REGULAR MEETING
September 27, 1982
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on September 27, 1982 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Richter, Tudor, Boaman, Carey, Witt, Bonar and Shevock. Mr. Hardcastle was absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Witt requested an additional agenda item to discuss altering the boundary lines of the City of Dover districts.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 13, 1982
The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 1, 1982 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Boaman, seconded by Mr. Witt and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
RESOLUTION - WILLIAM MANN - SHIFT SUPERVISOR - MCKEE RUN
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Bonar, Council by a unanimous vote, adopted the following resolution:
WHEREAS, William H. Mann has been employed by the City of Dover since April 19, 1963 when he has hired as Shift Supervisor for the McKee Run Generating Station; and
WHEREAS, William H. Mann was responsible for supervising the safe and efficient operation of boilers, turbines, generators, etc., as well as training the operators in the six positions below that of Shift Supervisor; and
WHEREAS, during William H. Mann’s tenure with the City of Dover he observed the construction, start-up and operation of Unit #3 at McKee Run and the conversion from coal to oil of Units #1 and #2; and
WHEREAS, William H. Mann was constantly looking for better ways to improve plant performance, took extra time with the trainees to explain the theory and mechanics of the operations; and
WHEREAS, William H. Mann has chosen to retire from City employment effective September 30, 1982 with official retirement to begin on May 1, 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 William H. Mann for contributing his technical knowledge and skill to the City of Dover McKee Run Generating Station.
2. That the Mayor and Council wish William H. Mann and his family a happy and peaceful retirement.
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 faithful and responsible services rendered by William H. Mann.
ADOPTED: September 27, 1982
MONTHLY REPORTS - AUGUST
Mr. Roe noted a request attached to his monthly report requesting annual leave the week of October 11th and October 18th. Mr. Richter moved for approval of the annual leave, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
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 Report
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on September 15, 1982 with Chairman Richter presiding.
Delmarva Power and Light - Dover Interchange Agreement Amendments
Mr. Richter alluded to the fact that members of Council have been furnished copies of the Delmarva Power and Light Dover Interchange Agreement which contains amendments and supplements advantageous financially to the City. This has been made possible by Delmarva becoming a full member of the grid which authorizes them to sell directly through their company. The change in membership places the City of Dover ne step closer to the grid. Amendments in the agreement provide for changes in the cost accounting method and modifications in the split cost savings on megawatts.
Mr. Richter noted that the agreement will be retroactive to June 1, 1981 and moved to recommend acceptance of the Interchange Agreement, Amendments and Supplements. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boaman and carried by unanimous roll call vote with Mr. Hardcastle absent.
State College Road - Sanitary Sewer Service
Mr. Richter referred to a request from Dr. Luna I. Mishoe for sanitary sewer on State College Road. The committee was advised by staff that the project would cost approximately $145,000, resulting in a front foot charge of $65.61 per linear front foot of property.
Although the Utility Committee Report indicated a recommendation to set a public hearing to afford property owners along State College Road input, Mr. Richter stated that it was later determined that it would be advisable for the City Manager to present the cost and facts related to the sanitary sewer installation to all property owners along State College Road before proceeding with the project.
Mr. Richter moved for the aforementioned procedure, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Cable Television Update
Mr. Richter reported that his committee, chaired by Mr. Irving Levitt, has been discussing the current cable television franchise agreement with Storer Cable. Discussions will continue in an effort to modify some provisions in the agreement.
Mr. Levitt also informed the committee that Senator Goldwater is pushing Senate Bill #2172 which would prohibit almost all meaningful regulation of cable television systems.
The committee recommended that a letter be sent to Delmarva’s senators, urging their opposition to this bill.
Mr. Richter moved for the recommendation of the committee, seconded by Mr. Bonar and unanimously carried.
Drainage Code Update
The committee noted that the City of Dover established construction specifications in 1968 that include standards for water, sewer, streets and drainage items. The present Code required that the developer complete all utilities and street improvements in accordance with the specifications.
The City Manager’s staff is currently attempting to review and evaluate all construction specifications. It was requested that staff be permitted to review the drainage and construction specifications and standards along with other City specifications. Mr. Richter stated that a report from City staff will be forthcoming at a future committee meeting.
Water/Sewer Rates - Discounts
Mr. Richter reported that his committee is studying the entire water and sewer account in an attempt to make this account self-sustaining for all costs and capital improvements. Included in this study is a consideration to discontinue the 5% discount on utility bills paid within thirty (30) days and a delinquent charge on late payments.
The committee deferred action on the matter to afford staff a period of time to present a complete plan on the water and sewer account. Mr. Richter stated that this plan will be presented to Council in the spring of 1983.
Ordinance - Front Foot Charges - Whiteoak Road - Water Line
Mr. Richter informed Council that the Whiteoak Road water line project #80 has been completed at a total cost of $104,445.47, resulting in a front foot charge to all property owners of $7.63 per linear foot.
Mr. Richter moved to adopt an ordinance setting the front foot charge for the Whiteoak Road water line, project #80, at $7.63 per linear foot and that a public hearing be held on October 12, 1982 at 7:30 p.m. to allow appeals from property owners. He also stipulated that the City Manager initiate a mailing advising property owners on Whiteoak Road of the front foot charge. The motion was seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hardcastle absent) Council adopted the following ordinance:
WHEREAS, the Council is authorized to install water mains in the City, and by ordinance, to provide for the levy and collection of assessments against property owners whose land adjoins said installation, and
WHEREAS, the Council has caused to be installed water mains on Whiteoak Road, and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the Charter of the City of Dover, Section 28 (c) to levy and collect the assessment against property owners whose land adjoins said installations to cover the cost thereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. An assessment shall be, and hereby is, levied against all property owners whose property adjoins the installation of said water mains at the rate of $7.63 per front foot adjoining the said water main.
2. These assessments shall be liens against said properties and shall forthwith be entered in the Municipal Lien Docket.
3. These assessments shall be paid within a ten year period from the date of enactment of the assessment and levies including interest which shall be at the rate of 9% per annum on the unpaid balance of each assessment. The assessments plus accrued interest to the date of payment may be paid in full at any time during the ten year period. If the assessments are paid in full within one year from the date of enactment of the assessments and levies, then all interest charges shall be waived and only the original amount of each assessment shall be paid.
4. A public hearing on said assessments and levies shall be held on October 12, 1982 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, at which time any appeals from the same may be heard. Notice of said public hearing shall be given by publication in a local newspaper once a week for each of the two weeks preceding the date of the hearing.
ADOPTED: September 27, 1982
It was noted that the present interest rate for payments on assessments in now 9%. For future assessments, the City Manager’s Office will look into the possibility of changing the present fixed interest charge to a flexible interest rate.
Mr. Richter moved that the matter of interest rates for assessments charged to property owners be referred to the Legislative and Finance Committee, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Richter moved for approval of the Utility Committee Report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
OVERVIEW OF ONCE PER WEEK TRASH IMPLEMENTATION
Mr. Bartolotta stated that after October 4th, all trash fees will be discontinued per adoption of one day per week trash collection. The schedule calls for a Monday collection of bulky materials and yard waste. Tuesday through Friday will be set aside for regular trash collection. Implementation of one day per week trash collection will result in a savings to the City of approximately $100,000 per year.
To assure proper communication with citizens, Mr. Bartolotta stated that articles will appear in the quarterly Towne Crier concerning the districts and collections of trash under the once per week method. The City Manager’s Office has arranged to speak before three Civic Organizations. Advertisements will be placed in a local newspaper and tags have been distributed to individual citizen locations indicating the day of week trash will be collected under the new system. Letters have also been mailed to commercial establishments concerning the need for additional containers. Mr. Bartolotta and a member of his staff will appear on a local radio show on the weekend of October 2nd to answer any questions the citizens might have relative to the initiation of one day per week collection.
Mr. Farling, Public Works Director, displayed sectional maps of the City, indicating the schedule for collection under the new plan. At the present time, he stated that there are no plans for limiting the number of containers put out by each household. However, this will be monitored and if a problem develops Council will be informed of any recommended changes. There will also be a two yard container placed at the entrance of the old sewage treatment plant for those citizens who wish to dump any excess trash. This will be monitored by the Public Works Department.
There also will be a voluntary recycling program for metal cans only, to be collected on Mondays for those citizens who wish to participate. Paper will also be included if a market develops for the product.
Mr. Roe informed Council that the Inspections Department will keep close surveillance on apartments and businesses for non-compliance of regulations. Enforcement of regulations for residences will be initiated through proper notice by the Public Works Department of any violations.
Questioned by Mr. Tudor, Mr. Bartolotta stated that no provisions have been made to increase the number of collections in the summer. It was felt that citizens will become accustomed to one day per week pickup and obtain the proper number of containers during the period of trash collection that will occur in the winter months.
ELECTION RESULTS - CIVILIAN PENSION BOARD
The City Clerk reported results of the Civilian Pension Board election that elected Luther C. Lucas for a three year term.
Mr. Witt moved for approval of the election results, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
ELECTION RESULTS - POLICE BARGAINING COMMITTEE
Chief Klenoski reported the results of an election for members of the Police Bargaining Committee, held on September 15, 1982 and submitted the following names as members of that committee: Robert J. Roswell; Frank A. Massuli; John T. Foley
Mr. Witt moved for acceptance of the Police Bargaining Committee as presented, seconded by Mr. Bonar and unanimously carried.
HALLOWEEN - CELEBRATION OF TRICK OR TREAT
Noting that Halloween falls on Sunday, October 31st this year, Mr. Witt moved to approve Saturday, October 30th between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. as the period for Trick or Treat. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
CORRESPONDENCE
Kent County Department of Community Development - Block Grant Program
Mayor Carroll referred to a memorandum from the Kent County Department of Community Development concerning housing and community development grants. The memorandum issued an invitation to an open meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 7, 1982 in the Kent County Levy Court Chambers. Discussions will take place on how Kent County municipalities and the Levy Court can work together in making application for the State Community Development Block Grant Program. The grant will make 1.5 million dollars available to Kent and Sussex County for fiscal year 1983.
Mayor Carroll recommended that the City Manager or his chosen delegates attend the meeting.
Mr. Boaman moved for the recommendation as presented by Mayor Carroll, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Mary M. Byrne - Board of Trustees - Dover Public Library - Proposed Changes and Additions to Library by Mrs. Delma Batton
Mr. Boaman requested that a memorandum from Mary M. Byrne, member of the Board of Trustees of the Dover Public Library, to Mrs. Delma H. Batton, Director of the Library, be read into the record.
The memorandum referred to a proposed capital improvement plan for the library by Mrs. Batton. Mrs. Byrne pointed out that no approval has ever been given by the Trustees for structural changes in the library other than that proposed by the architect and consultant. She further stated that no consideration could be given for Mrs. Batton’s proposal until such time as it is discussed and analyzed in depth with the consultant, the architect, the City Manager, and the Library Board of Trustees.
Mr. Boaman moved that the Library Commission be notified that Council accepts Mrs. Byrne’s statements as outlined in the memorandum; said memorandum having been presented to Council at a Regular Meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
REALIGNMENT OF COUNCIL DISTRICTS - MR. WITT
Mr. Witt referred to possible imbalance of population in the four Council districts of the City of Dover and moved that the matter be referred to the Legislative and Finance Committee for review. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Mr. Boaman moved for adjournment into executive session to discuss personnel mattes, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
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 September 27, 1982, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
October 4, 1982
db