SPECIAL MEETING
May 26, 1958
The special meeting of City Council was held Monday, May 26, 1958, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Carroll, Davis, Fromm, Hayes, Holpp, Mundy, Turner and Zartman.
MINUTES
Minutes of the last regular meeting were accepted as read.
REPORTS
Report of the Fire Recorder for April was accepted as read.
Report of Budget Expenditures for April was accepted as read.
GROUP INSURANCE
Councilman Turner reported that the committee considering group life and sickness insurance has received proposals and has requested additional information from the firms which submitted the three lowest proposals.
RECORDS SOUTHWEST DOVER DEVELOPMENT
George Records informed Council that a group which he represents has arranged purchase of land from William Bush on which they propose to erect a housing development. The land in question is between New and West Streets, Dover and Waples Avenues. Eleven houses are planned on the west side of West street, 11 on each side of Sunset Terrace, and 11 on the east side of West Street. Mr. Records was interested in the City’s approval of the plot plan, which was not yet prepared. Council indicated approval of a plot plan which extended north and south streets and alleys in conformance with existing streets and alleys to the south of the plot. West Street is now a 30' right-of-way. Mr. Records discussed the possible altering of a plot plan to provide additional right of way on the east side of the existing West Street. Mr. Records also asked when utilities could be installed. Dover will provide water, sewer and electric. The cost of street paving will be 1/3 each to adjoining property owners, 1/3 to Dover. Curb, gutter and sidewalk will be at the expense of the developer or property owner.
CAPITOL PLUMBING SEWER AND WATER
Council discussed the extension of sewer and water line to Capitol Plumbing on the dual highway south of Lotus Street and outside the City. Any such extensions will be according to City specifications and at the expense of Capitol Plumbing as outlined in Council’s action of January 13, 1958. The matter of whether or not any recapture provision should be allowed on the sewer installation was referred to the Utility Commission for its study and recommendation.
MEMORIAL DAY
On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, the Walter L. Fox Post, American Legion, was granted permission to hold Memorial day exercises on the triangle at King and State Streets. Mr. Neylan will represent the City which will furnish a wreath.
LIBRARY
The Library Commission presented a plot indicating the proposed ground use of the Richardson property for library and police. The matter was tabled.
HOTEL RICHARDSON SITE
Fred Wilson, Smyrna, Delaware, in a letter, stated he was negotiating for the purchase of the former Hotel Richardson site now owned by the Cities Service Corporation and for adjacent property owned by William Hallett. He plans the construction of an office building, but before completing purchase of the land asked Council to designate the building line on the plot. The matter was referred to the Planning Committee for study. The Clerk will notify Mr. Wilson that a decision will be made at the next meeting of Council.
BUILDING COMMISSION MEETING
City Manager Ward was suddenly taken ill Sunday, May 25 and is now in Kent General Hospital. Council discussed the need for continuing certain functions of his office. Mayor Haman called a meeting of the Building Commission to be held May 27, for the purpose of electing an Acting Chairman for the purpose of signing building permits.
ACTING CITY MANAGER
Council discussed the need for appointing an Acting City Manager to serve during the absence of Mr. Ward. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Mundy, Council appointed City Clerk Neylan as Acting Manager to serve during the absence of Mr. Ward.
DIVISION AND FOREST STREET CONTRACT
CITY SOLICITOR Buckson presented to Council a contract between Dover and the State and Highway Department which he had prepared, regarding the construction of Forest and Division Streets in the City of Dover in accordance with State Highway Department Contract 1094. Mr. Buckson read and explained the contract to Council, whose members also examined the plans and specifications. Attorneys for the State Highway Department Messrs Raysor and Terry were present to answer questions of members of Council regarding the contract.
On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Carroll, Council by unanimous vote adopted the following resolution.
WHEREAS, this Council has previously authorized the execution of a contract with the State Highway Department regarding the reconstruction of Forrest Street and Division Street in accordance with the plans and specifications made a part of State Highway Department Contract 1094, and
WHEREAS, the validity of the contract executed on January 13, 1958 pursuant to such authorization has been questioned, and
WHEREAS, it is the sense of the Council that the welfare of the peoples of this City will be best served by the improvements and reconstruction contemplated under the aforesaid contract,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the Council of the City of Dover, that the Mayor be authorized and hereby directed to enter into a new contract with the Stat Highway Department, in the form prepared by the City Solicitor and re-affirming the Council’s consent to the proposed reconstruction and widening of Division and Forrest Streets by the State Highway Department in accordance with the plans and specifications made a part of State Highway Department Contract #1094, and that the Clerk of Council be authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Mayor and to affix the seal of the City thereto.
Adopted May 26, 1958
Council adjourned at 10:50 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk
All ordinances, resolutions and orders adopted by City Council at its meeting of May 26, 1958 are hereby approved.
W. Edward Haman,
Mayor