REGULAR MEETING
April 12, 1948
The regular meeting of City Council was held on Monday, April 12, 1948. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Willis presiding. Members present were Mrs. Frear and Messrs. Carson, Carroll, Culver, Hartnett, Wilson and Wright.
Minutes
Minutes of the last regular meeting and the Special Meeting of march 30, 1948 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 March 1948 was accepted as read.
Alderman’s Report
The Alderman’s Report was accepted as read. Collections remitted to the City for the month of March 1948 totaled $500.45. A check in that amount was turned over to the City Manager.
Hotel Option
Council approved granting an option to the Dover Hotel Corporation for the land east of City Hall. The agreement shall be for a period of six months from date of the option at a price of $100.00, which sum shall be applied to the purchase price ($3000.00), if the terms of the agreement are complied with. Council rejected the Corporation’s request that an option fee of $500.00, forfeited previously, be applied to the purchase price of the land.
Tax Appeals
Council approved a change of assessment on the property of Mrs. Priscilla W. Richardson, 29 N. State Street, from $27,000.00 to $23,500.00.
Council rejected the appeal of Edward Clouse, 716 Forest Street, to the assessment of $3500.00 on that property.
Edward Biter appeared before Council to request a more equitable assessment of properties within the City. Councilman Carson recommended that the State Legislature, at its next session, be requested to amend the City Charter to permit a general assessment in any year.
Dover Day
Mrs. Salome D. Edgeworth, President of the Doer Garden Club, told Council of plans to observe Dover Day this year, and asked the cooperation of the City in the regulation of traffic and parking areas.
Smoke Nuisance
Mrs. Harry Mayer presented a petition from the Dover Century Club requesting abatement of the smoke and soot nuisance from the Dover Power Plant and other establishments within the City. City Manager Brown explained that the condition at the Power Plant was now being corrected.
Robbins Hose Company
Chief Benjamin Simmons of the Robbins Hose Company protested against motorists making U turns on the new ramp of the Fire House. The matter was referred to the Police Department.
Carnivals
Council approved requests from the American Legion to hold a Carnival from September 9 to 20, and of the Robbins Hose Company to hold a Carnival from May 5 to 17. The Hose Company’s further request for use of the City Parking Lot and closing of a portion of the north lane of the plaza to evening traffic during the Carnival was approved.
Parking Meter Fines
Council approved, 4 to 3, the continuation for two months of the policy permitting parking meter violators to pay a fine of only ten cents, if paid within one hour of the violation. Mrs. Frear, Messrs, Hartnett and Wright voted nay.
Street Lights – Little Creek
The City Manager was authorized to complete an agreement to supply current for street lighting in the town of Little Creek at a rate granted by other companies to similar communities.
Easements
Council acknowledged termination of agreements wit Thomas V. Keith, John P. LeFevre and Charles T. Jackson, or heirs, granting easements on lands adjoining the St. Jones River by reason of the City failing to utilize said lands as a park or parkway as required in the agreements.
Request for Establishment of Tea Room
Permission was requested by Ralph J. Williams to establish a tea room at 227 N. Governors Avenue. The request will be published in local newspapers.
Sidewalks
The City Manager was authorized to take the necessary action for repair and maintenance of sidewalks within the City.
Budget and Power Plant Expansion
The Committee on the Budget and Power Plant Expansion reported to Council. As a result of its recommendations the following committees were appointed:
Committee to report to Council on adjustments to be made in Property Assessments: Mrs. Frear, Messrs. Culver, Hartnett and Brown.
Committee to report to Council on adjustments in Electric Light and power Rates: Messrs. Carroll, Carson, Wilson and Brown.
Committees are to report at next regular session of Council.
Tax Rate
On motion of Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Hartnett, the tax rate for 1948 was set at $1.00 per $100.00
Sewer and Water Installations
Council authorized installation of sewer and water lines on New Street, between Clara and William Streets, on Pennsylvania Avenue, north of Rodney Road, and the installation of a water line, east on Pine Street to the proposed house of Leroy Rench.
Cess Pools
Council directed the City Manager to report at the next meeting on locations of cess pools within the City which should be connected to existing sewer lines.
Equipment for Robbins Hose Company
Council authorized the expenditure of $1600.00 to purchase 1000 feet ofhose for the Robbins Hose Company.
Pay Rates – Employees
Council authorized the following salary increases to City employees:
Wilton Virden $48.00 to 53.00 per week
Sarah Mitchell $10.00 to 12.00 per week
Ruth P. Hall $36.00 to 38.00 per week
William G. Bush $48.00 to 50.00 per week
City Manager’s Salary
Council expressed satisfaction with the services of City Manager Brown and in accordance with his employment agreement directed that his salary be increased from $5000 to $6000 per year.
Council adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
City Clerk