REGULAR MEETING
September 25, 1961
The regular meeting of City Council was held Monday, September 25, 1961 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Carroll, Davis, Fromm, Hayes, Holpp, Thompson, Turner and Zartman.
The invocation was said by Mr. Stuart of the Baptist Church.
MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of September 11, 1961 were accepted as read and bore the written approval of Mayor Haman, and their reading was dispensed with.
URBAN RENEWAL
Redevelopment Director Myron Lamb reported to City Council that the Federal Government had reserved $1,088,475 for the Dover Green-West project in place of the former $967,533 as a result of the changed Federal law which increases Federal participation to 75% from 66-2/3%.
ZONING ORDINANCE
Al Leisey, Chairman of the Dover Zoning Commission, reported to Council that the Commission had prepared a proposed zoning ordinance which had been submitted to a public hearing and revised in certain respects. He submitted the revised proposal to Council for its review and action in accordance with the State Zoning law. He offered the continued assistance of the Zoning Commission, including its files, in any way desired by Council. Mayor Haman thanked Chairman Leisey and his commission for their dedicated efforts on behalf of the City. Council will set a date for its public hearing at a later date.
SIDEWALKS
Council was presented with a map prepared by the City Engineer indicating where sidewalks could be installed in Dover and giving estimated cost of same broken down in north and south Dover. Council questioned details of the study and agreed that sidewalks should be installed in all section of the City. The City Manager and City Engineer were assigned the job of programming the installation and repair of sidewalks throughout the City.
FORREST STREET
Plans received from the State Highway Department for the improvement of Forrest Street were shown to City Council and generally conformed to their Project 1094, formerly approved by Council. On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Turner, Council approved of the plan presented.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
Councilman Holpp reported that the Utility Committee would meet with representatives of The Kuljian Corporation on October 3 to discuss matters concerned with the new power plant and the Construction Management contract.
MASTER PLAN
Councilman Fromm reported that the Planning Commission had completed its work on the Master Plan for Development of Dover and that the Commission herewith submitted the Plan to City Council. Copies in possession of members of City Council should be modified to include the following changes in the Urban Renewal area:
1. Governors Avenue should be shown as an arterial street between Water Street and Reed Street.
2. New Street should be shown as remaining open between Water Street and Reed Street.
3. Delete the Fire House on the SE corner of Water Street ad Governors Street.
4. Area west of Kirkwood Street be made for light industry instead of heavy commercial.
Mr. Fromm also reported that the Planning Commission had prepared proposed subdivision regulations and held a public hearing on the same. Copies of the proposed regulations have been presented to members of City Council and should be modified according to changes listed below:
1. Page 1 - Article III. C. Subdivision, Minor:
Eliminate phrase “containing not more than 3 lots” and the word “minor”. Will now read: Any subdivision fronting on an existing street, instead of “Any subdivision containing not more than 3 lots fronting on an existing minor street,”.
2. Page 4. With regard to fees, set forth a minimum fee of $25.00.
3. Page 7. Required Documents, no charge; these are felt to be reasonable and necessary.
4. Page 3. B. 3. (4) Delaware State Board of Health and Dover City Board of Health.
5. With regard to requirement regarding professional engineer or surveyor being licensed only in Delaware (Page 9, C. 1 (d)), there would be no change- - it was to remain the same.
6. Page 16, H. Improvements, 1. f., and g., regarding shade trees and top soil protection. This was remain the same.
7. An item requiring periodic reports to Council, if desired by Council, could be added.
8. Discussion of the recapture of excess costs resulted in the conclusion that this is a financial matter beyond the control of the Planning Commission. Since the matter is related to subdivision control, it is suggested that Council establish a policy to permit a subdivider to recapture within a prescribed time cost of services which he is required to provide in excess of services required within his subdivision.
Council will review the proposed subdivision regulations and establish a date for public hearing at a later meeting.
Councilman Zartman stated his opinion that the ordinance should be changed to provide for review by Council of the action for the action of the Planning Commission relating to subdivision control.
SAFETY AWARDS
Mayor Haman reported that Dover had been presented awards for a record of no traffic fatalities in 1960, and for a record of 13 years without traffic fatality.
D P & L CONTRACT
Councilman Holpp reported for the Utility Committee that the time was at hand to give Delaware Power & Light Company six months notice of cancellation of its contract to furnish Dover with purchased power. April 1 is the anniversary date of the contract, and at that time Dover’s new plant should go into operation. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Zartman, Council directed that the required notice of cancellation be given.
DAYLIGHT SAVING
On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council directed that daylight saving be terminated in Dover on the last Sunday in October.
Council adjourned at 9:55 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk
All ordinances, resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of September 25, 1961 are hereby approved.
September 26, 1961 W. Edward Haman
Mayor