REGULAR MEETING
February 6, 1956
The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor W. Edward Haman at 7:30 P.M. Rev. Robert L. McKim said the invocation. Associate Judge Charles L. Terry Jr. swore into office for tow year terms Mayor W. Edward Haman and Councilmen Gilbert Mundy, First District, W. G. Davis, Second District, Ralph R. Tischer, Third District and William A. Hayes, Fourth District.
Holdover Councilmen present were Messrs Biddle, Zartman, Petty and Holpp. Mayor Haman spoke briefly of the association of Council during the past years, of the service rendered the City of former Councilmen H. N. Helm, welcomed new Councilmen William A. Hayes, and expressed his appreciation of the services of City Manager G. P. Ward.
Following a brief recess, the meeting was called to order for the conduct of regular business.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
By unanimous vote, Ralph R. Tischer was elected Vice Mayor.
By unanimous vote, Francis P. Neylan was elected City Clerk.
By unanimous vote, Francis P. Neylan was elected City Treasurer.
By unanimous vote, Clarence R. Dempsey was elected City Alderman.
By unanimous vote, Magistrate George K. Shockley was elected Acting Alderman to serve at such times as Alderman Dempsey is unable to serve.
By unanimous vote, James H. Hughes III was elected City Solicitor.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Council fixed the police department at the number now serving, eighteen, and their salaries as at present scheduled.
MINUTES
Minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as read.
REPORTS
Report of the Alderman Dempsey for the year 1955, and for the month of January 1956 were accepted as read. A check in the amount of $815.05 was remitted to the City.
Report of the Acting Alderman George K. Shockley for January 1956 was accepted as read. A check in the amount of $126.10 was remitted to the City. The Clerk was instructed to request a report for the year 1955 from the Acting Alderman.
Reports of Fire Recorder, Robbins Hose Company, for December 1955 and for the year 1955 were accepted as read.
Reports of the Chief of Police for the year 1955 and for the year 1955 and for the month of January 1956 were accepted as read.
Report of the Budget expenditures, cash receipts and ambulance for the month of January 1956 were accepted as read. Council directed that a report be made of the amounts charges against the operating budget of the Sewer and Water Departments which are properly chargeable to Improvement Funds.
AUDIT OF ALDERMAN ACCOUNTS
On motion of Mr. Petty, seconded by Mr. Tischer, council directed that William R. Manter, C.P.A., be employed to audit the accounts of the City Alderman.
COMMITTEES
Mayor Haman announces the appointment of the following committees:
Legislative & Finance: Councilmen Tischer, Petty, Holpp, City Manager Ward, City Clerk Neylan, City Solicitor Hughes.
Building Commission: City Manager Ward, Councilmen Petty and Davis, fire Marshall George Hill Jr., Chief of Police Turner.
Board of Health: Dr. George R. Spong, Dr. Eugene R. McNinch, Donals K. Harmeson, Leon Davidson.
Tree Commission: Councilmen Holpp, Biddle and Hayes, State Forester Taber. The Friends of Old Dover will be asked to appoint two members to the Commission.
Utility Committee: Councilmen Holpp, Mundy and Zartman.
Hearing Committee: Councilmen Petty, Hayes and Tischer.
INTERNATIONAL LATEX WELL
International Latex Corporation requested permission to drill a will or wells of sufficient capacity to delivery 600 GPM on a site just west of the Pennsylvania Railroad right-of-way between what might be the extensions of William and Mary Streets. They stated they would discontinue use of their wells at their plant east of Dover and would endeavor to conserve water at the new plant site. The strata to be tapped is Dover’s water supply. The water level has been dropping and Dover is concerned maintaining and safeguarding an adequate water supply. Permitting wells to be drilled would take control out of the City’s hands. The hearing committee recommend that no wells be drilled but that International Latex be permitted to obtain its water supply form the City’s mains. Council denied the request of International Latex Corporation and approved the recommendation of the Committee.
LAKEWOOD MANOR STREETS
Council discussed the condition of streets in northwest Dover and the possibility of immediate relief. No solution to the problem could be determined other than awaiting favorable weather to complete the project of street surfacing.
STREET LIGHTS
Residents of Lakewood Manor requested that street lights be installed on Columbia Avenue at the alley between Carol and West Streets and between West and Pear Streets. Council directed tha the lights be installed.
VAL MILLER BUILDING MATERIALS
Residents of Pear Street complained of the condition of a lot on which Val Miller stores or keeps building materials and supplies in an unsightly and hazardously manner. Mr. miller will be directed to comply with the City ordinance governing this matter.
CITY HALL HOURS
Council was asked to consider changing the office hours at City Hall to permit closing on Saturday mornings and remaining open Friday night. Following discussion the matter was referred to the City Manager and City Clerk for further study.
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Report if the City Manager was accepted as read.
WATER STREET RIGHT OF WAY
City Manager Ward reported on his discussion with Mr. Bradford regarding a right-of-way on Water street east from State Street, approximately 8' x 213'. Mr. Ward will continue negotiations with Council’s authorization to offer from $750 to $1000 for the right-of-way.
DIVISION STREET WELL
On motion of Mr. Petty, seconded by Mr. Tischer, Council authorized the City Manager to proceed with the project to increase the pump depth on the Division Street well about 20' at an approximate cost of $1100 to be charged to available water improvement funds.
WARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
City Manager Ward reported he had received a request from Mr. David Green for installation of a traffic light at the South Dover Elementary School. The matter was referred to Chief Turner who will get a written opinion form William Miller, Traffic Engineer, State Highway Department.
RADIO TRANSMITTER
The Robbins Hose Company offered to the City a radio transmitter which they so not use. On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Biddle, the radio transmitter will be accepted with thanks.
On motion of Mr. Tischer, seconded by Mr. Biddle, the City Manager was authorized to proceed with programming and completing a communication system for the City.
POLICE BANK
Mr. Ward reported on tentative plans of the Farmers Bank to erect a drive in depositary and parking area with entrance on State Street at the site of the present Dover Tea Room and exit on North Street. Council gave preliminary approval to the project, which must be submitted tot he Building Commission, and noted that traffic conditions may at some later date require the prohibition of left turns from State Street into the bank entrance.
POLICE REPORT
Reports of the Chief of Police for the year 1955 and for the month of January 1956 were accepted as read.
POLICE CARS
Chief of Police Turner was authorized to procure bids for the purchase of two new police cars, with the trade-in of two old cars.
AUDITOR
Council directed that estimates be obtained from two auditing firms on the audit of City accounts for the year 1955-1956.
Council adjourned at 11:45 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk