REGULAR MEETING
February 26, 1979
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on February 26, 1979 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Legates presiding. Members present were Messrs. McDonough, Weyandt, Muir, Carey, Witt, Carson and Bewick. Mr. Hardcastle was absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
SELECTION OF NEW CITY MANAGER
Mayor Legates announced that a new City Manager has been selected to fill the seat that was vacated due to the death of William T. James. Mr. John Mogan from Norwood, Massachusetts will report as the new City Manager on March 5, 1979.
Mayor Legates expressed appreciation to Council and the Legislative and Finance Committee for their careful screening of the sixty applications that were received for the position. He also expressed his gratitude to Mr. Hodge for his contributions as Acting City Manager during the interim of City Managers.
POLICE CHIEF - JOSEPH KLENOSKI
Mayor Legates announced that Captain Joseph Klenoski will become the new police chief effective March 16, 1979, due to the retirement of Chief William Spence. Chief Spence’s retirement will become effective March 15, 1979. Captain Klenoski was congratulated on his new appointment.
AGENDA ADDITIONS
Mr. Hodge requested that the dedication of four streets be added to the Agenda under the City Manager’s Report.
MINUTES
The Minutes of the Annual Council meeting of February 12, 1979 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and bore the written approval of Mayor Legates.
RESOLUTION - STORM EMERGENCY PERSONNEL
By motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council adopted the following resolution by a unanimous roll call vote, with Mr. Hardcastle absent.
WHEREAS, the Robbins Hose Company housed members of the Police Department and Ambulance Crews and responded to many emergencies of a medical nature during and after the blizzard of February 19, 1979, exhibiting great dedication to their chosen field and endeavor; and
WHEREAS, the members of the Public Works Department worked many long and arduous hours without rest or relief and the volume of cleanup operations caused the City to hire contractors to supplement its available workforce and equipment; and
WHEREAS, many private citizens and strangers who will be left unrecognized, contributed much to the restoration of the City after the storm of February 19, 1979.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the Mayor and Council wish to express their deep appreciation and gratitude to all those who unselfishly gave of their time, their money and their efforts to help the City in a time of need.
2. That the Mayor and Council wish to extend their appreciation to the citizens of Dover who aided in the emergency situations and cleanup operations in numerous ways and for their tolerance of the hardships caused by this great blizzard of 1979.
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 expression of their appreciation to the dedicated City workforce who participated in emergency and cleanup operations, to the local contractors and their workforces who came at the call of the City, and to the citizens of Dover for their cooperation and their compliments to the City on the handling of this very difficult situation.
ADOPTED FEBRUARY 26, 1979
MONTHLY REPORTS
Chief of Police Report for the Month of January
The Chief of Police Report for the Month of January was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Building Inspector & Fire Marshal Report for the Month of January
In response to a question by Mr. Witt, Mr. Roe stated that escalation of all permit fees is an item that should be considered by the Legislative and Finance Committee at a later date.
The Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report for the Month of January was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Carey.
City Alderman Report for the Month of January
Fines remitted for the month of January were in the amount of $1,225. Mr. Witt moved for approval of the report as submitted, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
General Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of January
The General Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of January was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Bewick.
General Fund, Budget Report for the Month of December
The General Fund, Budget Report for the Month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Electric Revenue Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of January
The Electric Revenue Fund, Cash Receipts Report for the Month of January was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Bewick.
Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report for the Month of December
The Electric Revenue Fund, Budget Report for the Month of December was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Muir.
Electric Improvement & Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Disbursements Report - January
The Electric Improvement and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts and Disbursements Report for the Month of January was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Witt.
Library Fund, Cash Receipts and Disbursements Report - January
The Library Fund, Cash Receipts and Disbursements Report for the Month of January was unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. McDonough.
City Manager’s Report for the Month of January
In referring to the Employment Status Report submitted by Mr. Hodge, Mr. Witt moved that a freeze be placed on the filling of vacant positions within the City of Dover. Mayor Legates suggested that this motion be postponed until after the new City Manager takes position and that the matter be brought before the Legislative and Finance Committee.
Mr. Witt commented that he found the Electric Department monthly report to be very informative.
Mr. Witt moved for acceptance of the City Manager’s Report for the month of January, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
DEDICATION OF STREETS - THE HAMLET
Mr. Hodge reported that he is in receipt of a $15,000 maintenance bond for one year to cover the four remaining undedicated streets in the Hamlet. It was the City Manager’s recommendation that Old Forge Drive, Cobblers Lane, Heritage Drive and Quail Hollow Drive be accepted as dedicated streets in the City of Dover effective 12:10 February 26, 1979.
Mr. Witt reported that the pavement on Quail Hollow Drive appears to be rippled where sewer laterals run to the properties.
Although the City Engineer’s office issued a memorandum that the streets have been inspected and approved as to the City’s specifications, Mr. Hodge stated that he will refer this matter back to the Engineering Department. Mr. Hodge will resubmit this matter at the next regular meeting.
Mr. McDonough suggested that the City erect temporary street signs in new developments for cul-de-sacs that are not clearly visible from the main streets in the development. This would aid emergency vehicles to locate these streets quickly in cases of emergency. The temporary signs could be removed after the names of the streets become familiar.
J.P. COURT #7 REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY
A check was received from J.P. Court #7 in the amount of $5,685.00 for the month of January. Mr. McDonough moved for acceptance of the report, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
PUBLIC HEARING - REZONING - 25 S. GOVERNORS AVENUE - BONITA B. BAGGETT
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place.
Due to the blizzard of February 19, 1979, the Planning Commission meeting was canceled and therefore was not able to make a recommendation to Council on this request. Mr. Roe requested that the public hearing be continued until the next regular Council meeting, at which time the Planning Commission will have a recommendation on the request.
Mr. Muir moved that the public hearing be tabled until March 12, 1979 at 7:30 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
SHALLOW WELLS - MCKEE RUN POWER PLANT - COST ANALYSIS DISCUSSION
Mr. Weyandt referred to a report that was submitted to Council in explanation of the overrun of expenditures for shallow wells at McKee Run Power Plant. Since this matter deals with City personnel, Mr. Weyandt requested that an executive session be held to discuss the report.
Mr. Weyandt moved that this matter be referred to the Legislative and Finance Committee in executive session for discussion and that all parties involved be present at the meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDonough. On a call for the question, the motion was unanimously carried.
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROGRAM - COST ANALYSIS DISCUSSION
Mr. Weyandt moved that this matter also be referred to the Legislative and Finance Committee for executive session for discussion with all involved parties in attendance. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDonough and unanimously carried.
REZONING REQUEST - EAST SIDE OF BAY ROAD - FRED C. JR., CHARLES W. & RALPH M. LORD
A request was received to rezone property located on the east side of Bay Road, north of Lafferty Lane, consisting of 1.4348 acres of land. The property is owned by Fred C. Jr., Charles W. and Ralph M. Lord. Prior to amending the zoning map and zoning ordinance of the City of Dover, a public hearing is required.
By motion of Mr. McDonough, 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 OF 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 on the east side of Bay Road, north of Lafferty Lane and consisting of 1.4348 acres of land 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 March 26, 1979 at 7:30 p.m. on a proposed amendment to the zoning map that would rezone from R-20 to C-4 that property located on the east side of Bay Road, north of Lafferty Lane and consisting of 1.4348 acres of land, owned by Fred C. Jr., Charles W. and Ralph M. Lord.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
ADOPTED FEBRUARY 26, 1979
CORRESPONDENCE
Ruth Ann Probst - Request for Time to Present Questions to Council
A letter was received from Ruth Ann Probst, requesting time to present questions before Council. Since Mrs. Probst was not present, Mayor Legates requested that the City Clerk correspond with Mrs. Probst requesting that her questions be put in writing in a letter to Mayor and Council.
Removal of Parking Meters on State Street - Jack Costello
In a letter to Mayor and Council, Mr. Jack Costello requested consideration of removing parking meters on State Street, in the vicinity of Loockerman Street. Mr. Costello pointed out that the Priscilla Block offices have no accessible parking from State Street.
Mr. Witt moved that the matter be referred to the Safety Advisory Committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
Jay’s Spirits Shoppe - Relocation of Loading Zone
A letter was received from Jay L. Schmukler, Jay’s Spirits Shoppe, requesting that the loading zone on the east side of Bradford Street to facilitate better truck delivery and routing through the City. Mr. Schmukler also requested two (2) 10 minute parking spaces near his store.
Mr. Witt moved for referral to the Safety Advisory Committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:42 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council in their meeting of February 26, 1979, are hereby approved.
CHARLES A. LEGATES, JR.
MAYOR
March 5, 1979
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