REGULAR MEETING
January 24, 1983
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on January 24, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Richter, Tudor, Boaman, Hardcastle, Carey, Witt, Bonar and Shevock.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mayor Carroll requested an additional agenda item for correspondence from Mr. John J. VonReider, concerning traffic signals on State Street. In addition, an update will be presented from the committee appointed to review the opening of an abortion clinic.
Mr. Hardcastle moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Bonar and unanimously carried.
RESOLUTION - CENTRAL DELAWARE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - VISITOR AND TOURIST BUREAU
Mr. Hardcastle moved for adoption of the resolution designating the Central Delaware Convention and Visitors Bureau as the official designated tourism arm for the City of Dover.
Mr. Shevock questioned contents of the resolution, indicating that the City of Dover is considering the construction of a civic center.
Questioned by Mr. Witt, Mayor Carroll stated that elimination of a reference to an anticipated civic center in the City of Dover would not alter the effectiveness or the intention of the resolution.
Mr. Witt moved to amend Mr. Hardcastle’s motion accepting the resolution, stipulating that the reference to an anticipated civic center in the City of Dover be eliminated. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock. The amendment was carried with Mr. Carey voting no.
By a unanimous roll call vote, Council adopted the following resolution (as amended):
WHEREAS, the City of Dover does not currently have a designated tourism department, charged with funding, promoting and encouraging tourism in a formal manner; and
WHEREAS, the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce has an active tourism committee and sub-organization entitled “Central Delaware Convention and Visitors Bureau; and
WHEREAS, the existence of an effective tourism and convention and visitors bureau is a necessity for administrative and promotional policies resulting in an effective and vital tourism industry in the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, a convention and visitors bureau is intended to be operated by the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce in the City of Dover:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Dover does hereby designate the Central Delaware Convention and Visitors Bureau as the official tourist, convention and visitors organization for the City of Dover.
ADOPTED: JANUARY 24, 1983
RESOLUTION - PROPOSED CHARTER CHANGES
Mr. Bonar moved that the resolution to the General Assembly concerning proposed Charter changes be adopted, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Mr. Richter requested that Mr. Boaman review those proposed controversial Charter changes that will not be submitted with the resolution.
Mr. Boaman reported a meeting with Senator Zimmerman and Representatives Bennett and Outten for the purpose of discussing the proposed Charter changes. All of the Charter changes as approved by Council were submitted under House Bill #47, except those that might be considered controversial. Two proposed Charter changes, relating to a real estate transfer tax and a request by the City for a portion of the state motel/hotel lodging tax, were deleted from House Bill #47. These items were submitted to the appropriate parties and will be considered at a later date.
The City Solicitor is presently reviewing bonding provisions of the Charter and proposed amendments will be submitted for Council consideration after completion.
By a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Tudor), Council adopted the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover have worked extensively in attempting to revise the Charter of the City of Dover so that it will be updated and in conformity with the modern complex form of municipal government; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover have approved these recommended changes to the Charter and have asked the General Assembly of the State of Delaware to amend the Charter accordingly.
THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover that the General Assembly of the State of Delaware is hereby asked to revise the Charter of the City of Dover in conformity with the Amendment proposed by and approved by the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover as submitted in House Bill #47.
ADOPTED: JANUARY 24, 1983
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 1983
Mr. Richter referred to the first paragraph, next to the last sentence, under the heading “Water Supply Study”, and moved that the minutes be amended to reflect the following:
“Phase I of the study would locate probable sources and include preliminary data at a consultant cost of $28,097, and in addition, the drilling of test wells at a total estimated cost of $35,000.”
The motion was seconded by Mr. Tudor and unanimously carried.
By motion of Mr. Boaman, seconded by Mr. Carey, the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 10, 1983 were unanimously approved as amended and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
It is noted that Councilman Shevock, during the January 10, 1982 Council Meeting, interpreted the motion concerning the acceptance of streets, right-of-way, water and sewer utilities at Barrister Place to mean that the City would not accept any portion of said street or utilities until such time that easements are executed for the entire sewer system.
MONTHLY REPORTS - DECEMBER
Noting that the City Manager’s Report indicates that invitations will soon be mailed for bids to supply #6 fuel oil for McKee Run, Mr. Shevock asked if the City Manager had considered including a no-strike provision in the contract.
Mr. Bartolotta stated that he plans to explore this possibility with the City Solicitor and is considering the possibilities of splitting the bid, involving two fuel suppliers and transportation companies. In the event of a strike, this would enable the City to acquire the services of the optional fuel supplier and transportation facility.
By motion of Mr. Richter, seconded by Mr. Carey, the following reports, for the month of December, were unanimously approved:
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 & Budget Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Cash Receipts Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report
Electric Improvement & Extension Budget, Cash Receipts & Disbursements
Capital Fund, Revenue/Cash Receipts Report (October, November & December)
Capital Fund, Budget Report (October, November & December)
Municipal Street Aid Fund, Cash Receipts & Disbursements Report (October, November & Dec.)
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on January 12, 1983 at 7:30 p.m. with Chairman Richter presiding.
Unit #3 Superheater - Proposed Study to Resolve Malfunctions
Referring to the Utility Committee Report, Mr. Richter pointed out the outline of problems that have been experienced with unit #3 superheater at McKee Run. It has been necessary to replace sections of the superheater every 18 to 23 months which causes a loss of electric revenue and expense for maintenance.
Consultant, Mr. Art Poole, was present at the committee meeting and stated that modern boilers should not have superheater tube problems for at least 15 to 20 years.
Mr. Richter informed Council that staff has selected the firm of Stone and Webster to initiate a detailed study concerning the causes of superheater problems that would include a recommended solution. Actual engineering design of the potential solution and any fabrication, modification or revision that must be done will be an additional cost.
The contract with Stone and Webster would involve an amount of $49,300, plus expenses; said expenses estimated to be approximately $14,000.
The Utility Committee recommended that Stone and Webster be awarded the contract.
Mr. Richter moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Boaman.
Questioned by Mr. Witt, Mr. Richter informed Council that the contract with Stone and Webster would not include any guarantees that a viable solution to the problem will be reached.
By a unanimous roll call vote, the contract to study the causes of superheater problems in unit #3 was awarded to Stone and Webster.
Laramore, Douglas and Popham Presentation of Suggestions for Improving the City of Dover Electric System
Mr. Richter informed Council of a presentation by Mr. Dick Popham of Laramore, Douglas and Popham, that included among other suggestions for improvement to the City of Dover Electric System, conversion of the present generating units of coal. Mr. Popham presented facts and figures substantiating the economics of such a conversion.
Mr. Boaman suggested that copies of Mr. Popham’s presentation be made available to all members of Council for study.
Capital Improvement Program
Mr. Richter informed Council that the committee initiated an in-depth study of the Capital Improvement Program and mutually agreed that all members of Council should be present to contribute further comments on proposed projects.
A joint meeting with the committee and members of Council will be held on January 26th.
Mr. Witt moved for approval of the Utility Committee Report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle and unanimously carried.
UPDATE OF TAX REASSESSMENT - LETTER TO LEVY COURT COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Boaman read into the record the following letter to President William Paskey and Commissioners of the Kent County Levy Court.
“President William Paskey & Commissioners
Kent County Levy Court - Room #20
414 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901
Dear President Paskey & Commissioners:
Pursuant to your letter of October 26, 1982, Mayor and Council deferred any further reference to resolutions adopted August 9, 1982, until newly elected commissioners have been sworn into office. Now that this has been accomplished we again turn your attention to the contents of our resolutions requesting the Kent County Levy Court to consider a county-wide reassessment of all real property, assume full responsibility of ambulance and paramedic services or contribute substantially to costs involved, and recognize the City’s local service functions by initiating tax relief for citizens of municipalities.
Correspondence on the aforementioned subject matter begin in the spring of 1982 and frankly, nothing concrete has been received by the City of Dover except for the statement that “Levy Court cannot favorably consider requests pertaining to paramedic services as contained in our resolution of August 9, 1982".
Noting the lack of action by the commissioners, Council has no other alternative but to conclude that the Kent County Levy Court is diplomatically attempting to evade the issues.
In my capacity as Chairman of the Legislative and Finance Committee, financial data is now in the process of review for fiscal year 1983/84 including a five year Capital Improvement Plan. Reassessment of all real property within the corporate limits is one of our priority items. It would be most helpful if the Mayor and Council could be apprised of Kent County’s intentions for a similar project and the other issues referred to in our August 9th resolution.
Your letter of August 31, 1982 stated, among other considerations, that “Kent County Levy Court has agreed to undertake a series of discussions on property reappraisal”. Council is most anxious to be informed of any progress that has developed along these lines since it is most important for budget decision making.
A prompt statement concerning this inquiry would be most appreciated.
Sincerely,
Gregory P. Boaman, Chairman
Legislative and Finance Committee
City of Dover”
Mr. Boaman moved that the letter as presented, be mailed to the Kent County Levy Court, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Mr. Witt suggested that the matter reassessment be presented during the Delaware League of Local Governments meeting on January 27th since other towns and cities in Kent County have expressed an interest in property reassessment. He suggested that these towns and cities could also submit a request to the Kent County Levy Court in writing.
ANNUAL REPORT - DEPARTMENT OF INSPECTIONS AND PLANNING
Referring to the annual report of the Department of Inspections and Planning, Mr. Roe noted the $18,000,000 in new construction for 1982 which is well above the national average. The increase in permit fees also contributed substantially to the annual revenue.
Mr. Witt moved for approval of the annual report, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STUDY OF ABORTION CLINIC
Mr. Hardcastle reported that the committee, comprised of himself as chairman, Mr. Boaman, and Mr. Richter, is awaiting compilation of a report of the laws from the City Solicitor. After a meeting has taken place with the Solicitor, the committee will report back to Council.
CORRESPONDENCE
Traffic Signal - State and Loockerman Streets - John J. Von Reider
A letter was received from Mr. John J. Von Reider, suggesting a change in the traffic signal located at State Street and Loockerman Street, specifically referring to the left turn arrow display.
Mr. Bonar moved for referral to the Safety Advisory Committee, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:02 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of January 24, 1983, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
January 31, 1983
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