REGULAR MEETING
April 25, 1983
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on April 25, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Richter, Tudor, Boaman, Hardcastle, Carey, Witt and Shevock.
The invocation was given by Dr. Columbus Ricks.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
The City Clerk requested an additional agenda item to present a letter from Mr. Jack Beiser, Director of the St. Jones Watershed Association.
The addition was unanimously approved by Council.
RESOLUTION - DR. R. JERVIS COOKE - WESLEY COLLEGE
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council unanimous adopted the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Dr. R. Jervis Cooke has served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Wesley College, having served as President since February 1, 1977, and will be retiring effective July 1, 1983; and
WHEREAS, Dr. R. Jervis Cooke received his BA Degree from Washington College and his Masters of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary; and
WHEREAS, Dr. R. Jervis Cooke has devoted the better part of his life to religious affairs, having started his ministry in 1939 and remaining very active in the Peninsula Conference even after retirement, as well as having served as Chaplain in all different branches of the United Sates Military Reserves; and
WHEREAS, Dr. R. Jervis Cooke has been active in contributing a great deal to the community through his participation in many organizations which has helped to make the City of Dover a better place in which to live.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. The Mayor and Council express their appreciation to Dr. R. Jervis Cooke for the friendship and goodwill he has promoted during his tenure at Wesley College.
2. The Mayor and Council wish to extend their best wishes to Dr. Cooke in his future endeavors.
3. The Mayor and Council direct the City Clerk to make this Resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover in expression of their appreciation to Dr. R. Jervis Cooke.
ADOPTED: APRIL 25, 1983
RESOLUTION - LIBRARY ESCROW AND ENDOWMENT FUND
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council unanimously adopted the following resolution:
WHEREAS, various individuals and groups in the City of Dover are attempting to help raise funds for the public library through contributions and endowments; and
WHEREAS, said contributions are to be utilized specifically for library expenses approved by the Library Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. All contributions will be credited to a separate escrow account in the General Fund, only for expenses approved by the Library Commission.
2. A five and one-quarter percent interest per annum will be paid on the month ending balance on a quarterly basis.
3. The City of Dover Finance Department will submit a quarterly report of receipts and disbursements to the Library Commission.
4. The Mayor and Council direct the City Clerk to make this resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover.
ADOPTED: APRIL 25, 1983
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 11, 1983
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 11, 1983 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Carey and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
ANNUAL MUNICIPAL AND SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS OF APRIL 18, 1983
By motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council unanimously approved the following results of the 1983 Municipal Election, as certified by the Election Officials:
Machine Votes Absentee Votes Total
First District
John E. Richter 940 11 951
Second District
Robert H. Tudor 968 11 979
Third District
Charles L. Witt 876 11 887
Fourth District
Fred B. Carey, Sr. 604 9 613
Robin Christiansen 798 10 808
Special Election - Second District
Francis R. Weyandt 906 12 918
Total Votes = 1,429 (Total Registered Voters = 4,757)
OATH OF OFFICE - FRANCIS R. WEYANDT
Alderman and City Clerk William H. Willis, administered the oath of office to Councilman-elect Francis R. Weyandt.
REPORT OF DOWNES ASSOCIATES - ELECTRICAL OUTAGE OF MARCH 11, 1983
Mr. Bartolotta introduced Mr. George Owens of Downes Associates, Consulting Electrical Engineers, to give an overview summary of the electrical outage experienced by the City of Dover on March 11, 1983.
Mr. Owens advised Council that on March 11, 1983 at approximately 8:34 p.m. a high voltage cable terminator (69,000 volts) at the Scott Paper Substation, located on North Street, began to arc to ground, or to the substation steel. A few moments later, according to a gate guard at the General Foods property, a second cable terminator began to arc which resulted in the loss of all electrical service in the City of Dover. Approximately one minute after all power was lost, a fire erupted at the gas metering facility, owned by Chesapeake Gas Company. The distance between the two occurrences is approximately one mile.
Mr. Owens explained that the City of Dover engaged his firm first to determine if there was any possible linkage between the two events and secondly, to determine why the City of Dover suffered a loss of power. His firm performed approximately six weeks of research and has been totally unable to prove a definite linkage between the two events. In all of the investigative measures taken by his company, no definite cause of the fire at Chesapeake Utilities has been determined. His investigation of the Chesapeake Utilities metering facility revealed only one small circuit for lighting within the structure and no other equipment driven by electrical energy.
A general linkage between the loss of the cable terminators at the Scott Paper Substation and the general loss of power within the City has been established.
In their determination of the cause of the cable failure, Downes Associates’ investigation centered around the night of March 8, 1983, when a thunderstorm passed through the Dover area which caused a substantial amount of electrical activity. It was established that the cable terminators were damaged probably during this thunderstorm activity since the substation was thoroughly inspected a month prior to the storm and no damage to the substation was detected. During the inspection by Downes Association pock marks that are prevalent due to lightning were discovered. It was concluded that this lightning had substantially damaged the cable but the cable had continued to operate. During his professional career, Mr. Owens has found that damaged cable will continue to function until extreme wet weather sets in and noted that during the month of the electrical outage, severe wet weather was experienced in the area.
When the terminators began to fail, arcing took place in such a way that should have initiated operation of circuit breakers in an adjacent substation owned by the City at North Street. The relays detected the problem and began to respond, however, they never successfully tripped the circuit breakers. This was due to a problem later discovered as a loss of control voltage. Basically, the controls had been turned off in the North Street substation at some earlier date. It appears that they were turned off at an earlier date to perform some type of maintenance and this was apparently forgotten. The absence of the controls in the North Street Substation removed the reacting capabilities of the circuit breakers at the North Street Substation. These circumstances caused the problem to back upstream to the Delmarva Power power breakers at Kent Substation. The generators at McKee Run began to operate under the additional load caused by the short-circuit in the system. Relays at McKee Run that are set very high did not pick up the fault as a problem on the system. The high-resistent short-circuit condition in North Street Substation caused an overload on Unit #3 and the engine began to slow down under the load, causing the voltage to drop on the system. When the voltage dropped to a certain point, an automatic gear at McKee Run engaged, cutting pumps and motors which supply auxiliaries to the generator; mainly boiler water and fans, etc. This caused the generator to vent steam and shut down.
Mr. Owens stated that there are two levels of design problems in the North Street Substation that allowed the operator error to occur. He emphasized that it was an operator error that resulted in a lack of control voltage at North Street, which blocked breakers from operating. Two original design errors in the North Street Substation presented the circumstances which allowed the outage to occur. He did not elaborate on the design errors as a matter of brevity but stated that these errors should be corrected.
Secondly, Mr. Owens recommended that the relays at McKee Run should be recoordinated to a lower level which will necessitate a coordination study.
Lastly, he informed Council that there are other protective relays that could be installed on unit #3 that would have simplified the procedure for the shut-down of unit #3 during the problems that occurred.
Mr. Owens stated that the City has a severe deficiency in technical and engineering manpower.
Questioned by Mr. Tudor, he stated that the Relay Engineering field is highly technical and the constant needed upgrading of the relay system cannot be handled solely by an Electric Manager. Since the expansion of the present Power Plant and the upgrading to a 69 KV level, the City has put itself in the realm of a multi-engineering load that involves special technical expertise.
Mr. Weyandt moved that the report from Downes Associates by accepted and that its contents be assigned to the Utility Committee for further study of the analysis and recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
SEMI - ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CITY MANAGER - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY
Mr. Bartolotta reported that the City staff conducted their semi-annual inspection of the Robbins Hose Company on April 20, 1983. He found that the Fire Department continues to be a very well run entity of the City.
Mr. Boaman moved for approval of the City Manager’s report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Richter and unanimously carried.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING OF LAND LOCATED NORTH OF WALKER ROAD - SOUTH OF AND ADJACENT TO WOODCREST DEVELOPMENT - LOWE’S COMPANY, INC.
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning land located north of Walker Road, south of and adjacent to Woodcrest Development, owned by Lowes Company, Inc. (equitable owner is Oakridge Inc.). The request is for the purpose of constructing townhouses.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
Mr. Pete Brockstedt, President of Oakridge, Inc., was present stating that the proposed construction of townhouses would front on Woodcrest Turn and Woodcrest Drive in conformance with the proposed zoning of RG-3.
Mr. Bernie Greenfield of 901 Wilson Drive was present expressing a major concern about the additional traffic that will be generated by the construction of the townhouses, asking for Council’s consideration of the additional vehicular movement. He added that there presently exists a problem in the area at certain hours of the day.
Mr. Phil Wactor of 821 Woodcrest Drive was present to inquire about off-street parking that will be provided and expressing his concern over the increased traffic.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Witt moved for the Planning Commission’s recommendation of approval of the rezoning, seconded by Mr. Boaman, and by a unanimous roll call vote, Council 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 NORTH OF WALKER ROAD, SOUTH OF AND ADJACENT TO WOODCREST DEVELOPMENT.
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-1A to RG-3.
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-1A to RG-3 on that property located north of Walker Road, south of and adjacent to Woodcrest Development, owned by Lowes Company, Inc.
ADOPTED: APRIL 25, 1983
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING OF LOTS #189 - #196 INCLUSIVE ON NORTH STATE COLLEGE ROAD - LUNA I. MISHOE
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning lots #189 - #196 inclusive on North State College Road, owned by Luna I. Mishoe.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
Dr. Luna I. Mishoe and Reverend Coleman were present with Dr. Mishoe explaining that the land for which the rezoning was submitted is known as “College Settlement”. The preliminary planning for development of the land involves a 50 unit federally subsidized senior citizen multiple dwelling.
Dr. Mishoe plans to submit a proposal to the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Urban Development Action Grant, Section 202.
The project, if approved, will be under the direction of a non-profit corporate board with Reverend Coleman as Chairman.
Dr. Mishoe went on to explain the boundaries of the proposed development and stated that he would commit himself to an expenditure of $100,000 for improvements to existing roads; said roads to conform with the City standards.
Members of Council questioned Dr. Mishoe as to the effect a delay in rezoning would have on the procedure to apply for federal funding.
Dr. Mishoe stated that proper zoning is required for submission of an application for a federal grant.
Mr. Shevock noted that the Planning Commission tabled any recommendation on the rezoning until more information is available and felt that the project at this stage contained several unanswered problems such as standard streets and possible annexation of other land.
Mr. William T. Wilson, a property owner in the area of the proposed rezoning, was concerned about access to his land in relationship to the proposed roadways.
There was no one else present to speak for or against the rezoning and no correspondence.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Richter moved that the rezoning be tabled, seconded by Mr. Shevock, and by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Hardcastle) the motion was approved.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING FOR PROPERTY ON THE NORTH SIDE OF GARDEN LANE - EAST LAKE GARDENS - FRANKLIN R. AND EDNA C. EVERETT
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning property located on the north side of Garden Lane, East Lake Gardens, owned by Franklin R. and Edna C. Everett, for the purpose of constructing townhouses.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
Mr. Jack Beiser, President of Del Homes, Inc., equitable owners, stated that his firm plans to build an exclusive townhouse project in the medium price range, maintaining the natural environment of the area.
Mr. Richard Larimore advised Council that he owns a 20' wide, 360' long, plot of land adjacent to the proposed project and was concerned what effect the rezoning would have on his property.
Mayor Carroll advised Mr. Larimore that the proposed rezoning for townhouses would not change the zoning for Mr. Larimore’s property which is presently zoned commercial.
There was no one else to speak for or against the rezoning and no correspondence.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Boaman suggested that in conjunction with any action taken by Council on the rezoning, that the Safety Advisory Committee review the possibility of making Garden Lane one-way so that it would not exit on U.S. Route #13 or have a study made by the Highway Department.
Mr. Roe stated that Mr. Beiser will have reviews with the Planning Commission; one being the conceptual plan consisting of a design with no utilities. Since traffic will be exiting to U.S. Route #13, plans will be forwarded to the Highway Department for their recommendation.
Mr. Boaman moved for approval of the rezoning, seconded by Mr. Witt, and by unanimous roll call vote, Council 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 NORTH SIDE OF GARDEN LANE - EAST LAKE GARDENS.
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-4 and R-20 to RG-3.
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-4 and R-20 to RG-3 on that property located on the north side of Garden Lane - East Lake Gardens, owned by Franklin R. and Edna C. Everett.
ADOPTED: APRIL 25, 1983
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT INTERSECTION OF MILLER DRIVE AND COWGILL STREET - COURTNEY SQUARE ASSOCIATION
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning property located at the intersection of Miller Drive and Cowgill Street, owned by Courtney Square Association for the purpose of constructing townhouses.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
Mr. Phil McGinnis of Alpha Realty, representing Courtney Square, advised Council of his feeling that the proposed rezoning would be proper for the property in question, noting that the present zoning C-4 (commercial) and residential would be more in keeping with the neighborhood.
Mr. Steve Lediger of 411 Cowgill Street, which is located adjacent to the proposed project, advised Council of his objection to the construction of six townhouses, feeling that a duplex or single family unit would be more appropriate for the neighborhood, noting that Cowgill Street is a deadend roadway with no outlet.
Mr. Boaman reminded Mr. Lediger that the present zoning is C-4 (highway commercial) which would allow such establishments as food chains and other commercial endeavors that might have a negative effect upon property values in the area.
Questioned by Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Lediger stated that he would rather see a duplex built on the proposed site, feeling that the small area of the neighborhood would not be conducive to six (6) townhouses.
There was no one else to speak for or against the rezoning and no correspondence.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
By motion of Mr. Boaman, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Witt) 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 THE INTERSECTION OF MILLER DRIVE AND COWGILL 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-4 to RG-3.
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-4 to RG-3 on that property located at the intersection of Miller Drive and Cowgill Street, owned by Courtney Square Association.
ADOPTED: APRIL 25, 1983
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING OF 822 & 828 FOREST STREET - JOSEPH P. SEDULE
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider rezoning 822 & 828 Forest Street, owned by Joseph P. Sedule.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
Mr. Anthony Freeman, Manager of Mr. Sedule’s retail liquor store, was present stating their desire to build a parking lot facility to serve their patrons, creating a safer exit to Forest Street for the safety of the public.
Mr. Marion McDowell of 801 Lincoln Street, owning a property just south of the proposed rezoning, voiced his objection to a larger parking lot where patrons can loiter and discard additional trash in the neighborhood. He also mentioned a school and church that are in the immediate vicinity.
Dr. Ruth M. Laws was present, living at 844 Forest Street, objecting to the construction of a parking lot which she felt would not create safety and would destroy further the tranquility of the community. It was her opinion that a parking facility at the package store would further depreciate property in the area.
Mr. William T. Wilson, of 838 Forest Street, endorsed the remarks presented by the preceding citizens who testified and disagreed that further parking facilities are needed.
Ms. Sylvia Hackett of 814 Forest Street noted the noise in the early morning hours created by persons buying alcoholic beverages and loitering, playing radios and talking in loud voices. She felt that the additional parking lot beside her driveway would disturb her privacy and endanger the well-being of residents in the community.
Ms. Buelah Gray of 722 Forest Street was present to reiterate previous resident’s testimony and objected to the rezoning.
There was no one else to speak for or against the rezoning and no correspondence.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Witt moved for denial of the rezoning, seconded by Mr. Shevock and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
PUBLIC HEARING - NON-COMPLIANCE OF DEMOLITION ORDER - PROPERTY ON THE EAST SIDE OF U.S. ROUTE #13 - THE FINISH LINE - BERNARD A. BRUNER
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider non-compliance of a demolition order issued by the Building Inspector’s Office. The property is located on the east side of U.S. Route #13, known as The Finish Line, owned by Bernard A. Bruner.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open.
There was no one present to speak for or against the demolition order.
Building Inspector Roe advised Council of receiving a letter from Mr. Bruner, the owner, stating that he did not want to comply with the demolition order and wished to appeal.
Mr. Bruner was notified of the date and time of the public hearing and Mr. Roe spoke personally to him on the telephone as late as April 22, 1983.
Mr. Roe added that he had received correspondence from Mr. Bruner, advising that he had engaged professionals to examine the remains of the fire damaged building to determine if certain portions are structurally sound and could be further utilized in his planned improvement. This was incorporated with a request to extend Mr. Roe’s notification to demolish.
In further correspondence from Mr. Roe to Mr. Bruner, Mr. Bruner was advised of inadequate time for his structural test since the City ordinance allows the Building Inspector only thirty (30) days before the demolition order is presented to Council.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Shevock moved for demolition of the aforementioned structure, which would allow Mr. Bruner thirty (30) days to perform the demolition; otherwise, the City (through bids) would engage a demolition crew with all charges becoming a lien on the property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boaman and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Shevock moved to authorize Mr. Roe to advertise for three (3) bids for demolition of the building if the owner does not demolish same within thirty (30) days. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
REZONING REQUEST - PROPERTY ON WEST SIDE OF NEW STREET, BETWEEN DOVER AND WATER STREETS - DR. MICHAEL MATTERN AND JANE A. MATTERN
A request was received to rezone property located on the west side of New Street, between Dover and Water Streets, owned by Dr. Michael L. and Jane A. Mattern, for the purpose of constructing a medical office building.
Prior to amending the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.
By motion of Mr. Boaman, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council by unanimous roll call vote referred the matter to the Planning Commission and adopted the following resolution:
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 the west side of New Street are presently zoned for RG-1 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 May 23, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. on a proposed amendment to the zoning map that would rezone from RG-1 to RG-0 that property located on the west side of New Street, owned by Dr. Michael L. Mattern and Jane A. Mattern.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
ADOPTED: APRIL 25, 1983
MONTHLY REPORTS - MARCH
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey, the following reports for the month of March were approved unanimously 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 Operating Fund, Cash Receipts Report
General Operating Fund, Budget Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Cash Receipts Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Budget Report
Inter-governmental Service Fund, Revenue and Budget Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Cash Receipts Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report
Electric Improvement and Extension Budget, Cash Receipts and Disbursements
Capital Fund, Revenue/Cash Receipts Report - January, February and March
Capital Fund, Budget Report - January, February and March
Municipal Street Aid Fund, Cash Receipts & Disbursements Report - January, February & March
PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND TREES COMMITTEE REPORT
The Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee met on April 13, 1983 with Chairman Hardcastle presiding.
Wayne Downham - Dover Street Ballfield - Property Protection from Stray Balls
The committee considered a request from Mr. Wayne Downham of 804 Monroe Terrace, owning a property directly in line with balls hit from the Dover Street and New Street ballpark, requesting some sort of protection in the area of adequate fencing or a net. Mr. Downham advised the committee that his vehicles and house have been struck.
With the consent of Mr. Downham, the committee recommended that all Leagues be required to use a restricted flight softball during regular play to determine if it would greatly reduce or eliminate the problem. Mr. Knox, Recreation Director, and Mr. Downham will closely monitor league play during the month of May and report back to the committee during their meeting of June 6th.
City Park Hours
By request of Recreation Director, Mr. Knox, the committee recommended that the winter hours in the City public parks be changed to sunrise to sunset and adopt a standard procedure designating the Police Department to close all City recreation facilities.
Mr. Hardcastle moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Mr. Witt moved for approval of the Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle and unanimously carried.
SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Safety Advisory Committee met on April 13, 1983 with Chairman Hardcastle presiding.
Reduce Speed Limit in Vicinity of Silver Lake Cemetery - N. State Street - Dr. Mahadeo Verma
The State of Delaware, Department of Transportation - Division of Highways, conducted a traffic study on N. State Street, in the vicinity of Silver Lake Cemetery, beginning at Pennsylvania Avenue and north to the intersection of N. State Street and N. Governors Avenue. Mr. Kurt Katz, District Traffic Engineer, advised that comparisons between the 35 mph and 25 mph speed limit zones indicated no significant difference in the accident rate. He recommended that the City consider a painted protected left lane, pulling northbound thru traffic to the curb lane at this point. It was also suggested that periodic speed enforcement measures be initiated; however, the Department of Highways had no objections to the City extending the 25 mph zone slightly north to Pennsylvania Avenue.
On April 23, 1983, Mr. Hardcastle received a letter from Director of Highways, R.D. Bewick, who recommended that the speed limit be reduced from Pennsylvania Avenue north on North State Street.
Mr. Hardcastle moved that a 25 mph speed limit be established from Pennsylvania Avenue on North State Street, north to Silver Lake and that the City Solicitor prepare the proper ordinance for adoption at the next Regular Council Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey.
Mr. Boaman moved to amend the motion that would initiate a 25 mph speed limit as Ross Street for southbound traffic on N. State Street and a 35 mph speed limit beginning at Ross Street for northbound traffic on N. State Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Witt.
By a vote of six (6) no, two (2) yes (Mr. Boaman and Mr. Witt) the amendment failed.
Mr. Hardcastle’s main motion to instruct the City Solicitor to prepare an ordinance for adoption at the next Regular Council Meeting was carried by a vote of five (5) yes, three (3) no.
School Zone Markings - Holy Cross
The committee considered a request from Sister Eugene Marie, Principal of Holy Cross Elementary School, for school safety signs or street markings in front of their facility on South State Street. It was noted that the original markings on the street at this location were eradicated due to the repaving by the Highway Department.
Although the City sometimes paints curbs and street markings on state routes within the City, Mr. Bartolotta advised the committee that he would contact the State first concerning replacement of the markings.
By motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council approved the replacement of the School Zone and crosswalk markings, noting that Mr. Bartolotta will first contact the State about the replacement.
By motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council unanimously approved the Safety Advisory Committee report as submitted.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on April 14, 1983 with Chairman Richter presiding.
Request for Water Service - Ruth Probst - 446A Whiteoak Road
The committee discussed a request by Ms. Ruth Probst of 446A Whiteoak Road for water service to a mobile home that would be an extension of service for an existing residence. The City has established a policy not to service an extension of an existing utility of this nature on an established single family lot. In addition, the policy prohibits service to mobile homes unless situated in an established and acceptable mobile home park.
The committee recommended denial of Ms. Probst’s request on the basis of the City of Dover’s established policy.
Mr. Richter read the policy to members of Council and moved for denial of Ms. Probst’s request, reaffirming said City policy. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
McKee Run #6 Fuel Oil Bids
Mr. Richter advised Council that the City received several bids to supply #6 fuel oil for McKee Run Power Plant and the committee recommended that the bid be awarded to Apex who offered a firm discount of 66¢ per barrell off the lower of three postings and a firm transportation cost of $1.25 per barrell.
Mr. Richter moved for the recommendation of the committee to award the bid to Apex, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Mr. Weyandt inquired of the City Manager as to how often the oil prices change and what this price is based upon.
Mr. Bartolotta stated that the oil price is based on the daily posted price or the lower of three postings (Hess, Exxon, and BP companies). The 66¢ per barrell off the lower of three postings and a firm transportation cost of $1.25 per barrell.
Mr. Richter moved for the recommendation of the committee to award the bid to Apex, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Mr. Weyandt inquired of the City Manager as to how often the oil prices change and what this price is based upon.
Mr. Bartolotta stated that the oil price is based on the daily posted price or the lower of three postings (Hess, Exxon and BP companies). The 66¢ discount would be deducted from the lower of those three postings.
Council approved a contract with Apex by a unanimous roll call vote.
Camden/Wyoming - Proposed Well
Mr. Richter informed Council that Camden/Wyoming has submitted two applications to the Department of Natural Resources; one to dig a well and also an application for an allocation for water from the same aquifer utilized by the City of Dover. City Manager Bartolotta has initiated a request to the Department of Natural Resources for a public hearing affording an opportunity for City input and an opportunity to hear Camden/Wyoming’s reasoning for the applications.
Mr. Richter moved for approval of the City Manager’s action to request a public hearing, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Reclassification of Transmission and Distribution Superintendent
Mr. Richter informed the Council that the City Manager has attempted to fill the position of Transmission and Distribution Superintendent at a classification of G-25 but has been unable to do so because of the salary range. The Utility Committee recommended that the position be upgraded to a G-28.
Mr. Richter moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Boaman.
Mr. Tudor felt that upgrading of the position would be reaching in and picking out one segment of a problem that exists in the Electric Department and suggested a full study of the entire department before changing one classification.
Mr. Richter stated that the City Manager is taking a hard look at the entire department and is studying various segments of problems that seem to exist. The recommendation of the committee was submitted to correct one of these problems.
Mr. Shevock reminded Council that the Fox Hall area has experienced many outages due to underground faults which is the responsibility of the Distribution and Transmission Superintendent, a vacated position for several years that Mr. Schucker has attempted to fill along with his other duties. He did not feel that it would be fair to further prolong correction of the situation in Fox Hall by not filing the position of Superintendent of Distribution and Transmission by a qualified individual.
Mr. Weyandt referred to the Downes Associates report stating that it indicated the necessity of hiring qualified personnel and pointed out the lack of same. He advised that he would support the upgrading of the Transmission and Distribution Superintendent as recommended but would not support any more adjustments in the Electric Department until such time as the City Manager prepares an organizational chart for the employees that are now on the payroll and a recommended adjustment in that organization.
Mr. Boaman called for the motion to upgrade the Transmission and Distribution Superintendent to a G-28.
Council approved the recommendation of the Utility Committee by a vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Tudor).
Mr. Witt moved for approval of the Utility Committee Report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Richter and unanimously carried.
SETTING OF TAX RATE - APRIL 1983
Mr. Boaman moved that the matter of setting a tax rate for fiscal year 1983/84 be removed from the table, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Reiterating the recommendation of the Legislative and Finance Committee, Mr. Boaman moved that the tax rate for the ensuing year be set at $1.27 per $100 of assessed value. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock.
The motion failed by a roll call vote of three (3) yes (Mr. Boaman, Mr. Richter and Mr. Shevock), five (5) no.
Mr. Witt moved that the tax rate for fiscal year 1983/84 be set at $1.20 per $100 of assessed value, seconded by Mr. Weyandt.
By a roll call vote of five (5) yes, three (3) no (Mr. Richter, Mr. Boaman and Mr. Shevock), the motion was carried.
In accordance with Section 10 of the City of Dover Charter, Mayor Carroll submitted written notice to Council of his veto of the motion to set a tax rate of $1.20 per $100 of assessed value.
Mr. Weyandt and Mr. Boaman referred to a budget/tax rate update submitted by City Manager Bartolotta, outlining various reductions that will take place in a tax range from $1.31 back to $1.20 per $100 of assessed property value.
Referring to various reductions as outlined in the City Manager’s Report, Mr. Weyandt stated that he was in favor of cutting all expenditures recommended with the exception of maintaining summer playground programs and eliminate $24,000 for the purchase of a new paramedic vehicle until such time that the City receives commitments from other agencies that would guarantee assistance to the City for the paramedic program.
As chairman of the Legislative and Finance Committee, Mr. Boaman read into the record the following budget/tax rate comparisons that indicate the reduction that would be necessary under various tax ranges.
Increased Revenue Rate
Tax increase included in budget 159,930 $ 1.29
Increased costs not included in budget
New Social Security law + 7,600
New Blue Cross/Blue Shield rates 20,280 187,810 1.31
Reductions
Electricity (all depts.) - 3,980
Gasoline (all depts.) - 31,000
Recreation - pension error - 1,100
Trash truck (lower firm price) - 11,600
Unemployment reduction - 1,580
Police Dept. vacancies (2 men x 3 mos.) - 9,100
Community needs assessment survey - 5,000
- 63,360 124,450 1.27
Reductions
Microprocessor - City Manager’s Office - 3,500
Microprocessor - City Inspector “ - 10,000
Sign Machine - P.W. - 4,500
- 18,000 106,450 1.26
Reductions
Microprocessor - City Assessor Office - 10,000
Scale down microprocessor (PW,
Finance, Whse, City Clerk) - 4,750
Postage reduction - 730