REGULAR MEETING

November 14, 1949

The regular meeting of City Council was held on Monday, November 14, 1949 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Storey presiding. Members present were Messrs. Behen, Carroll, Culver, Mikell, Petty, Smith and Wilson.

MINUTES

Minutes of the last regular meeting were accepted with the correction of the name “Mrs. George H. Thomas” to “M. Yolande Thomas”.

CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Report of the City Manager was accepted as read.

CHIEF OF POLICE’ REPORT

Report of the Chief of Police for October 1949 was accepted as read.

REPORTS OF ALDERMAN AND DEPUTY ALDERMAN

Reports of the Alderman and Deputy Alderman for the month of October, 1949 were accepted as read. A check in the amount of $645.90 and from the Deputy Alderman in the amount of $17.00 was remitted to the City.

FIRE CHIEF NOMINATIONS

The Robbins Hose Company submitted the following unopposed nominations for Chief Engineer and Assistants for election by City Council:

                                                Ralph H. Boyer                       Chief Engineer

                                                Samuel F. Heite                      First Assistant

                                                William A. Hayes                   Second Assistant

RAILROAD CROSSING GATES

Action on the railroad crossing gates at Forest and Division Streets was deferred to a later meeting.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REQUESTS

Representatives of the Mercantile Section of the Chamber of Commerce requested further consideration by Council of an ordinance limiting the solicitation of donations on the streets of Dover. The Clerk was instructed to contact the Chamber of Commerce and Junior Chamber of Commerce for further information and opinion.

Council was asked whether a special electric rate could be granted for Christmas Home Decorations. Council decided that as a matter of policy such a rate could not be granted.

PETITION FOR SEWER

Property owners on Division Street west of the Railroad petitioned Council for installation of a sanitary sewer in that area. Council directed that the petitioners be informed that the project was referred to the City Manager for consideration in next year’s budget.

BUS TERMINAL

James E. Turner presented to Council a tentative drawing of a proposed bus terminal to be erected East of City Hall. Council requested Mr. Turner to submit a front elevation sketch for its approval.

BILLING MACHINE COMMITTEE

Mr. Brown reported that the Committee appointed by Council had authorized the purchase of a Burroughs Billing machine at a cost of approximately $4200.00. Council approved the action.

TRAFFIC LIGHT AT DIVISION AND STATE STREETS

Mr. Brown reported that the traffic light had been received and would be installed at Division and State Streets in the near future.

SALE OF MILL PROPERTY

Mr. Brown reported that, although cash settlement had not been finally made, the Mill property had been sold for $5000.00 as authorized by Council, to Mr. James Collins.

WATER AND SEWER FEES - OLD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Leon DeValinger, State Archivist, requested Council to abate all or part of water tapping fees, $97.00, and sewer tapping fees, $25.00, that would be required in the restoration of the Old Presbyterian Church as a State Museum. A motion to require payment of all fees was defeated by 5 to 2. A motion requiring payment of 50% of the total was defeated 4 to 3. On a motion to abate the $25.00 sewer tapping fee the vote was: in favor 4, opposed 1, not voting 2. After discussion the matter was deferred to the December meeting.

ONE WAY STREET

Action on an ordinance making King Street on way was deferred.

STREET CANOPY

A further request by Vernice Jenkins that Council permit the erection of a canopy over the sidewalk to her shop was rejected.

GASOLINE TANK INSTALLATION

Council authorized William Mitten to install a 500 gallon gasoline tank and pump on his property at the eastern end of Sackarackin Avenue.

REBATE OF ELECTRIC OVERCHARGE

Mr. J.E. Lewis requested a rebate on overbilling for electric current between the years 1941 and 1948 when he was charged at the lighting rate instead of the cooking rate. Council authorized granting credit for 50% of the total overcharge of $264.91.

BENEFIT FOOTBALL GAME

Council was requested to grant electric current free of charge for the benefit football game to be played by the Dover Bulldogs, Wednesday, November 16, 1949. Council allowed half rate as usually charged civic or charitable enterprises.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTING

Council approved the erection of Christmas lights over the streets of Dover.

TAX REASSESSMENT

Council approved the appointment of the following committee to work with the City Assessor in reassessing property within the City:

                                    James J. Behen Sr.                  Kenneth O. Smith

                                    Stanley Petty                          J. Everett Lofland

FPHA HOUSING

Action on the matter of requesting title to FPHA housing was deferred to a special meeting to be held December 1, 1949.

Council adjourned at 10:10 P.M.

City Clerk