REGULAR MEETING
The regular meeting of City Council was held on Monday, March 25, 1968 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Biggs, Hastings, Hayes, Hughes, Jackson and Smith. Councilman Harris and Holpp were absent.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 1968 were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
LEGISLATIVE & FINANCE COMMITTEE
A written report of the meeting of the Legislative & Finance Committee that was held on Wednesday, March 20, 1968. On motion of Mr. Smith, Council accepted the report as presented.
ACCOUNTING MACHINE
A proposal has been received by the Legislative & Finance from the City Manager for the purchase of an accounting machine from the Burroughs for the use in the payroll and budgetary accounting. The cost of the machine is $7,191. On motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Hastings, Council authorized the purchase of the accounting machine from the Burroughs Corporation.
PENSION ORDINANCE
On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Smith, Council by a vote of 6 ‘yes’ and 2 ‘absent’, Messrs Harris and Holpp, adopted the following ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF DOVER EMPLOYEES’ PENSION PLAN, APPROVED BY COUNCIL ON JUNE 26, 1967
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER IN COUNCIL MET, that effective this date An Ordinance Establishing the City of Dover Employee’ Pension Plan is amended as follows, to wit:
1. That Section 12, Subsection (g) is amended by striking out all of said Subsection and inserting in lieu thereof a new Subsection (g), to read as follows:
(g) The Police Pension Fund shall be the account to which all appropriations, contributions and interest allowances shall be credited as may be received from time to time and designated specifically for police pensions. The Pension Board of Trustees shall not make any disbursements from this account in the form of benefits for a period of five years from the effective date of this Ordinance. At that time the Pension Board of Trustees, on the basis of sound actuarial principles, shall establish a plan of retirement benefits and/or disability pension benefits in addition to any benefits under this Ordinance and payable only to participants employed as police officers that retire under the provision of this Ordinance.
Adopted March 25, 1968
BUSH REZONING
A request has been received from Mrs. Ida T. Bush to rezone a piece of property she owns on South Bradford Street from RG-1 to RG0. A public hearing is required prior to any change in the zoning ordinance and map. On motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Jackson, Council by a vote of 6 ‘yes’ and 2 ‘absent’, Messrs Harris and Holpp, adopted the following resolution and referred the request to the Planning Commission.
A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH TIME AND PLACE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING MAP AND DIRECTING THAT A NOTICE OF SAID HEARING BE PUBLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE DELAWARE CODE.
WHEREAS, certain land located on South Bradford Street, between lots #35 and #36, owned by Mrs. Ida T. Bush, is presently zoned for RG-1 use, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to hold a public hearing prior to amending the zoning ordinance and zoning map.
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 at City Hall, at 8:00 P.M. on April 22, 1968 on a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance and zoning map of the City of Dover which would rezone from RG-1 to RG0 that land located on South Bradford Street, between lots #35 and #36 and containing approximately 7200 square feet.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
Adopted March 25, 1968
PARKLAND GRANT
On motion of Mr. Hastings, seconded by Mr. Smith, Council by a vote of 6 ‘yes’ and 2 ‘absent’ Messrs Harris and Holpp, adopted the following resolution providing for the filing of an application for a grant of up to 75% of the purchase price of park land. This is in conjunction wit the lot in Towne Point adjacent to the park area, which Council authorized the purchase of at its meeting of February 26, 1968.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER FOR FILING OF GRANT FOR PURCHASE OF PARK AREA
WHEREAS, Title 7, Chapter 58, of the Delaware Code provides assistance grants in the amount not to exceed seventy-five percent of the purchase price of land to be acquired by incorporated municipalities for park, recreation and conservation purposes, and
WHEREAS, The City of Dover desires to participate in the aforementioned land acquisition assistance program and to acquire the land specified in the attached application.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the City of Dover hereby approves the filing of an application for a financial assistance grant under Title 7, Chapter 58, of the Delaware Code.
2. That the Mayor of The City of Dover is hereby authorized and directed to execute and file and application for a financial assistance grant under Title 7, Chapter 58, of the Delaware Code, and provide the information and documentation required in said application.
3. That the local share of the purchase price in an amount not to exceed $875 is available in the form of deposited funds.
Adopted March 25, 1968
STOP SIGN ORDINANCE - COURT STREET
On motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Hastings, Council by a vote of 6 ‘yes’ and 2 ‘absent’, Messrs Harris and Holpp, adopted the following ordinance.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, ETC. BY THE PLACEMENT OF A STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF LEGISLATIVE AVENUE AND “D” STREET
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to close Court Street (E Street) to traffic during construction operations on Legislative Hall and the Townsend Building; and
WHEREAS, it will be necessary to divert west bound traffic over “D” Street until Court Street can be used.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the above Ordinance is hereby amended as follows:
(a) That portion of Court Street (E Street) north of Legislative Hall shall be closed to public traffic during the construction work on the Legislative Hall and the Townsend Building,
(b) West Bound traffic shall be diverted from “E” Street to “D” Street.
(c) Appropriate stop signs shall be erected at the intersection of “D” Street with Legislative Avenue commanding traffic to come to a stop when traveling on “D” Street before crossing Legislative Avenue.
Adopted March 25, 1968
AIR BASE BUS STOP
A request has been made by the Air Base to consider the relocation or addition of the bus stop for the buses that run from Dover to the Air Base. They would like the Council to consider putting a bus stop closer to the Movie Theatre. On the recommendation of Mayor Carroll, the request was referred to the Safety Advisory Committee for their consideration and study.
DELMARVA WAREHOUSE REZONING
A request has been received from the Delmarva Warehouse, Inc. to rezone a piece of property it owns on Walker Road between the railroad and the Fairview Elementary School from M to I0. A public hearing is required prior to any change in the zoning map and ordinance. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Hastings, Council by a vote of 6 ‘yes’ and 2 ‘absent’, Messrs Harris and Holpp, adopted the following resolution and referred the request to the Planning Commission.
A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH TIME AND PLACE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE ZONING MAP AND DIRECTING THAT A NOTICE OF SAID HEARING BE PUBLISHED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE DELAWARE CODE.
WHEREAS, certain land located on Walker Road, between Fairview Elementary School and the Pennsylvania Railroad owned by the Delmarva Warehouse, Inc., is presently zoned for M use, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to hold a public hearing prior to amending the zoning ordinance and zoning map.
NOW, THEREFORE, BY IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That a public hearing be held at City Hall at 8:15 P.M. on April 22, 1968 on a proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance and zoning map of the City of Dover which would rezone from M to I0 that land located on Walker Road between the Fairview Elementary School and the Pennsylvania Railroad and containing approximately 25,000 square feet.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in accordance with the provisions of the Delaware Code.
Adopted March 25, 1968
DELMARVA CHICKEN FESTIVAL
A letter was received from the Delmarva Poultry Industry announcing that the 1968 Chicken Festival would be held in Onancock, Virginia, June 13-16. The 1969 Festival will be Seaford, Delaware. They would like to know if any community would be willing to hold the 1970 Festival, and if so would they notify the Delmarva Poultry Industry. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council referred this request to the Greater Dover Chambre of Commerce, stating that the Chamber could contact the local organizations to see if any would be willing to stage the 1970 event in Dover. The Chamber of Commerce then would notify the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.
SCHOOL REFERENDUM
A letter was received from the Dover Special School District informing the Mayor and Council of a meeting to be held at the William Henry Middle School on Tuesday, March 26, 1968 for the purpose of explaining to the civic leaders and general public to purpose for the tax referendum to be held by the Board of Education of the Special School District on April 2, 1968.
SIDEWALKS - TOWNE POINT
A letter was received from the Northeast Dover Civic Association requesting that the Council consider the installation of sidewalks on Townsend Boulevard from Highway 13 to Buckson Drive in Towne Point, which they feel is a heavily used traffic and pedestrian wise. Mr. Neylan, City Manager, then stated that the City of Dover has plans to start the installation of sidewalks in certain areas of the City, the more critical areas being the first to be done.
SIDEWALKS - SOUTH DOVER
City Manager Neylan presented to Council a plan to have sidewalks installed where needed in the general area bounded by South Street, Wyoming Avenue, U.S. Route 13 to Buckson Road. This would be done in accordance with the Charter, whereby the property owner would install his own sidewalk to the City of Dover’s specifications, or the City would have it done and bill the respective property owner or owners. On motion of Mr. Hastings, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council authorized the City Manager to draw up the necessary directives and present them to Council at its next meeting for their approval.
SCHOOL RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS
A petition was received from some sixty-three (63) residents and/or property owners of the City of Dover requesting the City Officials cooperate with the School Board to make the gyms available for recreational programs for the youngsters of the City of Dover. This petition was referred to the Parks, Playgrounds & Trees Committee.
SCHOOL LOTS
Mr. Lee Pullella, of a P & B Builders, was present and asked a decision of Council in reference to the two lots that he owns at the entrance of Schoolview Development. These lots are zoned for C-1. At the last meeting of the Planning Commission, P & B Builders had requested permission to build a coin operated laundry on one of these lots, this being a non-conforming use, permission must be obtained from the Planning Commission. At the public hearing, the residents of Schoolview indicated a strenuous objection, thereby causing the Planning Commission to disapprove the request. Mr. Pullella was asking of Council, to whom can he appeal this decision of the Planning Commission. On motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council directed the City Solicitor to study this request on the appeal by Mr. Pullella, and report back to Council at a later date.
Council adjourned at 8:20 P.M.
Jay R. Dougherty
City Clerk
All ordinances, orders and resolutions adopted by City Council at its meeting of March 25, 1968 are hereby approved.
March 27, 1968 Crawford J. Carroll Mayor
ATTACHMENT
WHEREAS, certain sections of the City of Dover are without sidewalks, and
WHEREAS, the conditions of particular streets within the City require that sidewalks be installed for the safety, convenience, and public welfare of the citizens of Dover, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover are deliberating the feasibility of a comprehensive sidewalk installation program for the City of Dover.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That a public hearing be set for Monday, April 22, 1968 at 8:30 P.M., in the Council Chambers to consider the installation of sidewalks along the streets in the section of the City of Dover bounded on the North by South Street, on the East by U.S. Route 13, on the South by Wyoming Avenue, and on the West by New Burton Road, where curbing is already installed, and assessing the cost thereof to property owners concerned.
2. That notice of the public hearing be given in at least one newspaper published in the City of Dover.