REGULAR MEETING
April 28, 1975
The Regular Meeting of City Council was held on April 28, 1975, at 7:30 P.M. with Vice-Mayor Charles A. Legates presiding in the absence of Mayor Carroll. Members present were Messrs. Cullen, Muir, Hardcastle, Perman, Witt, Harris and McDonough.
The invocation was given by Reverend J. H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on April 14, 1975 were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
The minutes of the special meeting of City Council to adopt the revised zoning code, held on April 21, 1975, were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
REPORTS
Chief of Police Report for the month of March was accepted.
Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report for the month of March was accepted.
City Planner Report for the month of March was accepted.
City Alderman Report for the month of March was accepted.
Cash Receipts, General Fund, for the month of March was accepted.
Budget Report, General Fund, for the month of February was accepted.
Cash Receipts, Electric Fund, for the month of March was accepted.
Budget Report, Electric Revenue Fund, for the month of February was accepted.
Cash Receipts, Electric Improvement Fund, for the month of March was accepted.
City Manager’s Report for the month of March was accepted.
SCHOOLVIEW LOT
Mr. Perman questioned Mr. Roe on the progress of cleaning off the lot adjacent to Schoolview.
Mr. Roe reported that the owner has requested additional meetings with his office before proceeding further. He felt that this stems from a price of $40,000 received by the owner of the lot to facilitate proper drainage. By the Council meeting of May 12, Mr. Roe feels that a more conclusive report will be formulated.
CITY MANAGER’S WRITTEN REPORT
Mr. James reported that since completion of the McKee Run water storage tank, testing of fire hydrants for flow and residual pressure is in progress which will result in a corrected hydrant map.
An approximate forecast to put Unit #3 in commercial operation is now set for July 1, 1975.
A future recommendation to Council will be to lower the eligible age for riders on the Senior Surrey from 65 to 62. A permanent type identification card is suggested since persons under 65 do not have medicare cards which are used for Senior Surrey users at present.
Steam blow tests are now completed on Unit #3 and it appears that the first steam turbine roll will take place on May 12, 1975.
SENIOR SURREY AGE LIMIT FROM 65 TO 62
On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. McDonough, Council granted Mr. James authority to initiate his plans to allow Senior Surrey riders, at age 62, when arrangements are completed to his satisfaction.
The Senior Surrey will be operating on Old Dover Days, Saturday, May 3, 1975, for the senior citizens.
On motion of Mr. Wit, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council approved the City Manager’s written report as submitted.
J. P. COURT #7 - MARCH REPORT
The City Clerk submitted the J. P. Court #7 report for the month of March with fines remitted by check in the amount of $6,794.70. Deferred payments, as of March 31, 1975, total $34,275.22. On motion of Mr. Cullen, seconded by Mr. Perman, Council accepted the report as submitted.
BOATING - MIRROR POND - MID-DEL DISTRICT CUB SCOUTS
A letter from Mrs. Mary E. Durrill, Activities Chairman, for the Mid-Del District Cub Scouts requested permission to use Mirror Pond for a boating activity. On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council authorized use of the pond on July 14 and 18. The planned activities are to be coordinated with the City Manager, Chief of Police, Fire Marshal and Director of Public Works.
GARAGE SALE - CROSSGATES
Mrs. Larry Valentine asked Council for permission to hold a neighborhood garage sale. Mr. Roe explained that these sales are becoming more frequent and in some instances appear to be a business rather than a neighborhood venture. Although this does not appear to fall in this category, the request involves a complete block of houses which might cause a traffic problem. On motion of Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council granted permission for the sale to be held on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
DOIC - SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
A letter from Mr. James N. Lightfoot, Executive Director of DOIC Inc. informed Mayor Carroll of their summer youth employment program and asked the City’s cooperation in securing employment in any program which might offer same. On motion of Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter.
NED HEITE - DIVISION OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS - STATE HOUSE SIGN
Mr. Ned Heite representing the Division of Cultural Affairs, State of Delaware, addressed Council apologizing for the present appearance of the State House and requested permission to erect a sign on The Green showing same as it appeared in 1850 with a brief history. The sign would have a back and front face and would be located at the curb on The Green, across from the State House. The sign would be removed in September when the exterior walls are completed.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council granted permission to erect the sign.
CENTRALIZATION OF CITY ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Perman recommended to Council the centralization of the administrative offices under the City Manager feeling that the public business and administration would be strengthened. He further sited a study made by the University of Delaware, Department of Urban Affairs, which recommended that the City of Dover make certain changes relative to the aforementioned centralization.
Mr. Perman moved that this matter be referred to the Legislative and Finance Committee for the study, utilizing the guidelines of the Department of Urban Affairs, and prepare a report for Council in sixty (60) days which would include ordinances and charter changes necessary to encumber the centralization. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDonough and carried.
INTEGRATING CITY AND COUNTY REGISTRATION RECORDS
The City Clerk reported a preliminary meeting with Mr. Wrightson, Commissioner of Elections, to discuss procedures necessary to integrate the City of Dover registration with the County records. A future meeting will be held after certain information is compiled by the State and City computer departments.
ELDERLY TAX EXEMPTION
Mr. McDonough questioned the City’s policy of not accepting applications for tax exemptions for the elderly after February 1st of a given year. Some consideration should be given to those belated applicants.
Mr. Hayes stated that consideration must be given to a cut off date due to information needed to compile the budget each year and that the dates for acceptance of applicants is a State law.
Mr. Rodriguez assured Mr. McDonough that he would research the law to determine if the City could expand on its dictates.
WATER SERVICE TO MOBILE HOMES
Mr. Witt sited the policy of the City not furnishing water service to mobile homes in annexed areas and pointed out loss of revenue and possible contribution to disease.
Mr. Roe stated that in 1961 the City adopted a zoning code which stated that mobile homes, not located in a mobile home park, would have to be removed at the end of three years. The Utility Committee, through the years, has taken the stand that mobile homes would not be permitted to connect to sewer or water based on the three year restriction although Council, since 1961, has not seen fit to enforce the three year removal ordinance. Property owners, including those with mobile homes are assessed a front foot charge for available sewer and water which includes a connect charge. Mr. Roe felt that the time has come to either furnish the services or enforce the three year removal ordinance.
Mr. Perman asked if Council action was necessary to enforce the ordinance.
Mr. Roe answered negative but it did take action by Council on an appeal. Approximately seven years ago an appeal did come before Council and resulted in a tabled motion which has been tabled to date.
Mr. Hardcastle suggested that the Clerk pull the above tabled motion from the minutes and forward same to Council for their study. The addition, Mr. Roe could compile a list with locations of mobile homes for future reference.
Mr. Witt moved that the matter of mobile homes in the City be referred to the Utility Committee for their report to Council after their next meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Perman and carried.
TABLED ITEMS
A discussion followed on tabled items and referrals to committees that are a part of the minutes and Mr. Cullen suggested that the City Clerk research the records and compile a list.
Mr. Witt moved that the City Clerk research the minutes for all tabled items and report same to the respective committees, back to January 1972. The motion was seconded by Mr. Cullen.
Mr. Perman stated that the fact there are many tabled motions and a great many items before Council are referred to committee, indicates a particular weakness in Council’s ability to legislate and make decisions. Too many times Council is delving into administrative matters that could be left up to the City Manager or his staff if more responsibility is placed in that office.
On a call for the question on the above motion Council voted five (5) yes, two (2) no, Messrs. Harris and Muir, Mr. Legates acting in his capacity of Vice-Mayor, and the motion was carried.
ROUGH RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Mr. Harris expressed objective feelings toward the rough railroad crossings within the City. It is his understanding that this is not the responsibility of the City but that of the State Highway Department or the Railroad Company.
Mr. Cullen stated that this responsibility lies with the Department of Highways and Transportation.
Council requested that the City Manager send a letter to Mr. J. B. Wallace, Director of Transportation, asking that something be done about the railroad crossings within the City.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Mr. James stated that hopefully the City of Dover Park and Recreation Center dedication services will take place on Memorial Day weekend and reminded Council that May 26th is a holiday and also a Council meeting night.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council voted to hold the regular meeting of Council on May 26, 1975.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 8:50 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council at their meeting of April 28, 1975, are hereby approved.
CHARLES A. LEGATES, JR.
VICE-MAYOR
30 April 1975
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