ANNUAL ORGANIZATION MEETING
February 10, 1975
The Annual Organizational Meeting of City Council was held on Monday, February 10, 1975, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Legates, Walls, Holpp, Hardcastle, Muir, Harris and Cullen.
The invocation was given by Reverend J. H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
OATH OF OFFICE - NEWLY ELECTED COUNCILMEN
The Honorable William G. Bush, III, Judge of the Superior Court, administered the Oath of Office to the following recently elected members of Council for a two year term.
FIRST DISTRICT Joseph M. McDonough
SECOND DISTRICT Charles A. Legates, Jr.
THIRD DISTRICT Charles L. Witt
FOURTH DISTRICT David L. Perman
PRESENTATION TO COUNCILMAN VICTOR E. HOLPP
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council praised Mr. Holpp for his long and faithful dedication to the City and presented him with a plaque depicting the era of his service and adopted the following resolution.
WHEREAS, Victor E. Holpp has served dedicatedly and faithfully as Councilman for the City of Dover since February 12, 1951; and
WHEREAS, Victor E. Holpp is the Senior Councilman of the City of Dover in terms of years of service, he having been on Council continuously since February 12, 1951; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure of office Victor E. Holpp has served the important position of chairman of the Utility Committee and has been a member of the Committee of Committees and is presently serving as Vice-Mayor of the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, the term of Victor E. Holpp will expire on February 10, 1975.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover express their extreme appreciation and gratitude to Councilman and Vice-Mayor, Victor E. Holpp, for the dedicated years of service to the citizens of the City of Dover when he served as Councilman from February 12, 1951 continuously to the present date.
2. The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover wish Victor E. Holpp success in his future endeavors and express their regret because of the termination of his term of office.
3. That the City Clerk is directed to make this resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover in honor of Victor E. Holpp.
ADOPTED FEBRUARY 10, 1975
PRESENTATION TO COUNCILMAN CARLETON WALLS
On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council praised Mr. Walls for his dedication during the tenure of his terms and presented him with a plaque for his years of service and adopted the following resolution.
WHEREAS, Carleton Walls served as a member of City Council with dedication from February 12, 1962 to February 14, 1966 and from October 28, 1968 to February 10, 1975; and
WHEREAS, Carleton Walls during his tenure of office as City Councilman served in the important positions of Chairman of the Parks, Playground and Trees Committee and as Chairman of the Safety Advisory Committee and as a member of the Committee of Committees and as a member of the Pension Board; and
WHEREAS, Carleton Walls served as an active and a faithful member of the City of Dover Planning Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover express their extreme appreciation and gratitude to Carleton Walls for his many years of service to the residents of the City of Dover and to Council for serving in so many important positions on Council and for devoting his time and effort to the causes of the City of Dover.
2. That the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover express their regret at the termination of the term of office of Carleton Walls, but that they wish him all good fortune in the future.
3. That the City Clerk is directed to make this resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover in honor of the dedicated service to the City of Dover by Councilman Carleton Walls.
ADOPTED FEBRUARY 10, 1975
STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE
Mayor Carroll delivered the State of the City Message at this time expressing his appreciation for the progress of the City of Dover in the past year and outlined some of the major projects that he would like undertaken in the near future. He thanked Council, Staff and citizens of Dover for their past support and asked for their continued support in the near future and years to come.
Council at this time took a short recess.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR THE YEAR 1975
Vice-Mayor: On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Councilman Legates was nominated for the Office of Vice-Mayor. Mr. Witt moved that the nominations be closed. By a unanimous vote of Council, Mr. Charles Legates was elected Vice-Mayor for the year of 1975.
City Alderman: On motion of Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Witt, William H. Willis was nominated for the Office of City Alderman. Mr. Perman moved that the nominations be closed. By a unanimous vote of Council, William H. Willis was elected City Alderman for the year 1975.
City Clerk - City Treasurer: On motion of Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Witt, William H. Willis was nominated for the Office of City Clerk/Treasurer. Mr. Muir moved that the nominations be closed. By unanimous vote of Council, William H. Willis was elected City Clerk/Treasurer for the year 1975.
City Solicitor: On motion of Mr. Cullen, seconded by Mr. Muir, Nicholas H. Rodriguez was nominated for the Office of City Solicitor. Mr. Hardcastle moved that the nominations be closed. By unanimous vote Nicholas H. Rodriguez was elected City Solicitor for the year 1975.
Fire Marshal: On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Muir, Jack T. Roe was nominated fo the Office of Fire Marshal. Mr. Cullen moved that the nominations be closed. By a unanimous vote, Council elected Jack T. Roe as City Fire Marshal for the year 1975.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council confirmed the following Committee appointments as recommended by Mayor Carroll.
Building Code Appeals Committee: Chairman Muir, James Hardcastle, Charles Legates and City Manager.
Building, Housing and Plumbing Code Committee: Chairman Mr. James, James Muir and Charles Legates.
Committee of Committees: Chairman Legates, A. Barratt Cullen, Douglas Harris and James Muir.
Kent County Planning Commission: Jack T. Roe
Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee: Chairman Cullen, James Hardcastle and Charles Witt.
City of Dover Pension Board: Douglas Harris
Safety Advisory Committee: Chairman Harris, James Hardcastle and Charles Witt
Utility Committee: Chairman Harris, David Perman, James Muir and Mayor Carroll
Wages and Hours, Legislative and Finance Committee: Chairman Legates, Joseph M. McDonough and James Muir
MINUTES
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Perman, the minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 27, 1975, were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
PUBLIC HEARING - THE HAMLET - LOTS 15 THROUGH 31
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider the rezoning of lots 15 through 31, The Hamlet, located on Walker Road, at the western end of Old Forge Drive, owned by J. V. DiSabatino, Inc. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open. Mr. James Tevebaugh and Mr. James DiSabatino addressed Council explaining the impact of the rezoning and stating that townhouses would be built in the area of rezoning. Residents in the area have been contacted and informed of Mr. DiSabatino’s proposals in the area. Trees will be planted as a buffer between the two zones. Also present to speak for the rezoning were the following residents from the adjacent area: Mr. Michael Mercer, Mr. Eric McGrew, Mr. Donald Dunkell and Dr. Thomas Mercer.
Councilman Perman read a letter to Council received by him from Mr. L. P. Abernathy, a resident of The Hamlet, speaking in favor of the rezoning.
The Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning with the stipulation that Mr. DiSabatino contact residents in the area for signatures verifying that they have been informed of the request for rezoning.
Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed. On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council by unanimous roll call vote approved the rezoning and adopted the following ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF THE LAND LOCATED AT THE HAMLET, WALKER ROAD AND McKEE ROAD, WESTERN END OF OLD FORGE DRIVE, LOTS 15 THRU 31 INCLUSIVE, FROM R-8 TO RG-3.
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has enacted a zoning ordinance regulating the use of property within the limits of the City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of zoning and planning to change the permitted use of the property described below from R-8 to RG-3.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover has been amended by changing the zoning designation from R-8 to RG-3 on that property located at The Hamlet, Walker Road and McKee Road, western end of Old Forge Drive, lots 15 thru 31 inclusive, owned by J. V. DiSabatino, Inc.
ADOPTED FEBRUARY 10, 1975
PUBLIC HEARING -1 5 WILLIAM STREET AND 1 NORTH BRADFORD STREET
A public hearing was duly advertised to consider the rezoning of property located at 15 William Street and 1 North Bradford Street, owned by Robert M. Duncan, from R-8 to RG-1. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing open and directed the City Clerk to read a letter from Mr. Duncan relative to the rezoning. The letter, dated January 20, 1975, “Attention City of Dover Planning Commission”, asked that the rezoning request for the above property be withdrawn. Mr. Duncan stated his desire to redesign his plans.
Since there was no action taken by the Planning Commission the request was honored and Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed. On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council acknowledged receipt of Mr. Duncan’s letter.
ANNUAL REPORTS
Chief of Police: The Annual Report of the Chief of Police was presented to Council for their consideration. On motion of Mr. Cullen, seconded by Mr. Legates, Council accepted the report as submitted.
Chief Spence also commented on the revised rules and regulations for the police department and Council was asked by Mayor Carroll to review and study these regulations as submitted for action at a later date.
Fire Marshal and Building Inspector Annual Report: The Annual Report of the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector was submitted to Council for their review. On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. McDonough, Council accepted the report as submitted by Mr. Roe.
City Planner Annual Report: The Annual Report of the City Planner was presented. On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council approved the report as submitted.
Fire Chief Annua Report: The Annual Report of the Fire Chief was presented. On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council accepted the report as submitted.
POLICE DEPARTMENT - NUMBER OF PERSONNEL AND SALARIES
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. McDonough, Council approved the number of personnel and present salaries as they exist by a unanimous roll all vote.
DELAWARE HEART ASSOCIATION
A card from the Delaware Heart Association expressed their appreciation for the contribution of $12.00 collected from members of the Council and City Officials. On motion of Mr. Perman, seconded by Mr. Harris, Council acknowledged receipt of the card.
COURT STREET LANDSCAPE - SECRETARY OF STATE ROBERT REED
A letter from Secretary of State Robert Reed stated that due to the extensive restoration of the Old State House at a meeting with Governor Tribbitt, Secretary of Administrative Services Babiarz, State Architect Jack Mitchell and Director of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Dr. Finch, it was agreed that Court Street between the Green and Federal Street should be closed to traffic. On motion of Mr. McDonough and seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council referred this matter to the Committee of Committees for their recommendation to the Planning Commission.
HERITAGE TRAIL - HISTORIC AREA - SATE CAPITOL
A letter from Cornelia T. Jones, President of Dover Heritage Trail, Inc., sited ideas and hopes of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs for various buildings in the area of the State Capitol. On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council referred this letter along with Secretary of State Robert Reed’s letter to the Committee of Committees for their recommendations to the Planning Commission.
KENT COUNTY INTER-AGENCY COUNCIL - REVENUE SHARING DISBURSEMENTS
A letter from Eugene Ruane, Chairman of the Kent County Inter-Agency Council, urged the formation of a committee of citizens to review general revenue sharing requests and to advise the City Council in regard to allocations.
Mr. Harris asked who the above organization was formed by and if they had any official standing. He added that Council considers any request brought before them and felt it was Council’s obligation to disperse the funds. He did not feel that Council could act in concert with any other group.
Mr. McDonough stated that it is as the name implies. That is, various agencies in the City have combined, giving themselves the name Kent County Inter-Agency Council. Meeting every month, they discuss things of interest among the group and keep each other informed. The group centers on human need type programs. Mr. McDonough stated that they would like, at revenue sharing monies are to be allocated. Persons or groups may apply at any time for these funds and they will be considered on the basis of the application.
On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Legates, Council acknowledged receipt of the Kent County Inter-Agency Council’s letter.
INTERSTATE COMMERCE COMMISSION - REORGANIZATION OF RAIL SYSTEM
A letter from Mr. E. W. George to Mayor Carroll informed Council that the Rail Services Planning Office is preparing to evaluate and critique a plan to be submitted to the U. S. Railway Association to reorganize and reconstruct the rail system of the Midwest and Northeast Region of the United States. Mr. George requested updated information on rail commuter service and rail lines that may be required in the future.
Attached to the above letter was a report of a meeting held by the Delaware Advisory Council in which a proposal from the Southern Railway was stated.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council waved reading of the letter. The letter and report was briefly outlined by Mr. Perman.
On motion of Mr. Perman, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter and referred the letter and the report from Delmarva Advisory Council to the Utility Committee.
HOLDRAM - HUD ACT
Correspondence in the form of two letters was received by Mayor Carroll from the firm of Mullin and Lonergan Associates of Philadelphia. The firm offers assistance in applying for discretionary funds under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Harris, Council referred this matter to the Committee of Committees.
NATHAN COHEN - DELAWARE PUBLIC OPINION INSTITUTE - DVFD CONTRIBUTION
A check for $100.00 and a letter of appreciation to the Robbins Hose Company was received from Nathan L. Cohen, President of the Delaware Public Opinion Institute relating the expeditious manner in which a fire at the Loumar Plant was handled.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter.
RESOLUTION TO BORROW TWO MILLION DOLLARS - MR. PERMAN
Mr. Perman asked Mr. James if he would review the over runs of the various bonded projects on nit #3 and explain the major reasons. In addition, explain the purpose of the improvement fund and why monies have to be borrowed this year to fulfill the bond requirements.
Mr. James in reviewing from the planning stages of Unit #3 stated that the engineers had forseen the possibility of an over run due to the expiration of labor contracts and increased costs of materials. For example the turbine alone increased in price approximately one million dollars from the time the order was placed. He further explained the effects of the increased oil prices and certain problems with the turbine foundation which seriously delayed the schedule of completion this curtailing the additional revenue which would have been derived from not having to purchase power from D. P. & L.
An escalation clause in the contracts caused additional expense to the City. Because of the delays union contracts with the contractor began to expire. Any additional cost to the contractors due to increased wages and fringe benefits were passed on to the City.
Mr. James further explained the requirements of the bond covenants and how certain monies are set aside for the improvement and extension fund in accordance with the covenants.
LINE PURGE AT MC KEE RUN
The City Manager informed the Council, for the benefit of those present and the press, that certain testing procedures on the steam pipes at McKee Run will begin soon and continue for two weeks. When pressure builds, in the pipes to be purged, to 600 to 700 lbs. P.S.I. a valve opens allowing the steam to escape instantaneously causing a loud boom. Residents in the immediate area will be notified by letter.
MRS. DELORES SAPIENZA - CITY PLANNING
Mrs. Delores Sapienza addressed Council stating that the City should have a full time planner or consider a coalition with the County utilizing their Planning Office. Mrs. Sapienza questioned the composition of the Planning Commission and stated that the City is giving the downtown merchants, a vested interest, the option and responsibility of planning the downtown area in lieu of the recommendations of Kling’s land use plan.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:22 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by Council at their meeting of February 10, 1975, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
18 February 1975