REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on January 28, 1980 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Legates presiding. Members present were Messrs. McDonough, Weyandt, Muir, Hardcastle, Carey, Witt and Carson. Mr. Bewick was absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
JOHN B. CARSON - BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS
Prior to the meeting, Mayor Legates and members of Council extended congratulations to Councilman John B. Carson on his 72nd birthday.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 14, 1980 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Carey and bore the written approval of Vice-Mayor Muir.
MONTHLY REPORTS
Chief of Police Report for the Month of December
The Chief of Police Report for the Month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report for the Month of December
Mr. Witt inquired into the progress of updating the business license fees. Mr. Roe stated that he had submitted a proposal for the City Manager’s review. In addition, an amendment to the ordinance will be necessary with a public hearing. Since the license applications are mailed on June 1st, Mr. Roe suggested that a public hearing be set for the first meeting in April.
Mr. Muir suggested a draft of the proposed changes be furnished to members of Council to facilitate a recommendation by the Legislative and Finance Committee in their February meeting.
The Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report for the month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carson.
City Alderman Report for the Month of December
The City Alderman Report for the month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carson.
General Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of December
The General Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
General Fund, Budget Report for the Month of November
The General Fund, Budget Report for the month of November was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Electric Revenue Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of December
The Electric Revenue Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Muir.
Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report for the Month of November
Questioned by Mr. McDonough, Mr. Mogan advised Council that the fuel adjustment clause will escalate due to the continual rise in oil prices.
Mr. Weyandt advised Council of a personal study which reveals that unit #3 was off the line 39% of the time during 1979 due to abnormal maintenance. Unit #3 has been off the line during the month of January and will not be activated until sometime in February. It was his opinion that a study should be made at the Power Plant to determine whether the fault lies with the manufacturer or the method in which the unit is maintained or operated. He asked Mr. Mogan if the City had any recourse with the manufacturer if indeed the unit is inferior.
Mr. Mogan stated that he felt that the manufacturer can be held responsible and advised Council that a case is being worked up at this time.
The Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report for the month of November was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carson.
Electric Improvement and Extension Fund, Receipts & Disbursements for December
The Electric Improvement and Extension Fund, Receipts and Disbursements for December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Witt.
Municipal Street Aid Fund, Cash Receipts & Disbursements - October, November & December
The Municipal Street Aid Fund, Cash Receipts and Disbursements Report for October, November and December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER
Energy Conservation
Mr. Mogan pointed out that he energy used for municipal use was 412,000 kilowatts during the month of December 1979. In comparison, the municipal use in December 1978 was 665,000 kilowatts and in November 1978 it was 650,000 kilowatts. This reflects an attempt to conserve energy by reducing lighting and heating of municipal facilities.
He advised Council that there are fines that amount to $5,000 maximum for not willfully violating federal regulations and $10,000 maximum for willfully violating federal regulations.
Mr. Muir moved for approval of the City Manager’s Report for the month of December, seconded by Mr. Witt and unanimously carried.
J.P. COURT #7 REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF December
A check was received from J.P. Court #7 for the month of December in the amount of $6,169.27. Deferred payments as of December 31, 1979 were $31,650.79.
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, the J.P. Court #7 Report for the month of December was unanimously approved.
ANNUAL REPORT - INSPECTIONS AND PLANNING
Mr. Witt congratulated Mr. Roe on the contents of his report and the efficiency of his department.
By motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, the Annual report of the Inspections and Planning Department was unanimously approved as submitted.
CORRESPONDENCE
Office of Management, Budget & Planning - Richardson & Robbins Property
In acquiring the Richardson & Robbins plant on Kings Highway, Mr. Roe explained that the State of Delaware is complying with Title 29, Chapter 92 of the Delaware Code by notifying the City of Dover of the transaction. The contents of the letter contained plans by the State for utilization of the facility as office space.
Mr. Roe pointed out a memo to the State of Delaware, Office of Management, Budget and Planning, from his office, outlining procedures expected by the City of Dover during the renovation.
Wedgewood Apartments - Guy T. Bowdle
A letter was received from Mr. Guy T. Bowdle, 171 Haman Drive, complaining of the deplorable condition of the Wedgewood Apartments, mentioning uncut grass, overflowing trash dumpsters and an infestation of rats. He requested that Council take swift action to correct this problem. Attached to the letter was a petition from area residents.
Mayor Legates suggested that the matter be referred to Mr. Roe’s office.
Mr. Weyandt stated that he had personally inspected the property and advised that the eastern boundary, containing a hedgerow is in great need of a general clean-up as does the northern boundary, containing a City of Dover sub-station.
Mr. Roe reported speaking to the Wedgewood Apartment management and a daily surveillance by the Inspectors of his office. Great improvement has resulted and a daily surveillance will continue with a report to Council at the next meeting.
Mr. Witt moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:17 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council in their meeting of January 28, 1980, are hereby approved.
CHARLES A. LEGATES, JR.
MAYOR
February 1, 1980
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