REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of City Council was held on Monday, August 11, 1969 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Biggs, Hastings, Hayes, Holpp, Hughes, Jackson, Legates and Walls.
The invocation was said by the Rev. Snyder, Executive Secretary of the Delaware Council of Churches.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of City Council of July 28, 1969 were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
REPORTS
Chief of Police report for the month of July was accepted.
Building Inspector & Fire Marshal report for the month of July was accepted.
Alderman report for the month of July was accepted. Fines in the amount of $340.90 were remitted.
J. P. Court #7 report for the month of July was accepted. A check in the amount of $3,685.50 was remitted to the City of Dover.
Cash Receipts, General Fund, for the month of July was accepted.
Budget Report, General Fund, for the month of June was accepted.
Cash Receipts, Electric Improvement Fund, for the month of July was accepted.
Cash Receipts, Electric Revenue Fund, for the month of July was accepted.
City Manager Report for the month of July was accepted, and approved as presented.
STATE GRANT - POLICE
Under grants from the Delaware Agency to Reduce Crime, the City of Dover is eligible to receive $61,200. Applications have been filed by the City of Dover Police Department to receive this money which will be used to update and increase the Criminal Investigation Division and expansion of the Patrol Division. At this time Chief of Police Spence requested that Council increase the allotment of men on the Police Force from 38 to 48, and increase of 10 men. Six men will be hired as soon as possible, the cost of which will be handled under the State Grant, the remaining four will be added at a later date. On motion of Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council approved the request of the Chief of Police and increased the manpower allocation of the City of Dover Police Department from 38 to 48 men.
KENT COUNTY SEWER AGREEMENT
The proposed agreement between the Kent County Levy Court and the City of Dover has been modified to meet changes suggested by City officials. The proposed agreement also between the Kent County Levy Court and the City of Dover on future service areas of the City has been presented to the County for their approval. A copy of both agreements is attached and will become an official part of these minutes. On motion of Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council by unanimous vote agreed to signing of the agreement on the treatment of sewage by the County, pending approval of the second agreement, that on the future service area by the City of Dover, by the Levy Court of Kent County.
AMBULANCE SERVICE & CHARGES
The City has been received delivery of the ambulance ordered in May, and driver-attendants have been hired and are now being trained prior to service beginning of the ambulance. In the completion of details of the ambulance operation, it has been recommended that Council set charges for the ambulance service. On motion of Mr. Hastings, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council by unanimous vote set the following rates to be charged for ambulance services:
1. City Residents and Employees of Business operating within the City of Dover there will be no charge for ambulance service.
2. Non-Residents of the City of Dover the charge would be $20 per call.
3. Long Distance service would be charged at the rate of 25¢ per mile round trip.
This ambulance service will be operated on an emergency basis only, and will operate within the call district of the Robbins Hose Company.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
A written report of the Utility Committee meeting held on August 4, 1969 was presented by Chairman Holpp. On motion of Mr. Hastings, Council accepted the report as presented.
ELECTRIC GENERATING UNIT PURCHASE
In the study being conducted by the firm of Laramore, Douglass and Popham on the future generation needs of the Dover Electric System, a recommendation has been presented by the above firm to construct additional generating facilities at the McKee Run plant. The price of turbine generators will be increased by 5% and 7% after September 8, 1969. An order placed prior to that date would result in a possible saving of approximately $200,000. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council by a unanimous vote authorized the firm of Laramore, Douglass and Popham to prepare specifications and take bids and a purchase order be issued to the evaluated low bidder prior to September 8, 1969. The specifications would be prepared on the following basis:
1. Size of unit 100 mw nameplate capacity, 1800 psig 1000/1000F steam condition.
2. Option for changing size of unit while retaining the existing price level for such different size unit, either larger or smaller.
3. Option for purchasing a second unit. (This option is necessary in case we want to purchase two smaller machines and retain the existing price level.)
4. Purchase order cancellable if City does not go head with power plant expansion program.
ANNEXATION RESULTS
The election officials who conducted the referendum held on July 30, 1969 on the question of annexation into the City of Dover of certain lands located adjacent to the City of Dover, certified to the Council the results of the election as follows:
Area bounded by Road 100, McKee-Saulsbury Roads, Kenton Road and the present City limits;
FOR ANNEXATION 3761 Votes
AGAINST ANNEXATION 3912 Votes
Area bounded by Road 100, McKee-Saulsbury Roads, Kenton Road and Hartly Road;
FOR ANNEXATION 3225 Votes
AGAINST ANNEXATION 1643 Votes
On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Holpp, Council accepted the results of the election as certified by the election officials of Kent County.
ANNEXATION RESOLUTION
On motion of Mr. Hastings, seconded by Mr. Holpp, Council by unanimous vote adopted the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA ADJACENT TO THE CITY LIMITS ON THE EAST ALONG McKEE AND SAULSBURY ROADS WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER.
WHEREAS, a recent Amendment to the Charter of the City of Dover, authorized the Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deemed it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include the area adjacent tot he west of the City limits and being bounded on the north by Road 100, on the east by McKee and Saulsbury Roads on the west by Kenton Road, and on the south by the Hartly Road more particularly described within the limits of the City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, an election as above mentioned was held on the 30th day of July, A.D., 1969 for the purpose of submitting the question of annexation of the following described area to the persons entitled to vote thereon, and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned Amendment to the Charter of the City of Dover provides that if a majority of the votes cast in an election held in a territory proposed to be annexed shall be in favor of inclusion of that territory within the limits of the City of Dover, the Council shall thereupon adopt a resolution annexing said territory and including same within the limits of the City of Dover.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That the following described area situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, Delaware and more particularly bounded and described herein shall be annexed to and included within the limits of the City of Dover:
ALL those lots, pieces or parcels of land lying and being situated adjacent to the City of Dover, East Dover Hundred, and State of Delaware and being more particularly described as follows to wit:
BEGINNING at the intersection of the northerly right of way line of the Hartly Road to the easterly line of the Kenton Road; thence with the said easterly line of the Kenton Road in a northwesterly direction to the southerly right of way line of Road 100; thence with the said southerly right of way line of Road 100 in a northeasterly direction to the westerly right of way line of McKee Road; thence in a southeasterly direction with the said westerly right of way line of McKee Road to the lands of W. Baxter McKee, said McKee lands now being a part of the City of Dover/; thence with the lines of lands of the said McKee to the easterly line of the Fox Hall tract; thence with the said easterly line of the Fox Hall tract and in a southerly direction to College Road; thence continuing this same line and being the westerly line of W. Baxter McKee to McKee Run; thence in a northeasterly direction with McKee Run and with lands now or late of Richardson to the easterly right of way line of McKee Road; thence in a southerly direction with the said easterly right of way line of McKee Road in part and with the easterly right of way line of Saulsbury Road to the northerly right of way line of the Hartly Road; thence with said northerly right of way line of the Hartly Road in a westerly direction to the easterly right of way line of the Kenton Road, home to the place of beginning, be the contents what they may.
2. That a certified copy of the Resolution of annexation together with a plot of the area annexed shall be forthwith filed for record with the Recorder of Deeds of Kent County.
3. That the above described area so annexed and included within the limits of the City of Dover shall be for all purposes beginning with the effective date of this resolution be a part of the City of Dover.
4. That the effective date of this resolution shall be the 12h day of August, 1969 at 12:01 A.M. O’Clock.
Adopted August 11, 1969
CONDEMNATION HEARINGS
A public hearing was duly advertised for the purpose of condemnation of the Marion Apartments, located on Reed Street and owned by Mr. Aaron Paskins. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing opened. No one was present to speak for or against the condemnation. Building Inspector Roe gave a brief description of the condition of the building and related previous correspondence with the owner in and attempt to have the building repaired or torn down. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Hastings, Council by a unanimous vote directed the Building Inspector to notify the owner of the Marion Apartments, Mr. Paskins, that he has 10 days in which demolish the above building. If this is not complied with, the City will obtain bids for this work, the low bidder being retained to demolish the building, and a lien placed against the property, as provided by the Dangerous Building Ordinance.
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place for the purpose of condemnation of the property located at 230½ N. Queen Street, owned by Mr. Anderson E. Patterson. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing opened. Mr. Roe, Building Inspector, stated that after receiving notice of this public hearing, Mr. Patterson had the building demolished and the property cleaned up. Mayor Carroll then declared the hearing closed and no further action was necessary.
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place for the purpose of condemnation of the property located at 549 Fulton Street, owned by the Hilton Vann Estate, c/o Mrs. Helen Brown. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing opened. No one was present to speak for or against the condemnation. Mr. Roe gave a description of the building and related the correspondence with the owner. A telegram was then read from Mrs. Brown, 227 Hopkinson Street, Brooklyn, New York, stating her unavailability at this hearing and asking for a continuance of the hearing. Mr. Roe stated that due to the extreme unsafe condition of the building, he recommends that the building be torn down as soon as possible. Mayor Carroll then declared te hearing closed. On motion of Mr. Jackson, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council directed the Building Inspector to proceed with the demolition of the building as outlined in the Dangerous Building Ordinance.
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place for the purpose of condemnation of the property located at 112-114 South Kirkwood Street, owned by the Rhoda Shockley Estate, c/o Mrs. Edith Hardcastle. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing opened. Mr. Roe stated that he had been contacted by Mr. James Hardcastle, who stated that this being a double house, half of which was rented, the entire property must be condemned. Mr. Hardcastle stated that he would completely board up and clean up around the half of the double house that is not in use, until such time as he is able to obtain the financing to either fix up or tear down the entire building. Mr. Roe stated that he would be willing to go along with Mr. Hardcastle for six (6) months, at which time it must be repaired or demolished. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council accepted the recommendation of the Building Inspector and granted a six month stay to Mr. Hardcastle to either fix up the property or have it demolished.
SUBSTATION - LEBANON ROAD
The City of Dover proposes to construct a substation for the 69KV line on the Lebanon Road in the vicinity of the Dover Air Force Base. At present there is a parcel of land that City Manager Neylan has inquired about suitable for such purpose, and is available immediately for purchase. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council authorized the City Manager to attempt to acquire this parcel of land, the price not to exceed the appraised value of the land on the Kent County Tax Records.
KENT COUNTY MOTORS REZONING
A request has been received from Kent County Motors to rezone their property located on the southeast corner of Queen and Loockerman Streets. A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing opened. Mr. Nate Cohen, representing the owner was present on behalf of same. No one else was present to speak for or against the rezoning. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of the rezoning. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed. On motion of Mr. Biggs, seconded by Mr. Jackson, Council by unanimous vote 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 PROPERTY LOCATED ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF QUEEN AND LOOCKERMAN STREETS.
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 from C-2 to C-3 on that land described below.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED 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 Ordinance of the City of Dover shall be amended by changing the zoning designation from C-2 to C-3 on that property located on the southeast corner of Queen and Loockerman Streets, owned by Kent County Motors Company, and containing approximately 13,500 square feet.
ADOPTED August 11, 1969
DOVER DOWNS REZONING
A request has been received from Dover Downs to rezone the area of the racetrack located on the east side of U.S. Route 13, north of Liepsic Road. A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing opened. Mr. Nate Cohen, representing the owners was present on their behalf. No one else was present to speak for or against the rezoning. The Planning Commission recommended approval of this request. Mayor Carroll declared the hearing closed. On motion of Mr. Hastings, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council by unanimous vote 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 OWNED BY DOVER DOWNS, INC., LYING ON THE EAST SIDE OF U.S. ROUTE 13, NORTH OF THE LIEPSIC ROAD.
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 from R-20 to RC on that land described below.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED 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 Ordinance of the City of Dover shall be amended by changing the zoning designation from R-20 to RC on that land located on the east side of U.S. Route 13, north of the Liepsic Road, owned by Dover Downs, Inc., being all lands used for the operation of the racetrack, and containing approximately 200 acres.
Adopted August 11, 1969
HARRIS REZONING
A public hearing was held on July 28, 1969 as advertised for the purpose of rezoning the property located at 298 & 302 Kings Highway. On that date a verbal request to withdraw this application was presented by the owner to Council. Council at this time deferred any action on this matter, by tabling same, until such time as a written request was obtained from the owner. That written request has been presented at this time. On motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Hastings, Council removed from the table the request Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Harris to rezone the properties of 298 & 302 Kings Highway. On motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Hastings, Council accepted the request of the owners to withdraw their application for rezoning, thereby cancelling any further action necessary on this request.
DOVER, ENGLAND
A letter was received from Mayor William T. Muge of Dover, England, expressing his pleasure at having has the opportunity to meet the Cubbage Ringers of the Wesley Methodist Church on their recent visit to England. He also extended a warm welcome to all citizens of Dover, Delaware if they might have the occasion to visit Dover, England.
GSA BUILDING
Mayor Carroll stated that he has been contacted by the Architect for GSA on their proposed building on North and Water Streets, and a meeting has been arranged for Tuesday, August 12, 1969 and he at that time would like to express the feeling of Council as to the design of the building to be built. The original proposed design was of Modern Architecture and was not within the keeping of the Colonial theme of Dover, to which the Council at that time objected. Since then, the architect has submitted two revised renderings, one with Colonial design, red brick, with an “A” roof. This one was the design the Council felt most desirable for this type of building and location, and so expressed this feeling to Mayor Carroll for he to inturn inform the Architect.
GRASS CUTTING ORDINANCE
Discussion of the present grass cutting Ordinance was brought before Council at this time. It was felt that due to the increased load on the contractors hired by the City to do this work and increased cost, a study of this Ordinance might be advisable, and recommendations for changes be made if necessary. This ordinance does not pertain to grass cutting on City owned property, only on that property hat privately owned, and in the event the grass grows beyond a certain height, etc., the Building Inspector, under this ordinance, has the authority to have this grass cut and bill the property owner. At the suggestion of Council, a review of this ordinance will be made by the City Manager and the Building Inspector and a report made to Council.
TAX ASSESSOR
With the increase in the area covered by the City of Dover, and the larger work load on the Tax Assessor’s office, Mr. William James, Tax Assessor, at this time requested of Council permission to employ a part-time employee in order to bring the assessment cards up to date prior to the next tax year. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council granted permission for the employment of part-time help in the Tax Assessor’s office.
MISCELLANEOUS
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Hughes, Council requested that a price be obtained on the purchase of a slide projector or viewer to replace the present slide projector that is presently being used in the Council Chambers.
On motion of Mr. Hastings, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council requested that the City Manager look into the possibility of having a large map of the present City Limits and proposed City Limits, referred to as the Buffer Zone, installed on the West Wall of the Council Chambers.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 8:45 P.M.
Jay R. Dougherty
City Clerk
All ordinances, orders and resolutions adopted by Council at its meeting of August 11, 1969 are hereby approved.
August 11, 1969 Crawford J. Carroll Mayor