SPECIAL MEETING
March 3, 1958
The special meeting of City Council was held Monday, March 3, 1958, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Carroll, Davis, Fromm, Hayes, Holpp, Mundy, Turner and Zartman.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Edward Wilkins.
MINUTES
Minutes of the regular meeting of February 10 were accepted as read.
REPORTS
Report of Budget expenditures to January 31 was accepted as read.
TENTATIVE BUDGET
Council was present with a tentative budget for the coming year and a revised estimate of current receipts and expenditures to assist them in setting the tax rate. The budget was accompanied with a recommendation by the City Treasurer that the tax rate be reduces to $.80 per $100, that a bond of $30,000 due the Farmers Bank be liquidated this year, and that a reserve of $100,000 be set aside for power plant improvements.
SPONG OFFICE
Council considered the request of Dr. Spong to erect an office and apartment building at State and Pine Streets a residential section. A written petition from property owners in the area protested granting a permit. Council postponed decision for one week.
BAKER GARAGE
City Cab had requested permission to erect a garage in the vicinity of Mary and New Streets, a residential section. On motion of Mr. Mundy, seconded by Mr. Hayes, the request was denied.
PURE OIL COMPANY
Pure Oil Company requested permission to erect a service station on the northwest corner of Waples and Governors Avenue, a residential section. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Carroll, Council directed that the request be advertised for hearing on Monday, March 24, 1958, at 7:30 P.M.
HARLEY TAYLOR AGREEMENT
Henry Ridgley appeared as attorney for Harley Taylor request Council for a written agreement containing the terms under which Harley Taylor will be reimbursed for construction of an 8" water line from a point 600' north of William Street on Pear, to Walker Road and the Railroad. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Zartman, a committee of City Manager Ward, City Clerk Neylan, City Solicitor Buckson and Thomas Baker was appointed to confer with Harley Taylor or his agents and draw up such an agreement for approval of Council.
STATE OFFICE BUILDING
The Friends of Old Dover addressed a letter and appeal to the City Council requesting support in opposing the plan of the State to erect a modern office building on State lands south of The Plaza between Federal Street and Legislative Avenue. Such a building would not be in harmony with existing Georgian style architecture. The State contends that modern architecture would provide more space for the money. The Friends of Old Dover say the same results could be obtained wit Colonial architecture which would not mar the harmony of the Legislative grounds. On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Mundy, Council approved support of the Friends of Old Dover with as strong action as is necessary including, if needed, letters to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, etc.
LINE TRUCK
The Line truck committee reported on prices received for a line truck body, as follows: Baker Company, $9,521.07; J. H. Holan Co., Cleveland Ohio, $8769.25. The committee recommended purchase from the low bidder. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council authorized purchase of a line truck body from J. H. Holan Co. The committee was not yet ready to recommend purchase of a particular truck.
RICHARDSON PROPERTY
Mayor Haman presented the proposal that Dover should purchase the Richardson property on Budd Street as a site for a police station and library. The police station would be located on the King Street side. Council discussed the matter and heard that some citizens had picked up the option of the library Commission, which was about to expire. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Carroll, Council authorized purchase of the Richardson property at the price of $33,000.
INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC RATE
The Utility Committee presented for the approval of Council an electric rate designed for customers with demands ranging from 20 KW to 200 KW. The rate is as follows:
Demand Charge: $1.65 per KW
Energy Charge: First 5000 KWH @ 3.2¢
Next 5000 KWH @ 1.95¢
Over 10,000 KWH @ 1.55¢
Minimum charge: 75% of demand during previous 12 month period.
Fuel Clause: Energy charge to be increased or decreased in proportion to increase of cost of fuel above $10,00 per ton, or decrease below $9.00 per ton.
On motion of Mr. Fromm, seconded by Mr. Holpp, Council directed the City Solicitor to prepare an ordinance providing for the recommended rate change.
RESOLUTION
On motion of Mr. Mundy, seconded by Mr. Zartman, Council by unanimous vote adopted the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE VACATING AND ABANDONING OF A CERTAIN STREET KNOWN AS KICHLINE STREET RUNNING FROM NORTH STREET TO BANK LANE IN THE CITY OF DOVER.
Be It Resolved By The Council Of The City Of Dover;
Section 1. Council of the City of Dover favors the vacating and abandoning of a certain street known as Kichline Street, running from North Street to Bank Lane in the City of Dover.
Section 2. The Council of the City of Dover will sit at City Hall on the 10th day of March, A.D. 1958, at 7:30 o’clock P.M., Eastern Standard Time, to hear objections of such residents of the City of Dover or owners of the properties effected as shall attend, in accordance with the provisions of Section 27 of the Charter of The City of Dover (Chapter 158, Volume 36, Laws of Delaware).
Section 3. The Clerk of Council is hereby directed to post copies of this resolution if five (5) or more public places in the City of Dover, and to publish same in a newspaper published in said City.
Approved:
Clerk of Council Mayor
CITY SOLICITOR REPORT
City Solicitor Buckson reported on the abandoning of Kichline Street and stated that deeds were prepared exchanging the City right-of-way for property owned by James P. Clark which would extend Queen Street south of North Street.
Mr. Buckson reported on hid investigation of the Janeka controversy and stated that records revealed that Dover had 50' right-of-ways to Waples Avenue and Dover Street extending to New Burton Road, and a 30' right-of-way to West Street.
Mr. Buckson reported that he had received offers of out of court settlement for Dover’s condemnation proceedings against lands owned by Matthews and by Bush. In each case the sum named was $5000.
BAKER ASSESSMENT
Council directed that the assessment on property of Thomas E. Baker, City Assessor, be increased $1100 because of recent improvements.
Council adjourned at 11:15 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk