SPECIAL MEETING
February 27, 1956
The special meeting of City Council was held Monday, February 27, 1956, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs. Biddle, Davis, Hayes, Holpp, Mundy, Petty, Tischer and Zartman.
MINUTES
Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as read.
TREE COMMISSION
Friends of Old Dover appointed as their representatives on the Tree Commission Mrs. M. Hayes Wilson Sr. and Mr. Harry Jackson.
WATER AND SEWER REPORT
City Clerk Neylan reported on water and sewer department material purchases that have been charged to the operating budget. Of the $3251.07 charged to Sewer Department $2416.68 was paid for materials used on Storm Sewer and Sanitary Sewer projects which will be reimbursed from bond funds. Of the $32,955.39 charged to Water Department $8617.99 was paid for materials used on Water Lines, Storm Sewer and Sanitary Sewer projects which will be reimbursed from bond funds.
COUNCIL RECORD
On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Zartman, the Clerk of Council was directed to keep for the information of Council a list of unfinished business on which Council had taken action.
ZONING COMMITTEE
Mr. Ward reported he had received from Layton & Company an application for a building permit to erect a warehouse on Ridgely Street north of Division Street, just outside the commercial or business area designated by City ordinance. This area is adjacent to the railroad and has long been in fact an industrial or commercial area. Council authorized the appointment of a Zoning Committee to consider rezoning the City. Mayor Haman appointed to the committee Councilmen Tischer and Hayes and City Manager Ward.
On motion of Mr. Petty, seconded by Mr. Holpp, Council recessed while the committee considered the immediate zoning problem.
Council reconvened and received the recommendation of the Zoning Committee that the Ridgely Street area be considered in the industrial and commercial zone. The Zoning ordinance will be amended to include the Ridgely Street area and such other zoning changes as the committee shall recommend which meet with the approval of Council.
Council approved granting a building permit to Layton & Company for the erection of a warehouse on Ridgely Street.
HOTEL OPTION
Hugh Graham and Associates took up their option with the City for the purchase of the low land between Legislative Avenue and the St. Jones River north of Loockerman Street on which they propose to erect a hotel. The City solicitor will prepare a deed transferring title to the land within thirty days.
JAY CEES ON SILVER LAKE AREA
A letter was received from the Dover Junior Chamber of Commerce in which was outlined projects they propose to complete and projects in which the cooperation of both will be required. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council directed that the Junior Chamber of Commerce be asked if they had considered seeking the cooperation of other Civic organizations because of the scope of the project.
AUDIT ESTIMATE
Mr. Ward reported he had received from William Manter his estimates on the cost of the annual City audit and the scope if the audit to be performed under the various estimates. Mr. ward will obtain one or two additional estimates.
JESSE HARMON PERMIT
Mr. Ward reported on the Jesse Harmon building permit for conversion of the former tenant house on the Ward farm to a multiple family unit on Pine Street. Included in the permit will be a provision that the project be completed within six months of issuance of the permit.
INCINERATOR REPAIR
Mr. Ward reported on the repairs that are needed at the incinerator and their estimated cost. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Mundy, Council authorized repairs to the incinerator at a cost not to exceed $2000.
ASSESSMENT
Mr. Paul Raimer of J. M. Cleminshaw Co. reported that the assessment of properties within the City had been completed with the exception of four parcels. The total appraised value, excluding the four, is $33,147,000. Council authorized the appointment of a committee to review the appraisals and to recommend the rate of assessment and a tentative tax rate as soon as possible. Mayor Haman appointed to the committee Councilmen Tischer, Zartman, Hayes and Holpp.
BOARD OF HEALTH
Letters were received from the City Board of Health recommending that action be taken on the mosquito nuisance, on the prevention of rabies, and on sanitary control of barber and beauty shops. The City will continue its program of regular spraying during the mosquito season. Council recognized that its program could not be lastingly effective without State action on the problem. The City will continue its efforts to enforce its ordinance controlling dogs. Chief Turner will attempt to hire a man with a truck to enter the City to catch dogs at a fixed rate per day. Council believes that the control of rabies would be effective only as the result of County or State-wide action and that requiring vaccination within the limited area of Dover would be ineffective without control in immediate adjacent areas. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Mundy, the City Solicitor was directed to prepare an ordinance, modelled on the State Law, governing Barber and Beauty Shops in the City.
DOVER DAY
Mayor Haman announced that Dover Day would be observed on May 5 and 6. The Mayor and Council, together with their wives, are invited to act as hosts in the Old State House on Sunday May 6.
ARMED FORCES DAY
mayor Haman announced that he had been requested by Colonel Dehle of the Dover Air Base to appoint a Chairman for the observance of Armed Forces Day. He has appointed Henry K. Roscoe. A parade will be held in Dover on a day in May beginning at 12 noon. Because of the hour of the parade, Council will be asked to supply funds for the purchase of food for some of the participants.
SOUTH DOVER SIREN
The Robbins Hose Company requested that a 7½ HP siren be installed in south Dover in place of the 2HP siren now in use, which must be moved and which cannot ne heard by all volunteers in the area. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council authorized the purchase of a 7½ HP siren with such specifications as shall be required after the location is determined.
CHIEF OF POLICE REPORT
Chief Turner reported on his study of the need for traffic lights or traffic patrol in the area of the south Dover schools. He has yet to hear the recommendation of William Miller of the State Highway Department.
Chief Turner reported he had given Vel Miller until February 29 to clean up building materials on a lot on Pear Street.
Council authorized an allowance of $1.00 per week to Waymon Ruder for gasoline used in trips between City Hall and the Police Station.
Bids were received for two Police cars and trade-ins as follows:
Mathews Motor Co. $2620.60, Pontiac trade-in $1521.00 - Net $1099.60
$2620.60, Ford trade-in $1927.60 - Net $693.00
Bolan Motor Co. $1895.00, Pontiac trade-in $500.00 - Net $1395.00
$1895.00, Ford trade-in $1400.00 - Net $495.00
Holden & Mundy $2490.00, Pontiac trade-in $1300.00 - Net $1190.00
$2490.00, Ford trade-in $1790.00 - Net $700.00
Council authorized trade-in of the Pontiac, on a new car to be purchased from Matthews Motor Co. at a net cost of $1099.60.
TRUCK LOADING ZONE
Chief Turner discussed the need for truck loading and unloading zones on Loockerman Street between Governors Avenue and New Street. Council authorized the establishment of such zones near the Bayard Hotel and near Ettinger’s. The City solicitor was directed to prepare the necessary ordinance.
Council adjourned at 11:55 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk