UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee Meeting was held on May 22, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. with Chairman Carey presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Cregar, and Mr. Snaman. Members of Council present were Mr. Ritter (arrived at 5:41 p.m.), Mrs. Williams (arrived at 5:50 p.m.), and Mr. Hogan (arrived at 6:00 p.m.). Mayor Speed was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Slavin moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Annexation Request - Property Located on the South Side of Forrest Avenue, Approximately 1,495.5 Feet West of Mifflin Road, Containing 5.0+/- Acres, Owned by Edwin B. Baker, III, Donald Carey, and Ruth Carey
A request for annexation was received for property located on the south side of Forrest Avenue, approximately 1,495.5+/- feet west of Mifflin Road, owned by Edwin B. Baker, III, Donald Carey, and Ruth Carey.
Chairman Carey advised members that a letter was received from the property owner requesting that the annexation/rezoning request be withdrawn (Attachment #1). He noted that the property owner requested annexation of two parcels; however, only the smaller (5.0+/- acres) parcel was being considered for withdrawal.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, the property owner, Mr. Carey, stated that he would like to have the entire parcel annexed into the City; however, due to the property taxes that would be imposed on the 5.0 acre residential tract, they have decided to withdraw. Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, advised members that the larger tract of land (101.55+/- acres) qualifies under the farmland/agricultural assessment, which means taxes would not be assessed. She noted that the smaller parcel does not qualify and would be taxed as a residential parcel. Mrs. Townshend noted that discussions with the tax assessor, Mr. Capuano, have indicated that the smaller parcel is on a separate deed with its own tax parcel number. Mr. DePrima advised members that the City approached the Carey family and strongly encouraged proactively annexing the parcel prior to development.
Mr. Slavin moved to recommend approval of the request to withdraw the annexation/rezoning of property located on the south side of Forrest Avenue, approximately 1,495.5 feet west of Mifflin Road, containing 5.0+/- acres, owned by Edwin B. Baker, III, Donald Carey, and Ruth Carey. The motion was seconded by Mr. Slavin and carried with Mr. Ruane voting no.
Mr. Ruane stated that annexing the larger portion surrounding this property would create an enclave and he would prefer to bring both parcels in at the same time.
Annexation Request - Property Located on the South Side of Forrest Avenue, Approximately 1,425.5+/- Feet West of Mifflin Road, Containing 101.55+/- Acres, Owned by Donald M. Carey and Nancy Baker
Members were provided the Petition to Annex and Zone Property for property located on the south side of Forrest Avenue, approximately 1,425.5+/- feet west of Mifflin Road, consisting of 101.55+/- acres, owned by Donald M. Carey and Nancy Baker.
Mrs. Townshend advised members that the initial cost revenue model indicated a negative cash flow of approximately $400,000 over 10 years. She noted that additional information now shows a positive cash flow of approximately $4.9 million over ten years. Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Townshend stated that the developer would be responsible for extending the infrastructure onto the property and making any necessary upgrades to the system. Mrs. Townshend noted that the Plan of Services would be submitted to the State once the Planning Commission has made their recommendation. Staff assured members that utilities are currently available to the parcel.
Mr. Slavin moved to recommend adoption of a resolution setting the annexation referendum for property located on the south side of Forrest Avenue, approximately 1,425.5+/- feet west of Mifflin Road, containing 101.55+/- acres, owned by Donald M. Carey and Nancy Baker (Attachment #2). The motion was seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Water Quality Presentation (Black and Veatch)
The purpose of the Water Quality Evaluation was to make recommendations to resolve discolored water complaints resulting from the chlorination of the City’s water distribution system. The process started with an evaluation of the water quality monitoring program, flushing program and historical water quality data. Water supply corrosion potential was evaluated and recommendations were made for the implementation of a corrosion control program.
The age and material of water distribution mains were evaluated, along with the main rehabilitation
program presented in the Water System Master Plan. Indicators of distribution system health that
were analyzed included the distribution system renewal rate, distribution system leaks/breaks, and
unaccounted for water.
Mrs. Sharon Duca, Assistant City Engineer, noted that the initial information gathering phase of the water quality project was complete and Mr. Doug Brinkman, Mr. Chris Evans, Mr. Kevin Dixon, and Mr. Alan Hess of Black & Veatch were present to report their findings and recommendations.
Mr. Brinkman advised members that the recommendations of the Water Quality Evaluation need to be implemented and integrated with those of the Water System Master Plan in order to improve overall system condition and to appropriately maintain the system. He noted the recommendations for the City of Dover's water system are categorized according to the level of priority attributed to each recommendation.
Responding to Council President Williams, Mr. Brinkman stated that, at this time, Black & Veatch does not recommend feeding a corrosion inhibitor into the City's distribution system. Rather, stabilizing treatment at each of the well stations will have the desired effect of minimizing the level of corrosion in the distribution system. They recommended an increased contact time, via a pipe routing system at the City’s wells. Mr. Brinkman noted that the next phase of this project will include designs of a pipe routing system for the Bayard Avenue well.
Mr. Ruane commended Mrs. Duca for all the time and hard work she has dedicated to the water quality evaluation as project manager.
Mr. Snaman moved to recommend acceptance of the Black & Veatch report (Attachment #3)., seconded by Mr. Cregar and carried unanimously.
Street and Sidewalk Program Update
Mr. Koenig provided an update on the City’s Street and Sidewalk Program. He noted that they have encountered several delays, including weather and contractor scheduling issues. Mr. Koenig also noted that the crews made greater than anticipated progress with the concrete work due to mild winter.
Mr. Koenig noted that the 2006 program is anticipated to be completed in late July. Mr. DePrima indicated that several legislators have not yet allocated funds for street improvements; however, he will continue to work with them to get the list of streets finalized.
Mr. Slavin moved to recommend acceptance of the Street and Sidewalk Program update (Attachment #4), seconded by Mr. Snaman and unanimously carried.
Mr. Slavin moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Cregar and unanimously carried .
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Carleton E. Carey, Sr.
Chairman
CEC/HF/tm
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20065-22-2006 Utility.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Letter Requesting Withdrawal - Annexation Request - Forrest Avenue
Attachment #2 - Petition to Annex & Zone Property - Forrest Avenue
Attachment #3 - Black & Veatch Executive Summary (Attached to original minutes)
Attachment #4 - FY06/07 Street Listing & Maintenance Recommendation Summary; FY07 Alley Listing & Maintenance Recommendation Summary; FY07 Street Program Estimated Source of Funds; FY06 Street Program Cost Summary; FY05 Street Program Cost Summary; Concrete Repair List. (Attached to original minutes)