REGULAR MEETING
October 14, 1974
The Regular Meeting of City Council was held on Monday, October 14, 1974 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Biggs, Legates, Walls, Holpp, Hardcastle, Muir, Harris and Cullen.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J. H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on September 23, 1974, were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
COMMITTEE OF COMMITTEES
A written report of the Committee of Committees meeting of October 1, 1974, were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
MODERN MATURITY CENTER
Mr. Robert Bonniwell of the Modern Maturity Center addressed the Committee requesting that the City purchase four acres of land on the east side of Saulsbury Road and the west side of the property owned by the Dover Housing Authority. The gift of this land by the City, to the Modern Maturity Center would be utilized as a site for a new center. It was the recommendation of the Committee that the City Manager investigate the possibility of purchasing the land from the Dover Housing Authority and report his findings to the Committee. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council accepted the recommendation of the Committee of Committees.
NEW JERUSALEM BAPTIST CHURCH
The Committee considered a request from the New Jerusalem Baptist Church that land owned by the City of Dover, on the corner of Mary and Kirkwood Streets, be deeded to them for utilization in respect to their building program. Since the land is now a playground and other requests have been rejected the Committee recommended denial of the above. On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council accepted the recommendation of the Committee of Committees.
REVENUE SHARING
The Committee reviewed several requests for funds received from revenue sharing and placed in the general fund under allowable categories. It was their recommendation that the following organizations be granted funds as designated below:
Y.M.C.A. - an amount not to exceed $ 500.00
United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware, Inc. $2,250.00
D.O.I.C. $5,000.00
Catholic Social Services, Inc. $5,000.00
On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Holpp, Council by unanimous roll call vote accepted the recommendations of the Committee of Committees.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
A letter was received from the American Cancer Society stating that they could not accept a previous revenue sharing grant of $1,500 but could accept a $1,500 appropriation from the general fund providing it had limitations as to expenditures. The Committee recommended that a donation of $1,500 be given provided that the funds are spent only for the benefit of the residents of the City of Dover. On motion of Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council by unanimous roll call vote accepted the recommendation of the Committee of Committees.
USE OF COUNCIL CHAMBERS - LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
The Committee recommended that a request by the League of Women Voters to use the Council Chambers for a forum to include prospective Council candidates of Council be granted. On motion of Mr. Cullen, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council accepted the recommendation of the Committee of Committees.
A motion of Mr. Walls to accept the written report of the Committee of Committees was seconded by Mr. Muir and carried.
SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ABANDONING PARKING SPACE - MAAGS STORE
In considering a request to abandon one parking space in front of Maags to assist the Robbins Hose Company to negotiate a turn, the Committee recommended denial on the basis of an opinion by Chief Kemp. On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council voted for the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Committee.
CHANGE IN BICYCLE ORDINANCES
The Committee recommended no changes in the bicycle ordinances until a state wide program has been passed and adopted. On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council approved the decision of the Safety Advisory Committee.
REQUEST TO PAINT PARKING METERS AND LIGHT STANDARDS
In a meeting with the downtown merchants Mr. Woods advised that body to meet with Mr. Blagg, Chairman of the Bicentennial Committee and formulate recommendations to the City for the painting of parking meters and light standards. Mr. James informed Council that the work would be done by City crews as their work schedule would allow, if approved by Council.
ADDITIONAL CROSSING GUARDS
A request for additional crossing guards by the Capitol School District was considered. Based on the report of Mr. James Turner, a member of the Hazards Committee, the Committee recommended that no additional crossing guards be hired or placed in the requested locations. On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council voted for the recommendations of the Safety Advisory Committee with the stipulation that the request be acknowledged.
TRAFFIC STUDY - WALKER ROAD AND SAULSBURY ROAD - QUEEN AND DIVISION - QUEEN AND LOOCKERMAN STREETS
The Committee recommended that a traffic flow study at the intersections of Queen and Division and Queen and Loockerman Streets be prepared and presented to Council for their consideration at a later date. On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council voted in favor of the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Committee.
Also recommended was Council’s endorsement to ask the State Highway Department for positive action to alleviate the potential danger of Walker Road and Saulsbury Road intersection. On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council adopted the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Committee.
PARKING - MORRIS ESTATES I AND II
The Committee discussed a request by Mrs. Ronald P. Cloutier to lower the speed limit in Morris Estates II on Evergreen Drive to fifteen miles per hour (15MPH). A survey by Chief Spence revealed an average speed of eighteen miles per hour (18 MPH). Further study resulted in an opinion that the narrow streets coupled with parking on both sides presented a hazard to pedestrians and moving vehicles. The Committee recommended that parking be removed from one side of the thru streets in Morris Estates I & II. On motion of Mr. Biggs, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council adopted the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Committee and directed that an ordinance be drawn and a public hearing set at a later date.
RIDGELY STREET AND DIVISION STREET INTERSECTION
The Committee considered a letter from Mr. Clyde J. Luton, Jr., Supervisor of Fire and Safety for International Playtex Corporation, requesting that a hedge on the northeast corner property be trimmed down and back to improve vision. Also mentioned was a change in the operation time of the traffic control signal. Mr. Roe reported that the hedge that was obstructing vision had been cut. It was suggested that Mr. James formulate cost figures to alter the intersection based on a previous survey made by the Highway Department. Mr. James stated that a study is in progress to determine the cost. In addition, Division Street is state owned and the City does not usually make alterations of this magnitude. On motion of Mr. Harris, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council adopted the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Committee and asked that the Highway Department be notified of the City’s plans.
LEGISLATIVE AVENUE AND WILLIAM PENN STREET
A letter to Chief Spence from Dr. Edward Glwia requested that parking be restricted west side of Legislative Avenue at the intersection of William Penn Street. A survey made by the Police Department revealed no particular traffic hazard. On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council instructed the Dr. Glwia’s request be acknowledged.
On motion of Mr. Walls, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council accepted the written report of the Safety Advisory Committee as presented.
HALLOWEEN PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the observation of Halloween extending beyond the prescribed date for same had resulted in extensive damage and destruction of personal property, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover have deemed it advisable to restrict the observance of this holiday to October 30, 1974.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED AND DECLARED BY CRAWFORD J. CARROLL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER:
1. That the Halloween observance shall be held on the 30th day of October 1974 and that the residents of the City of Dover, or any other persons within the corporate limits of the City of Dover, are hereby requested to limit this observance to the aforesaid date.
2. That observance of trick or treat be limited to the eve of the aforesaid date to allow the families of all citizens to observe Halloween Day in any area of the State.
3. Any person observing Halloween is requested to terminate said observance on or before 10:00 P.M. on the aforesaid date.
4. That any person violating this, the Proclamation of the Mayor of the City of Dover, shall be subject to the penalties provided under the Laws and Ordinances of the City of Dover.
ADOPTED OCTOBER 14, 1974
ALFRED JOSEPH RESOLUTION
On motion of Mr. Biggs, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council adopted the following resolution.
WHEREAS, Alfred Joseph first became the City Engineer of the City of Dover in May of 1958, which responsible position he has held up to the present time, and
WHEREAS, Alfred Joseph had been a member of the Board of Adjustment of the City of Dover since May of 1958, and
WHEREAS, Alfred Joseph during his period of tenure with the City of Dover, being over 16½ years, has contributed immensely to the orderly growth and development of the City, and
WHEREAS, Alfred Joseph has retired from his office with the City of Dover effective April 1975, but because of accumulated leave, his last work with the City has been performed on October 11, 1974.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the Mayor and Council extend their deepest gratitude to Alfred Joseph for contributing his technical knowledge and skill to the City of Dover as City Engineer and a member of the Board of Adjustment over the past 16½ years.
2. That the Mayor and Council wish Alfred Joseph and his family a happy and peaceful retirement.
3. That the Mayor and Council direct that the Clerk make this Resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover in appreciation of the faithful and responsible services rendered by Alfred Joseph.
ADOPTED OCTOBER 14, 1974
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph were present to witness the reading of the resolution. A plaque recognizing the years of service was presented to Mr. Joseph by Mr. James followed by a signed, sealed copy of the resolution by Mayor Carroll.
KURT FETTERMAN - ELECTION AND REGISTRATION PROPOSALS
A letter was received from Mr. Kurt Fetterman listing several suggestions relating to election date, mobile registration and a method of informing residents in these areas. On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council referred this matter to the Legislative and Finance Committee.
JULIA JACKSON - SENIOR SURREY PRAISE
A letter received from Mrs. Julia Jackson of Ashland, Virginia praising the City of Dover and the officials who were instrumental in forming the Senior Surrey Service. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter.
G. DANIEL BLAGG - BICENTENNIAL BUDGET
Mr. G. Daniel Blagg, in a letter to Council, stated that the Bicentennial Committee had completed a budget and was prepared to present same to the proper committee. On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council referred the matter to the Legislative and Finance Committee.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS - FORUM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
A letter from Ms. Delores Sapienza invited Council and City Officials to attend a forum to be held in the Council Chamber on October 17, 1974. On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter.
MR. JAMES - GENERAL INFORMATION
Mr. James requested that an executive session be held immediately after Council adjournment to discuss pertinent litigation. He informed Council that an audit was received from the Dover Parking Authority and was available for study in his office.
15% BUDGET REDUCTION
Mr. James commented on copies of a memo, distributed to Council, asking that all department heads cooperate in reducing the current budget of 15%. Eight specific items were listed which will restrict new projects, employment and purchases. Since some departments are under the jurisdiction of the Council, Mr. James requested that Council approve the proposal to apply to all departments in the City. On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council by unanimous roll call vote approved the proposal as presented.
Questioned about the current electric revenue by Mr. Cullen, Mr. James stated that a representative of Middle West was in his office the week of October 7. The rate increase and the fuel adjustment, according to the firm, is doing the job as was intended. An increase or decrease is not recommended at this time. Middle West will return periodically to check the revenue figures.
Mr. James introduced Mr. Francis (Bud) O’Neil to Council who welcomed him as an employee of the City.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED 8:08 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS, CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by Council at their meeting of October 14, 1974, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL, MAYOR
October 17, 1974