REGULAR MEETING

September 8, 1958

The regular meeting of City Council was held Monday, September 8, 1958, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Carroll, Davis, Fromm, Hayes, Holpp, Mundy, Turner and Zartman.

Divine Guidance was invoked by the Rev. Leonard Taylor.

MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting of August 25 were accepted as read and bore the written approval of Mayor Haman.

REPORTS

Report of Budget expenditures for July was accepted as read.

Report of Cash Receipts to August 31 was accepted as read.

Report of the Chief of Police for August was accepted as read.

Report of the Acting Alderman Shockley was accepted as read. A check in the amount of $490.00 was remitted to the City.

JUNIOR BOARD SIGN

The Junior Board of Kent General Hospital requested permission of Council to erect an electric sign in the island on The Plaza at State Street during the week of October 12 to 18 to advertise the Follies to be held October 17 and 18. The sign would be approximately 4’x 6’. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council granted permission to erect a sign provided its erection and location met the approval of the City Manager.

REPORT

Report of City Manager was accepted as read.

DEEDS

Mr. Ward reported that deeds had been obtained from the Hunters, Ross’, and Harold Hughes for alley right-of-way at the east end of Lotus Street.

Mr. Ward also reported that a deed had been received from James P. Clark for land which would be an extension of Queen Street south of North Street.

BUSH NEGOTIATION

Mr. Ward reported that a meeting had been held with William Bush and his attorney, Josh Twilley on settlement of proceedings to acquire right-of-way to New Street between Waples Avenue and Dover Street. Mr. Twilley stated that payment of $3500 would be acceptable to Mr. Bush. The City made no counter offer. Mr. Buckson reported that at the request of Mr. Bush’s attorney, the condemnation proceeding had been passed at the October term of court.

DIVISION STREET WELL

Mr. Ward reported that air had been entering the City water system at the Division and Kirkwood Streets well. Adjustments have been made to correct the condition by the Shannahan Artesian Well Co. Mr. Ward will investigate the possibility of chemical treatment of the well to improve the flow.

WESLEY COLLEGE

Mr. Baker reported further on the request of Wesley College to move and relocate five residences in the vicinity of the College to permit their use as faculty residences while two new dormitories are being erected. Sketches of the proposal were submitted to Council. Four of the residences would be relocated to front on alleys’ although one of the four could possibly be relocated to front on Fulton Street. On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council authorized the relocation of five residences, with a maximum of four to be relocated on alleys, with a minimum set back of eight feet form the alley right-of-way. This permission is granted for a period not to exceed ten years.

SOUTH STREET

Mr. Ward reported that Mr. Ralph Spence had agreed to deed to the City of Dover that right-of-way of South Street from New Street to West Street. A description of the land involved was given to the City Solicitor for preparation of the deed.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mr. Ward reported that a letter had been received from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce inviting the Mayor and Council to accompany the tour of southern Delaware to be made September 9.

A letter had been received from Thomas Fattorini Ltd, Birmingham, England quoting prices on the proposed City seal.

Mrs. Walker Mifflin wrote to Council on the matters of trees on Division Street and one way traffic on State Street.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Council discussed the extension of daylight saving time until the last Sunday in October. There has been some local objection but daylight saving time had generally been extended where it has ben in effect. Dover Air Force Base will continue on that time. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr Hayes, Council approved continuation of Daylight Saving Time until the last Sunday in October. Mr. Zartman voted No.

CITY MANAGER CAR

Mr. Ward stated that the car he had been using had been turned over to the City Engineer. He asked Council for permission to obtain bids on another vehicle. On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Zartman, the City Manager was authorized to obtain bids on a station wagon, and to purchase one form the low bidder.

DIVISION STREET

Chief Turner informed Council that Division Street should soon be black topped and open to traffic. At that time the ordinance which authorized the Chief of Police to designate one way streets will no longer be effective.

POLICE SUBSISTENCE

Chief Tuner and City Solicitor Buckson explained to Council the provisions of the Federal Income Tax laws which allowed municipalities to designate up to $5.00 per day of police pay as subsistence allowance which would be exempt from Federal Income tax. The City Solicitor was directed top prepare an ordinance so that the subsistence provision could be put into effect for Dover police.

SOLICITOR ORDINANCE

A letter dated September 2, 1958 was received from Gordon W. McKean, General Counsel for The Grolier Society, Inc., regarding the City of Dover solicitor ordinance and the trial of one of the Society’s representatives before the City Alderman on a violation of the ordinance. The letter was referred to the attention of the City Solicitor for hsi action.

Council adjourned at 10:10 P.M.

F. Neylan

City Clerk

All ordinances, Resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of September 8, 1958, are hereby approved.

September 11, 1958                                                                  

W. Edward Haman, Mayor