REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on September 26, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Williams presiding. Council members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Sadusky, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Hogan, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Ruane. Mr. Pitts was absent.
Council staff members present were Lt. Balke, Ms. Russell, Mrs. Mitchell, Fire Chief Bashista, Mr. Koenig, City Solicitor Rodriguez, Mrs. Green, and Mayor Speed.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President Williams declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action.
Mr. Richard Schneider, Newark, Delaware, thanked members for the letter (Exhibit #1) responding to his request for a Resolution opposing the capping of the DuPont Edgemoor Site. He stated that he would continue to work towards a resolution to this situation.
Mr. Cecil Wilson, 130 Brandywine Drive, stated that he had received phone calls concerning the unfair treatment of former Dover Human Relations Commissioner Nagarajan, the unfair treatment and improper evaluation of Black City employees, the creation of an internal job description for the Tax Assessor, the improper promotion of Black Police Officers, the inadequate policing of public housing and inappropriate communication between the officers and public housing citizens which causes some form of violence (Exhibit #2). Mr. Wilson advised members that a Dover church is in the process of hiring someone outside of the state to conduct a survey on race relations in Dover. Additionally, he noted that he has called the State’s Human Relations Commission to look into these concerns.
The invocation was given by Chaplain Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey requested that Item #6, Reconsideration of Rezoning - 650 Bay Road, be removed from the agenda.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Council President Williams advised members that the City Clerk has requested that Item #10D - City Clerk/Alderman Report (Fines), be removed from the Consent Agenda. Mr. Ritter requested that item #10A - Budget Report, be removed from the Consent Agenda.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the Consent Agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent).
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 8, 2005
The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of September 8, 2005 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters and bore the written approval of Mayor Speed.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 12, 2005 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters and bore the written approval of Mayor Speed.
RESOLUTION:PRESENTATION - CITY OF DOVER SILVER MEDAL - MATTHEW LACHAPELLE
Mayor Speed read a proposed Resolution recognizing Senior Airman Matthew Lachapelle for his acts of heroism.
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent), adopted the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, on December 30, 2004 a near tragedy occurred during a residential apartment fire in the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, Senior Airman Matthew Lachapelle, responding to cries for help from a teenage girl, bravely entered the burning apartment residence with only a fire extinguisher in hand and brought the blaze under control; and
WHEREAS, Senior Airman Matthew Lachapelle’s actions and bravery portray his high regard for the lives of others without consideration for his own personal safety; and
WHEREAS, the courageous actions of Senior Airman Matthew Lachapelle , in averting what could have been a tragic loss to family, friends, and community, were acts of heroism which deserve special recognition by the governing body of this City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the Mayor and Council recognize that Senior Airman Matthew Lachapelle risked his own life to save the life of a fellow person.
2. In recognition of his heroic action, the Mayor and Council award Senior Airman Matthew Lachapelle with a City of Dover Silver Medal, and direct the City Clerk to make this Resolution a part of the permanent records of the City of Dover.
ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 26, 2005
Mayor Speed presented Senior Airman Lachapelle with the Resolution and a City of Dover Silver Medal.
PROCLAMATION - FIRE PREVENTION WEEK (OCTOBER 9-15, 2005)
The City Clerk read the following proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, the City of Dover is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in and visiting our city; and
WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has documented through its research a significant increase in home candle fires, even as most other causes of home fires have steadily declined; and
WHEREAS, Dover’s first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of home fires and home fire injuries through prevention and protection education; and
WHEREAS, taking proper care with candles will have a positive effect on the home fire problem; and
WHEREAS, each candle fire that is prevented in Dover is an opportunity to prevent painful injury and costly property damage; and
WHEREAS, the 2005 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Use Candles with Care”, effectively serves to remind us all of the simple actions we can take to stay safe during Fire Prevention Week and year-round.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, STEPHEN R. SPEED, MAYOR, OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE, do hereby proclaim October 9-15, 2005 as Fire Prevention Week and urge all citizens to heed the important safety message of Fire Prevention Week 2005, and to support the efforts of our fire and emergency services.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - UNITED NATIONS MONTH
The City Clerk read a proposed Resolution recognizing October 2005 as United Nations Month.
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent), adopted the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, the United Nations charter came into force on October 24, 1945; and
WHEREAS, the United Nations has grown from 51 member nations to 191 presently; and
WHEREAS, the UN Security Council has authorized 59 peacekeeping operations around the world since 1948, including 16 current missions; and
WHEREAS, the UN Commission on Human Rights was established under the Economic and Social Council to monitor the observance of human rights around the globe; and
WHEREAS, the UN International Court of Justice decides disputes between countries; and
WHEREAS, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and other specialized agencies have promoted greater tolerance and understanding between peoples and nations; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the Dover Human Relations Commission is consistent with the UN’s commitment to preserving peace and achieving justice through cooperation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover, Delaware that the month of October 2005 shall be recognized as United Nations Month and all citizens are urged to support the UN’s goals of greater tolerance and understanding between peoples and nations, and the promotion of mutual understanding and respect.
ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 26, 2005
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - DEDICATION/NAMING OF THE WEST SIDE RECREATION FACILITY - JOHN W. PITTS CENTER
The City Clerk read a Resolution proposing that the West Side Recreation Center be named the “John W. Pitts Center”.
Mr. Sadusky moved for adoption of the resolution as read, seconded by Mr. Salters.
Mr. Ritter stated that, although he has nothing against Mr. Pitts, he could not support the resolution due to a similar recreation center being defeated by a vote of two to one at referendum, inadequate funding, and escalating material costs.
Mr. Salters stated that, while he respected Mr. Ritter’s comments, the issue before them was the naming of the recreation center, the building of which has been approved by Council.
Mr. Carey moved to amend the Resolution to include the word “Recreation” and name the new West Side Recreation Facility as the "John W. Pitts Recreation Center". The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
The motion to adopt the Resolution, as amended, was carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Ritter) and one absent (Mr. Pitts), as follows:
WHEREAS, John W. Pitts has served the citizens of the City of Dover as a resident, educational sports instructor, coach, a member of City Council, and friend for many years; and
WHEREAS, when first elected to City Council in May 1990, John W. Pitts was appointed to serve as a member of the Parks, Recreation and Community Enhancement Committee, having done so for 13 years, seven (7) of which he served as Chairman; and
WHEREAS, the development of recreational facilities has been a topic of concern in the City of Dover since 1987, and many studies have concluded that an overwhelming need exists for the construction of an indoor recreational facility; and
WHEREAS, John W. Pitts has proven to be a leader with determination and perseverance and an extraordinary devotion in promoting a healthy environment for our youth, teens, young adults, and seniors to participate in recreational activities designed especially for them.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover hereby honors the commitment and vision of John W. Pitts by dedicating and naming the new West Side Recreation Facility to be known as the “JOHN W. PITTS RECREATION CENTER”
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that appropriate signs of identification be prepared and installed so designating the facility as “JOHN W. PITTS RECREATION CENTER” and that once the construction of the facility is complete, an appropriate date and time shall be set for a program of dedication and invitations sent to John W. Pitts and family, the Mayor and Members of City Council, friends, and citizens requesting their presence during the dedication ceremony.
ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 26, 2005
PUBLIC HEARING - VIOLATION OF THE DANGEROUS BUILDING ORDINANCE - 29 SOUTH GOVERNORS AVENUE (KEVIN T. WAYMAN, JR.)
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider a violation of the Dangerous Building Ordinance at 29 South Governors Avenue, owned by Kevin T. Wayman, Jr. Mr. Grant Pritchard, Planning and Inspections, stated that the property was declared dangerous on May 19, 2003 and that it has been abandoned for more than three (3) months. Deterioration of the building is being accelerated by weather and lack of maintenance. The property consists of a two story wood frame structure w/detached garage. He indicated that there are six (6) liens or mortgages on the property. Mr. Pritchard showed slides depicting the condition of the structure.
Staff recommended that City Council: 1) declare the property dangerous; 2) order the property repaired or demolished by October 28, 2005 by the owner or equitable owner at their own risk; 3) order the Building Inspector to cause the repair or demolition of the structure if not completed by the owner or equity owner within the ten (10) days of the date set by Council; and 4) order the City Manager, with the assistance of the City Solicitor, to cause the cost of repairs or demolition to be charged against the land on which the building exists as a municipal lien or cause such cost to be added to the tax duplicate as an assessment, or to be levied as a special tax against the land upon which the building stands or to be recovered in a suit at law against the owner.
Mr. Pritchard provided an estimated demolition cost of $10,000 to $12,000.
Council President Williams declared the public hearing open.
There being no one present wishing to speak during the public hearing, Council President Williams declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Salters moved that the structure located at 29 South Governors Avenue be declared a dangerous building and subject to demolition, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ritter and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent).
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT - SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met on September 12, 2005 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Revenue Forecasting - Mock Report
During their Regular Meeting of August 8, 2005, the committee considered Revenue Forecasting and opportunities for improving forecasting for revenues. Members suggested that staff provide quarterly Revenue Forecast Reports to be reviewed by members of Council during their first Meetings in the months of October, January, April, May, and June. For the first three meetings, the reports would contain information on the previous quarter and then be reviewed on a monthly basis just prior to and during the budget review. The reports would be presented directly to Council and would provide members the opportunity to give staff direction for developing the next year’s revenue projections. Prior to scheduling the presentation of the reports to Council, members requested that staff develop a mocked up report based on the committee discussions, utilizing real time figures, to be presented to the committee at their next meeting. It was suggested that staff include footnotes giving explanations for any increases or decreases for further clarification.
Mrs. Mitchell, Finance Director, reviewed with members the Mock Revenue Forecasting Report.
The committee took no further action. (City Clerk’s Office Note: These reports will be scheduled to be presented to members of City Council during their first meetings in the months of October, January, April, May, and June).
Code Review - Chapters 1-5 - Amendments
Members began a Comprehensive Review of the City Code of Ordinances. The City Clerk, Mrs. Green, explained that the process for the reviews will include members of City Council, committee members, department and division heads, as well as secretaries/administrative assistants. The City Clerk will provide Sections of the Code for their review and recommendations in advance of the committee meeting to allow for one document, to be inclusive of all recommendation and comments to be provided to members for their review. Once the committee has conducted their review and has made recommendations, the City Clerk's Office will prepare the necessary ordinance amendments which will be presented as attachments to the committee minutes when reported to City Council for their approval. The ordinances would then be presented to Council for a First Reading, and then forwarded for the Final Reading and adoption.
The City Clerk provided recommendations for amending Chapters 1-5 of the Dover Code. After consulting with the Finance Director/Treasurer, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Green requested that the recommendation to delete Division 4 - Finance Director, of Chapter 2 - Administration, Article IV - Officers and Employees, be removed. Staff recommended approval of the Proposed Amendments to Chapters 1-5 of the Dover Code, as amended.
There was much discussion regarding the Model City Charter and the possibility of its use during the review of the Code. It was suggested that staff include the review of proposed amendments to Chapters 1 - 5 with the next scheduled set of amendments to be presented to members for consideration during their next meeting.
The committee recommended deferring action on Chapters 1 - 5 of the Code until the next meeting.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent).
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent).
PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - SEPTEMBER 13, 2005
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee met on September 13, 2005 with Chairman Hogan presiding.
Neighborhood Open Space - Stratford Place Apartments: Request for Partial Cash-in-Lieu of Recreation Area Construction
In accordance with Article 5, Section 10, Subsection 10.16 of the Zoning Code, all residential developments shall provide recreational areas in a size equal to 275 square feet per dwelling unit, or one-half acre of land, whichever is greater. However, in no case shall the City require more than 10% of the gross area of the development be so dedicated or reserved when the gross area is greater than five (5) acres.
Members reviewed an active recreation plan and a request for cash-in-lieu of recreation area for the Stratford Place Apartments, located on the south side of North Little Creek Road between Acorn Lane and SR1, which consists of three apartment buildings; a total of (72) dwelling units, on 4.7+/- acres. Ms. Melson of the Planning and Inspections Department reviewed the Active Recreation Plan, noting that the plan proposes an area of open space totaling 0.2382 acres. The Plan includes a playground structure, swing set, benches, horseshoe pits, and an open lawn area. Due to the space available on the development parcel and the number of units within the apartment complex, the applicant is requesting the opportunity to make a cash donation in lieu of a portion of the required Active Recreation Area. Members reviewed a Summary Appraisal Report for the property at 1462 North Little Creek Road, which identifies the final value estimate of the property to be $101,000 per acre. According to the City Tax Assessor’s Office, the property was reassessed at $75,750.00 per acre. For the .5 acres of land that is required for this area, the request is to provide 0.2382 acres for the Active Recreation Area and offer a cash-in-lieu donation for the remaining 0.2617 acres, which would result in a cash donation in the amount of $26,431.70.
Staff recommended approval of the following for the Active Recreation Plan and Request for Cash-in-Lieu of Recreation Area Construction (woodland, wetland, and stormwater facilities):
1. As related to the recreation area components to be constructed:
a.Change the placement of at least one of the benches near the horseshoe pits to a location in closer proximity to the sidewalk (accessible path).
b.Add or relocate evergreen landscape plantings to create a barrier between the west side of the stormwater management facility and the playground area. A fence could also be added to separate these two areas.
c.Adjust placement of Red Maple trees to create a large open lawn area in the southwest corner of the property. An adjustment in the tree placement could provide increased opportunities for shading of the benches near the playground area and the horseshoe pits area.
2. The applicant should be aware of the requirements for construction phasing of the recreation area as associated with the development of the residential units.
Article 5 §10.6 Construction Phasing. The recreation and open space areas shall be completed in a proportion equal to or greater than the proportion of residential dwelling units completed, except that one hundred (100) percent of the recreation and open space areas shall be completed prior to issuing building permits for the final twenty (20) percent of the dwelling units proposed. Building permits shall not be issued for dwelling units unless the requirements of this section are met.
3. Staff recommended approval of a cash donation of $26,431.70 in lieu of Recreation Area construction for the remaining 0.2617 acres (11,402 S.F.) required to meet the 0.5 acre minimum.
Article 5 §10.175 Payment of Cash Donation. One hundred (100) percent cash donation provided under this section shall be collected prior to issuing the first building permit for the development.
4. There shall be provisions which insure that the common open space land shall continue as such and be properly managed and maintained. These provisions shall be in a form acceptable to the City of Dover. The developer shall either retain ownership and responsibility for maintenance of such open land; or provide for and establish one (1) or more organizations for the ownership and maintenance of all common open space i.e. a Homeowners Association. The organization shall be responsible for maintenance, insurance and taxes on the common open space.
The committee recommended approval of the Neighborhood Open Space - Stratford Place Apartments: Request for partial cash-in-lieu of recreation area construction, as well as the staff recommendations contained in the report.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent).
The committee recommended that members be provided a presentation on stormwater management by the Public Works Director at a future meeting.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent).
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent).
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT - SEPTEMBER 26, 2005
The Utility Committee met on September 26, 2005 with Chairman Carey presiding.
Annexation Request - Property Located at 1325 South State Street - Owned by BF Real Estate Ventures
During the committee meeting held earlier this evening, members reviewed a request for annexation of land located at 1325 South State Street, consisting of 2.3315+/- acres. The proposed zoning classification is CPO (Commercial Professional Office). This area has a Category 2 – Lands Desirable for Annexation designation on the Growth and Annexation Plan Map of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update as amended in May 2005. The property is located on the east side of South State Street immediately south of the right-of-way of the Puncheon Run Connector. This annexation is generally supported by the Growth and Annexation Plan Map of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update as amended.
The Public Works Director has reviewed the annexation plan and determined that the City has sufficient utility capacity to provide water service to the site. Members were provided an Index Map that depicted the general location of the land to be annexed. In addition, the map identified the surrounding parcels that have been contacted by the City Clerk's Office for additional interest in possible annexation with this application. Mr. Koenig noted that none of the adjacent property owners expressed an interest in annexing at this time. Staff recommended adoption of the proposed Resolution for 1325 South State Street setting the annexation referendum for October 27, 2005.
The committee recommended adoption of the proposed Resolution for 1325 South State Street setting the annexation referendum for October 27, 2005, based on the determination that there are adequate utilities to serve the property.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent), Council adopted the following Resolution:
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER AND CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE SAID AREA.
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deem it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include an area located at 1325 S. State Street Extended, which is contiguous to the present City limits, into the limits of the City of Dover and within a zoning classification as recommended by the City of Dover Planning Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That a special election be held for an area located at 1325 S. State Street Extended situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware.
2. That the election be held on the 27th day of October, 2005 commencing at the hours of 11:00 a.m. in the City Hall Annex, 15 E. Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware, for the purpose of submitting the question of annexation of the above area to those persons entitled to vote thereon.
3. That the election be held and conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the City of Dover as amended.
4. That this resolution be published in accordance with the City of Dover Charter.
ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 26, 2005
Annexation Request - Property Located at 1196 S. Governors Avenue - Owned by Francis G. and Barbara D. Powell
During the committee meeting held earlier this evening, members reviewed a request for annexation of land located at 1196 South Governors Avenue, consisting of 1.085+/- acres. The proposed zoning classification is RM-1 (Medium Density Residential). This area has a Category 1 – Lands Identified for Annexation designation on the Growth and Annexation Plan Map of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update as amended in May 2005. This parcel is one of several parcels on South Governors Avenue that has remained in the County and represents an infill area. This annexation is supported by the Growth and Annexation Plan Map of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update as amended.
The Public Works Director has reviewed the annexation plan and determined that the City has sufficient utility capacity to provide water and sewer services to the site. Members were provided an Index Map that depicted the general location of the land to be annexed. In addition, the map identified the surrounding parcels that have been contacted by the City Clerk's office for additional interest in possible annexation with this application. Mr. Koenig noted that none of the adjacent property owners expressed an interest in annexing at this time. Staff recommended adoption of the proposed Resolution for 1196 South Governors Avenue setting the annexation referendum for October 27, 2005.
The committee recommended adoption of the proposed Resolution for 1196 South Governors Avenue setting the annexation referendum for October 27, 2005, based on the determination that there are adequate utilities to serve the property.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts absent), Council adopted the following Resolution:
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER AND CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE SAID AREA.
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deem it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include an area located at 1196 S. Governors Avenue, which is contiguous to the present City limits, into the limits of the City of Dover and within a zoning classification as recommended by the City of Dover Planning Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That a special election be held for an area located at 1196 S. Governors Avenue situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware.
2. That the election be held on the 27th day of October, 2005 commencing at the hours of 11:00 a.m. in the City Hall Annex, 15 E. Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware, for the purpose of submitting the question of annexation of the above area to those persons entitled to vote thereon.
3. That the election be held and conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the City of Dover as amended.
4. That this resolution be published in accordance with the City of Dover Charter.
ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 26, 2005
Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
MONTHLY REPORTS - AUGUST 2005
By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Salters, the following monthly reports were accepted by consent agenda:
Chief of Police Report
City Assessor Report
City Manager's Report
Mayor's Report
Planning and Inspections Report
Robbins Hose Company No. 1 Report (July and August)
Referring to pages 2 of 5 of the July and August Budget Reports, Mr. Ritter noted that the receipts and expenditures were not the same and; therefore, there were excess receipts or expenditures. He noted that the proposed budget should have a zero balance between receipts and expenditures. Mrs. Mitchell advised members that she would look into the discrepancies. (City Clerk’s Office Note: Revised Budget Reports for July and August will be presented for approval during the Regular Council Meeting of October 10, 2005).
Mr. Ritter moved to accept the Budget Reports for July and August, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mrs. Green, City Clerk, advised members that the recently adopted Charter eliminated the Alderman Court/position. She noted that the City Clerk/Alderman Report (Fines) is actually the Alderman’s Report and the Budget Report provided by the Finance Department includes the same fines as they are received and deposited. Mrs. Green requested guidance on whether she should continue providing the City Clerk/Alderman Report.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Green stated that the section of the Charter requiring the Alderman’s Report has been removed.
Mr. Ruane moved that the Clerk no longer be compelled to provide a City Clerk/Alderman Report as part of the Monthly Reports since those receipts are already included in the Finance Director’s Report, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Mr. Ritter moved to request the City Clerk to provide a monthly one page report on the status of current Council projects and the major projects for the Clerk’s Office. The motion failed for the lack of a second.
EVALUATION OF BIDS - STREET SWEEPER
The Department of Public Works is requesting to purchase a Diesel Powered Municipal Street Sweeper. Bids were received as follows:
Mid-Atlantic Waste Systems Easton, MD Base Bid - $120,974.00
Unit with Options - $125,047.12
Atlantic Machinery Inc. Silver Spring, MD Base Bid - $122,461.00