REGULAR MEETING
August 11, 1975
The Regular Meeting of City Council was held on August 11, 1975, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Cullen, Legates, Muir, Hardcastle, Perman, Witt and McDonough. Councilman Harris was absent.
The invocation was given by Reverend J. H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
AMENDMENTS TO MINUTES OF JULY 14, 1975
As requested by Mr. Perman, the City Clerk submitted amendments to the minutes of the July 14, 1975 meeting for approval of Council. On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Perman, Council adopted the amendments as submitted.
MINUTES
The minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 28, 1975, were accepted and bore the written approval of Vice Mayor Legates.
SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Parking on One Side of Street - Mockingbird Avenue - Mimosa Avenue - Alder Road - A request was received from Mr. James Kime to limit parking on one side of Mockingbird Avenue. The Committee recommended that parking be limited to the south side of Mimosa Avenue and Mockingbird Avenue and parking only on the south and east side of Alder Road.
On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council approved the above recommendation and directed that the City Solicitor prepare an ordinance for a public hearing to be held on August 25, 1975 at 8:00 P.M.
Helping Hand Community - The Community recommended that the request of Mrs. Jasmine to establish a Helping Hand Community in the City be referred to the City Clerk. Further, that the City Clerk contact the various civic organizations asking their consideration in adopting the above as a civic project.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council approved the recommendation of the Committee.
On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council accepted the report of the Safety Advisory Committee as presented.
PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND TREES COMMITTEE
Traffic Regulations - City of Dover Park and Recreation Center - The Committee in considering pedestrian and vehicular traffic control for the City of Dover Park and Recreation Center, recommends a speed limit of 15 MPH and signs erected as designated by Chief Spence based on his department’s study.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Legates, Council directed that an ordinance be prepared and a public hearing be held on August 25, 1975 at 8:00 P.M.
Silver Lake Boat Ordinances - The Committee discussed the proposed changes in the Silver Lake Boat Ordinance with a representation of local boat owners in attendance. Final recommendations to Council will be submitted at a future date.
On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council accepted the report of the Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee as presented.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
YMCA Request for Appropriation of Funds - A request for an appropriation of $7,585 by the YMCA was discussed and after considering the various requests made be this organization the Committee recommends that an appropriation of $6,000 be approved from the 1976 fiscal year budget.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes and one (1) absent, Mr. Harris, approved the recommendation of the Committees.
Modern Maturity Center - Vehicle Gas, Maintenance and Storage - The City Manager was asked to contact the City Solicitor for an opinion on the request of the Modern Maturity Center to store their vehicles at the City Warehouse, obtain gasoline and utilize the City Garage for maintenance. A report will be forthcoming.
New Position - Assistant Construction Inspector - The City Manager submitted a request to the Committee which would create a new position in the Office of the City Engineer at a grade of G-14. Since the present inspector is due to retire soon, the hiring of an assistant inspector would allow training time and provide continuity within the department.
The Committee recommends that the City Manager’s request be granted and the position be established upon adoption of Council.
On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes and one (1) absent, Mr. Harris, granted the request of the City Manager.
Farmer’s Bank Proposal - Automatic Payday - The Committee next considered a proposal by the Farmer’s Bank to establish an automatic payday for City employees. It was their recommendation that the City Manager be authorized to have representatives of the bank present the plan to all City employees to determine their feelings on this matter and report back to the Committee. This would include similar proposals from other banks.
Council acknowledged the above as recommended by the Committee. Mr. Witt was recorded as not voting to avoid any personal conflict.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council accepted the report of the Legislative and Finance Committee as presented.
On behalf of the Mayor, Council and Staff, Mr. McDonough welcomed Mr. James’ return to duty after his recent illness.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
Water and Sewer Rates - The Committee in reviewing the sewer and water rates with Betz Environmental Engineers, Inc. presented revised residential and industrial rate structures for Council’s consideration. In presenting the revised rate schedule, which were formulated to recover the actual cost of the two utilities, the Committee recommends that the new rate schedules be adopted. Mr. James suggested that said rates by advertised and a public hearing be set for citizen input. It was also recommended that the Kent County treatment adjustment charge be adopted to compensate for the constant increase in sewage treatment.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council approved the recommendation of the Committee and directed that a public hearing be advertised to be held on August 25, 1975 at 8:00 P.M.
Residential Electric Customers - Budget Billing - Due to numerous requests, the Committee recommends that residential electric users with central air conditioning be provided with budget billing. This would amend Section 4-D of the Electric Rules and Regulations to read as follows:
“Budget Billing will be permitted for residential customers who have electrically heated and/or centrally air conditioned homes. Monthly budget payments will be based on estimated cost of total consumption for the preceding twelve month period, January through December.”
The remainder of Section 4-D would remain as presently written. On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Perman, Council by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes and one (1) absent, Mr. Harris, approved the above as recommended.
Middle West Service Co. - Consultant Fee - The Committee considered a bill for consultant services in the amount of $461 from Middle West Service Company. The bill was the result of a conference with Councilman Perman concerning the electric rates.
Mr. Muir, expressed his opposition to the payment of the bill for reasons of not following the chain of command by consulting the City Manager before contacting Middle West Service Company.
Mr. Perman explained that his reasons for contacting Middle West was to learn more about how the City of Dover electric rates were structured and how they were determined. Had he known prior to the meeting that a charge would be incurred, a different approach would have been used.
By request of Mr. Witt, a letter from Mr. Phillip A. Rock, Vice President of Middle West was read into the record.
The Committee recommended that the City Manager be authorized to approve payment of the bill. On motion of Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Perman, Council approved the recommendation by a vote of five (5) yes and two (2) no, Messrs. Muir and Witt, with one (1) absent, Mr. Harris.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Perman, Council accepted the report of the Utility Committee as presented.
FRANCES TURNER - REAPPOINTMENT TO DOVER HOUSING AUTHORITY
Mayor Carroll submitted the name of Frances Turner to serve a six (6) year term on the Housing Authority as a reappointment.
On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes and one (1) absent, Mr. Harris, approved Mr. Frances Turner for a six year term.
CHARTER REVISION COMMITTEE
The Charter Revision Committee met on August 6, 1975 to establish ground rules for the revision of the City of Dover Charter.
Mr. Legates was elected Chairman and Mr. Perman Vice Chairman. The Committee will meet every Tuesday between 8:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M.
REZONING REQUEST - WARREN BROTHERS - HORSEPOND ROAD
A request was received from Warren Brothers to rezone land owned by them on Horsepond Road. Prior to amending the zoning ordinance and zoning map of the City of Dover a public hearing is required.
On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council adopted the following resolutions and referred the rezoning 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 Horsepond Road 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 September 22, 1975m at 8:00 P.M. on a proposed amendment to the zoning map that would rezone from R-20 to M that property located on Horsepond Road owned by Warren Brothers Company.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
ADOPTED AUGUST 11, 1975
LIABILITY INSURANCE - BICENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
To inform Council of the status of the Bicentennial Committee’s effort to obtain liability insurance for the Light Infantry Company, a letter from Mr. Blagg to the Hardesty Insurance Agency was made available to Council members.
Mr. James informed Council that the property of the Committee would be covered by the blanket policy of the City and the liability assumed by the Bicentennial Committee.
On motion of Mr. Perman, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter.
COMMUNITY VETERANS TASK FORCE
A letter from Mr. Harry E. Walkup, Director of the Veterans Administration Center, asked that the City participate in a program to assist in local veteran affairs.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council referred the letter to Mr. Tom Brooks, President of the Rotary Club of Dover, who has been active in local veteran affairs.
DOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
A letter from Joseph S. McDaniel, President of the Library Commission, pledged their support and cooperation in working with Council on library affairs.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter.
LIGHT INFANTRY COMPANY PLAQUE
Mr. Larry L. Layton advised Council that the Dover Light Infantry Company was awarded first prize in the “Big Thursday” Bowers Beach parade celebration. It was requested that an engraved plaque, received for the above, be displayed at City Hall.
Mayor Carroll reported a meeting with Mr. Blagg where it was suggested that the awards and various articles offered by the Bicentennial Committee be displayed in a case at City Hall.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council approved the display of the above at a location to be determined by the City Manager.
BICENTENNIAL JULY FINANCIAL REPORT
A financial report for the month of July was received and submitted to Council from the Bicentennial Committee.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council acknowledged receipt of the report and requested that the City Clerk question the lack of matching funds and ask that minutes of the Committee Meetings be furnished to Council.
COMMUNITY LEGAL AFFAIRS SOCIETY - FINDS REQUESTED
A letter from Peter M. Siegel, Executive Director of the Community Legal Affairs Society, requested a grant of $13,000 from the City.
On motion of Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council directed that the letter be acknowledged by the City Manager and suggested that they apply for a categorical grant explaining the various things to be compiled with in order to fulfill their needs.
DELAWARE DISADVANTAGED FOUNDATION REQUEST
Mr. Legates presented a letter from the above organization in which Mr. Wallace Waite requested a $5,000 grant. The letter was presented to the City Clerk for acknowledgment.
LIBRARY DEED
Mr. Perman requested an update on the acquisition of the Dover Public Library. As a result of the action of Council, in their meeting of July 28, 1975, Mr. James said that there was some question of validity and in compliance with the Charter. However, in discussions with the school district and the City Solicitor, hopefully a document will be prepared to present to Council at their meeting of August 25, 1975, that will resolve the problems.
PETITION OF CRIME
A letter and petition expressing concern in upholding the laws against crime was received from Mrs. J. Vinson Moore. Mrs. Moore requested assistance in circulating the petition.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter and encouraged Mrs. Moore in the efforts of her endeavor.
PARKING AUTHORITY REPORT
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council acknowledged receipt of a report from Mr. William Manter of the Dover Parking Authority.
STORM DRAINAGE - WALKER ROAD - TAR DITCH
Mr. James reported a meeting on August 11, 1975 with the school district and the Richardsons concerning the drainage problem with the ditch that drains under Walker Road. Documents are being prepared to allow a survey and study on the related properties.
In addition, Mr. James asked permission to solicit the assistance of the Soil Conservation District in making a study of the Tar Ditch and Walker Road drainage basins to determine what should be done to correct the drainage problem and the cost involved.
On motion of Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council granted the above request.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mr. Witt wished to go on record as receiving several calls from citizens being concerned with the bat population in North Dover in addition to the complaints about birds.
Mr. Roe called attention to the Off Shore Port Study and the codified zoning code prepared by his office for Council’s review.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 8:40 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council in their meeting of August 11, 1975, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
14 August 1975
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