REGULAR MEETING
June 14, 1976
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on June 14, 1976, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Legates presiding. Members present were Messrs. McDonough, Weyandt, Muir, Hardcastle, Perman, Witt, Harris and Bewick.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
100,000TH SENIOR SURREY PASSENGER
Mayor Legates presented an inscribed plaque to Mrs. Orva Uhrie, commemorating the One-Hundred Thousandth passenger to ride on the Dover Senior Surrey. As a matter of coincidence, Mayor Legates mentioned that Mrs. Uhrie also named this service at its inception.
MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 24, 1976, were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Legates.
REPORT - PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND TREES COMMITTEE
The Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee met on June 7, 1976 with Chairman Hardcastle presiding.
City of Dover Security Guard Force
An outlined proposal submitted by Chief Spence to form a City of Dover Security Guard Force was considered by the Committee. The force would be supervised by the Police Department and police City facilities replacing private guard forces now engaged to police McKee Run Power Plant.
It was the Committee’s recommendation that the plan be approved as submitted. On motion by Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council approved the recommendation.
Park Hours - Silver Lake and Municipal Park Area
An appropriate opening and closing time for the City of Dover Municipal Park and Silver Lake Recreation Area was studied by the Committee.
It was their recommendation that Silver Lake remain as posted, sunrise to sunset. A time will be set for the Municipal Park after studying the effects of the City security force and recreational programs dictate an appropriate time span.
On motion by Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council approved the recommendation.
Mr. Guy Isenburg - Tree Roots
The Committee considered a complaint by Mr. Guy Isenburg of 90 Orchard Avenue, which pertained to tree roots from a City owned tree infiltrating his sewer lateral.
The City Solicitor, in a written opinion, stated that it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the lateral from his residence to a point of connection with the City main. The tree roots could be cut and other protective measures used, but the tree could not be removed or intentionally injured. The Committee concurred with the City Solicitor’s opinion.
Mr. Hardcastle moved that Council approve the recommendation of the City Solicitor, seconded by Mr. Weyandt.
Mr. Perman questioned if the City was not liable since the problem stems from a City owned tree.
On a voice call vote, Council concurred with the Solicitor’s opinion, with Mr. Perman voting no.
Concessionaire Rights - Silver Lake
A single bud of $75.00 was received from Mr. Richard Holland for concessionaire rights at Silver Lake Recreation Area.
The Committee recommended that the bid be accepted and the City Manager given authority to process an agreement with Mr. Holland.
On motion by Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council approved the recommendation.
Boat Permits - Dover Air Force Base
The purchase of ten boats and seven canoes by Dover Air Force Base was reported to the Committee by Chief Spence. Special Services at the base will assign the boats for use of base personnel at a nominal fee. The question of how to handle permits for those boats using Silver Lake was considered by the Committee.
Noting the excellent working relationship between the City and Dover Air Force Base, the Committee recommended that permits for these boats be issued at no charge and the number of such permits be left to the discretion of Chief Spence.
Mr. Hardcastle moved for the recommendation of the Committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried.
Mr. Witt moved that the Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee investigate the possibility of eliminating all licensing fees for use of boats on Silver Lake. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDonough.
On a roll call vote of five (5) no, three (3) yes, Mr. McDonough, Mr. Weyandt and Mr. Witt, the motion failed.
On motion by Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council accepted the report as submitted.
REPORT - SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory Committee met on June 7, 1976 with Chairman Hardcastle presiding.
The Committee considered a letter from Mrs. Dianne Bruce of 330 Nimitz Road expressing concern for the safety of children using Williams Park.
Recommendations to paint a crosswalk from the corner of MacArthur Drive to Nimitz Road and installation of park entrance signs were submitted for Council consideration.
Mr. Hardcastle moved for the recommendations of the Committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt.
Mr. Perman moved to amend the motion to read that a yellow parking restriction of 15 feet be painted on each side a crosswalk and install park entrance signs.
On motion by Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Weyandt, Council accepted the Safety Advisory Report as submitted.
REPORT - COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The Committee of the Whole met on June 9, 1976 with Mr. Harris presiding.
Revitalization of Downtown Area
Mr. Bernard Ettenger, President of the Downtown Merchants and Mr. Fred Turner, Consultant, were present to present a detailed plan for the revitalization of the downtown area.
Chairman Harris reported that the plan indicated that it would be necessary for the City Manager to investigate available funding for certain segments of the plan. In addition, it was suggested that the City hire students, or other personnel, to conduct a study of the utilization of present downtown parking areas. No other action would be necessary at this time except the possibility of Council accepting or stating approval of the revitalization plan.
City Manager - Investigate Available Funds
Mr. Harris moved that the City Manager James proceed to investigate the involvement of time, personnel and cost to conduct a study of the utilization of existing downtown parking areas. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hardcastle and carried.
Under discussion of the motion it was suggested that personnel from the County Employment Program be investigated for use in the study.
It was also suggested that the merchants of the business area be approached on sharing a portion of the cost and Mr. Turner’s professional knowledge be used where possible.
Mr. James was requested to prepare a map indicating existing signs that direct the location of parking areas.
Study - Utilization of Existing Downtown Parking
Mr. Harris moved that City Manager James proceed to investigate the involvement of time, personnel and cost to conduct a study of the utilization of existing downtown parking areas. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hardcastle and carried.
Under discussion of the motion it was suggested that personnel from the County Employment Program be investigated for use in the study.
It was also suggested that the merchants of the business area be approached on sharing a portion of the cost and Mr. Turner’s professional knowledge be used where possible.
Mr. James was requested to prepare a map indicating existing signs that direct the location of parking areas.
Revenue Sharing Allocations
In considering the allocations of Revenue Sharing Funds, the Committee recommended that $350,000 be applied to the General Fund, under allowable categories. In addition, $44,500 for Social Services and $7,500 for Recreation would be placed in a Revenue Sharing Trust Fund.
Mr. Harris moved for the recommendation of the Committee, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and carried.
Mr. Harris moved that the amounts to be placed in a Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, ($44,500 Social Services and $7,500 Recreation) be considered by the Legislative and Finance Committee and their recommendation be presented on or before the first meeting in July. The motion was seconded by Mr. Witt.
It was noted that all applicants for Revenue Sharing Funds would be notified of the meeting.
On a call for the question, the motion was carried with Mr. McDonough voting no.
On motion by Mr. Bewick, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council accepted the Committee of the Whole Report.
SALARY SCALE AND NUMBER OF PERSONNEL - DOVER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Spence advised that although salaries and personnel are set at the organizational meeting, any changes during the year must come before Council for approval.
By a request of Mr. Perman, the City Clerk read into the record a letter from Chief Spence which outlined the following reasons for his request of additional personnel and a revised pay scale.
An increase from 49 to 55 department employees would incorporate a four man motorcycle detail for traffic detail to more effectively patrol U.S. #13. State funding has been requested. If no funds are available, the aforementioned will not be instituted. The remaining two additional personnel will be used for assignment flexibility within the department and relieve a condition stemming from existing personnel engaged in Court procedures and investigations that are time consuming.
The revised pay scale, Chief Spence explained, is an attempt to reflect a fair and equitable span of salaries in terms of rank and/or longevity. It also widens the differential of higher rank officers who do not earn overtime.
Mr. Witt moved that Council approve adoption of the new salary scale as presented and the number of personnel at 55 with conditions as indicated in Chief Spence’s letter. The motion was seconded by Mr. Muir.
Mr. Perman questioned the salary increase at a Captains classification in the revised pay scale in proportion to the increases shown for other classifications.
It was explained that each classification was scaled according to guidelines set down by the International City Managers Association. These guidelines reflect other cities proportionately the size of Dover and project a high, low and medial figure. The indicated medial pay scale was used for the City of Dover Police Department.
On a call for the question by Mr. Bewick, Council by unanimous roll call vote, adopted the number of personnel and revised pay scale as presented.
REVISED 69KV ELECTRIC BILLING RATE
Mr. James advised Council that a new 69 KV billing rate schedule has been completed and submitted by Middle West, consultants for the bond holders, at his request.
The City of Dover is presently using the same rate that was charged before commercial operation of Unit #3 at McKee Run and is based on a rate charged the City when it was necessary to purchase power from Delmarva Power and Light Company. Since the City does not purchase power specifically for the three 69 KV users involved, this is a necessary step to establish a rate relative to the efficiency of McKee Run.
Mr. James requested that Council adopt the transmission voltage service classification for 69,000 volt service, as submitted by the consultants to become effective July 1, 1976.
On motion by Mr. Perman, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council by a unanimous roll call vote, approved the rate as submitted.
ELECTRIC BILLING FUEL CLAUSE ADJUSTMENT
Mr. James advised by the City Manager that it was necessary to change the electric fuel clause since the former fuel clause did not consider the purchase or selling of power to the PJM Pool. As in the case of the 69 KV rate schedule, the former fuel clause was established before commercial operation of Unit #3 at McKee Run. The formula to calculate the monthly fuel clause has been approved by Middle West Service Company.
The City Manager requested that the fuel clause be adopted, effective immediately.
On motion by Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote, adopted the fuel clause as submitted.
PUBLIC HEARING - ELECTRIC FUND BUDGET
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to adopt the City of Dover Electric Budget for fiscal year 1976-77. Mayor Legates declared the hearing open. There was no one present to speak for or against the adoption of the budget.
Mr. James explained that purchased power expenditures and receipts received from power sold to the PJM Pool would be shown under the proper categories in monthly reports to Council.
On a quarterly basis, Council will receive a report showing purchase power and receipts as requested by the bond consultants, but also in the aforementioned method. Mayor Legates declared the hearing closed.
On motion by Mr. Bewick, seconded by Mr. Harris Council adopted the Electric Fund Budget for fiscal year 1976-77.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. The amount hereinafter named aggregating Sixteen Million, Nine Hundred Thirty One Thousand, Two Hundred Thirty Nine Dollars ($16,931,239) or so much thereof as may be necessary, are hereby appropriated from current revenues of the Electric Department, estimated from current revenues for Seventeen Million Fifteen Thousand Six Hundred Dollars ($17,015,600) for the use of the several divisions of the Electric Department and for the purpose hereinafter mentioned for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1976 and ending June 30, 1977, as follows:
RECEIPTS
Electric Sales
Electric Meter Deposits
Miscellaneous Revenue
Total Receipts
APPROPRIATIONS FOR CURRENT EXPENSES
Production
Labor
Materials & Supplies
Water
Fuel
Interconnection Expense
Purchase Power
Training
Subtotal
Transmission
Labor
Materials & Supplies
Training
Subtotal
$16,905,600
50,000
60,000
$17,015,600
670,000
445,000
125,000
10,000,000
60,000
(1,860,000)
10,000
9,450,000
50,000
125,000
5,000
180,000
Distribution
Labor
Materials & Supplies
Training
Subtotal
Meter and Relay
Labor - Technical
- Readers
Materials & Supplies
Training
Subtotal
Electric Plant - General
Labor - Other
Material & Supplies (Safety)
Subtotal
Administration
Salaries
Materials & Supplies and Property Insurance
Social Security and Health Insurance
Electric Meter Deposit Refunds
State Utility Tax
Emergency Expense
Training
Subtotal
Total Operating Expense
OPERATING INCOME
DEBT SERVICE AND OTHER APPROPRIATIONS
Principal - 1965 Bonds
Interest - 1965 Bonds
Principal - 1973 Rev. Bonds
Interest - 1973 Rev. Bonds
Principal - 1973 Rev. Ref. Bonds
Interest - 1973 Rev. Ref. Bonds
Special Reserve - All Bonds
Short Term Loan Service
Electric Improvement Fund
General Fund
125,000
190,000
5,000
320,000
75,000
53,000
100,000
2,000
230,000
10,000
25,000
35,000
250,000
350,000
125,000
50,000
600,000
25,000
10,000
1,410,000
11,625,000
5,390,000
406,240
192,230
137,080
512,130
62,080
724,620
327,209
1,055,800
1,388,850
500,000
Total Debt Service and Other Appropriations
TOTAL EXPENSES
Transfer Per Resolution
5,306,239
16,931,239
84,361
2. The City Manager is hereby authorized without further approval of City Council to make interdivisional transfers of up to 10% of the amount herein appropriated to any division, except the amounts herein appropriated for interest, principal and debt reserve on 1965, 1970 and 1973 Revenue Bonds and for the Electric Improvement Bond, may not be decreased.
ADOPTED JUNE 14, 1976
PUBLIC HEARING - GENERAL FUND BUDGET
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to adopt the General Fund Budget for fiscal year 1976-77. Mayor Legates declared the hearing open.
Dr. Edward Powell, Superintendent of the Capitol School District, was present to address Council. Dr. Powell stated objections to the method in which the General Fund Budget was finalized. He expressed dissatisfaction that applicants for Revenue Sharing Funds did not have an opportunity to make a presentation prior to the City allocating those funds to the General Fund.
Mr. Edward Bennett of the Bennett Security Agency, addressed Council concerning the possible termination of his services as a private security force for McKee Run Power Plant. Mr. Bennett related to the proposed City of Dover Security Force that would replace six of his employees engaged in protective service for City facilities.
Chief Spence explained that in planning a City security force for various areas plagued with vandalism, it was felt that this force, with proper training, could also secure the McKee Run Plant. He in no way plans to compete with any private agency.
Mr. James interceded in behalf of the City, explaining that the guard force for McKee Run was authorized by the bonding company during the time of construction only. After that period, there is no authorization in the construction monies or bond fund for the payment of that force, unless they are City employees. This time has already been over extended. In addition, federal monies are available if the force comprises of City employees, but not if they are employees of a private agency.
Mr. Perman asked Chief Spence to explain the increase of $29,100 under vehicles and equipment in the 1975-76 budget and an increase of $33, 000 in the 1976-77 budget.
A discussion followed in which it was pointed out that the cost of general maintenance had almost doubled in the past one and one-half years, coupled with the increased cost of gasoline and vehicle purchase price.
Mr. Witt moved for the adoption of the General Fund Budget, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle.
On a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no, Mr. Perman, Council adopted the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year 1976-77.
On motion by Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council adopted the Capitol Improvement Fund Budget for fiscal year 1976-77 by a unanimous roll call vote.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. The amounts hereinafter named, aggregating Five Million One Hundred Seventy Thousand Dollars ($5,170,000) or so much as may be necessary are hereby appropriated from current revenues and other funds for the use of the several departments of the Municipal Government for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1976 and ending June 30, 1977.
CITY CLERK’S AND TREASURER’S OFFICE
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles and Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
Administration
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
Ambulance
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
$ 26,010
5,700
4,700
- -
- -
36,410
44,750
3,680
49,900
700
- -
99,030
103,000
1,250
400
2,800
- -
107,450
Senior Surrey
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
Engineering Office
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Computer Center
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
Finance Office
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
62,600
2,120
1,220
11,800
- -
77,740
64,800
900
550
1,100
- -
67,350
28,070
6,400
300
14,100
- -
48,870
78,110
2,800
25,750
1,500
- -
108,160
40,760
6,650
11,800
18,450
- -
77,660
FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
Office of the Fire Marshal
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies & Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
Emergency Operations
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
Health Inspection
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
Public Inspection
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
OFFICE OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
16,530
800
2,650
600
- -
20,580
700
300
- -
- -
- -
1,000
9,130
1,000
300
500
- -
10,930
52,360
4,500
10,400
2,000
- -
69,260
2,290
600
10,300
- -
- -
13,190
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
PLANNING COMMISSION
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
Building & Grounds
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
78,220
9,520
22,860
150
- -
110,750
8,900
1,000
3,500
- -
- -
13,400
1,097,790
55,500
31,100
141,800
7,000
1,333,190
50,090
1,950
1,200
3,000
- -
56,240
133,370
9,250
30,800
10,400
- -
183,820
Maintenance Shop
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
Street Department
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
Trash Department
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
STORES DEPARTMENT
Personnel Services
Materials, Supplies and Maintenance
Administrative & Other Expenses
Vehicles & Equipment
Construction & Other Capital Expenditures
Total
TAX ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
Personne