SPECIAL MEETING
December 28, 1959
The special meeting of City Council was held Monday, December 28, 1959 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Carroll, Davis, Fromm, Hayes, Holpp, Mundy, and Turner.
MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of December 14, 1959 were accepted as read and bore the written approval of Mayor Haman.
APPOINTMENTS
On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Turner, Thomas E. Baker was appointed City Assessor for the year 1960.
On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Turner, Thomas E. Baker was appointed Building Inspector for the year 1960.
On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Jack T. Roe was appointed Fire Marshall for the year 1960.
ROBINO MINDLIN TRACT
Frank Robino, Developer, Michael Poppitti, his Attorney, and George Records, Realtor, appeared before Council to ask that the recently adopted policy concerning the extension of utilities to developments within the City be reconsidered in the case of the Mindlin tract development. Mr. Robino pointed out that this was the third tract to be developed within the past 18 months. He stated that the Mindlin land was purchased in May, 1959 under the assumption that the policy of the City then in effect would apply, i.e., Dover would extend sewer and water without charge, and would pay one-third the cost of new streets. This policy applied to the Bush and Janeka tracts, the agreement for the latter having been signed in June, 1959. The plot plan for the Mindlin tract was submitted for Council’s consideration in June, 1959 and finally approved in September, 1959. During this period Council was faced with the possibility that Dover’s City limits might be extended ans realized that a new policy governing the extension of City facilities would be required. At the time the Mindlin plot plan was approved in September Council informed the representatives of the developer who were present that a revised policy study was underway that would apply to the extension of utilities in the plot and directed the City Clerk to again advise the developer of the situation. A revised policy applying to developments within the City limits, whether presently within the City or newly annexed, was approved by Council at its meeting of December 14.
The City Solicitor was requested to ho over the order of events with the City Clerk, the developer and his attorney and advise Council of its present position. This was done immediately. The City Solicitor advised Council that while he could see no legal obligation of City Council to follow its former policy regarding the extension of City facilities, there may be a moral obligation based upon the meetings with the developer concerning the development of the Mindlin tract.
On motion of Mr. Carroll, seconded by Mr. Fromm, the matter was referred to the Utility committee for study and recommendation.
FLUORIDATION
City Manager Ward reported to Council the provisions of HB 452 concerning fluoridation of water supplies.
The Junior Chamber of Commerce requested that Council set a date in January or February on which that organization could present to Council a program on fluoridation. Council set the date of February 22, 1960.
WOODBROOK
A plot plan regarding the development of section 1 of Woodbrook was presented for the approval of Council. On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Turner, the plot plan was approved.
REPORTS
City Manager Ward reported on the progress of the agreement between the City of Dover and Irene Sudler under which the City will exchange plots of land with Irene Sudler to provide a street right-of-way.
Mr. Ward also reported on the progress of an agreement between the City of Dover and the Richardson family under which the City will receive a plot of land in exchange for the cost of installing curb and gutter on North Bradford Street.
Mr. Ward reported on the progress of the development known as Lincoln Park.
ANNEXATION
Thomas Rogers stated to Council that Rodney Village is still desirous of becoming a part of Dover and would like to know when a referendum would be held. The problem of determining policy on the extension of City facilities to others than developers was discussed and it was agreed that such a policy must be determined before any referendum could be held. The Utility Committee is noe considering the matter.
POWER PLANT NAME
City Manager Ward asked Council to assign a name to the contemplated new power plant. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Fromm, the City Manager was authorized to designate a name for the project.
PLANNING
Mr. Fromm stated that the Planning Commission will submit to Council at its next meeting an up-to-date report on the results of the Planning Commission’s activities.
A letter from the H. H. F. C. was read acknowledging receipt of Dover’s Urban Renewal application.
The Planning Commission submitted to Council a recommended ordinance creating a Park and Recreation Commission for the City of Dover.
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION ORDINANCE
On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Carroll, Council by unanimous vote adopted the following ordinance:
AN ORDINANCE CREATING A PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE AND PRESCRIBING TERMS OF MEMBERS, ORGANIZATIONS, POWERS, AND DUTIES.
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of the City of Dover for its inhabitants to promote park and recreation facilities and activities for the use and enjoyment of the inhabitants of the City of Dover.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. That pursuant to the authority vested in Mayor and Council of the City of Dover by the provisions of the Charter for the City of Dover, there is hereby established a Park and Recreation Commission which shall be so known. This Commission shall consist of five members, residents of the City, appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. The term of office shall be five years except that initial members shall be appointed for such terms that the term of one member shall expire each year. Vacancies occurring otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled by the Mayor and approved by the City Council for the unexpired term.
2. That immediately after the appointment of a new member or members, they shall meet and elect a Chairman and such officers as may be deemed necessary by the Commission. The commission shall also have the power to adopt By-Laws and Regulations for the conduct of Commission functions.
3. That the Commission shall provide and maintain a park system, facilities and a program for various forms of recreation and leisure activity.
4. That the City shall provide such assistance as is required to perform Commission functions.
5. That plans for the acquisition of land will be referred to the Planning Commission for recommendations; thereafter, such plans shall be submitted to the City Council for approval prior to acquisition of said land.
6. That the Commission shall submit an annual budget to the City Council. The Commission may solicit, receive and/or utilize money or real or personal property from any agency or person for park or other recreational purposes.
7. That the Commission shall submit an annual report to the City Council and such other reports as may be requested by the City Council.
8. That all Ordinances, Resolutions or parts thereof in conflict with provisions and intent of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
Passed December 28, 1959.
ALDERMAN
A letter from Andrew W. Van Sant requested Council to consider him as an applicant for the position of City Alderman during the coming year.
Council adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk
All ordinances, resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of December 28, 1959 are hereby approved.
December 30, 1959 W. Edward Haman
Mayor