REGULAR MEETING
May 9, 1960
The regular meeting of City Council was held Monday, May 9, 1960 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 the Rev. McKim.
MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of April 25, 1960 and May 2, 1960 were accepted as read and bore the written approval of Mayor Haman.
REPORTS
Report of City Alderman Dempsey was accepted as read. Checks in the amounts of $54.50, $255.50 and $544.25 were remitted to the City.
Report of the Acting City Alderman Shockley was accepted as read. A check in the amount of $795.50 was remitted to the City.
Report of the Chief of Police for April was accepted as read.
Report of the Fire Marshall and Building Inspector was accepted as read. The Fire Marshal will write to the Middle Department of Fire Underwriters asking their recommendation on action to be taken to correct hazardous electrical wiring conditions found to exist in the Dover Central School by their electrical inspector.
Report of Budget Expenditures was accepted as read.
Report of Cash Receipts for April was accepted as read.
Report of the Executive Officer of the Board of health was accepted as read.
On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Thompson, the City Manage was authorized to take such steps as he deems necessary to eliminate rats claimed to exist in the area of Washington Street dump.
On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Thompson, the Executive Officer of the Board of Health was directed to prepare a report for City Council on the number of residences within the City of Dover which are not connected to the sanitary sewer.
SWITCHGEAR BIDS
City Manager Ward reported that firm quotations had been obtained on switchgear and transformer equipment for the new power plant. Four items were included in the bids and low totals were as follows: General Electric Company, $306,910; Westinghouse Electric Corporation, $370,339; Allis-Chalmers, $438,151. The Kuljian Corporation recommended acceptance of the low bid from General Electric Company. On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Thompson, Council authorized issuing a letter of intent to purchase from the low bidder, General Electric Company, at its total bid of $306,910.
PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Councilman Fromm reported on the activity of the Planning Commission and presented its recommendation that the City initiate a study to formulate a six-year capital expenditure program which would be revised and brought up-to-date annually. Sample forms were presented which would be used to gather information on desired improvement from various departments of the City, committees or commissions of City Council, members of Council, and from citizens of the City. The recommended program would include public hearings to gather information and explain suggested improvements. The Commission recommended that a committee be appointed as the group to conduct a study of capital improvements and to recommend a six-year program to City Council.
ZONING COMMISSION
Mr. Fromm reported that the Zoning Commission was following a planned program in the preparation of a complete new zoning ordinance. Passage of the new zoning ordinance is planned for December, 1960.
URBAN RENEWAL
On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Thompson, Council approved the contract for personal services between the City of Dover and Raymond & May Associates for Urban Renewal Project Del. R-2, subject to its approval as to legality and form by the City Solicitor.
URBAN RENEWAL
On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council authorized the City Manager to advertise for applicants to fill the position of Urban Renewal Director, and authorized the Planning Commission to consider such applicants and also applicants for the contract as real estate and marketing consultants in the Urban Renewal program, and make recommendations for employment to City Council. Representatives of two appraisal firms were present at the meeting.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
Mr. Fromm stated that he would have recommendations for a public relations program for the City of Dover ready for the next meeting of City Council.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Report of the City Manager was accepted as read.
LEBANON SUBSTATION
City Manager Ward reported that he had received quotations for supply of one 3750 KVA transformer and auxiliary equipment for the Lebanon substation as follows: General Electric Company, $26,253; Westinghouse Electric Corporation $28,485; Allis Chalmers, $28,067. As authorized by City Council he has awarded the bid to the low bidder, Graybar Electric Company, GE distributor, on its quotation of $26,253.
Mr. Ward stated that the same price would apply to the purchase of a second unit which could replace a 2500 KVA unit now at Lebanon, and would permit relocation of the 2500 KVA in the rapidly growing area south of Dover. The Engineering Consultant, Mr. Augustus, stated that the planned revenue bond issue should not delay or prevent any necessary improvements. On motion of Mr. Zartman, seconded by Mr. Thompson, Council authorized purchase of the second 3750 KVA unit for the Lebanon substation, and relocation of the 2500 KVA unit. A site for location of the latter unit is now being sought.
BOILER MODIFICATIONS
Mr. Ward reported that the specifications for two 160,000# boilers for which a low bid of $1,399,450 had been received from Babcox and Wilcox, and been gone over in minute detail and as a result certain modifications were recommended which would result in more efficient dust collection, make provision for later installation of electrostatic precipitators if desired, add certain valving, include with the boiler erection certain construction connected with the building which could be done at lower cost at the time of the boiler construction, and other items. The increased cost would be $76,138. A letter of intent to purchase has not yet been issued pending action of the modifications. On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council authorized addition of modifications costing $76,138 tot he original bid of Babcox & Wilcox, and issuing a letter of intent to purchase to include the original bid with modifications.
MAYORS DINNER
The Mayor’s Association will hold a dinner meeting at 6:30 P.M. May 20 at the Dover Hotel to discuss home rule. Mr. Holpp, Mr. Davis, Mr. Zartman and Mr. Ward will attend.
POLICE WORK WEEK
Police Chief Turner asked Council to consider changing the base work week of Dover Police to 40 hours and retaining the same salary. Additional patrolmen would be required and overtime for one employee. On motion of Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Zartman, the request was referred tot eh Wages & Hours committee.
DIXON RESOLUTION
On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council by unanimous vote adopted the following resolution:
RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SYMPATHY OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER ON THE DEATH OF HARRY J. DIXON.
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, did see fit to call Harry J. Dixon from this life on the 22nd day of April, 1960, and
WHEREAS, he was a respected citizen of his community and State, and
WHEREAS, he has served faithfully and well for many years as an employee of the City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, it is with deepest sorrow and regret that the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover learned of his passage;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of The City of Dover, that the Mayor and Council of The City of Dover on behalf of the citizens and employees of The City of Dover do hereby extend deepest sympathy unto the widow and the family of the late Harry J. Dixon for the great loss they have suffered upon his death; and we do pray that our Heavenly Father may comfort and strengthen them in their hour of bereavement as well as in the days to come; and that the Clerk of the City is directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the widow of the late Harry J. Dixon and make the same a part of the minutes of this meeting.
Adopted May 9, 1960.
ELECTRIC REVENUE BOND RESOLUTION
City Council gave final consideration of a resolution entitled “A Resolution authorizing the construction of an additional generating plant, additional transmission and distribution lines and other improvements of the electric system of the City of Dover, including the acquisition of any necessary land and equipment; authorizing the issuance, under the provisions of Chapter 111, Volume 52, Laws of Delaware, approved June 30, 1959, of $9,000,000 Revenue Bonds of the City, payable solely from revenues, to provide funds for paying the cost of such improvements; providing for the issuance of additional improvements; providing that such revenue bonds shall not constitute a debt of the city or a pledge of its faith and credit; providing for the collection of rates, fees and charges for the services and facilities furnished by the electric system of the City, and for the creation of certain special funds; pledging to the payment of the principal of and the interest on such revenue bonds the net revenues of the electric system; providing for the appointment of a Trustee and prescribing its powers and duties; and setting forth the rights and remedies of the holders of such bonds.”, which resolution in its entirety is incorporated herein by reference thereto, and is attached hereto.
On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Carroll, that the Electric Revenue Bond Resolution described by title above be adopted, by roll call vote the following Councilmen voted ‘Yes’, Councilmen Carroll, Davis, Fromm, Hayes, Holpp, Thompson, Turner and Zartman. The vote in favor of passage being unanimous, Mayor Haman declared the resolution adopted.
Council adjourned at 11:35 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk
All ordinances, resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of May 9, 1960 are hereby approved.
May 10, 1960 W. Edward Haman
Mayor