REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on March 22, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President McGlumphy presiding. Council members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Speed, and Mr. Ruane. Mr. Salters was absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Horvath, Mr. Cooper, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Galvin, Second Fire Line Captain Christiansen, Mr. DePrima, City Solicitor Rodriguez, Mrs. Green, and Mayor Hutchison.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President McGlumphy declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council was not in official session and could not take formal action.
Mr. Philip Troxler, 24 Gristmill Drive, stated that he submitted a Resolution to City Council in July of 2003 regarding the Patriot Act and requested an update on the status of the Resolution.
The invocation was given by Chaplain Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Ruane moved that item #14-A, Annexation/Rezoning Request - First Reading for property located north of and adjacent to Dennys Road, owned by Shirley L. and William G. Bush, IV and item #15, Comprehensive Plan 2003 - Annexation Plan Text Amendment, be deferred until a later date in order that adequate information be provided to members. The motion was seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Truitt), and one (1) absent (Mr. Salters).
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Speed and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey requested that item #9-A, Dover Parking Authority Request for Support/Cost Sharing - Proposed Addendum to the Parking Study - Area of Wesley College, be extracted from the consent agenda.
Mr. Ruane requested that item #10-A, Persimmon Park Place - Right-of-Way and Street Dedication, be extracted from the consent agenda.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the consent agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 8, 2004
By consent agenda, the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 8, 2004 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Speed, and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
GREETINGS BY MAYOR - JAPANESE EXCHANGE STUDENTS
The City Clerk read the following letter into the record:
“Dear Mayor Iguchi:
It has been a pleasure to once again host the students from your city on their visit to Dover and the Capital School District. I cannot tell you how delighted I am about our Friendship City Agreement and the relationship that we continue to build with Iwanuma City.
As you may be aware, my term as Mayor of the City of Dover ends in May of 2004. I have recently been offered a position as the Executive Vice President of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce effective May 1, and therefore, have decided not to seek re-election to this office. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as the Mayor for the past 10 years, and I am proud to say that I played a part in forging our relationship with Iwanuma City.
Our election will be held on April 20, at which time a new Mayor will be elected. It is my hope that the next Mayor will embrace the relationship we have started and be able to advance it to the next level.
Best wishes for health and prosperity in the future.
Sincerely,
James L. Hutchison
Mayor”
Mayor Hutchison welcomed the exchange students from Japan and presented them with letters to the Mayor and Governor on behalf of the Mayor, Council, and citizens of the City of Dover.
Mr. Sigawa, General Manager of Iwanuma Japan, thanked the citizens of the City of Dover for hosting their exchange students at Central Middle School from March 17th through March 26th. He presented the following letter from the Mayor of Iwanuma:
“Dear Council President McGlumphy,
It is a pleasure for me to write to you this letter of friendship. I would like to express to you my deepest gratitude for accepting our students of the City of Iwanuma, Miyagi Prefecture. It was the very important event for me in the conclusion of our friendship city relationship between the City of Dover and the City of Iwanuma when the Friendship City Agreement was signed last November.
When I visited Dover, I had a very enjoyable and fruitful time. Therefore, I have often remembered the ladies and gentlemen who beamed a cheerful welcome and the beautiful landscape in Dover.
The members of this mission consist of 10 junior high school students and two leaders. They are planning to stay for 10 days, from March 17th through March 26th and exchange with the citizens of Dover. This visit of them is the first after the conclusion of the friendship city relationship so that they may be charged with dramatic tension. However; I believe that they will deepen the exchanges in Dover with pleasure. The students of the mission were preparing for the training for visiting Dover since last August. Please give your support to them.
I think it is very significant to deepen further the mutual ties of both cities through the visit of this time. And from this time forth, I wish that the relationship between the City of Dover and the City of Iwanuma would develop even more and more.
Again, I would like to ask your favor to give our mission your help and support. We look forward to your visit to our city soon. We will welcome you heartily. I wish you good health and many happiness.
Tsuneaki Iguchi
Mayor, Iwanuma-City”
Mikka Yamamoto of Iwanuma Japan, stated that they were junior high school students from four different schools. She stated that they were very happy to be in Dover, Delaware. Ms. Yamamoto stated that they wanted to make many friends and hoped to strengthen the relationship between the two cities.
Mr. Sigawa presented Council members with a pair of Kokeshi dolls.
MAIN STREET DOVER - PRESENTATION OF AWARDS - ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Council President McGlumphy acknowledged the efforts of Steve Welde, Connie Welde, Jeff Reed, Cathy Marker, Dan Lettieri, Carol Lettieri, Dan Houghtaling, Anne Casey, Barbara Burket, Mary Fitzpatrick, Carole Gallagher, Fred Gallagher, Charlie Grimes, Loretta Grimes, Bill Bauer, and Comcast of Delmarva (sponsor), with the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Mr. Ed Perez, Main Street Director, and Ms. Jennifer Allen, Committee Chairwoman, presented the following awards for the 11th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
Category Recipient
Pot O’ Gold - Anything with Wheels Award: Bob Penny (1928 Chevrolet)
Leprechaun Award - Best Brigade/Marching Unit Dover High School Drum Line - Rolling Thunder
The Blarney Award - Best Mascot Mary Fitzpatrick
The Green Machine - Best Float The Guiness Brigade - W.T. Smithers
The Aran Award - Best Animal Teddy & Tiffany Pomeranian Dogs
The Harp Award - Best Music Group Caesar Rodney Show Chorus
The Grand Marshal Award - Best Participant Citizens Hose Company Band
The Shamrock Award - Best Overall Nur Shrine Unit
PROCLAMATION - EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY
The City Clerk read the following proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, the City of Dover employees work diligently for all of our citizens; and
WHEREAS, the employees of the City of Dover strive daily, through their dedication and hard work, to promote Community Excellence Through Quality Service; and
WHEREAS, it is due to the high productivity and accomplished efforts of our employees that the citizens of Dover are able to enjoy some of the lowest utility and tax rates in this region; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dover values its employees, recognizing that every member of the work force - from meter reader to engineer, laborer to policeman, dispatcher to secretary - is an integral part of the day to day operations of the City of Dover and its success is due largely to the pride and efforts of its employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, March 31, 2004, as CITY OF DOVER EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION DAY, in recognition of the dedication and hard work of City of Dover employees, and ask the citizens to participate in this event by taking a moment to thank a City of Dover employee for their outstanding service to our community.
RESOLUTION - SPRING CLEANUP WEEK
By motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Ritter, the following Resolution was adopted by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent):
WHEREAS, we are fortunate to live in a City so abundantly blessed with natural assets and we have a continuing responsibility for preserving our environment by keeping it clean, healthy, and beautiful; and
WHEREAS, the Annual Old Dover Days celebration, a period set aside to honor the heritage of the City, will be celebrated on April 30 - May 1, 2004; and
WHEREAS, during this celebration we have the opportunity to demonstrate to ourselves, our neighbors, and our visitors, our commitment to a clean and beautiful city.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the week of April 19 - 23, 2004 is designated as SPRING CLEANUP WEEK in the City of Dover.
2. That all organized and individual segments of our population participate in this noble effort by developing and carrying out imaginative clean-up, paint-up, and fix-up projects which will serve to enhance, restore, or maintain the beauty of all properties in our community.
3. All Spring Cleanup debris should be placed for pickup along with regular household garbage during the week of April 19 - 23, 2004 so that our City will exemplify cleanliness and beauty during the Old Dover Days celebration.
ADOPTED: MARCH 22, 2004
PRESENTATION - POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT
Chief Horvath provided a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the Police Department’s Annual Report (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk). He noted that the report was also available on the Dover Police Department’s website.
Mr. Speed commended the Police Department for the tremendous work they do on behalf of the citizens of Dover.
Council President McGlumphy credited the Police Department for their decrease in the use of sick time, especially during contract negotiations.
PUBLIC HEARING - VIOLATION OF THE DANGEROUS BUILDING ORDINANCE - 122 W. DIVISION STREET - OWNED BY LAWRENCE AYERS
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider a violation of the Dangerous Building Ordinance at 122 W. Division Street, owned by Lawrence Ayers. Mr. Grant Pritchard, Chief Building Inspector, stated that the property was declared dangerous on October 2, 2003, and that it had been left vacant and unattended for more than three (3) months. Deterioration of the building is being accelerated by weather and lack of maintenance. There is extensive exterior and interior damage requiring repair. Mr. Pritchard stated that the property consists of a two-story wood frame structure and the cost of demolition is estimated at approximately $8,000 to $10,000. Mr. Galvin noted that Mr. Ayers did not plan to attend the public hearing and indicated that he had no objections to the proposed action.
Staff recommended that City Council take the following action for property located at 122 W. Division Street: 1) declare the subject property dangerous; 2) order the property repaired or demolished by April 2, 2004 by the owner or equity 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 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.
Council President McGlumphy declared the public hearing open.
With no one present wishing to speak, Council President McGlumphy declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Speed moved that the structure located at 122 W. Division Street be declared a dangerous building and ordered that the property be demolished or repaired, in accordance with the process recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT - MARCH 8, 2004
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met on March 8, 2004, with Chairman Speed presiding.
Bid - William Street Warehouse Roof Repairs
The Presidents’ Day storm in 2003 resulted in severe damage to the William Street Warehouse roof. The efforts taken to relieve the stress caused by the weight of the snow exposed flaws in the roof and caused subsequent severe leaking. Warehouse storage racks have become rusted, and property had to be relocated to prevent damage. The current roof (installed in 1985) is out of warranty and has exceeded its expected lifetime. Minor leaking began in 2002, and roof replacement was planned for inclusion in the FY2005 budget.
Bids were solicited for repairing the William Street Warehouse roof and the low bid was received from Quality Exteriors, Inc. in the amount of $94,300. The bid included additional costs for walk pads at $25 each and steel deck replacement at $5.50 SQF. Members were advised that there could be additional costs based on the amount of damage to the steel decking, which are unknown at this time. In accordance with the Purchasing Policy, the City Manager may authorize a change order for up to 25% of the contract price. In addition to being the low bidder, Quality Exteriors, Inc. has offered deductions in their bid. Once the work is in progress, it can be determined if either of the deductions can be used. The first is to leave the existing insulation in place and re-cover it with an additional ½" of insulation. This would result in a savings of $13,200. The second is to leave the existing insulation in place and re-cover it with an additional 1" of insulation. This would result in a savings of $10,845.
The committee recommended awarding the contract for the William Street Warehouse Roof Repairs to Quality Exteriors, Inc., in the amount of $94,300, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Bid - City Hall Roof Repairs
The roof on City Hall is damaged and requires emergency repair due to serious leaking. The current roof, installed in 1985, is out of warranty and has exceeded its expected lifetime. Minor leaking began in 2002, and roof replacement was planned for inclusion in the FY2005 budget.
Bids were solicited for repairing the City Hall roof and the second low bid was received from Quality Exteriors, Inc. in the amount of $46,510. The bid included additional costs for walk pads at $25 each and tongue and groove deck at $4.00 LFT. The difference between the low bidder and Quality Exteriors, Inc. is only $1,366. Members were advised that there could be additional costs based on the amount of unlining damage, which is unknown at this time. In accordance with the Purchasing Policy, the City Manager may authorize a change order for up to 25% of the contract price.
Funding for this project would be made available from the Capital Asset Reserve. Staff recommended awarding the contract for the roof repairs at the City Hall to Quality Exteriors, Inc., in an amount of $46,510. Mr. DePrima, City Manager, explained that the second low bidder was chosen based on their price and the quality of their workmanship. They have done other roofing jobs for the City, including the police station roof, and they are located in the area, which is beneficial in the event that any warranty work is required. The award of the bid to Quality Exteriors, Inc. will provide continuity within the City.
The committee recommended awarding the contract for the City Hall Roof Repairs to Quality Exteriors, Inc., in the amount of $46,510, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Discussion - Charter and Code Review
The committee has had on-going discussions regarding possible Charter and Code amendments. In August of 2003, Council President McGlumphy requested that members of City Council and the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee review the City Charter and Code for possible changes and that any proposed changes be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office. The review was requested as a result of several comments and concerns relayed by members of Council, as well as the recent PAS Study. Members were provided copies of several sections of the Charter and Code with suggestions for their review and recommendation for possible amendments.
Section 10 - Same-Procedure
Referring to the first paragraph of Section 10, Mr. Ruane reiterated concerns regarding the requirement for compelling attendance of members, noting that there does not appear to be an ordinance for the penalties as indicated in this section. He stated that the Model Charter suggests that these procedures be included in the “Rules of the Council” rather than in an ordinance. Mr. Ruane also suggested the need for language that would provide for special situations when a “majority” of Council would be less than five (5).
Responding, Mrs. Williams suggested that the problem could be resolved if the Mayor was provided a “deciding” vote, by giving the Mayor the authority to vote in the case of a tie.
Council President McGlumphy referred to changes previously made to this section as it related to the Mayor’s veto power, specifically the addition of the word “motion”. He stated that a court case issued in the 1950's indicated that the Mayor had no veto power over a motion. Although the Mayor has rarely used his veto power, his concern is with the language inserted as a result of the NAACP Consent Decree and the ability of Council to make changes without an agreement with the NAACP. He noted that although the NAACP lawsuit involved district representation and voting, the Consent Decree includes language that created a President of City Council, an at-large Council position, etc. Mr. McGlumphy stated that it is evident that the City currently has a hybrid form of government and that personalities may have been the result of the current situation.
Mr. Pitts reiterated that he would not be willing to recommend any changes to the language included in the NAACP Consent Decree, which are now included in the City Charter. Any change, however minor it may be, could destroy the whole concept as to why the Consent Decree was made.
Mr. Gorman agreed with previous comments made by Mayor Hutchison that the current Charter distances the Mayor from being a focal part and figure head for Council since the Mayor no longer presides over the meetings nor does he have a vote. He questioned if the NAACP would have objections if the City wanted to make changes to the Charter for the betterment of City government, such as bringing the Mayor back as the presiding officer with a tie breaking vote, and the elimination of the veto power, but no changes to the 65% minority district requirement.
Mr. Pitts felt that there could be objections from the NAACP for any changes. He advised members that any changes to the Consent Decree would require the City to contact the National Office of the NAACP. He stated that previous discussions with the National Office indicate that now is not the time for any changes to be made to the Consent Decree; however, there could be a possibility for consideration of changes to be made in the year 2010.
Mr. Ruane suggested that the reasoning for the creation of the Council President could have been that the Mayor is elected at-large and a Council President is elected by the membership, the minority representation would have more of an opportunity both for a minority to become the President of Council and all members to decide who their leadership would be rather than having it decided by the electorate at-large. In that sense, since the Council President is appointed from the membership, it gives Council the opportunity to replace him if necessary. If the Mayor is automatically the presiding officer, then the Council has no authority for his removal regardless of the differential agendas that may occur between the Mayor and Council. Mr. Ruane noted that approximately 25% of municipalities elect their Mayor by the Council, which allows for the opportunity of the governing body to be brought together.
Mrs. Williams suggested that members should be cautious not to make the same mistakes that have been made in the past. Expediting the political opportunity with some bona fide methods of running a City well has not served itself over the years. One of the most important actions Council should refrain from at this time is to expedite an issue that is connected to a person or for a personal agenda. She felt that the only important issue Council must deal with at this time is to build consensus among members.
Mr. Truitt stated that regardless of the structure of government, there needs to be a system of checks and balance. If the Mayor’s veto power were eliminated, under the City’s current form of government, there would be no checks and balances.
Mr. Ritter advised members that in 1829, the City had a Council form of government and in 1929 it changed to a Mayor-Council form of government. For 100 years, the City had a Council form of government. He questioned why it changed in 1929 and why it changed in 1988. At this point, he felt that Council should be considering if there are problems with the current form of government and if it is determined that there are, Council should set personalities aside and begin discussing the possibility of correcting those problems. Mr. Ritter felt that consideration should be given to providing each member of Council authority for making appointments to the various committees and commissions of the City, such as the Planning Commission, Human Relations Commission, etc. If there was a “give and take” for these types of responsibilities that are currently of the Mayor, it may be possible to return to having the Mayor preside over the Council.
Mr. Gorman noted that the current legislature considers the City of Dover as a Council-Manager form of government with a ceremonial Mayor and that, based on previous discussions, the City could not change this due to the Consent Decree. Considering this, any discussion regarding change by Council at this time is irrelevant. He suggested that the City should initiate a meeting with the NAACP before discussing this matter further.
Concurring, Mayor Hutchison stated that he would be willing to contact the NAACP to open dialogue regarding this matter. Responding, Mr. Ruane suggested that a letter be sent to the NAACP from the Mayor and Council President.
Mr. Pitts explained that before contacting the National Office of the NAACP, the first point of contact would be with the Local Chapter of the NAACP, then the State Chapter. An agreement would need to be reached with the Local and State Chapters before contacting the National Office. He reminded members that the City was previously advised that the Local Chapter would consider the possibility of reviewing the matter for the year 2010.
Mrs. Williams suggested that the City has other alternatives that could be considered. Although the NAACP has indicated that they would not consider making any amendments until the year 2010, she felt that the City could contact them now to begin discussions. If it is determined that no amendments would be agreed upon until the year 2010, City Council could take action to amend the Charter and if there is a consensus, and the Charter amendments were approved by the General Assembly, the NAACP could respond to the amendments. Mrs. Williams explained that it is not the issue of whether amendments could be done or not but how the City chooses to have them done.
Mr. Speed stated that the Model Charter is heavily biased in favor of a Council-Manager form of government and that it is evident that the City currently has a hybrid form of government. If language is going to be used from the Model Charter, he stated that it is important to understand that it is specific to a specific form of government which it promotes. Referring to the statistics that member’s have mentioned, Mr. Speed cautioned their use, explaining that they simply indicate other municipalities have or are doing, which does not necessarily mean it would be the best option for the City of Dover. He cautioned members to be cognizant of making changes that would be for the betterment of the City of Dover and not making changes based on what the majority of other municipalities are doing. The reasons for the form of government may or may not be applicable to the City of Dover, which Council should consider when considering this matter. Mr. Speed stated that some of the items being discussed are in the Consent Decree as statements of fact and questioned if changes to those statements of fact would affect the Consent Decree to the extent it would generate concern of the NAACP and thus, concern of Council.
Responding to questions of Mrs. Williams, Mr. Pitts stated that the City of Dover was not the only municipality affected by action of the NAACP and that it was a national problem. As a result, the Decrees were issued state by state. In order to make changes, not only is consent required at the local level but the entire national agenda must be considered. Mrs. Williams suggested that in addition to contacting all levels of the NAACP, the City should contact other municipalities that may have found it necessary to amend their Consent Decree in order to continue governing in a manner that was best for their municipality.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the various branches within the City’s government as they relate to the role of the Mayor, Council, and City Manager.
Assessment Software (Cama) - Report from March 22, 2004 Committee Meeting
During the committee meeting held earlier in the evening, members reviewed bids for Assessment Software.
Mr. Cooper, City Assessor, stated that the appraisal software that is currently used by the City’s Assessors Office is unable to meet the demands of a growing city. The software is antiquated and does not have the capability of performing basic functions.
Staff recommended awarding the contract to Cole-Layer-Trumble (CLT), at a bid price of $85,400. Members were advised that the contract requires an initial payment of $26,000. The software will be hosted on its server for an additional cost of $1,800 per month for 33 months.
The committee recommended awarding the contract for mass appraisal software to the second lowest bidder, Cole-Layer-Trumble, Inc., for an initial payment of $26,000, and $1,800 per month for 33 months (total cost in the amount of $85,400), as recommended by staff.
Mr. Speed advised members that the software would assist the City Assessor and permit him to conduct the reassessment and maintain the system over the next three (3) years.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Ruane emphasized that the new software would provide the Assessor the opportunity to expand the methodology of assessment to include three methods of assessment: cost replacement, sales comparisons, and property annual income, which would provide a truer assessment. The current practice is simply cost replacement.
Mr. Speed moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Report, by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT - MARCH 9, 2004
The Transportation Review Committee met on March 9, 2004, at the Delaware Transit Administration Building, with Chairman Ruane presiding.
Tour - Delaware Transit Corporation (Dart Services)
During the committee meeting of February 10, 2004, a presentation was made by Mr. Ray Miller, Director of Delaware Transit Administration, regarding the coordination of Fixed Routes and Paratransit Services in Kent County. To better understand the operations, members were invited to tour the facility.
Members participated in a tour of the Delaware Transit Administration facility and observed the operations of the AVL (A Vehicle Locator)/GPS System.
MPO - TAC/PAC
Mr. Peter Owusu-Donkor provided members an update on recent action of the MPO - TAC/PAC. He advised members that the draft FY2005 Unified Planning Work Program was tabled by the MPO Council due to concerns from DelDOT regarding several projects listed. Since the Scarborough Road issue has been resolved, the MPO Council approved a notice to be sent which requires designated anticipation of fund sharing. The MPO Council voted to approve supporting Delaware Route 9 as a Scenic and Historic Byway. In reviewing the FY2006 TIP list, Mr. Owusu-Donkor stated that currently two (2) projects have been received from the City.
Members discussed and questioned the status of additional projects, as follows: 1) Wyoming Mill Roadway; 2) Kenton Road Corridor Upgrade; 3) Tar Ditch/Water Street Flooding; 4) Division Street Project; 5) Completion of Sidewalks; and 6) Bicycle Legislation.
The committee recommended that DelDOT’s Bicycle Coordinator be requested to attend a future meeting.
Members requested that an update on the Wyoming Mill Road Project be listed on the next committee agenda for further discussion.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Dover Parking Authority Request for Support/proposed Addendum to the Parking Study - Area of Wesley College
Members received a copy of a potential Addendum to the Parking Study relative to the area immediately adjacent to Wesley College. Mr. Koenig reviewed and explained the purpose of the addendum, which would be for the review of specific parking conditions in the Wesley College area, as well as a review of Campus Community School for its impact in relation to Wesley College.
The Addendum, provided by Kise Straw & Kolodner, proposes a cost of $11,000. Mr. Koenig stated that the Dover Parking Authority has approved the project for fiscal year 2005 and hopes to obtain funding assistance from the City of Dover and Wesley College. He advised members that it has been suggested that the evaluation be conducted in the fall rather than spring to account for a higher number of registered students. The delay would also provide the City the opportunity to include funding in their budget to assist in this project.
The committee recommended that the Director of Planning and Inspections include $4,000 in the budget for next fiscal year to share in the cost for the Addendum to the Parking Study as presented by Kise Straw & Kolodner.
Mr. Ruane moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Mr. Carey expressed concern that the parking study would be a duplication of the study conducted during the expansion of Wesley College. Responding, Mr. Ruane stated that it was his understanding that the Planning and Public Works staff recommended the addendum to the parking study in order to extend the study into a larger residential and commercial area. Mr. Ruane also suggested that the criteria that the college used may be different than that used by a professional group. Mr. Galvin stated that he would be meeting with Dr. Miller of Wesley College to determine what information they obtained through their study. He noted that he would suggest including their findings in the scope of services for the proposed study.
Mr. DePrima reminded members that the recommendation was to include $4,000 in the budget for next fiscal year to share in the cost for the Addendum to the Parking Study. He noted that the amount could be reconsidered or deleted during the budget review process.
The motion to approve the committee’s recommendation that the Director of Planning and Inspections include $4,000 in the budget for next fiscal year to share in the cost for the Addendum to the Parking Study as presented by Kise Straw & Kolodner failed by a roll call vote of five (5) no, three (3) yes (Mr. Pitts, Mr. Ruane and Council President McGlumphy), and one (1) absent (Mr. Salters).
Mr. Koenig advised members that the Parking Authority will be scheduling a meeting and inviting interested parties for a presentation of the Parking Study. City Clerk’s Office Note: A meeting has been scheduled for this presentation on April 1, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
White Oak Road Utility Poles
Mr. Laing advised members that DelDOT will grant permission to install utility poles in the right-of-way along White Oak Road; however, the Route 1 crossing may or may not be approved and approval of the installation of utility poles should not be construed as approval of the Route 1 crossing.
UPDATES
Members were provided the following updates:
Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan - Continuity of Bicycle Routes
During the committee meeting on February 10, 2004, Mr. Asay expressed concerns regarding the continuity of bicycle/pedestrian paths throughout the City. On behalf of the committee, Mr. Asay attended a public workshop on the Delaware Bicycle Master Plan proposed by DelDOT. As a result, he prepared a critique of the Delaware Bicycle Facility Master Plan 2004 and reviewed it with members. He stated that the Plan places emphasis on providing corridors between communities. It was his opinion that there is a great opportunity to promote bicycle use, reduce vehicle traffic, reduce pollution, etc. The everyday person is not interested in riding bicycles from one community to the next but rather within their community; however, there must be continuity. Mr. Asay explained that if a bicycle route is not 100% safe, then people will not ride bikes. If there is continuity within the community, he felt assured that more people would ride bicycles to work, school, meetings, etc. Mr. Asay advised members that Davis, California is a community similar to Dover in size and shape (flat). There was a conscientious effort to address continuity in their Bicycle Master Plan and, as a result, there has been a substantial increase in bicycle use.
Mr. Asay felt that the Delaware Bicycle Master Plan should primarily concentrate on completing bicycle/pedestrian routes. The second priority should be to establish a Dover Bike Loop for recreational bicyclists. To attract bicyclists, he suggested that the loop be removed from vehicular traffic, which could possibly be accomplished by use of right-of-way areas where there are large electrical lines or in areas where there were former railroad tracks.
Mr. Asay provided members a critique statement and suggested that members recommend adoption of the critique as a policy statement to be forwarded to the State for their consideration.
Mr. Asay advised members that workshops were held in February and additional workshops are scheduled to be held in May. A final study/report is expected in June/July 2004.
The committee recommended adoption of the policy statement as presented.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Eden Hill Farm and Proposed Extension of Saulsbury Road
Mr. Galvin reported that an ordinance for a new Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) zoning classification for the City of Dover is being developed.
Signalization
There was no update provided on the signalization project.
College Road and Extension of Crawford Carroll Road
Mr. Laing advised members that the construction contract had been awarded.
Traffic Studies
SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects
Mr. Laing advised members that the initial study is being completed to determine what the needs are for mitigation. Members suggested that a letter be sent to Mr. Brockenbrough, DelDOT Project Engineer, to determine expectancy of the study.
Discussion - April Meeting Date
Mr. Ruane indicated that he would not be available for the next regularly scheduled meeting for April and asked the pleasure of the committee. He also noted that with the upcoming election, the City Clerk’s Office will be concentrating their efforts in its preparation. Unless there are urgent items necessary for the committee’s review, he suggested that the meeting in April be canceled.
The committee recommended that the Transportation Review Committee Meeting in April be cancelled.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Mr. Carey moved for acceptance of the Transportation Review Committee Report, by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Speed and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT - MARCH 9, 2004
The Utility Committee met on March 9, 2004, with Chairman Ruane presiding.
Persimmon Park Place - Right-of-Way and Street Dedication
Members were provided detailed information regarding the Persimmon Park Place development, w