REGULAR MEETING
April 13, 1964
The Regular Meeting of City Council was held Monday, April 13, 1964 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs. Biggs, Harris, Hayes, Holpp, Hughes, Massey, Smith and Walls.
The invocation was said by Rev. Robert L. McKim, pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of March 23, 1964 were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
REPORTS
Report of the Chief of Police was accepted as read.
Report of the Alderman Cavanaugh was accepted. Checks in the amounts of $1120.00, $300.00, and $32.00 were remitted to the City. Report of Magistrate Knotts was accepted. A check in the amount of $439.00 was remitted to the City.
Report of the Fire Marshal & Building Inspector was accepted.
Report of the Board of Health was accepted.
Report of Cash Receipts, General Fund was accepted.
Budget Report, General Fund, was accepted.
Cash Report, Electric Revenue Fund, was accepted.
Cash Report, Electric Improvement Fund, was accepted.
Report of the City Manager was accepted.
PROJECT #24
Bids were opened today on Project 24, extension of sewer and water lines of the Holiday Inn and Motel in an area recently annexed on U.S. Route #13. The following bids were received: Delaware Roads, $39,530.00; Edgell Construction Co., $29,619.00; Wm. Mitten & Sons, $40,079.00. Estimated cost of the project was $35,000, with Holiday Inn advancing the funds required and being reimbursed according to an agreement previously approved by Council. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Harris, Council authorized award of the contract to the low bidder, Edgell Construction Co.
HOT WATER CITY HALL
The Board of Health report noted that hot water facilities were not available in City Hall and should be made available. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council directed that an 80-gallon hot water heater be installed in City Hall.
TAX APPEALS
Councilmen Hayes, Biggs and Smith sat as a committee hearing appeals on tax assessments on April 6 and 13. Council acted on their report and recommendations as follows:
Mrs. Ollie C. Miller, 9 N. Governors Ave. approved no change in assessment, $4200.
Baynard’s Mobil gas Station, Sinclair and Atlantic stations, approved no change in assessment of any service stations until next year so that all station assessments can be reviewed in the interim, prior to any change.
Ejner C. & Anna D. Larson, Skating Rink, 609 E. Division Street, approved reduction in assessment from $31,300 to $22,400.
W, H & M Inc., Motel on dupont Highway, approved reduction in assessment from $83,100 to $63,700.
Properties of Messrs. Breme, Lockwood and Cooper on back road to Wyoming were recommended for 50% reduction in assessment. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Massey, Council deferred action on this recommendation until its next meeting during which time the assessment committee can further study what the policy of the City should be on assessing properties lacking City utilities and improvements. The vote was 4 to 4 with Mayor Carroll voting ‘Yes’ to break the tie. Messrs. Biggs, Hughes, Smith and Walls voted ‘No’.
Mayor Carroll asked whether any persons were present at the meeting to appeal tax assessments. There were none, and the hearing was closed.
LAND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Councilman Holpp, chairman of the committee reviewing the Land Subdivision Regulations, reported a number of recommendations for changes and also noted that the review was not yet completed. It was decided that the review and recommendations should be complete before action is taken by Council. On motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Walls, the report was accepted.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME
On motion of Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council directed that Daylight Saving Time be placed in effect in Dover from the last Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.
McCUE RESIGNATION
In a letter dated March 24, 1964, David McCue submitted his resignation as a member and chairman of the Dover Planning Commission, effective on that date. Mayor Carroll praised the past efforts of Mr. McCue and will acknowledge his letter of resignation.
KLINE CURB
Robert L. Kline, Dentist, requested permission to widen the curb depression at his office, 960 W. Forrest Street, from 15 feet to 35 or 40 feet to provide better access to an off street parking area which he plans. Building Inspector Roe and Chief Turner have examined the area and approve of the plan, but Mr. Roe stated the depression and its width would also require approval of the State Highway Department. On motion of Mr. Walls, seconded by Mr. Biggs, Council approved the request subject to Highway approval and requirements.
OLD DOVER DAYS
Mayor Carroll reminded Council of the reception planned for May 3, 1964 at 1:30 P.M. in the old State House for Old Dover Days. He asked Council to notify Mrs. Clark or Mrs. Farrow if they and their wives would be in the reception line.
SOLICITOR
In reply to a question, City Solicitor Buckson reported that court dates should soon be set for action on the Ross Street and Scull condemnation cases.
THEATER GUILD REQUEST
The Kent County Theater Guild had been granted permission to use the recreation building on Water Street for rehearsals but find that their use would conflict with the recreational program of the YMCA. The guild now requests use of the Hinkle Building where they would install gas heat and pay for electricity if the City would make necessary plumbing repairs. If they had use of the building for three years the gas heaters would not be removed. On motion of Mr. Massey, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council approved the request and directed that a written lease be prepared containing the conditions under which use of the building is permitted.
CORRESPONDENCE
The Clerk read the following correspondence received by the Mayor:
A letter from the Brookside Activities Council requesting support by Dover of the Mrs. Delaware program.
A letter from the Mayor of Cumberland, Maryland thanking the Mayor and the Dover Police for services rendered students of Allegany College by a Dover Police Officer on February 20, 1964.
A letter from Floyd T. Hart of the Delaware Department of Public Instruction asking that whatever dates are set for the Delmarva Chicken Festival to be held in Dover in 1965 or 1966, they be such as will not conflict with the Delaware Music Camp held annually in June following closing of schools.
A letter from the Delaware Home Economics Association asking support of Dover in a Home Economics program held in the Little Theater of Wesley College, April 30 at 8 P.M.
A letter from the Mayor of Frogtown asking the Mayor whether he would participate in the annual Jumping Frog Contest held at Angels Camp, California, May 14-17, 1964.
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
City Manager Ward submitted for the consideration of City Council a list of capital improvements required in Dover with an estimate of costs. Councilmen will consider the list and add their own ideas. Councilman Hughes mentioned the need for street lighting on Dover Green.
Council adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
City Clerk
All ordinances, orders and resolutions adopted by City Council at its meeting of April 13, 1964 are hereby approved.
Crawford J. Carroll
Mayor
April 14, 1964