REGULAR MEETING
April 24, 1961
The regular meeting of City Council was held Monday, April 24, 1961 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Carroll, Davis, Hayes, Holpp, Thompson, Turner and Zartman.
MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of April 17, 1961 were accepted as read and bore the written approval of Mayor Haman.
PERMITS
Dover Appliance & Refridgeration Inc. requested permission to park a tractor trailer in front of its store at 218 Loockerman Street on April 27, 28 and 29 to demonstrate appliances. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Carroll, the request was approved.
The Dover Art Center requested permission to set up and operate a pottery wheel on The Plaza on May 6 for demonstration and advertising purposes. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Turner, Council authorized the action subject to approval by Friends of Old Dover that it will not interfere with Dover Bay activities.
TREE BIDS
Bids were received from Norman Rushton and Terrell & Wrede for removal of two trees at Bradford and Minor Streets. On motion of Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council authorized award of the work to Norman Rushton on his low bid of $155.00.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Members of the Robbins Hose Company believe they have obsolete equipment of which they wish to dispose. Thru Council’s liaison committee they asked that the City request the Middle Department of Fire Underwriters to survey the City and its fire protection requirements before they dispose of any equipment. On motion of Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Thompson, Council directed that a letter be written to the Middle Department of Fire underwriters requesting such a survey.
The Robbins Hose Company is about to purchase a 1000-gallon Mack pumper at a net price of $24,540. They asked the City to give them financial assistance in making payments on the equipment. One suggestion was the donation of unobligated balances in the annual fire department budget. The City will consider what further assistance it can give.
TRAFFIC CHANNELS
Chief of Police Turner asked Council to approve channeling traffic at State and Water Streets and Governors Avenue and Water Streets. To carry out the plan it is necessary to prohibit parking for a distance of approximately 120' from each intersection. On motion of Mr. Zartman, seconded by Mr. Thompson, the City Solicitor was directed to prepare such an ordinance.
Council discussed the need of an ordinance regulating and enforcing the channelization of traffic. At present channels and arrows painted in the streets guide the flow of traffic. Some type of overhead sign would be required before an ordinance could be enforced. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Thompson, the City Solicitor was directed to prepare an ordinance governing the channelization of traffic at all intersections now so regulated, or to be so regulated, with enforcement to begin when proper signs are erected.
PARKING METER ORDINANCE
At the request of the Chamber of Commerce, Chief Turner asked Council to change the penalties for violations of the parking meter ordinance. At present the penalty is 10¢ if paid within the hour of violation and $1.00 thereafter. The Chamber asks stiffer penalties for chronic violators. During a 30 day period the first three violations would be penalized, 10¢ and $1.00 as at present, the fourth violation would be fined a minimum of $1.00, and the fifth and each succeeding violation a minimum of $5.00. On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Davis, the City Solicitor was directed to prepare such an amendment to the parking meter ordinance.
CONDEMNATION HEARINGS
Mayor Haman announced that the Council would now sit to hear testimony before determining whether buildings at 30 S. Kirkwood Street and at 32 S. Kirkwood Street were dangerous buildings.
The property at 30 S. Kirkwood Street is owned by David H. Hardcastle who was duly notified and was present at the hearing.
Building Inspector Jack Roe testified that he notified David H. Hardcastle that the building at 30 S. Kirkwood Street was out of plumb, was more than 33% deteriorated, lacked toilet facilities, was dilapidated, decayed and unsafe and therefore a dangerous building which Mr. Hardcastle was directed to put in a safe condition within 30 days. The time has expired with no action being taken. The building was also vacant, at times harboring transients and drunks creating a further fire hazard. It has been unoccupied five years or more.
Mr. Hardcastle testified that the building was not unrepairable that he planned to put it in livable condition, that it contained running water, that for various reasons he had not yet been able to repair it, and that he had a possible buyer for the property.
From the testimony given and its knowledge of the property, Council determined that the building was in fact a “dangerous building” within the meaning of the City ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council directed that the owner of the building at 30 S. Kirkwood Street, David H. Hardcastle, submit to the Building Commission on or before May 4, 1961, plans for repair of the building which would put the building in condition to meet requirements of all City ordinances. If within 10 days of May 4 approved plans are not submitted and repairs commenced, the City will obtain bids and cause the building to be demolished, as provided by law.
The property at 32 S. Kirkwood Street is owned by George H. Hevalow, 514 E. 4th Street, Wilmington, Delaware, who was duly notified of the hearing, but was not present. An Attorney, Charles C. Rodriquez, advised the Building Inspector that he was unable to attend, but that other interested parties would be present. Francis Bell, a prospective buyer, was outside the Council chambers but did not wish to testify and left before the hearing.
Building Inspector Jack Roe testified that he notified George H. Hevalow that the building at 32 S. Kirkwood Street was out of plumb, dilapidated, decayed, unsafe, more than 50% deteriorated, lacked sanitary facilities and was therefore a dangerous building which Mr. Hevalow was directed to put in a safe condition within 30 days. The time had expired with no action being taken. The property is vacant and apparently the owner is considering its sale.
From the testimony given and its knowledge of the property, Council determined that the building was in fact a “dangerous building” within the meaning of the City ordinance.
On motion of Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Thompson, Council directed that the owner of the building at 32 S. Kirkwood Street, George H. Hevalow, submit to the Building Commission on or before May 4, 1961, plans for repair of the building which would put the building in condition to meet requirements of all City ordinances. It within 10 days of May 4 approved plans are not submitted and repairs commenced, the City will obtain bids and cause the building to be demolished, as provided by law.
SOLICITOR REPORT
Solicitor Buckson submitted to Council a synopsis of the Parking Authority, Planning and Zoning Commissions and Housing Code of the City of Dover. A synopsis of other building and fire regulations will be submitted later. He asked for comment or questions from members of Council so that revisions may be made if necessary.
Mr. Buckson reported that he is obtaining bids for 1000 bound and 100 loose leaf copies of the City Charter which he hopes to have for the next meeting of Council.
No court decision has yet been made in the Woodbrook annexation case.
On the question of recodifying City ordinances he stated that his fee would be at least $1000 and that considerable time would be required. Council believes that this is a necessary undertaking. On motion of Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Zartman, the City Solicitor was directed to proceed to recodify City ordinances.
URBAN RENEWAL APPRAISAL
Myron Lamb, Redevelopment Director, advised Council that prices had been obtained for the required re-use appraisal of properties in the Green-West urban renewal area. Low bid was obtained from Philip Kniskern Associates who had performed the marketability appraisal. Their price was $1900, plus whatever adjustments were necessary because of extension of the urban renewal area. On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Carroll, Council authorized employment of Philip Kniskern for the re-use appraisal.
POWER PLANT
Lester Scharnberg gave Council a brief resume of activity at the new power plant and of conditions at the old plant.
Council adjourned at 10:05 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk
All ordinances, resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of April 24, 1961 are hereby approved.
April 25, 1961 W. Edward Haman
Mayor