REGULAR MEETING
March 14, 1983
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on March 14, 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 the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Richter requested an additional agenda item for a report from City Manager Bartolotta on the explosion and fire at Chesapeake Utilities on March 11, 1983. In addition, he requested an executive session to discuss legal implications related to the fire.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council unanimously approved Mr. Richter’s request.
Mayor Carroll requested an additional agenda item to present former Planning Commission member, Mr. Robert Berglund, a plaque in appreciation of his past service and also a resolution recognizing all parties involved during the emergency of March 11, 1983.
Council unanimously approved the agenda items.
A scheduled presentation and resolution for former Councilman David L. Bonar was deleted due to his absence.
PRESENTATION - ROBERT BERGLUND - FORMER PLANNING COMMISSION MEMBER
Mayor Carroll presented former Planning Commission member, Mr. Robert Berglund, a plaque containing the seal of the City of Dover, for his years of service on the Commission from July 1975 to February 1983.
RESOLUTION - CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES - BANK LANE AND WEST STREET - THREE ALARM FIRE AND ELECTRICAL OUTAGE
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council by a unanimous roll call vote adopted the following resolution:
WHEREAS, on Friday evening, March 11, 1983 an electrical fire occurred at the City’s North Street switching station causing loss of electrical power throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, an explosion and three alarm fire occurred at the Chesapeake Utilities’ site on Bank Lane and West Street; and
WHEREAS, emergency procedures were immediately put into effect by the Fire, Police, Electric, Paramedics, Fire Marshal and Public Works Department, Fire Companies from Camden, Cheswold, Clayton, Leipsic, Little Creek and Smyrna responded at the scene and/or stood by at the station to aid in the emergency, and everyone worked together to contain the fire and stabilize conditions as quickly as possible; and
WHEREAS, City workers, retired City workers, and volunteers from everywhere offered their services in a multitude of ways and although the fire was declared under control at 10:24 p.m., the Cheswold, Leipsic and Little Creek Fire Companies stood by at the Robbins Hose Company until 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and numerous people worked tirelessly throughout the night to restore services and answer the array of inquiries from the public; Chesapeake Utilities’ workers began the overwhelming task of individually restoring gas service to each and every customer in Dover.
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 and gratitude to everyone who responded to the emergency of Friday, March 11, 1983.
2. The Mayor and Council express their appreciation and gratitude to the citizens of Dover for the cooperation and understanding they exhibited during the emergency and during the ensuing days wen many were inconvenienced due to the lack of gas service.
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 everyone concerned for pulling together in a time of emergency.
ADOPTED: MARCH 14, 1983
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 28, 1983
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of February 28, 1983 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED USE - REVENUE SHARING FUNDS
In accordance with federal guidelines, a public hearing was opened by Mayor Carroll to hear proposed uses of revenue sharing funds for fiscal year 1983/84.
City Manager Bartolotta presented the following proposed use of revenue sharing funds by the City of Dover:
Item Amount
Front End Loader $ 50,000
Salt Spreader 4,500
Sign Machine 4,500
Street Resurfacing 155,900
Microprocessors (5) 50,410
City Hall Carpet 15,000
Pickup Trucks (2) 15,600
Garbage Truck 85,000
Dump Truck 43,000
Automobiles (11) 94,100
Gas Tank & Canopy 11,800
Planning 10,000
Park Improvements 13,200
Payment on Fire Truck Loan 60,000
Pagers 5,500
Survey 5,000
Re-Valuation 75,000
Fire Radio 2,500
Ambulance 24,000
½ Copier 5,000
Blue Print Copier 2,000
Programs 10,500
Debt Payment 19,990
Mr. Bartolotta noted that the aforementioned is a proposal for the use of the funds by the City of Dover which requires no action of Council until the second meeting in March when the final public hearing will be held.
There was no one present to present further proposed utilization of revenue sharing funds and no correspondence.
Questioned by Mr. Hardcastle and Mr. Richter, Mr. Bartolotta stated that a more detailed explanation of each item proposed for the expenditure of revenue sharing funds will be presented at the future budget hearings and the public hearing, to be held on March 28, 1983.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on March 9, 1983 with Chairman Boaman presiding.
Parking Permits - Municipal Lots
The committee discussed a proposal by postal workers who are experiencing difficulty in acquiring adequate on-street parking that would initiated a yearly fee for permit parking versus the present monthly fee. The City presently charges a monthly fee of $5 per month for the City Hall lot and $7.50 per month for the Bradford Street lot.
City staff recommended that a yearly parking permit be implemented (in addition to the present monthly permit system) at a discount rate with a fee of $50 per year for the municipal lot and $75 per year for the Bradford Street lot. The annual fee would be phased in over a six (6) month period, effective July 1983 with yearly permits being available during the months of December, January and February.
The committee recommended approval of the proposal.
Mr. Boaman moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Shevock.
Questioned by Mayor Carroll, Mr. Boaman stated that the annual permits would be issued in the same manner as presently utilized, authorizing parking of one vehicle.
By unanimous voice call vote, Council approved the committee’s recommendation.
Library Employees - Pension Plan
Mr. Boaman advised Council that the committee has been approached by two employees of the City Library concerning pension rights with the City of Dover. The employees in question were active workers in the Library prior to the October 1, 1975 take-over by the City of Dover.
It was noted that Chapter 8, section 7, of the Delaware Code incorporates certain provisions that relate to previous service as State of Delaware employees and certain rights under the Pension Code.
The item was tabled by the committee until such time that the City Solicitor submits an interpretation of the aforementioned chapter. Mr. Boaman stated that the request will also be considered by the Pension Committee and possibly E.H. Friend Company, consultants to the Pension Board.
Property Reassessment
Chairman Boaman noted that each Councilman has in their possession, a bid proposal that was compiled by the City Assessor for submission to nine professional property assessment companies. Each company will be asked to attend a pre-bid briefing that will be held on April 7, 1983. A date of May 19, 1983 has been set for the return of all bids and same will be submitted to the Legislative and Finance Committee during their meeting of June 8, 1983 for final action by Council on June 13, 1983.
Mr. Boaman moved that the bid proposals be mailed to the nine listed firms to expedite the bid process and assure adherence to the proposed schedule. The motion was seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
Questioned by Mr. Richter, Mr. Boaman stated that the City Manager would be reviewing certain requests submitted by Mr. McDowell, such as an available vehicle during the process of reappraisal, a typewriter for his office, and office space for the company performing the reassessment.
Analysis of Blue Cross/Blue Shield Rate
The committee discussed a notification from Blue Cross/Blue Shield that the City’s premium rates will increase 34% for fiscal year 1983/84. It was noted that the rates increased 37% for fiscal year 1982/1983. A 34% rate increase would involve an additional $85,000 in expenditures by the City.
City Manager Bartolotta recommended that his office be authorized to engage the services of E.H. Friend Company, an actuarial consultant, to act as a mediator for the City in an attempt to negotiate a lower rate.
The City Manager also contacted the Insurance Commissioner’s Office and was informed that that agency does not have the expertise to analyze the proposed rate increase.
Mr. Boaman advised Council that E.H. Friend has proposed a maximum fee of $3,500.
Mr. Boaman moved to engage E.H. Friend Company for a maximum fee of $3,500 to conduct the study and attempt to negotiate a lower rate increase. The motion was seconded by Mr. Witt.
Mayor Carroll suggested that competitive bids be obtained from other companies as comparison to Blue Cross/Blue Shield rates.
Mr. Shevock objected to an expenditure of $3,500 to engage E.H. Friend Company, stating that City staff could prepare a bid proposal for competitive bidding, negating the necessity of engaging E.H Friend to negotiate with Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
It was Mr. Richter’s opinion that analyzation by E.H Friend Company and soliciting competitive bids from other companies would be a favorable procedure to utilize.
Mr. Boaman accepted Mr. Richter’s suggestion as a part of the original motion, as did the seconder, Mr. Witt.
Mr. Bartolotta informed Council that one of the purposes of engaging E.H Friend would be to have that company analyze the City’s loss data. The City has also discussed with E.H Friend the possibility of self-funding a portion of the coverage and still maintain the services of Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
By a roll call vote of five (5) yes, two (2) no (Mr. Tudor and Mr. Shevock), Mr. Boaman’s motion to engage E.H Friend Company, at a maximum cost of $3,500, and solicit bids from other companies was approved.
Reclassification - Transmission and Distribution Superintendent
The committee was informed by the City Manager’s Office that the position of Transmission and Distribution Superintendent in the Electric Department has been vacant for a number of years. The City has advertised for applicants on the state and national level without substantial success, mainly due to the pay range and classification.
Per a request by the City Manager, the committee recommended that the position of Transmission and Distribution Superintendent be reclassified to a G-28.
Mr. Boaman moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Shevock.
Mr. Tudor stated his opinion that the position should be abolished, noting that the City now employs an Electrical Department manager, an electrical engineer, an Engineering Department, and a line foreman. He felt that the aforementioned is sufficient supervisory capacity for the size of the City.
Mr. Richter referred to a study that was conducted by Assistant City Manager Worley that was to analyze the performance of the various departments of the Electric Department and point out its needs. He felt that the study should be reviewed before approval is given for the reclassification.
Mr. Bartolotta stated that the results of the study would be outlined in the electrical budget. At present, the position of Transmission and Distribution Superintendent is being performed by the Electric Manager. He felt that major electrical problems in the past few years could be traced directly to the lack of mid-management. In his opinion, the Electric Manager should not be involved in minor service problems that usurps important time from his duties as overall manager of the Electric Department.
Pending review of Assistant City Manager Worley’s report, Mr. Witt moved to table the matter of reclassifying the position of Transmission and Distribution Superintendent and refer the subject to the Utility Committee for further review. The motion was seconded by Mr. Richter and unanimously carried.
1983/84 General Fund Budget
Chairman Boaman advised Council that there will be an open workshop on March 23, 1983 for the second review of the General Fund Budget. He invited all Council members to attend. During the first meeting in April, the Legislative and Finance Committee will submit the General Fund budget and a recommended tax rate.
Mr. Witt moved for approval of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENTS - TAX APPEALS COMMITTEE
There being no objections from members of Council, Mayor Carroll appointed Councilmen Boaman, Shevock and Witt to serve on the Tax Appeals Committee that will sit on April 4, 1983 and April 11, 1983 for the convenience of property owners.
FIRST REVIEW - VOTER REGISTRATION PURGE
The City Clerk’s Office submitted a list of voter registrants that will be purged from the registration rolls if not renewed prior to the second review by Council on March 28, 1983.
Mr. Witt moved for approval of the first review of the registration purge, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
TERRY CAMPUS - REQUEST FOR USED UTILITY POLES
Mr. Boaman referred to a letter from Terry Campus, requesting used utility poles from the City of Dover for the purpose of constructing a jogging and fitness trail. Noting that the City of Dover usually sells used utility poles, Mr. Boaman moved that any charges to Terry Campus be waived. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hardcastle.
Mr. Richter suggested that Terry Campus be contacted and informed that the cost of the poles could be utilized as a local match for federal funding.
Council unanimously approved Mr. Boaman’s motion.
REZONING REQUEST - 822 & 828 FORREST STREET - JOSEPH P. SEDULE
A request was received to rezone 822 & 828 Forrest Street, owned by Joseph P. Sedule.
Prior to amending the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.
By motion of Mr. Witt, 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 at 822 & 828 Forrest Street are presently zoned for RG-1 and C-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 March 28, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. on a proposed amendment to the zoning map that would rezone from RG-1 and C-1 to C-1A that property located at 822 & 828 Forrest Street, owned by Joseph P. Sedule.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
ADOPTED: MARCH 14, 1983
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT - GAS FIRE - CHESAPEAKE UTILITIES - QUEEN STREET/CITY OF DOVER ELECTRICAL OUTAGE
Per request of Mr. Richter, City Manager Bartolotta reported that the City did have a small electrical fire at the North Street switching station which burned a number of wires and connectors but did not damage any transformers. The City, at this point, has been unable to determine any connection between the Chesapeake Utility gas fire and the City’s electrical problem. Although there was relatively little damage to any City equipment, the City Manager is conducting an investigation of all City employees involved.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Shevock, Council adjourned into executive session for the purpose of discussing legal matters concerning the March 11, 1983 electrical outage and the Chesapeake Utilities gas fire.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of March 14, 1983, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
March 21, 1983
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