SPECIAL MEETING

February 22, 1960

The special meeting of City Council was held Monday, February 22, 1960 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Carroll, Davis, Fromm, Hayes, Holpp, Turner, Thompson and Zartman.

The invocation was said by the Rev. G. P. Mellick Belshaw.

MINUTES

Minutes of the meeting of February 8, 1960 were accepted as read and bore the written approval of Mayor Haman.

FOLTZ BUSINESS

Andrew Foltz Jr. requested permission to open an insurance office at Elm Terrace and S. State Street, a residential section, for a period of time ending April 30, 1960. The request was duly advertised for hearing at this meeting. A petition signed by property owners on S. State Street and on Elm Terrace was received objecting to granting the request. Mr. Foltz was not present at the hearing. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Davis, the request of Mr. Foltz to open an insurance office at S. State Street and Elm Terrace was denied.

SHERWOOD #3

The Utility Committee reported on its recommendations of the policy to apply to Sherwood #3, a development being constructed by Frank Robino, Builder. The recommendation is that the builder pay all costs of on site improvements, sewer, water, streets, curbs and gutters, to be installed by the builder to City specifications, and that the City pay costs of improvements which would benefit other areas. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Turner, the recommendation of the Utility Committee was approved.

D P & L LETTER

Mr. Ward reported that letter had been received from Delaware Power & Light Company containing a proposal under which the rate for energy purchased would be reduced to 5.5 mills for purchases over 7,500,000 KWH per month, and to 5 mills for purchases over 25,000,000 KWH per month. Other provisions would be discussed at a meeting between the Utility Committee and Delaware Power & Light Co. representatives to be held Tuesday, February 23.

SUDLER HOUSE

Mr. Ward reported on the exchange of lots with Irene Sudler to provide a right-of-way for the extension of Cherry Street. On the lot of Irene Sudler is a house which would cost $800 or more to relocate. Mr. Ward believes he can obtain the house and lot for the equivalent of the cost of improvements made to the house this year. On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Carroll, Mr. Ward was authorized to purchase the Sudler house and lot for an amount not to exceed $1000.

FULTON STREET EXTENSION

Mr. Ward and Mr. Joseph reported that William Walls, Layton & Company, International Latex Corporation and James Weston had agreed to donate land as right-of-way for extension of Fulton Street west of the railroad. The right-of-way would be just outside the City limits but is needed for extension of utilities. Mr. Weston is concerned about the cost of future curb and gutter. On motion of Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council approved acquisition of the right-of-way with a provision in the Weston deed that Dover would not charge for curb and gutter required to be installed on that section of Fulton Street at any future time.

NORTH STREET WATER LINE

Mr. Ward explained the plan of Dover to loop its water main west of the railroad by extension of a 10" line across the railroad at North Street, thence extending a line northward to Lincoln Street. The work of extending the line beneath the railroad would be a contract job. On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council approved the project of extending and looping the water mains west of the railroad.

COMMERCIAL HEATING RATE

Mr. Ward reported he had an application for an electric rate for heating a commercial establishment. Pending a study to determine an equitable rate he recommended a demand charge on the industrial rate and an energy charge on the home heating rate. On motion of Mr. Thompson, seconded by Mr. Davis, this rate was approved as a temporary measure.

MATTHEWS CONDEMNATION

City Solicitor Buckson reported that the Matthews condemnation is due for court hearing February 25. He stated that Matthews was asking $5000 for the approximate 1/8 acre of land and asked whether Council wished to make a counter offer prior to trial. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, the Solicitor was authorized to offer the fair value of the land as determined from assessment records, plus a sum sufficient to cover curb and gutter and street improvements, the letter to be paid as cash or in a deed as a provision excluding Matthews from any future charge for the improvements when made.

FLUORIDATION PROGRAM

The Junior Chamber of Commerce presented for the benefit of Mayor and Council a program of film and talks urging fluoridation of Dover’s water supply. Questions were answered by lay and professional personnel present. Estimated cost of the program was approximately $700 per well for equipment, and 10¢ per person per year for operation.

CIVIL DEFENSE

A letter from Harold Schmittinger outlined a civil defense program of public education. Included was selective viewing of the film “On The Beach” whose subject is the disastrous effect of nuclear bombing.

Council adjourned at 10:15 P.M.

F. Neylan

City Clerk

All ordinances, resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of February 22, 1960 are hereby approved.

                                                                                                                                                            

February 23, 1960                                                                               W. Edward Haman,

                                                                                                                            Mayor