REGULAR MEETING
January 26, 1981
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on January 26, 1981 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor McDonough presiding. Those present were Messrs. Weyandt, Boaman, Hardcastle, Carey, Witt, Carson and Richter. Mr. Bewick was absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
AGENDA ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS
City Manager Mogan requested an additional agenda item in executive session to discuss collective bargaining. In addition, an item to discuss fuel oil bids for McKee Run Power Plant and present a report for the month of January on permit parking in the municipal parking lot.
Mayor McDonough requested an executive session to be held February 6, 1981 at 5:30 p.m. in City Hall. By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Boaman, the executive session was unanimously approved.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council unanimously approved an executive session immediately following the Regular Meeting to discuss personnel matters and collective bargaining.
Council unanimously approved an additional agenda item requested by City Clerk Willis to present a letter from Luther Towers.
HUD BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION
Mr. Mogan informed Council that an application for a HUD Block Grant has been filed.
PROCLAMATION - AMERICAN HOSTAGES OF IRAN
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Boaman, Council unanimous approved the following proclamation.
WHEREAS, on January 20, 1981 the long awaited release of the 52 American hostages in Iran was accomplished after 444 days in captivity, which event marks the end to one of the most trying times in American history; and
WHEREAS, the captivity of the American hostages affected every person in the United States to some degree and Delaware’s attention was focused on the Persinger family from Seaford, whose son was among the 52 being held; and
WHEREAS, throughout the ordeal the American people remained united in prayer and the fate of the hostages was kept uppermost in their minds as the days, weeks, and months passed.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH M. MCDONOUGH, MAYOR of the City of Dover, by the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim Thursday, January 29, 1981, as an official day of prayerful celebration for all citizens of Dover. I invite all the people of greater Dover to attend an ecumenical “service of praise and thanksgiving” to be held Thursday, January 29th at 7:00 p.m. at Dover’s Central Middle School.
ADOPTED JANUARY 26, 1981
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 12, 1981 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Witt and bore the written approval of Mayor McDonough.
MONTHLY REPORTS
Chief of Police Report for the Month of December
Referring to a previous request by members of Council, Mr. Witt inquired of Chief Klenoski if the monthly and year-to-date time distribution related to criminal investigation, administrative duties, etc., could be broken down with a designated percentage for each item.
Chief Klenoski stated that he would investigate the matter.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Witt, the Chief of Police Report for the month of December was unanimously approved.
Building Inspector & Fire Marshal Report for the Month of December
Mr. Roe informed Council that the method of grading eating house establishments changed with the adoption of the new Health Code. The former system utilized demerit points, with 40 points designating automatic closing. The system, under the new Health Code, utilizes positive points, starting at 100% with 60 points defining a closing. The latter method will reflect in the March quarterly report.
Mayor McDonough pointed out an additional fact in Mr. Roe’s report that outlined progress in posting the Kent Apartments, located at 30 S. New Street, as a dangerous building.
Mr. Roe informed Council that the owner of Kent Apartments has been in his office to review the various violations and it is now up to him to conform with the City Codes or come before Council for an appeal.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, the Building Inspector & Fire Marshal Report for the month of December was unanimously approved.
City Alderman Report for the Month of December
Alderman Willis reported total fines remitted for the month of December in the amount of $1,783.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, the City Alderman’s Report for the month of December was unanimously approved.
General Operating Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of December
The General Operating Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle.
General Operating Fund, Budget Report for the Month of November
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey, the General Operating Fund, Budget Report for the month of November was unanimously approved.
Water/Sewer Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of December
The Water/Sewer Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Water/Sewer Fund, Budget Report for the Month of November
The Water/Sewer Fund, Budget Report for the month of November was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Boaman, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Intergovernmental Service Fund, Cash Receipts & Disbursements - November
The Intergovernmental Service Fund, Cash Receipts and Disbursements Report for the month of November was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Electric Revenue Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of December
Mr. Witt referred to electric sales and noted that only 36% of the budget has been received so far this year. He suggested that this item be closely monitored and a rate increase be reviewed at a future meeting.
Mr. Mogan verified Mr. Witt’s observation, stating that the estimated income of electric sales was based on a rate increase.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, the Electric Revenue Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the month of December was unanimously approved.
Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report for the Month of November
Mr. Witt pointed out that the report indicates a collection of $374,682 in utility tax for the State, year to date. It was his opinion that this is detrimental, especially to small businesses and that the City collects these taxes free of charge for the State. He added that this utility tax should be carefully studied by the State to initiate some relief for small businesses.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey, the Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report for the month of November was unanimously approved.
Electric Improvement & Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Disbursements - November
The Electric Improvements and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts and Disbursements Report for the month of November were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Municipal Street Aid, Cash Receipts & Disbursements Report - Oct., Nov. & Dec.
The Municipal Street Aid, Cash Receipts & Disbursements Report for the months of October, November and December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Weyandt.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
Municipal Parking Lot - Permit Parking
Mr. Mogan reported that 125 permits have been issued for paid parking areas in the municipal lot, although only 115 permits were projected to be issued during the day 10 to 12 empty spaces exist. There have been no problems since the initiation of permit parking.
Traffic Light Synchronization
Mr. Mogan informed members of Council that Mr. Pusey, of the State Highway Department, has been very cooperative in supervising the resynchronization of traffic signals in the City. Mr. Pusey has outlined a list of procedures to follow that includes daily observation. In addition, Mr. Mogan stated that City employees are now pursuing scheduled communication checks to observe automatic flashing during emergency situations such as fires. An initial check revealed that there are problems with traffic light units on Division Street.
By motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Carey, the City Manager’s Report for the month of December was unanimously approved.
J.P. COURT #7 REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
A check was received for the month of December from J.P. Court #7 in the amount of $6,036.50.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, the J.P. Court #7 Report for the month of December was unanimously approved.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on January 19, 1981 with Chairman Bewick presiding.
In the absence of Mr. Bewick, Mr. Richter submitted the Utility Committee report, noting the long list of agenda items that are still under consideration by the committee.
Trash Ordinance
Mr. Richter referred to a proposed trash ordinance that was discussed by the committee for the purpose of deterring unlawful dumping of trash within the City limits by non-residents.
The committee recommended that a public hearing be held for the purpose of adopting the ordinance.
Mr. Richter moved that a public hearing be held on February 9, 1981 at 7:45 p.m. to consider adoption of said ordinance. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Power Plant Feasibility Study - Burns and McDonnell Consultants
Questioned by Mayor McDonough, Mr. Richter stated that he did not feel it necessary for further Council action on a recommendation to initiate a $50,000 feasibility study by Burns and McDonnell to expand the electrical production capacity of the City of Dover.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council unanimously approved the Utility Committee report as submitted.
APPOINTMENTS - PLANNING COMMISSION - THREE YEAR TERMS
Mayor McDonough explained that the Planning Commission terms of A. Barratt Cullen, Gilbert Skank and Sarah Hastings expire on February 28, 1981. It was his intention to afford Council 30 days in which to consider the reappointment of these members.
It was Mr. Boaman’s opinion that no further consideration of these members would be necessary and moved to approve the reappointments of the aforementioned as submitted by Mayor McDonough. The motion was seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
MCKEE RUN - EXPERIMENTAL OIL ADDITIVE
Mr. Mogan reported that the tests involving an oil additive for 3% sulphur oil have now been completed with the assistance of Gilbert Commonwealth, Consulting Engineers, and under the watchful eye of EPA. This information has been submitted to the EPA office as of January 5, 1981. The City is now awaiting for results of the EPA analysis.
Mr. Mogan explained that the oil additive tests were conducted to determine if 3% oil could be used at the Power Plant. At the time the tests began, a 7¢ differential existed between the cost of 2% sulphur oil. If 3% could be utilized, the result would be a substantial savings if fuel costs to the City.
The differential between 2% and 3% sulphur oil costs have now evaporated to the area of 2¢ since initiation of the experimental tests. According to information received by the City Manager, the cost differential has evaporated because of rumors that oil companies are now experimenting with #6 oil to establish a standard which would be earmarked #2 or #3 oil, eradicating the necessity of storing vast amounts of different grades.
Preliminary studies show that it would still be advantageous for the City to utilize #3 sulphur oil with an additive.
Even though the cost differential is only 2¢ for 2% or 3% sulphur, and considering the cost of additive, the City could realize a savings of $750,00 annually.
Mr. Witt suggested that the City request permission from EPA to utilize the additive with 3% oil during the period of their investigation of their results.
Mr. Mogan stated that the City is investigating this possibility.
OIL BIDS - MCKEE RUN POWER PLANT
Mr. Mogan informed Council that the following bids were submitted by three separate oil suppliers for McKee Run, with Pedroni being the successful bidder:
Pedroni - 2% sulphur, 32.2047 dollars per barrell / 3% sulphur - 31.3137 dollars per barrell
Swann - 32.2926 per barrell - 2% sulphur / 31.4619 dollars per barrell - 3% sulphur
Exxon - 34.13 dollars per barrell - 2% sulphur / 33.63 dollars barrell - 3% sulphur
VACATION - MR. WILLIS
Mayor McDonough pointed out that City Clerk Willis will be on vacation during the week of February 9th barring any objections from Council.
CORRESPONDENCE
Luther Towers - Tax Exemption Request
A letter was received from Mr. Raymond C. Best, President of Lutheran Senior Services of Dover, Inc., requesting that the City consider tax exempt status for Luther Towers. Pertinent information concerning the corporation was attached with a statement informing that the Kent County Levy Court has granted their request for tax exemption.
Mr. Witt moved that the matter be referred to the Tax Appeals Committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt.
Questioned by Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Witt stated that Tax Appeals Committee meets each year on the second week of April to hear tax appeals.
Questioned by members of Council, Mr. Hayes stated that the City of Dover grants tax exemption to educational or religious organizations only.
A call for the question, unanimously referred the matter to the Tax Appeals Committee.
Mr. Hardcastle moved for adjournment to executive session to discuss personnel matters and collective bargaining, seconded by Mr. Boaman and unanimously carried.
Council adjourned at 8:20 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council in their meeting of January 26, 1981, are hereby approved.
JOSEPH M. MCDONOUGH
MAYOR
February 2, 1981
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