hose Company has reduced the number of pagers to be purchased and added $3,900 for relocating the fire sirens which totals $14,000 as opposed to the original $18,000 appropriated.
It was noted that the new system and relocation of the sirens has been accepted by the Fire Underwriter’s Association.
Mr. Weyandt called for the question.
By a roll call vote of six (6) yes (Mr. Christiansen abstaining and Mr. Shevock absent), the motion to adopt the recommendation of the fire siren survey was approved.
Mr. Christiansen’s abstention on the voting was due to his close association and involvement with the Robbins Hose Company.
Mr. Weyandt moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of August 22, 1983, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
August 29, 1983
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