REGULAR MEETING
May 28, 1962
The regular meeting of City Council was held Monday, May 28, 1962 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Hayes, Hill, Holpp, Hughes, Mowlds, Turner, Walls and Zartman.
The invocation was said by the Rev. C. Jackson Robinson of Wesley M.C. Church.
MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of May 14, 1962 were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
GENERAL FOODS
General Foods Corporation has taken an option on the Ridgely farm west of Dover and have indicated to local authorities that they are studying the feasibility of locating a food processing plant on the site. This location is one of several possible sites in various parts of the country which they are considering. Availability of sewer, water and electric utilities are prime considerations. Chairman Holpp of the Utility Committee reported on a meeting held last Friday in the offices of Albright & Friel in Philadelphia to discuss the sewage problem with a representative of General Foods. Messrs Estrada and Courtney of Albright & Friel, Holpp, Ward, Neland and Woods of the City of Dover, Dr. Joel Kaplovsky of the Stream Pollution Commission were present. Discussion centered on sewage treatment facilities required to handle the possible General Foods load. It was the general opinion that secondary sewage treatment facilities would be required, which with the present primary expansion program of the City would be required, which with the present primary expansion program of the City would cost an estimated $785,000. There would be a possibility of obtaining a Federal grant of approximately 30% of this amount. If efforts were begun immediately, the time estimated for completion of construction was December 3, 1963. Dr. Kaplovsky also urged that land be secured for future expansion to tertiary treatment. Robert Cerosky, General Foods engineer who was present, stated that his firm had determined that the underground water was of the proper temperature to be used for cooling in one of their processes. He asked about the possibility of their firm drilling two wells, pumping the water for cooling purposes thru the plant, and returning it to the ground. All other water requirements would be taken from City mains. Mr. Cerosky noted he was gathering data for an engineering report which he would make to his firm. If the Dover site were selected, some other representative would negotiate rates and charges.
Mayor Carroll stated he has asked the City Solicitor to prepare a resolution outlining the position of Council on the matter, and offered it to them for action.
On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council by unanimous vote adopted the following resolution:
RESOLUTION INVITING GENERAL FOODS CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, TO CONSTRUCT A PLANT IN DOVER
WHEREAS, General Foods Corporation, a corporation of the State of Delaware, has expressed a desire to construct and operate a food processing plant in or near The City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, the construction of such a plant would greatly benefit The City of Dover, and all the residents of this area, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of The City of Dover deem it of utmost importance that all steps be taken to encourage this action be General Foods Corporation, and
WHEREAS, the residents of the City of Dover consider it of mutual benefit and advantage to have located here a food processing plant of the kind contemplated by General Foods Corporation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED By The Mayor And Council Of The City Of Dover In Council Met:
That the Mayor and Council hereby pledge their full and continued support to the task of providing adequate facilities both for the food processing plant and for those individuals who would become residents of this area by virtue of the plant being located in Dover, and that the Mayor and Council of The City of Dover shall be all available means encourage each and every citizen or resident of this area to aid by whatever means possible General Foods Corporation to so construct the food processing plant in this area.
Passed May 28, 1962.
SEWAGE PLANT BIDS
City Manager Ward and Mr. Courtney of Albright & Friel reported to City Council that bids had been received for additions to the sewage treatment plant as follows:
Seybold Engr. Company $ 63,789.00
W. B. Mitten & Sons, Inc. 105,000.00
Lenarco Inc. 134,493.00
Bids were opened on May 17 and since that date the Seybold Engineering Co. has indicated that en omission of $10,000 was made in their bid which had been included in their work sheets. Examination of the work sheet by Albright & Friel bore out the claim, although no guarantee could be made that the work sheets examined were the originals. Council was asked to decide whether to accept the bids as submitted, approve the increase in the low bid, or call for new bids. The engineering estimate of the cost of the work was approximately $77,000. The opinion was that only three bids were received because the job was so small and discussion followed on the feasibility of calling for new bids and including secondary treatment requirements in the new invitations. One reason for ruling this consideration out was that the requirements of General Foods Corporation could not be included until that firm has made some commitment. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Mowlds, Council directed that the bid of Seybold Engineering Co., $63,789.00, be accepted.
ANNEXATION REPORT
Mr. Courtney of Albright & Friel reported on the annexation study being conducted and on the costs of providing water and sewer to areas being considered for annexation. He recommended that the extensions be financed thru issuance of revenue bonds, and estimated that the costs of annexation would approximately balance revenues if the following charges were made: 20¢ per front foot per year for the life of the bonds for sewer extensions, and the same amount for eater extensions, the imposition of a sewer rent both within and without the City which would average $26.00 per year per customer, and continuation of the present City tax rate. Areas studied included Eastover continuation or the present City tax rate. Areas studied included Eastover Hills, Edgehill, Edgehill Acres, Capital Green, Morris Estates, and the area west of Governors Avenue thru Rodney Village. Council decided that the Ridgely Farm on the west and the East Dover School and State Highway property on the east should be included in the annexation plans. On motion of Mr. Mowlds, seconded by Mr. Holpp, Council directed the City Solicitor to prepare the necessary resolutions to provide for annexation referendums in the areas indicated.
SILVER LAKE
Chairman Mowlds of the Parks and Playgrounds Committee reported that a request had been received to grant permission for operation of a mobile concession stand at Silver Lake beach. Since the permanent stand no longer existed and the season was about to begin the committee felt the request should be granted. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Hughes, Council approved the request with details to be worked out by the committee.
TOW-AWAY ORDINANCE
On motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Hill, the proposed tow-away ordinance was tabled until the Chief of Police could be present at a meeting.
LITTLE LEAGUE
A request has been received form Little League officials for permission to construct a second baseball field on the plot of land where the present park is located. The Parks and Playground committee believed such a project would overly crowd the present site and eliminate needed parking facilities. The request was denied.
WATER STREET
On motion of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Hill, Council authorized City forces to demolish the older buildings at the Water Street recreation center. Council also approved use of City-owned alnd behind the Pony League park for a play area which City forces will grade.
METZ TREES
On motion of Mr. Hill, seconded by Mr. Turner, Council approved removal of two trees in front of the property of Roland Metz on north Governors Avenue.
PUBLIC HEARING PLAYGROUND
The Dover Housing Authority will soon erect a public housing project in a portion of the former Mifflin farm west of Dover. The project will include a playground area which they ask the City to accept and maintain. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council agreed to accept and maintain the playground are which the Housing Authority will construct and equip.
CITY HALL RENOVATION
Councilman Zartman reported on the progress of the renovation of the second floor of City Hall.
On motion of Mr. Mowlds, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council authorized the City Manager to order eight desks for use of Council.
On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council authorized the installation of a plywood and tile floor at an estimated cost of $1000.
STREETS
City Manager Ward reported that bids had been obtained on resurfacing certain City streets with seal-coat. Low bid was received from Delaware Roads, Inc. on a total estimated cost of $7205. On motion of Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Zartman, Council authorized awarding the project to the low bidder.
LAWRENCE WARREN HEARING
Fire Marshal and Building Inspector Jack T. Roe reported he had ordered the owner of properties at 255 and 273 West Street to demolish the buildings under the dangerous building ordinance of the City of Dover. The period of notice has expired and the buildings are not yet demolished. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Zartman, Council directed that a hearing be held at its meeting of June 11, 1962 at which the owner of the properties, Lawrence Warren, and others concerned will be given the opportunity to show cause why the buildings should not be demolished as ordered by the Building Inspector.
SOUTHWEST DOVER HEARINGS
On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Zartman, Council by unanimous vote adopted the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE INSTALLATION OF CURBS AND GUTTERS, SEWER AND WATER, AND STREETS ON SPECIFIED PORTIONS OF THE FOLLOWING NAMED STREETS WITHIN THE CITY OF DOVER AND FIXING THE COSTS THEREOF TO BE BORNE BY THE ADJOINING PROPERTY OWNERS.
Lynnhaven Drive
Monroe Terrace
Jefferson Terrace
Holly Drive
Oak Drive
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of The City of Dover have considered the installation of curbs and gutters on all of the streets mentioned above, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of The City of Dover have considered the installation of sewer and water lines on Lynnhaven Drive as set forth above, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of The City of Dover have considered the installation of streets on Monroe Terrace, Jefferson Terrace, Holly Drive and Oak Drive, and
WHEREAS, in order to comply with the provisions of the Charter of The City of Dover it is necessary to hold a public hearing at a time and place to be duly published, and
WHEREAS, it is the decision of the Mayor and Council to hold such public hearing and public notice of such hearing in accordance with Charter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED By The Mayor and Council of The City of Dover In Council Met that:
1. The Council of The City of Dover will meet on the 11th day of June, 1962, at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Saving Time at the City Hall to consider the installation of concrete curbs and gutters on both sides of all the streets mentioned above, and in addition, shall consider the installation of sewer and water lines on Lynnhaven Drive, and the installation of street on Monroe Terrace, Jefferson Terrace, Holly Drive, and Oak Drive in front of the properties of the following-named persons, and of assessing the costs thereof against the owners.
Brooks and Ethel Colescott
Russell T. & Louise Gallo
Cornelius E. and Charlotte A. Melvin
Kline G. Jr. and Carolyn W. Kemp
John A. & Doris H. Walls
Rodney & Christine M. Short
Clarence F. & Florence L. Schwartz
Caleb L. & Pauline H. Burchenal
Norman D. Baker
Maude H. Coudright
Harold A. & Marion A. Mersky
George Leathrum
George F. & Mary K. William
Alvin & Matilda Coudright
Robert & Pearl Pippin
Robert H. & Vivian D. Reed
John N. & Martha L. Ake
Paul E. & Elinor M. Baker
Hudson E. & Jean D. Gruwell
Robert F. & Betty L. Hayes
Milton S. & Jean D. Griffith
Frederick & Betty T. Wooten
Eugene & Marlene G. Auen
Winfield L. & Ruth A. Schwartz
Lawrence P. & Corine S. Finnegan
John J. Jr. & Marie E. Forest
Kenneth V. & Maxine H. Brown
John Colby & Kathryn Williams Harris &
Kenneth V. & Maxine H. Brown
William & Olga A. Konschak
Harold V. & Barbara G. Minner
Anna Collins Stokes
James G. & Nora M. Devlin
Louis L. & Catherine Sydnor
John E. & Mary Jane Richter
2. At the said meeting the Council will hear the aforesaid owners of property, and other residents of The City of Dover in accordance with Section 28 of the Charter of The City of Dover as to the installation of the curbs, gutters, water and sewer, and streets over the aforementioned streets.
Passed May 28, 1962.
Council adjourned at 10:55 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk
All ordinances, orders and resolutions adopted by City Council at its meeting of May 28, 1962 are hereby approved.
May 31, 1962 Crawford J. Carroll Mayor