PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting was held on March 14, 2006 at 5:08 p.m. with Chairman Sadusky presiding. Members present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Long, and Mr. Truitt. Mrs. Russell was absent. Others present were Mr. Salters (arrived 5:26 p.m. and departed 6:37 p.m.), Mr. Carey (departed 6:23 p.m.), and Mayor Speed (departed 6:25 p.m.).
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Ruane requested the addition of item #3, Update on John W. Pitts Recreation Center, and that items #1 and #2 be reversed in order to consider the Engineering Services Agreement - Alum Injection/Silver Lake first.
Mr. Ruane moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
Engineering Services Agreement - Alum Injection/Silver Lake (Silver Lake Commission Recommendation)
Mr. Scott Koenig, Director of Public Works, advised members that the Silver Lake Commission, City staff, the Department of Natural Resources (DNREC), and other interested parties have been working on plans to improve the overall water quality in Silver Lake for several years. In the fall of 2005, City staff requested statements of qualifications from consulting engineering firms to pursue the possible addition of alum to control the seasonal bloom of nuisance algae in Silver Lake. URS Corporation Americas was the only consulting firm that submitted a statement of qualifications to perform the requested work. Representatives from the Silver Lake Commission, City staff, and DNREC interviewed URS Corporation and have determined that they are qualified to undertake the requested work plan.
Members were advised that URS submitted a cost proposal based on discussions with the interview team. Prior consulting work indicated that alum would produce the desired effect on the lake; however, jar test samples from last summer were inconclusive. Therefore, the first issue that will need to be addressed by URS is the validity of the potential injection of alum into Silver Lake. The cost proposal submitted by URS includes three (3) specific areas, as follows: 1) Investigation and Assessment - $30,000; 2) Alum Treatment Design - $50,000 to $75,000; and 3) Management Options - $30,000 to $40,000. It was noted that the estimated fees are preliminary at this time due to the potential unknowns.
Mr. Koenig indicated that the project will be totally funded by the State of Delaware’s 21st Century Funds (Dover/Silver Lake Water Quality Improvement Project) and that the requirement of the City’s 25% match for this project will be the City acting as the agent to manage the consultant, which would be the existing salaries of employees. Staff recommended authorization to execute the engineering services agreement with URS Corporation in an amount not to exceed $145,000.
Mr. Edgell, Chairman of the Silver Lake Commission, advised members that the Commission has considered this matter and recommended approval of the agreement with URS Corporation.
Responding to Mr. Long, Mr. Edgell stated that the reason for the investigation and assessment phase is to determine what level of alum injection would be needed to solve the problems with Silver Lake and to meet the guidelines with DNREC.
Mr. Truitt moved to approve staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.
Presentation by the Ingerman Group - Capitol Green Apartments Renovation Plan
Mr. Christopher J. Lamb, Attorney at Law with Pepper Hamilton LLP, indicated that he was representing the Ingerman Group, which has the Capitol Green Apartments under agreement of sale. Mr. Lamb stated that the Ingerman Group’s goal is to revitalize the apartments utilizing financing from the Delaware State Housing Authority and also obtaining low income housing tax credits. In order to comply with the requirements of the Delaware State Housing Authority, a letter of governmental support from the Mayor of Dover, certification that the property is located within a community revitalization area, and receipt of a local contribution. This contribution could be accomplished through property tax exemption or abatement.
Mr. Lamb indicated that the property currently consists of 16 buildings with 145 units. After the renovation, the units would be reduced to 131, with numerous outside improvements being made as well. The Ingerman Group has entered into an agreement with the Boys and Girls Club for leasing space to use for an after school care program at a cost of the utilities only. Mr. Lamb stated that due to the renovation, residents would be provided alternate housing for a period of four (4) to five (5) months at no additional cost and would not be permanently displaced. He also noted that the Ingerman Group rehabilitated the Clear Field Apartments.
Mr. Ruane stated he recently attended a meeting at the Capitol Green Apartments and a few individual residents voiced their concerns regarding relocation and reimbursement for relocation. Mr. Lamb stated that the Ingerman Group is obligated under HUD guidelines to find and reimburse residents for temporary housing.
Mr. DePrima stated that the sole purpose of this meeting is for the Ingerman Group to meet the requirement of holding a public hearing. As far as the local contribution, it was decided it would be best for the Ingerman Group to submit an application for funding through the Community Development Block Grant. Mr. DePrima stated that he would look into the requirement for a revitalization certificate.
Mayor Speed stated that this project would be a great improvement to the City of Dover and also noted that the City does not receive taxes from the properties because they are owned by the State of Delaware. He suggested that when ownership does transfer, the City should consider some type of tax assistance to benefit the Ingerman Group.
Mr. Salters suggested that the City should draft legislation that would provide for tax credits for companies that would improve the City in this way.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend endorsement of a letter from the Mayor in support of the Capitol Green Apartments renovation project to be sent to the Delaware State Housing Authority. The motion was seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
Mr. Ruane moved to recess, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried.
Meeting Recessed at 5:47 P.M., and Reconvened at 6:36 P.M.
Update on John W. Pitts Recreation Center
During the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Meeting of March 13, 2006, staff presented the State of the City Budget - Mid-Year Review. Mr. Ruane noted that staff included information for the Recreation Center Funding Plan. Since the fund balance exceeds the 8% requirement by $715,382 in the General Fund, Mr. Ruane had suggested that the City provide all funding necessary for this project at this time; however, no further action was taken by members at that time.
Mr. Ruane provided members with a budget sheet for the Parkland/Recreation Reserve depicting an additional amount of $439,891 necessary to fully fund this project (Attachment #1). Again, he reminded members that the fund balance exceeds the 8% requirement by $715,382 in the General Fund.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend the additional allocation of $439,891 be transferred to the Parkland/Recreation Reserve and included in the budget amendments. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried. (City Clerk’s Office Note: Since the Committee Meeting, the Budget Administrator and Finance Director reviewed the account balance and noted that some contributions were not included in Attachment #1; therefore, the amount to be proposed to complete the funding will reflect this change - see Council Minutes of March 27, 2006).
Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:40: P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert M. Sadusky
Chairman
RMS/jcr/jg
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20063-14-2006 PR&CE.wpd
Attachment
Attachment #1 - Parkland/Recreation Reserve Account - Operating Revenues and Expenses