REGULAR MEETING
March 13, 1961
The regular meeting of City Council was held Monday, March 13, 1961 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Carroll, Davis, Hayes, Holpp, Thompson, Turner and Zartman.
The invocation was said by the Rev. Robert Duke of People’s Church.
MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of February 27, 1961 were accepted as read and bore the written approval of Mayor Haman.
REPORTS
Report of the Chief of Police for February was accepted as read.
Report of Alderman Shockley for February was accepted as read. Checks in the amounts of $946.05 and $70.00 were remitted to the City.
Report of the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector for February was accepted as read. He reported that the property at 42 S. State St. was suitable for use as a Day Nursery provided certain corrections are made.
Report of General Fund Cash Receipts for February was accepted as read.
Report of General Fund Budget Expenditures for January was accepted as read.
Report of Electric Revenue Fund Cash Receipts and Expenditures for February was accepted as read. Report of Electric Improvement Fund Cash Receipts and Expenditures for February was accepted as read.
Report of Electric Department Operations for January was accepted as read.
SHERWOOD # 4 PLOT PLAN
Michael Poppitti, Frank Robino and George Records presented to City Council a revised plot plan for a development in southwest Dover known as Sherwood #4. The plan contained lot sizes and street layouts more nearly conforming to Planning Commission requirements. The developers hold an option on the site which expires March 15. They realize the revised plot plan must be approved by the Planning Commission but asked Council to express its opinion. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council tentatively approved the revised plot plan, subject to its final approval by the Planning Commission.
WOOD BROOK PLOT PLAN
Mr. Turner reported that the Planning Commission has considered the plot plan submitted for development of the second section of Woodbrook and that it had been disapproved with the exception of nine lots located on a circle. Walter Ellis, the developer, submitted a revised plot plan for consideration. On motion of Mr. Turner, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council tentatively approved the revised plot plan, subject to its final approval by the Planning Commission.
FARMERS BANK
Mr. Turner reported that the Planning Commission approved the colonial architecture of the State Street side of the Farmers Bank addition, but did not believe that a driveway entrance should be permitted from State Street. Council, with the exception of Mr. Carroll, had approved the driveway entrance from State Street and exit on North Street in May, 1960. On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council accepted the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the architectural design of the State Street side of the Farmers Bank addition.
MASTER PLAN
Ralph Tischer, member of the Dover Planning Commission, presented to City Council part two of the Development Plan of the City of Dover prepared by Raymond & May Associates, Planning Consultants. Mr. Tischer explained that the Commission desires to obtain comments from the Council, and to hold public hearings prior to adopting a final plan and making recommendations to City Council. On motion of Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Thompson, Council accepted the proposed development plan for study and comment at its next regular meeting.
WORKABLE PROGRAM
Myron U. Lamb, Urban Renewal Director, reported that the HHFA had approved the draft of the Workable Program proposed for recertification and that copies had been furnished all Councilmen for their consideration. On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Turner, Council approved the goals stated in the Workable Program for the coming year.
AMBULANCE
W. C. Torbert reported on the operation by his organization of the City-owned ambulance for a 90-day trial period and requested that the agreement be extended or renewed for a twelve month period. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Thompson, Council authorized extension of the agreement for an additional twelve month period, with provisions for quarterly reports and cancellation by either party on 30 day notice.
TAX ASSESSMENT AND APPEAL
Thomas E. Baker, City Assessor, delivered to City Council two copies of the tax assessment for the year 1961. Council directed that copies of the assessment be hung in two public places together with a notice that a committee of three Councilmen will sit Monday, April 10, 1961 at 2:00 P.M. at City Hall, to hear appeals of tax payers. The committee shall report their findings and recommendations tothe full Council who shall sit to make corrections, revisions, or alterations to the assessment Monday, April 10, 1961, at 7:30 P.M. at City Hall. A like notice shall be published in at least one issue of a newspaper published in Dover. Mayor Haman appointed to the committee who shall sit for the purpose Councilmen Holpp, Hayes and Carroll.
SWIM BEACH TOILETS
Councilman Holpp, chairman of the parks and playground committee presented to Council a sketch of a public toilet proposed for erection at the West Beach of Silver Lake. The estimated cost of construction is approximately $1600, and the estimated cost of extending sewer and water approximately $1700. The committee recommended it be constructed. On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council authorized its construction providing funds are available and the design meets Board of Health of Delaware approval.
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS COMMITTEE
Mayor Haman announced the addition of the following citizens to the Parks and Playgrounds Committee: John Von eider, Arthur Dobberstein and Myron U. Lamb.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Report of the City Manager for February was accepted as read.
WATER TANK
Public Works Superintendent Jack Woods reported on the progress of painting and repair of the water tower on Division Street.
STORM SEWER
City Engineer Alfred Joseph reported in the progress of storm sewer construction on Reed Street, Budd Street and American Avenue.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
Utility Committee Chairman Holpp reported on conferences with representatives of The Kuljian Corporation on the progress and cost of construction of the new power plant. Harvey Colgin of Kuljian Corporation reported to Council on bids received for the structure, electrical work and piping and the tentative revision of cost estimates.
PUBLIC DANCE HALLS
Chief of Police Turner discussed the need for an ordinance controlling the operation of public dance halls. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Thompson, the City Solicitor was directed to prepare an ordinance regulating public dance halls.
HARTNETT LUMBER YARD
Council discussed the condition of the Hartnett Lumber Yard. Fire Marshal Roe reported that he had requested that the yard be fenced and that his request had been complied with up to the point on Forest Street where a dispute exists between the Hartnett Company and the State Highway Department. He stated that the Lumber Company has expressed its intention to fence in the entire area as soon as the question of the property line has been settled. Council asked the advice of its Solicitor who stated his belief that Council could insist on the erection of a fence on the curent property line. The Fire Marshal was directed to confer with the Solicitor to determine what action could be taken.
TRUCK BIDS
Councilman Carroll read to Council a letter from the Kent County Motor Company stating a price at which it could furnish two heavy duty trucks exceeding requirements on recent bids obtained by the City at a price approximately $2000 less than that accepted by the City.
Council adjourned at 11:55 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk
All ordinances, resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of March 13, 1961 are hereby approved.
March 14, 1961 W. Edward Haman
Mayor