SPECIAL MEETING
September 27, 1954
A special meeting of City Council was held Monday, September 27, 1954, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Biddle, Davis, Helm, Holpp, Mundy, Petty, Smith and Tischer.
HOTEL RICHARDSON SITE
Cities Service Oil Co. representatives Manus McHugh, Henry Brite, Gordon Ritter, W. Charles Paradee, Kelly, Brown and Attorney William J. Storey explained to City Council the plan of that company for the erection of a combination office building and service station on the site formerly occupied by the Hotel Richardson. The estimated cost of the project was given as $800,000.
A petition was presented signed by residents ans property owners on both sides of King Street and State Street objecting to granting the request of the Cities Service Oil Co. to install gasoline tanks on the site. The petition presented by the Cities Service Oil Co. approving its project was signed by four of seven property owners in the area bounded by King, State and Budd Streets.
The Dover Library Commission requested City Council to reject the petition of the Cities Service Oil Co. They felt that he site would by more suitable for a library. They proposed that the City of Dover purchase the land, following which the Commission would take steps to erect a library and community center on the site.
Present to speak for the Library Commission request were Mrs. Henry Pancoast, Dover, Century Club, Mrs. Ellen Ehinger of he University Women, Mrs. Mary Klass of he Capitol City B&P Womens Club, William Hughes of the Friends of Old Dover, Mr. Arthur Livingston of the American Legion, Mrs. Bernice Hammond of the Soroptimist Club and Mr. James Jackson and Mrs. Robert Williams of the Library Commission.
Representatives of Cities Service answered questions regarding its proposed building and agreed that the facade of its building could be redesigned. They stated that it was not likely their corporation would erect an office building without a service station.
All groups were given an opportunity to voice opinions. The Library Commission offered to pay all interest on money borrowed by the City.
Following discussion, Council tabled the matter until a later meeting.
A Resolution received from the Dover Lions Club offered the City the sum of $1000 to be applied toward the purchase of the Hotel Richardson site for the erection of a Library and Civic Center Building, $500 to be paid at the time of purchase and $500 one year later. Mayor Haman will reply by letter.
A letter from Ernest V. Keith announced that an anonymous donor offered to the City the sum of $1000 toward the purchase of the same site for the same purpose. Mayor Haman will reply to this letter.
LEFT TURNS
Council considered the matter of amending the ordinance banning left turns at certain intersections of Loockerman Street, at the request of the Chamber of Commerce. By unanimous vote, Council directed that the ordinance be amended to prohibit left turns from State to Loockerman Street, from Bradford to Loockerman and from Loockerman to Bradford, and at the intersection of Loockerman Street and from Loockerman Street and Governors Avenue from 9 A.M. ro 6 P.M. daily Monday thru Saturday, with the exception of Friday when the hours shall be 9 A.M. to 10 P.M., and with the exception of Sundays and holidays.
SEWER PERMIT - DOVER HIGH SCHOOL
Council directed that the Dover High School be charged the usual fee for a sewer tap made for the new vocational laboratory at the Dover School.
BILLING MACHINE
Council authorized the purchase of a new billing machine for the City office at an estimated cost of $4600.
SINCLAIR GASOLINE STATION
Mr. H. B. Appleford Jr., agent for Sinclair Oil co. asked Council whether a proper application for the erection of a gasoline station on the Burton lot at Loockerman and Queen Streets would be approved. Councilman Biddle voted No, Davis Yes, Helm No, Holpp not voting, Mundy Yes, Petty Yes, Smith No, Tischer not voting. On the tie vote, Mayor Haman voted No.
ORDINANCES PARKING METERS
Council directed the City Solicitor to prepare an amendment to the parking meter ordinance to provide for parking meters on The Plaza from the A & P Store west to the Bus Stop and on both sides of State Street from Loockerman to Reed on the west and the Hotel Richardson site to Dr. Mercer’s office on the east.
Council adjourned at 11:45 P.M. to reconvene at 7:30 P.M., Monday, October 4, 1954.
F. Neylan
City Clerk