REGULAR MEETING
May 12, 1947
The regular meeting of City Council was held in City Hall on Monday evening, May 12, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Woodford presiding. The following members were present: Messrs. Vane, Keith, Carson, Mikell and Wright.
Minutes
Without objection, the reading of the minutes of the last regular and special meetings was dispensed with.
City Manager’s Report
Upon motion of Mr. Keith, seconded by Mr. Wright, the report of the City Manager was accepted as read.
Chief of Police Report
Upon motion of Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Keith, the report of the Chief of Police was accepted as read.
Alderman’s Report
Upon motion of Mr. Keith, seconded by Mr. Wright, John H. Conrad was appointed City Alderman to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Burton. Mr. Conrad submitted a report, which he prepared while he was working as acting Alderman, which was accepted. A check in the amount of $46.75 accompanied the report.
Morgan Dean Request
Morgan Dean appeared before Council requesting information as to what the City is going to do with Ridgely Street, if and when the City opens this street. He presented a tracing of what he would like to have done. Council decided to hold in abeyance any action until the City Engineer checks the tracing.
Behen Request
The City Manager presented a request from Jame J. Behen for permission to install a gasoline tank on his property next to the alley. The City Manager state that this request had his approval provided he puts the tank far enough from his house, and that it does not cause any injury to adjacent property owners. Upon motion of Mr. Keith, seconded by Mr. Vane, the request was granted.
Anderson Request
Mr. Anderson who lives on Division Street next to Scanlon’s store requested that he be allowed to install gasoline tanks at the curb in front of his home for the use of his trucks. Since a City ordinance does not allow the installation of gasoline tanks at the curb for private use, the request was refused.
Digester Tank
Mr. Hancock reported that since the heat is up and the sludge is down, it will not be necessary to have the digester tank at the sewage disposal tank cleaned at this time. Authorization for cleaning of the tank was given at a prior meeting of Council.
Electric Meter Department Foreman
Ben Simmons having resigned his position as head of the Meter Department, upon motion of Mr. Mikell, seconded by Mr. Keith, Wm. H. Simmons was given his position at a salary of $46 per week with the understanding that, if his services proved satisfactory at the end of thirty days, his salary was to be increased to $48 per week.
Colored Policeman
Several residents from the colored area in West Dover appeared before Council requesting that a colored man be added to the Dover Police Force to patrol that section of Dover in which colored residents reside. They felt that much more order could be maintained if this were done. Upon motion of Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Vane, Council voted to appoint a colored man to the Dover Police Force provided a suitable man could be obtained.
Latex – Steam
International Latex Corporation representatives appeared before Council asking that their present contract for steam with the City of Dover which states that the City will furnish 11,000 lbs. be changed to read 16,000 lbs. until October 1, 1947. The City Manager felt that we were not in a position to furnish Latex 16,000lbs. of steam. Without objection, action was deferred until the next meeting of Council so that a further study could be made.
Sidewalk Repair
The City Manager reported that he had sent out, some time ago, about thirty notices stating that the residents to whom the notices were sent must repair their sidewalks within ninety days. About eleven of the people involved have not complied with the notice. Since there is a great shortage of cement due to a strike, he asked whether or not he should require them to have these repairs made within ninety days. Council, without objection, decided not to hold the residents involved to the ninety day clause with the exception of the Dover Tea House. The sidewalk in front of the Dover Tea House must be repaired at once, or the City will take legal action.
Newspaper Articles
Mr. Keith stated that several articles have appeared in the local papers relative to the power plant. he feels that Council should answer these articles by having a complete statement printed concerning the power situation. Council, without objection, instructed the City Manager to have this statement printed.
Delaware Power & Light Contract
The City Manager was instructed to write to the Delaware Power and Light Company requesting a thirty day extension of the contract for standby service.
Council adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
______________________
City Clerk