REGULAR MEETING
September 26, 1960
The regular meeting of City Council was held Monday, September 26, 1960 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 September 12, 1960 were accepted as read and bore the written approval of Mayor Haman.
MAYOR’S ASSN. MEETING
Mayor Haman announced that a meeting of the Mayor’s Association would be held at the Treadway Inn at 6:30 P.M. October 13. Candidates for the State Legislature will be invited to express their opinions on Home Rule. Members of Council who can attend will inform the Clerk.
RENEWAL DIRECTOR
Councilman Turner reported that the Planning Commission after interviewing applicants had recommended Myron Lamb, Gloucestor, Mass., for the position of Urban Renewal Director. Mr. Lamb at first reported he was unable to accept the appointment but now states he is available for the position. The committee recommends his employment. On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council approved employment of Myron Lamb as Urban Renewal Director effective October 1, 1960 for a period subject to the availability of funds. Mr. Hayes voted ‘No’.
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Mayor Haman reported that the term of Morris Simon on the Dover Housing Authority expired August 15, 1960 and that he wished to reappoint Mr. Simon for a 6 year term. On motion of Mr. Zartman, seconded by Mr. Carroll, Council approved reappointment of Mr. Simon.
CAPUTO DRIVEWAY
Joseph Caputo requested permission to depress the curb at the rear of his business at Division Street and Governors Avenue to permit entrance to a parking area. Chief Turner believes the driveway would be a traffic hazard and does not recommend approval of the request. At Council’s request he will investigate the matter further.
McNINCH REQUEST
Dr. McNinch requested a reserved parking space at 133 S. State Street where he will move his office from Bradford Street and give up a reserved space on that street. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Turner the request was granted.
PARKING
Chief Turner asked Council to consider installing fifteen minute parking meters on the Plaza from City Hall east and in the area of the Post Office. Parking Meters acquired with the City Hall parking lot might be traded in for the fifteen minute meters. Such meters would make enforcement of the fifteen-minute parking limit easier and might encourage use of the free parking lot. Council will consider the matter.
BOARD OF HEALTH
Thomas Baker reported that investigation revealed health hazards existing in two buildings at Mary and West Streets which should cause the buildings to be condemned. Our present ordinance requires that action to condemn be taken by the Building Inspector when such conditions are reported to him by other City officials. He asked that the law be amended to permit condemnation by the Executive Officer of the Board of Health when health hazards exist. The City Solicitor was directed to prepare such an ordinance with the aid of the Health Officer.
AUDIT
Council received copies of the audit of City accounts for the past fiscal year and requested that William Manter, CPA, be present at the meeting of October 24 to answer questions on the report.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Ward requested that the building Commission arrange a daytime meeting and make a field trip to consider some problems.
Mr. Ward reported he had received requests from political organizations and other groups for permission to erect banners on Loockerman Street. Council felt that all requests should be denied.
Mr. Ward read correspondence between Mayor Haman, Senator Frear and the Post Office Department regarding consulting with the City on future post office locations.
Mr. Ward reported that a field trip will be held Wednesday, September 28 with a representative of the HHFA and members of the Planning and Zoning Commissions and Bob Bogen to review Section 221 Housing needs. Council suggested that members of the Housing Authority be included in the group.
NEW POWER PLANT
Mr. Ward and Harvey Colgin of Kuljian Corporation reported to Council on the progress of the new power plant. Site preparation is nearing completion by the firm of J. T. Ward & Co., Wilmington, and test wells are being bored. Agreement has been reached with Mr. R. Harry Wilson on purchase of a 25' road right-of-way from Walker Road. Mr. Ward reported in items of equipment on which bids have been received and contracts have been completed, or are about to be completed.
TREE COMMITTEE
Councilman Carroll reported that the Tree Committee had met and discussed problems. They found that about 350 trees had been removed in the past four years and most had been replaced. The City had about 150 trees in its nursery with about 25 ready to set out this year. It was agreed that when property owners object to the removal of trees in front of their homes the matter would be referred to the Tree Committee which would recommend action to Council. The Committee hoped to discourage planting of low trees and shrubs on the curb line by property owners. Prices are being obtained on a stump removal machine.
The committee recommended removal of a tree in front of the Cummins property on State Street and in front of the Hope property on Delaware. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council directed that the trees be removed.
POWER OUTAGE
Mr. Ward reported that neither the City nor Delaware Power & light knew the cause of three power outages which have occurred in the last ten days. He intends to contact Delaware Power & Light officials tomorrow in further attempt to discover the cause.
Council adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk
All ordinances, resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of September 26, 1960 are hereby approved.
September 27, 1960 W. Edward Haman
Mayor