REGULAR MEETING
August 9, 1948
The regular meeting of City Council was held on Monday August 9, 1948 at 7:30 P.M. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Willis. Members present were Messrs. Carroll, Carson, Culver, Mikell and Wright.
Minutes
Minutes of the last regular meeting and special meeting of July 19 were accepted as read.
City Manager’s Report
The City Manager’s Report was accepted as read.
Chief of Police Report
Report of the Chief of Police for July 1948 was accepted as read.
Alderman’s Report
Report of City Alderman Conrad was accepted as read. A check in the amount of $200.75 covering collections for July 1948 was remitted to the City.
Permit for Temporary Housing at Wesley Junior College
Dr. Bartly explained that the Government required a resolution from the City granting permission to retain temporary dormitories in their present location beyond January 1, 1950 before the buildings could be transferred to complete ownership of Wesley Junior College. Messrs Rodney Bice, H. E. Lynch and Harry C. Evans, property owners in the vicinity, protested against the City granting and indefinite permit without limit as to time that the buildings may be retained at their present site. They further requested that they be permitted to obtain opinions from other property owners in the area. Council deferred action until its next meeting.
Request to Establish Funeral Home
W. A. Faries & Son requested permission to establish a funeral home at 341 North State Street, a residential district. Howard E. Lynch, Jr., represented W. A. Faries & Son before Council. Residents of the area protested establishment of the business. Council decided that a majority of property owners in the area had not signed the written petition protesting to Council. Following deliberation Council rejected the request of W. A. Faries & Son.
Request for an additional policeman
A delegation of colored citizens of Dover appeared before City Council to request that an additional policeman be assigned to patrol the colored section of Dover. They declared that the present lone policeman suffered interference and was attacked while enforcing the law. mayor Willis requested the leader of the delegation, James C. Hardcastle, to confer with him and the Chief of Police to seek a solution to the problem.
Abandonment of Public Alley
Upon motion of Mr. Carson, seconded by Mr. Wright, Council unanimously approved abandonment of the following public alley:
All that portion of a 12 foot alley running in an East – West direction parallel to and about 115’ south of Lincoln Avenue, and adjoining properties of Mrs. Rose Legar, George Morrow and the Doer Coca-Cola Bottling Company, more particularly described as follows:
Beginning at a point at the southeast corner of property of Mrs. Rose Legar; thence running in a westerly direction with properties of Mrs. Rose Legar, George Morrow and the Dover Coca-Cola Bottling Company, a distance of approximately 168’ to a corner of lands of the Dover Coca –Cola Bottling Company and another 10’ alley; thence running southward 12’ with the east line of said 10’ alley to a corner of other lands of the Dover Coca Cola Bottling Company; thence running eastward with other lands of the Doer Coca Cola Bottling Company a distance of about 168’ to the west line of a 12’ alley; thence running northward 12’ with west line of said 12’ alley to the point of beginning.
Request for Opening of Public Alley
Residents in the block bounded by William and Bradford Streets and Columbia and Governors Avenue requested that a 10’ alley be opened between William Street and Columbia Avenue. Council directed the City Manager to contact all property owners in the block to determine whether land for the alley would be donated, and to report his findings to Council.
Request for Donation
Council tabled a request for a donation to the State Museum Fund.
Closing of Public Alley
Council directed the City Manager to inquire into closing an alley parallelling Railroad Avenue on the East and adjoining property of the Frear Transfer Company.
Parking Meters
Council authorized the installation of 41 additional parking meters, 27 to be installed on Governors Avenue between North and Minor Streets, 9 to be installed on Bradford Street between Loockerman Street and Minor Street, 5 to be installed on State Street from Loockerman Street north to the first residential property line.
Council directed the City Manager to make a survey of Governors Avenue and Bradford Street from Minor Street to Reed Street and of the east side of State Street from the Plaza to The Green to determine whether residential property owners would object to the installation of parking meters. Council further directed the City Manager to check on the “No Parking” area before the shop of Earl Humphrey on Bradford Street.
No Parking Zone
Council directed that the City Solicitor be asked to prepare an ordinance prohibiting parking on the north side of the east bound lane of The Plaza from State Street to the Post Office.
Sewer Extension
Council authorized the extension of sewer lines 175’ on South Bradford Street from Dover Street toward Hope Street.
Well
Council authorized the City Manager to plug the old 8’ well at the Dover Power Plant which is becoming contaminated.
Electric Rates
Some users of electricity now billed under both power and commercial rates requested that their rates be combined. Council directed the City Manager to study the matter and make his recommendation to Council.
Freedom Train
Council decided that the Freedom Train not be asked to make a second appearance in Dover.
Council adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
City Clerk