REGULAR MEETING
June 9, 1947
The regular meeting of City Council was held in City hall on Monday evening,June 9, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Woodford presiding. The following members were present: Mrs. Frear, Messrs. Keith, Vane, Hartnett, Wright, Mikell and Carson.
Minutes
Without objection, the reading of the minutes of the last regular and all specialmeetings was dispensed with.
Chief of Police Report
Without objection, the report of the Alderman was accepted as read. A check in the amount of $133.25 accompanied the report.
Trees
Mrs. Henry Ridgely and daughter appeared before Council objecting to the treatment that our tree crew and line forces are giving trees in Dover. Mrs. Ridgely stated that this treatment would eventually kill them. Mrs. Ridgely also is disturbed by the neglect of the Dover Green. Conditions have been brought to a head within the last few days by the treatment of some trees on Dover Green where the line crew drove nails into trees to suspend hangers for the support of an electric line across the Green. Council instructed the City manager to take the matter under advisement and to make a study.
Delaware Avenue Sewer
Mrs. Mabel Driver appeared before Council stating that the sewer on Delaware Avenue backs up every time it rains. Every time this happens dirt, refuse, toilet waste, etc., come out into the street and leaves a terrible odor. She asked that something be done about it. Upon motion of Mr. Carson, seconded by Mr. Wright, the City Manager was instructed to have this sewer connected to the sewer on Pennsylvania Avenue. It is thought that this will take care of the situation.
Power Situation
Several citizens of Dover appeared before Council with respect to the power situation. Mr. Harmon stated that he was very much perturbed after reading in the local papers that the City was contemplating selling the plant to the Delaware Power & Light Company. He thinks that the installation of a new turbine if the answer to our problems rather than buying power from the Delaware Power and Light. Council advised them that a study was being made as to what they thought would be the best thing for Dover.
Fence – Mr. Walls
Mr. Walls is building a fence in front of his property on New Street, and a complaint has been received stating that the fence is hanging over the walk. A City ordinance states that a fence should be 11’ from building line. Upon motion of Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Keith, the City Manager was instructed to investigate.
Deep Well
The City Manager stated that at the time he assumed his position as City Manager four years ago, the City was pumping 19,000,000 gallons of water monthly and at the present the City is pumping about 37,000,000 gallons monthly. Since our present capacity is only 45,000,000 the City Manager reported that something should be done in the very near future to increase our capacity, since it will take at least fifteen months to get some of the parts.
Two Way Radio
A statement from the Bell Telephone Company, at the request of the City Manager, stated that two way radio service could be installed by them n each police car and in the office at a cost of $480.00 with the mobile equipment costing $18.00 per month per car. Since this was much higher than the figure submitted by the Delaware State Police some time ago, upon motion of Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Hartnett, Council voted to tie in with the Delaware State Police.
Sidewalk Repairs
The City Manager reported that very few of the people to whom notices regarding sidewalk repairs had been sent have complied with the notice. He wanted to know what he should do, since he had another list ready to be sent out. Council instructed him to send the new list and to confer with the City Solicitor as to what procedure to take with respect to those who have done nothing.
New Trees
At the request of the City Manager, Mr. William Tabor, State Forestor, appeared before Council with a report with respect to tree planting in areas where there are no trees or where trees have been removed. He recommended certain types of trees. His full report is on file in City Hall. City Council instructed the City Manager to have Mr. Tabor draw plans stating the areas in Dover which he feels should have new trees.
Street Protection
Mr. Wright stated that he felt better protection should be given in some sections of Dover to firemen when responding to fires. Council instructed the City Manager to make a study.
Condemnations
At the request of Mr. Baker, Fire Chief and City health Officer, Council condemned the following properties and ordered them cleaned up or torn down at once:
1. 47 Kirkwood Street, property of Richard Guy for health reasons. No toilet facilities-only outside shed.
2. East half of hour located at 110 North Street, property of Ernest Martindale. For health reasons. Sewer broken in rear and will not repair.
3. Frame building in rear of 117 North Street, property of William and Gertrude Goldsborough. Fire Hazard.
Council adjourned at 9:50 P.M.
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City Clerk