REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on March 10, 1980 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Legates presiding. Members present were Messrs. McDonough, Weyandt, Muir, Carey, Witt and Carson. Mr. Hardcastle and Mr. Bewick were absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
AGENDA ADDITIONS
The City Clerk requested an additional agenda item, under correspondence, to present a letter from the Dover Little League Ladies Auxiliary. The item was permitted by a unanimous consent of Council.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mr. Weyandt moved to recess for an executive session to discuss personnel matters, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
Council reconvened with Mr. Mogan stating that a Wage and Salary adjustment has been presented to Council for consideration with a determination during executive session that the wage proposal and 1980/81 budget will be further considered during a Council workshop to be held within approximately one week or ten days.
MINUTES
By motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council unanimously approved the Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting for February 25, 1980 which bore the written approval of Mayor Legates.
VOTER REGISTRATION PURGE - FINAL REVIEW
The second and final review of the voter registration purge was presented to Council.
The registration purge list was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. McDonough.
PRESENTATION ON OPERATION OF POWER PLANT - MR. TED GEORGE
Mr. Ted D. George, Jr. of 77 Billings Drive, representing electric home owners and other residents of Mayfair, Mayfair II, Wedgewood, Schoolview, Woodbrook and Crossgates, addressed Council on the City of Dover’s operation of the Electric Department from the consumer’s viewpoint.
Mr. George’s presentation related to the following concerns expressed by the aforementioned civic groups:
1. Referred to the rising cost of electric due to fuel cost.
2. Suggest a committee of knowledge minded citizens to explore future fuel costs including fuels other than oil.
3. An attempt to initiate legislation that would change the laws restricting the use of coal.
4. Consideration of a discount for all electric homes.
5. The City’s cooperation in furnishing more graphic information to citizens as to why rates are increased with public involvement into problem solving.
6. Requested an invitation, within 30 to 60 days, for his committee to receive a reply to the presentation from Council.
Mr. Witt requested that Mr. George submit a list of committee members representing the citizens o the various organizations.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on February 27, 1980 with Chairman Muir presiding.
Ordinance Revisions
Mr. Roe submitted three proposed ordinance amendments, as prepared by the City Solicitor, for the committee’s consideration, as follows:
1. An amendment to Sec. 22 through Sec. 26 of the Municipal Code, deleting subparagraph (g), (h), (I), (j) and relettering subparagraph (k) to be subparagraph (g).
2. An amendment that would require the license fees for trailers to be paid on or before August 1st of each year without penalty, rather than September 30th of each year.
3. An ordinance that would amend Chapter 6 of the Dover Municipal Code, covering bonding requirements for outdoor music festivals.
The committee recommended approval of the amendments as presented and that public hearings be held on March 24, 1980.
Mr. Witt moved for the recommendation of the committee, setting public hearings on each of the amendments on March 24, 1980 at 7:45 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
City of Dover Business Licenses - revised Fees and Definitions
Mr. Roe submitted a written report, outlining the revised business license fees and incorporating definitions on certain categories. He stipulated that the new fee schedule would be effective June 1, 1980.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. McDonough, the committee unanimously recommended approval of the new license fee schedule, stipulating that the modifications will be discussed during the next Council Meeting.
Mr. Witt moved that a public hearing be held on March 24, 1980 at 7:45 p.m. to consider the new license fee schedule and definitions. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. McDonough asked if the legally advertised publication of the public hearing would include the various changes in the license fees.
Mr. Roe stated that the advertisement would state the date of the public hearing, informing citizens of the proposed amendment to the Municipal Code. Copies of the new license fee schedule will be available for public inspection in the Office of the City Clerk and the Department of Inspections. In addition, copies of the new fee schedule will be released to the press.
Pensioner Benefits - Cost of Living Raises and Blue Cross
The committee considered a letter from City of Dover Pensioners requesting cost of living raises and a provision for City responsibility of 50% of Blue Cross premiums applicable to pensioner dependents.
It was the committee’s opinion that this should be discussed by the Pension Board.
Mr. Witt reported that the Pension Board has met and could not arrive at a decision. Any change in pension benefits would require Council action. This will be reported to the next Legislative and Finance Committee meeting for further discussion.
Method of Payment - Council Meeting Compensation
The committee referred to the monthly checks received by Councilmen for each official meeting night and suggested that an annual payment would be more convenient for the Finance Department and economically feasible.
Mr. Weyandt moved that Council checks be issued early in December rather than the traditional monthly check. The motion was seconded by Mr. Witt.
Mr. Weyandt moved to amend the motion that would include payment also to the Mayor. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDonough and unanimously carried.
REFERRAL - UTILITY COMMITTEE - CONSUMER REPORT OF ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT - TED GEORGE
Mr. McDonough referred back to the presentation given by Mr. Ted George on the operation of the Electric Department and moved that the subject be referred to the Utility Committee for further discussions and study. The motion was seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
PERMITTING PARKING - SATURDAYS - LOADING ZONES DOWNTOWN
Mr. Witt stated that it was his opinion and the opinion of the majority of the downtown merchants that parking should be allowed on Saturdays in the loading zones. Utilization of these spaces by delivery services is at a minimum on Saturdays and therefore could be used for downtown shoppers.
Mr. Witt moved that this subject be referred to the Safety Advisory Committee for their study, seconded by Mr. McDonough and unanimously carried.
REZONING REQUEST - 860 & 846 S. STATE STREET - DR. ROBERT KIDD III
A request was received from Dr. Robert Kidd III, to rezone property located at 860 and 846 South State Street for the purpose of a professional 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. Witt, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council unanimously adopted the following resolution and referred the request to the Planning Commission.
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 860 & 846 South State Street are presently zoned for R-8 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 April 14, 1980 at 7:45 p.m. on a proposed amendment to the zoning map that would rezone from R-8 to RG-0 that property located at 860 & 846 S. State St., owned by Dr. Robert Kidd III.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
ADOPTED MARCH 10, 1980
REZONING REQUEST - NW CORNER OF HORSEPOND RD. & LAFFERTY LAND - PARIS
A request was received to rezone property located on the northwest corner of Horsepond Road and Lafferty Lane, owned by James R. and June N. Paris, for the purpose of a septic tank business and the parking of trucks. 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. McDonough, Council unanimously adopted the following resolution and referred the request to the Planning Commission.
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 the northwest corner of Horsepond Road and Lafferty Lane are presently zoned for R-20 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 April 14, 1980 at 7:45 p.m. on a proposed amendment to the zoning map that would rezone from R-20 to C-3 that property located on the northwest corner of Horsepond Road and Lafferty Lane, owned by June and James Paris.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
ADOPTED MARCH 10, 1980
CORRESPONDENCE
Dover Little League Ladies Auxiliary - Carnival
A request was received from Julie Smith, Chairwoman of the Dover Little League Ladies Auxiliary, to utilize the City property on Court Street, behind the A & P Store (formerly the Little League Park), to hold a carnival for the week of May 5th through May 11th. Ms. Smith stated that Ottos Amusement Company of Newark, Delaware, carries 2½ million dollars in insurance and will be responsible for any accidents.
Mr. Weyandt moved that the request be referred to the City Manager, Mr. Roe and Chief Klenoski for their determination. The motion was seconded by Mr. Muir and unanimously carried.
Mr. McDonough requested that the matter be returned to Council if there were any doubts as to the feasibility of the function at that location.
Mr. Weyandt moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council in their meeting of March 10, 1980, are hereby approved.
CHARLES A. LEGATES, JR.
MAYOR
March 17, 1980
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