REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on August 13, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Salters presiding. Council members present were Mr. Carey, Mrs. Russell, Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Slavin, Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Hogan, and Mr. Ruane.
Council staff members present were Police Chief Horvath, Mr. Capuano, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Townshend, Fire Chief Osika, Mr. DePrima, City Solicitor Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Williams was absent.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President Salters declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action.
There was no one present wishing to speak during the Open Forum.
The invocation was given by Councilman Ruane, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.
Mr. McGlumphy requested that item #3B - Special Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Report of July 16, 2007 - Proposed Ordinance - Chapter 22 - Buildings and Building Regulations, be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the Consent Agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - 2007 SPECIAL COUNCIL BUDGET HEARINGS
The Minutes of the 2007 Special Council Budget Hearings were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Slavin and bore the written approval of Mayor Williams.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 23, 2007
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of July 23, 2007 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Slavin and bore the written approval of Mayor Williams.
PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING - REZONING - PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 118 AND 122 ROOSEVELT AVENUE, OWNED BY F. L. AND D., INC. (RECEIVED REQUEST TO POSTPONE - RECOMMEND REFERRAL TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON AUGUST 20, 2007 AND THAT A PUBLIC HEARING BE SET FOR MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2007)
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider the rezoning of property located at 118 and 122 Roosevelt Avenue, owned by F. L. and D., Inc. The properties are currently zoned R-8 (One Family Residence) and the proposed zoning is C-4 (Highway Commercial).
Council President Salters advised members that this application was scheduled to be heard by the Planning Commission on July 16, 2007; however, the applicant failed to appear at the Planning Commission meeting. Because there was no applicant present, the Planning Commission tabled the application until the August 20, 2007 Planning Commission meeting. On behalf of the Planning Commission, staff requested that City Council reschedule the Planning Commission public hearing for August 20, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. and that the final reading and public hearing before City Council be set for September 10, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.
Mr. Ruane noted that members of the community were present at the Planning Commission meeting to speak regarding this rezoning and asked if there were a legal basis for denying applications when the applicants fail to appear. Mr. Rodriguez, City Solicitor, advised members that without knowing the facts of this case, it would be better to allow postponement of the application. He stated that the Board of Adjustment denies applications if the applicant fails to appear twice and suggested that the Planning Commission could adopt the same policy for the future.
Mr. Slavin moved to set the Planning Commission Public Hearing for August 20, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. and set the Council Public Hearing/Final Reading for September 10, 2007 at 7:30 p.m., as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Russell and carried with Mr. Ruane voting no.
SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT - JULY 16, 2007
A Special Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting was held on July 16, 2007 with Chairman Slavin presiding.
Presentation - Mortgage Foreclosure Filings in Delaware (Gerard W. Kelly, Deputy Bank Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, State Bank Commissioner's Office)
Mr. Gerard W. Kelly, Deputy Bank Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, provided mortgage foreclosure statistics for Kent County, Delaware. He noted that there were 475 mortgage foreclosures in Kent County last year compared with 349 in 2006.
Mr. Kelly reviewed the Delaware Foreclosure Timeline, which is a nine (9) or ten (10) month process. He advised members of the State’s Delaware Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (DEMAP), which will assist homeowners who are two (2) months behind in their mortgage payments by lending them up to $15,000 if they are in foreclosure through no fault of their own. DEMAP currently has funding in the amount of $650,000 for the program.
Mr. Kelly provided a sub-prime snapshot, information on DEMAP, and the refinance program. He also provided information on the 10 Ways to Avoid Foreclosure. Mr. Kelly noted that one of the best ways to avoid foreclosure is by having a home inspection done prior to purchasing a property so that unnecessary future expenses can be avoided.
Responding to Mr. Slavin, Mr. Kelly stated that the City could help by encouraging citizens to attend the informational meetings being provided by the State, sponsoring meetings in the community, and making citizens aware of the options available to them to avoid foreclosure.
Proposed Ordinance - Chapter 22 - Buildings and Building Regulations, Article X - Rental Dwellings, Division 2 - Permit, Section 22-351 - Generally (Rental Permit Fees)
City Council has placed a high priority on proactive code enforcement. The Department of Planning and Inspections has a property maintenance inspection staff which is charged with code enforcement. One of the responsibilities of this staff is performing annual housing inspections (AHIs) of rental properties in the City. These inspections are key to proactive code enforcement, as they address both exterior property maintenance issues and interior code issues; however, they require a great deal of inspection staff time. Frequently, AHIs reveal significant code violations that affect the health and safety of occupants of rental properties, including lack of smoke detectors, plumbing violations, broken windows, exposed wiring, open electrical outlets, and unsanitary conditions.
In order to effectively provide proactive code enforcement and successfully implement the AHI program, the Department needs to add an additional property maintenance inspector. The increase in rental permit fees is proposed to fund this new position. Because there is a direct correlation to code enforcement staff hours and rental permits, the fee increase is appropriate for this purpose. The fees within the program have not been raised since initially implemented in 2000.
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, reviewed a proposed ordinance amending Chapter 22 - Buildings and Building Regulations, Article X - Rental Dwellings, Division 2 - Permit, Section 22-351 - Generally, which would increase rental permits for single-family dwellings from $90 to $120 for each single-family detached rental dwelling and increase the permit for each single-family attached dwelling from $70 to $90. The ordinance would also increase the rental permits for multiple-family dwellings from $90 to $100 for multiple dwellings consisting of three or less dwelling units; increase from $90 to $100 for the first three dwelling units of a multiple dwelling with four or more dwelling units; and increase from $30 to $50 for each additional dwelling unit in excess of three. The fee for condominium units and accessory apartments located within structures principally used for owner occupancy is proposed to increase from $30 to $50.
Mrs. Townshend stated that the projected amount that would be generated by the fee increase, based on the 2006 rental permits, would be $101,000. She noted that the cost for the additional inspector would be approximately $64,000 for the salary and benefits. Noting that the City received an additional $100,000 in realty transfer taxes, Mr. McGlumphy stated that it was difficult to believe that the City could not find funds in the budget to pay for the inspector without increasing fees. Mr. Slavin requested that an updated realty transfer tax figure be provided prior to the First Reading of the ordinance.
Mr. McGlumphy asked how the proposed fees compared with other local municipalities. Mrs. Townshend noted that it was hard to compare since many municipalities do not charge rental permit fees, nor do they practice strong, proactive code enforcement. Mr. Salters stated that he thought increasing the associated fees was an appropriate way to fund the new inspector’s position.
Mrs. Townshend advised members that she sent the proposed ordinance to the Delaware Association of Realtors. They responded that they had some questions; however, they have not contacted her again. Mr. Slavin requested that a public hearing be held prior to adoption of the ordinance.
Staff recommended adoption of the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 22 - Buildings and Building Regulations, Article X - Rental Dwellings, Division 2 - Permit, Section 22-351-Generally.
The committee recommended adoption of the proposed ordinance, as recommended by staff.
Mr. McGlumphy stated that he asked for this item to be removed from the Consent Agenda to bring to Council’s attention the fact that the proposed rental permit fee increases are approximately $40,000 in excess of the amount necessary to fund the new property maintenance inspector’s position. He also noted that an additional $100,000 was collected in realty transfer taxes last year. Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Mrs. Mitchell advised members that the realty transfer tax collected for FY 07 exceeded the budget by $109,539; however, the property taxes received were $201,314 under budget and the net revenue versus expenses for FY 07 for the General Fund was $283, 314 under budget. She noted that the property tax budget for FY 08 is approximately $500,000 over budget; however, she cautioned that the amount could change as the year progresses.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Townshend stated that other costs related to the property maintenance inspector’s position are a safety vest, office furniture, a computer, a vehicle, and a cell phone. Mr. DePrima reminded members that the original ordinance which created the rental inspection fees associated the fees with the inspections. He also noted that the fees had not been updated since 1999 or 2000 and the salaries for the inspectors have increased.
Mr. Hogan moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to adopt the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 22 - Buildings and Building Regulations, Article X - Rental Dwellings, Division 2 - Permit, Section 22-351-Generally. The motion was seconded by Mr. Slavin and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting).
Capital and Caesar Rodney School District Liaison Committee
Mr. Slavin reminded members that the City of Dover provides streets, electric, water, wastewater, traffic control, and police and fire protection within the school districts. Noting that there is very little formal dialogue with the districts, he suggested that a liaison committee consisting of two (2) members each be established. Mr. Slavin recommended that the non-voting committee be advisory in nature for the purpose of communicating issues between the City and the Districts without taking a stand on referendums, taxes, rates, etc. He noted that once established, the committee could be expanded to include charter and private schools, as well as colleges and universities.
As a former School Board member, Mr. Hogan stated that communication between the groups would be a tremendous information tool for everyone involved.
Mr. Slavin stated that items for discussion could be how the Capital School District’s Master Plan, which includes adding grades to schools, would impact neighborhood schools, traffic, parking, or police service. It would also make the City aware of any other issues that would need to be addressed. Noting that Capital School District is planning the addition of relocatable classrooms at North Dover Elementary, Mr. Slavin suggested that the committee could foster communications between the district and the Department of Planning and Inspections, which would issue the permits, perform the inspections, etc.
The committee recommended establishing an Education Liaison Committee to include public, private, and charter educational institutions, consisting of two (2) non-voting, non-binding, members from each participating group. The committee is to be advisory in nature for the purpose of communicating issues between the City and the educational institutions.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Addition of Third Council Meeting per Month
Noting the difficulty in scheduling special meetings and the need for Council members to consider certain issues in greater detail, Mr. Slavin proposed the addition of a third Council meeting to be held on the first Monday of each month. He suggested that they could be workshop type, non-mandatory meetings, meaning they would not be scheduled unless there were agenda items to discuss. Mr. Slavin recommended that no action be taken during the meetings until arrangements could be made with Comcast to televise the meetings.
Mr. Salters stated that there are an extraordinary number of meetings already and expressed concern with having additional informational meetings. Mr. Slavin noted that 33 special meetings have been held since January 2006, 20 of which were held on non-council meeting nights. Mr. McGlumphy noted that 29 of the 33 meetings were executive sessions and the addition of a third meeting would not reduce the number of meetings held. Mr. Slavin suggested that any necessary executive sessions could also be held on the first Monday of the month. Mr. Hogan stated that he has no problem with scheduled meetings, it’s the unplanned meetings that are more difficult to attend. Mr. Hogan stated that he liked the idea of a scheduled third meeting and suggested that they be specific to certain items such as planning and zoning issues, rezonings, annexations, and other items requiring public hearings.
The committee recommended the addition of a third Council meeting, to be held the first Monday of the month, for the purposes of setting aside a specific date that will help to streamline Council’s calendars and to present an opportunity to discuss issues in a more orderly manner. No action will be taken during these meetings until such time as arrangements can be made with Comcast to televise the meetings.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Slavin moved for acceptance of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Report, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT - JULY 23, 2007
The Utility Committee met on July 23, 2007 with Chairman Ruane presiding.
Evaluation of Bids - 69Kv Transmission Line Relays
The Transmission Relaying, Replacement and Calibrations project requires the purchase of twenty-three (23) new transmission relays to replace the current obsolete relays.
As all new microprocessor based relays are very intricate and are programmed in a complex computer based application that requires extensive training, it was decided in 2000 that all transmission relays purchased in the future would be manufactured by Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Since that date, Public Utilities has only purchased Schweitzer transmission relays in accordance with State Code, Title 29. Staff provided documentation from Schweitzer Engineering that Robinson Sales is the exclusive marketer for these relays and a 2004 letter from the Electrical Engineering Division outlining the decision to utilize only Schweitzer Relays.
The committee recommended approval of the purchase of 23 Transmission Relays from Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, c/o Robinson Sales, Inc., for a total cost of $127,684, as recommended by staff.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Briefing on 69Kv Feeders 3 & 4 Project Phase I
Mr. Lunt, Public Utilities Director, provided a briefing on the 69 Kv Feeders 3 & 4 Project Phase I. He noted that the original design concept consisted of three (3) phases with a total budgeted Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) amount of $14,747,500. Mr. Lunt advised members that the project was originally presented as an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) project, which meant the successful bidder would conduct the design layout, purchase all necessary materials, and provide the labor to complete the project. The project is now a City of Dover Engineered Project which will provide more control over the design and a greater number of bidders, which should result in a cost savings to the City.
Mr. Lunt noted that the briefing was provided to make members aware of the details of the project in preparation for the associated bond issue, which is forthcoming.
PACE/NAES Monthly Report (May and June)
The PACE/NAES Monthly Reports for May and June 2007 were provided to afford members the opportunity to monitor what is being sold in electric and the revenues received, which will give members a better understanding of any fluctuations and make improvements, if deemed necessary. A presentation of the reports was not intended; however, questions were welcomed.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Mitchell, Finance Director, advised members that the year-to-date power supply for the plant operations came in below budget, which added favorability to the budget. She noted that revenues were down $1.2M, which offsets the favorability. Mrs. Mitchell stated that they are continuing negotiations with PACE/NAES on the incentive issues.
The committee recommended acceptance of the PACE/NAES Monthly Reports for May and June 2007.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT - JULY 23, 2007
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met on July 23, 2007 with Chairman Slavin presiding.
Proposed Ordinance - Chapter 102 - Taxation, Article I - In General, Section 102-4 - Omitted Real Property Assessments
Consideration of the Proposed Ordinance, Chapter 102 - Taxation, Article I - In General, Section 102-4 - Omitted Real Property Assessments, was deferred until the next meeting due to the absence of Mr. DePrima, City Manager, and Mr. Capuano, Tax Assessor.
Evaluation of Bids - iSeries Replacement
The City is currently running all utility billing, parcel management, tax billing, licenses and permits, etc. on the existing iSeries Model 820. This system is more than five (5) years old and has reached the limits of its upgrade path. In order to accommodate current and expected future workloads and prevent technological obsolescence a larger, faster, and more advanced system is required. Bids were solicited for a three (3) year lease of an i5 Model 525 with required associated hardware and system software. The RFP was submitted to several vendors; however, HTEVAR was the only response received.
Mr. Callan, Information Technology Director, advised members that it was more cost effective to lease the equipment than to purchase it. Additionally, staff was able to delay this purchase for one (1) year beyond the expected life cycle of the existing equipment.
Staff recommended approval of the three (3) year lease of an i5 Model 525, with the necessary hardware and software, from HTEVAR LLC/IBM Credit LLC, in the amount of $38,211 for the Year 1 costs; $18,591 for the Year 2 costs; and $18,591 for the Year 3 costs. The total amount of the three (3) year lease is $75,393.00, which includes yearly prepay hardware lease of $15,055 and yearly prepay software lease of $3,536 plus first year costs of $10,620 for hardware/software maintenance (full 3 years – one-time cost); $7,000 for installation and upgrade support, including travel expenses (one-time cost); $2,000 for 60 new tape cartridges (one-time cost).
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Evaluation of Bids - Safety Retrieval Equipment
The Pump Station Crews of the City of Dover Water/Wastewater Division provide operation and maintenance services to the City's nearly forty (40) pump stations. This work often requires working within the sub-grade facilities associated with these pump stations. Following a review by the City's Safety Committee and Fire Marshal, it was determined that safety retrieval equipment is required for all Pump Station Crews for use at all pump stations.
Mr. Lunt, Public Utilities Director, advised members that, due to an error in the original bid solicitation, the first bids were rejected and re-solicited. This delay resulted in the project not being completed in FY 07 as planned; therefore, the funds will be carried forward to the FY 08 budget and
the Finance Director will replenish this account during the first quarter budget adjustment. Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Lunt stated that the error was not discovered in time to include the request in the FY 08 budget.
The committee recommended awarding the bid for Safety Retrieval Equipment to the low bidder, The Olympic Glove & Safety Company, Inc., in the amount of $25,360.07, as recommended by staff.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Pay for Performance (PFP) - Discuss Parameters/Scope of Assessment
During the budget hearings this year, City Council indicated a desire to have the Pay for Performance (PFP) Policy and its implementation evaluated to determine whether it is meeting its original purpose. Staff hopes to work with the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee to build the criteria that will be used to perform the assessment. From those criteria, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be developed to seek a qualified firm to perform the assessment.
Members were provided the Pay for Performance policy adopted in March 2004, the evaluator instructions, and a series of questions developed by the City Manager, Mr. DePrima, for inclusion in the assessment.
Mr. Ruane reminded members that the PAS Study, which recommended development of the Pay for Performance policy, suggested that there would be a cost savings associated with the PFP. He requested staff to provide a report on the cost savings envisioned in the report compared with the savings realized. He also requested that the following questions be included in the assessment:
► Has the Pay for Performance system brought Dover’s entry level salaries into closer conformity with local market comparable salary positions?
► Does the market survey currently being performed by the Human Resources Department correspond with the original market survey methodology that was used to establish the new pay grades and ranges in the original PAS Study?
► Have the goals and objectives that are now included in the annual strategic statements for each department been regularly incorporated into the goals and objectives of the individual employees working in the department?
► Are the employee’s goals and objectives being reviewed quarterly?
Mr. McGlumphy stated that he felt a review of the PFP policy by an outside panel was necessary to determine if it is being administered fairly or if it is divisive; to examine the various documents that have been presented over the years; to question why some of the changes have taken place; to gain an understanding of how people move through the system; how they are re-graded or re-titled; are the employees in the program benefitting more than those who are not and, if so, why, and if not, why not; and whether or not the evaluative criteria is being administered fairly and advancing the mission of the organization.
Mr. Hogan stated that he feels that the Pay for Performance program is a valid attempt to recognize and reward employees who do a good job. He noted that the evaluators are also evaluated to ensure that they are not too easy, nor too hard. Mr. Hogan suggested that if it is not currently being done, the evaluators should be provided input and guidance on performing fair evaluations.
Mr. Salters reminded members that Council has the ability to adjust the percentage of the increases based on the status of the budget each year. He noted that the policy encourages employee initiative by resulting in a greater salary increase.
Mr. DePrima clarified that the table included in the budget was an example of proposed increases, assuming a good evaluation. He also noted that the PFP increases should not be confused with promotions. Mr. DePrima felt that promotions, title changes, and re-grading should be examined to see if the employees are being properly placed within the system.
The committee recommended that the Pay for Performance policy be investigated further.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
2005 Charter Review Committee Recommendation
During their Regular Meeting of May 23, 2005, Council adopted a Resolution establishing the 2005 Charter Review Committee to study the City Charter and submit recommendations relative to proposed changes in the form of government, election process, terms of office, and other amendments deemed necessary to assure the continued orderly growth and efficient management of the City.
During their Regular Meeting of July 9, 2007, Council accepted the 2005 Charter Review Committee report and referred the report to the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee for review.
Mr. Slavin advised members that they would be conducting a comprehensive review of the Charter, which would include public hearings in each election district. He noted that the review may require the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee to hold additional focus meetings.
Mr. Ruane urged the committee to utilize the Model City Charter as a guidepost in their review of the City of Dover Charter.
The committee recommended that the City Clerk prepare a proposed schedule to complete the review over the next six (6) months.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Slavin and unanimously carried.
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT - JULY 24, 2007
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee met on July 24, 2007 with Chairman Hogan presiding.
Discussion - Transit Hub Concept (Ken Potts - DART)
Mr. Ken Potts, Director of Development for Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), stated the DTC operates transit within the City of Dover limits and indicated that their current location will be affected by the proposed expansion of the Courthouse. He advised members that a site had been located and the project had been approved by DelDOT; however, it is not on the present funding schedule due to the capital funding shortfall.
Mr. John Kotula, Facility Engineer for DTC, presented members with a layout of the proposed site of the new Dover Transit Center, which will be located at the former George and Lynch property. He stated the site would be utilized by the inter-county and inter-state buses. The one-story building is approximately 2,500 square feet and would include restrooms, ticket office, and waiting lounge. Mr. Kotula advised members that the tar ditch issue has not yet been addressed. Additional parking, as well as a platform and station, have been planned for the railroad tracks located on the other side of West Street. Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Kotula indicated they are interested in partnering with the local taxi cab services, as well as other services; however, the current layout does not indicate this usage.
Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Director of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), noted the design of the Dover Transit building will be revised to reflect a three-story building due to the needs of future tenants.
Mr. Hogan stated that members would continue to support this project.
Presentation - GIS Use During June 2007 NASCAR Races
Mr. David Truax, City Fire Marshal, and Mr. Mark Nowak, G.I.S. Coordinator, provided a Powerpoint presentation depicting how G.I.S. (Geographic Information System) was utilized during the June 2007 NASCAR event. Mr. Nowak indicated the information used during this event was also shared with Kent County 911. The vending areas were named and all the hydrants located around Dover Downs International Speedway were identified by their gallons per minute capability and colored accordingly on the map.
Mr. Truax also identified the vehicle and RV parking sites that are utilized for NASCAR events and stated the Planning and Inspections Department is currently researching requiring a fee or license for the parking of vehicles and/or RV’s. He invited members to participate in a ride along during the September 2007 NASCAR event.
Mr. Nowak advised members that the United States Coast Guard will be visiting the City on Friday, July 27, 2007 to review the G.I.S. program and how it is being utilized.
Briefing on MPO Projects - Juanita Wieczoreck
Ms. Wieczoreck reviewed the Project Status Report for Dover/Kent County MPO Region. She also indicated a Public Workshop on the Route 8 Study is scheduled for Wednesday, August 1, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that she contacted DelDOT regarding the timing of the signal lights along Division Street; however, she has not yet received a response. Mr. Hogan noted the left turn lane light on State Street, at the intersection of Division Street, is too short and should be adjusted. Mr. Link also indicated the light at Route 8 and Mifflin Road should be adjusted due to the length of time for the light changing from red to green.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Slavin and unanimously carried.
EVALUATION OF BIDS - 69 KV CABLE
The State of Delaware will not allow the new 69 Kv feeders to aerially cross Route 1. To facilitate this requirement Public Utilities solicited bids for underground cable to cross under this road. This bid includes the underground 69 Kv cables and the required shield cable.
To date, funds currently spent total $52,668, which consist of surveying, design, and engineering. An additional $50,000 has been committed to obtain the Cartanza Right-Of-Way, as approved by City Council on June 11, 2007.
Bids were advertised according to City Policy by the City's Purchasing Agent (Bid #07-0075DPU). The City received seven (7) bid responses; however, three (3) of the bid responses were received after the bid deadline date, one (1) bid did not reference the bid number in the subject line as required by the bid package, one (1) did not bid on the 69 Kv cable and was rejected as it was bid requirement that both items be awarded as a total package. Shaw Engineering Services, the City's engineering firm evaluated the two remaining bids and determined that the Panamerica Supply did not meet two significant bid specifications and recommended that this bid be rejected. Staff recommended the purchase of 3,732 feet of 69 Kv underground cable and 2,940 feet of 5 Kv underground cable from HD Supply for a total cost of $240,950.16.
Noting that this bid is part of a $9,130,168 project and that some segments of the project have been approved, Mr. Ruane requested that future items related to this Capital Improvement Project be reviewed by the Utility Committee and that the action forms include the items that have already been approved and the remaining items that are anticipated to complete the project.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the purchase of 3,732 feet of 69 Kv underground cable and 2,940 feet of 5 Kv underground cable from HD Supply for a total cost of $240,950.16, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ruane and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
APPOINTMENTS RECOMMENDED BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT SALTERS - DOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - THREE (3) YEAR TERMS TO EXPIRE FEBRUARY 2010
Council President Salters requested the following appointments to the Dover Human Relations Commission for three (3) year terms to expire February 2010:
Katrina Brumble (To Fill Expired Term of K.C. Sheth)
Michelle Lee (To Fill Expired Term of Nilakantan Nagarajan)
Mr. Hogan moved for approval of the appointments to the Dover Human Relations Commission, as recommended by Council President Salters, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.
FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE
Council President Salters reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinance are available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or can be obtained from the City Clerk's Office. Due to the proposed fee increases, the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee requested that a Public Hearing be held prior to final action by Council during the Council Meeting of August 27, 2007.
Mr. Slavin moved to set the Public Hearing for August 27, 2007 at 7:30 p.m., seconded by Mr. McGiffin and carried with Mr. McGlumphy voting no.
In accordance with Section 1-9 of the Dover Code, Council acknowledged the First Reading of the Ordinance Amendment as read by the City Clerk, by title only, as follows:
PROPOSED ORDINANCE - CHAPTER 22 - BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE X - RENTAL DWELLINGS, DIVISION 2 - PERMIT, SECTION 22-351 - GENERALLY (RENTAL PERMIT FEES)
Mr. McGlumphy requested that, prior to any fee increases, all fees be evaluated by staff.
COUNCIL MEMBERS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Hogan stated that he would like to address how First Readings are handled, feeling that sometimes it is necessary to have discussion when the ordinances are first read.
Mrs. Russell informed members that a youth summit on gang violence would be held Saturday morning at Delaware Tech.
Mr. McGiffin informed members that Celtic Harvest would be performing Thursday evening on the Green.
Mr. Ruane congratulated Mr. Salters on the article in the paper on the Sankofa Dancers.
Mr. Slavin moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:05 P.M.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances, and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Regular Meeting of August 13, 2007, are hereby approved.
BEVERLY C. WILLIAMS
MAYOR
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