REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on April 24, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Weller.
Council staff members present were Captain Horvath, Mr. Cooper, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Mrs. Green, and Mr. Rodriguez. Chief Carey was absent.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President Christiansen 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 Reverend David Brumbaugh, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 10, 2000
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 10, 2000 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Weller and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PROCLAMATION - ARBOR DAY
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, in 1872 J. Sterling Morton proposed that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees and to recognize the importance of trees in our lives and this holiday, called Arbor Day, is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dover was once again named a Tree City USA in 1999 for the eleventh consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing Dover for its outstanding urban forestry program; and
WHEREAS, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, reduce heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and
WHEREAS, trees in our City increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, and beautify our community and the community's tree planting program is a living memorial to the citizens' concerns for the quality of life; and
WHEREAS, planting and caring for trees is a very special gift that one generation gives to the next.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2000 as ARBOR DAY in the City of Dover, and urge all citizens to support the efforts to plant and care for our public trees along our streets and in our parks.
FURTHER, as the City of Dover plants trees on public property, I urge all citizens to plant trees on private property to enhance the environment and promote the well-being of present and future generations.
Council President Christiansen noted that the City would be planting a commemorative tree at Silver Lake Park on Friday, April 28, 2000 in observance of Arbor Day and invited the public and City staff to participate.
PROCLAMATION - EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK
The City Clerk read the following Proclamation into the record:
WHEREAS, emergency medical service is a vital public service and access to quality emergency care dramatically improves the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury; and
WHEREAS, emergency medical service providers have traditionally served as the safety net of America’s health care system; and
WHEREAS, emergency medical service teams consist of physicians, nurses, medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters, educators, administrators, and others, who are ready to provide lifesaving care to those in need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
WHEREAS, approximately two-thirds of all emergency medical service providers are volunteers; and
WHEREAS, the members of emergency medical services teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continuing education to enhance their lifesaving skills; and
WHEREAS, Americans benefit daily from the knowledge and skills of these highly trained individuals; and
WHEREAS, injury prevention and the appropriate use of the Emergency Medical Service system will help reduce national health care costs; and
WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the value and accomplishments of emergency medical service providers by designating Emergency Medical Services Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES L. HUTCHISON, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, do hereby proclaim May 14 - 20, 2000 as “EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK" and urge our citizens to participate wholeheartedly in its observance.
Mayor Hutchison, Mr. Carey (Deputy Fire Chief of Robbins Hose Company), and Mr. Truitt (Chairman of the Safety Advisory Committee) presented the Proclamation to Chief Colin Faulkner, Kent County Emergency Medical Services. Chief Faulkner thanked members for the recognition and stated that he would relay their appreciation to his staff.
PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED TRASH FEE
During the Utility Committee meeting of April 10, 2000, members recommended instituting a trash fee at a cost of $5 per month, per residence/trash pickup to become effective for the July 1, 2000 billing cycle. It was recommended that a public hearing be held by Council prior to taking action on the committee’s recommendation, therefore, a public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place.
Mr. O’Connor, City Manager, reminded members that approximately $600,000 is necessary to cover the City’s revenue needs. Staff has proposed a $5 per month, per pickup charge for residential trash customers within the City, and a $17 per month, per pickup charge for new commercial (300 gallon container) and/or non-resident trash customers. Mr. O’Connor stated that the trash fee is preferable rather than an increase in the property tax rate since the fee would apply directly to those citizens utilizing the service. He informed members that the estimated service cost for trash collection is $12.45 per pickup. The fee is not intended to pay for trash service cost, but to generate the necessary revenues in lieu of a tax increase.
Responding to Mr. Truitt, Mr. O’Connor stated that the $5 per month charge is based on a once per week trash pickup and that any additional pickups would require a fee increase.
Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing open.
Mrs. Beulah Gray, 722 Forest Street, stated that she was opposed to the proposed trash fee. It was her feeling that the City’s records did not reflect current poverty level figures and the fee would be a hardship for residents on a fixed income, many of which are elderly and do not generate a large amount of trash. Mrs. Gray felt that the City has grown and that the demand for services exceeds performance potential.
Responding to Mrs. Gray, Mr. O’Connor stated that the City has less employees since 1993; however, services continue to increase. There has been over $1 million per year spent over the last four (4) years in paving and repairing streets. Power outage problems have been addressed and improvements made to the electric service. There is also more reliability and dependability in the water system. Mr. O’Connor stated that although landfill fees have not increased, the equipment and fuel costs related to trash service have risen.
Mr. Karia, Finance Director/Treasurer, advised members that the trend is to institute/increase service based fees rather than property taxes.
With regard to the need for additional revenue, Mr. Salters stated that without State and Federal Grants, City property taxes would not cover the costs of providing law enforcement services to residents.
Mr. Javan Davis, 635 Nimitz Drive, stated that he has considered the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed trash fee and felt that since the tax rate is very low and the City is well managed, the proposed fee is necessary and fair. He also supports the proposed fee since it is user-based and does not apply only to the taxpayers. He suggested, however, that the trash fee be reviewed in one (1) year to determine if the need for the additional funds remains.
Responding to Mr. Davis, Mr. O’Connor stated that any trash fees would be included in the budget and, therefore, reviewed each year for approval.
Mr. Lee Anders, 21 Elm Terrace, questioned if there has been consideration of operating the trash service strictly based on a user fee and then reducing the property taxes. Responding, Mr. O’Connor explained that the actual costs for trash pickup is approximately $12.45 per month, per pickup. He expressed concern that the reduction in property taxes, which would be approximately .08 cents per $100 of assessed value, would not be proportionate with the $12.45 fee. Mr. O’Connor also stated that in considering alternatives, it was felt that the proposed trash fee would have the least impact on residents in order to obtain the required funds.
Mr. James Wright, 1435 S. Hancock Avenue, stated that he is on a fixed income and asked if the fee could be paid bi-yearly. Mr. O’Connor stated that the fee could be paid in advance if customers so desired.
With no one else wishing to speak, Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing closed. (Action regarding this matter will be taken during the latter part of the meeting in considering the report of the Utility Committee).
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - DUPONT STREET ABANDONMENT - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION ADOPTED NOVEMBER 22, 1999
During their Regular Meeting of November 22, 1999, Council adopted a Resolution vacating and abandoning DuPont Street. Section 3 of the Resolution stipulated that the City shall retain a utility easement for the entire length and width of the aforesaid street. The City of Dover, as the Grantor, has since determined that there is no need to reserve an easement on the abandoned portion of the property with the agreement that any utilities in the area as conveyed, to the extent the Grantee erects a permanent structure which would otherwise be over the utility, Grantee shall relocate same at their expense.
Mrs. Green, City Clerk, explained that the proposed Resolution would amend Section 3 of the Resolution adopted November 22, 1999 to exclude the reservation of any easement, under the conditions stipulated.
By motion of Mr. Lambert, seconded by Mrs. Malone, the following Resolution was adopted by a unanimous roll call vote:
AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION ADOPTED NOVEMBER 22, 1999 VACATING AND ABANDONING DUPONT STREET SITUATED IN THE CITY OF DOVER.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
That Section 3 of a Resolution adopted November 22, 1999 vacating and abandoning DuPont Street be amended to read as follows:
Section 3. The City of Dover does not reserve any easement, utility or otherwise, over the above described property; the express condition of not reserving same being that to the extent there be any utilities in the area as conveyed herein, to the extent Grantee erects a permanent structure which would otherwise be over the utility, Grantee shall relocate same at Grantee’s expense. All costs of conveyance shall be borne by the property owners.
ADOPTED: APRIL 24, 2000
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on April 10, 2000 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Downtown Dover Business Improvement District - Assessment (Tax) Rate for FY 2000-2001
In accordance with Appendix D, Article III, Section 9(f) of the Dover Code (Downtown Dover Business Improvement District Ordinance), an annual budget and assessment rate must be adopted each year. Staff recommended approval of the proposed budget ordinance for the Downtown Dover BID and the Assessment (Tax) Rate for FY 2000-2001, as follows:
Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 TOTAL
Assessment Tax Rate
Per $100 Assessment 0.145 0.1025 0.035 —
Revenue Raised $21,500 $17,200 $4,300 $43,000
% Revenue Raised 50% 40% 10% —
Number of Parcels 136 129 58 323
Average Assessment $158 $133 $74 $122
For informational purposes, staff also provided members with the total revenues and expenses of Main Street Dover, Inc. for 1999-2000 Revised and for 2000-2001 Proposed.
The committee recommended approval of the proposed budget ordinance for the Downtown Dover BID and Assessment (Tax) Rate for FY 2000-2001, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation by consent agenda, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting).
Procedure - Requests for Street Name Change
Members were advised that the City recently received a request for a street name change. In order to determine the necessary action required for such a request, past Council Minutes were researched and the Dover Code of Ordinances was reviewed. Apparently, this matter has not been before Council, nor is there an existing City ordinance that addresses such a request. After discussing this matter with several staff members, Council President Christiansen felt that a procedure should be established. As a result, the City Clerk presented a procedure for members to review that would assure all concerns would be addressed in considering requests for a street name change.
Referring to the proposed procedure, Mr. Leary felt that requests for a street name change should be more stringent in that such “requests” should be submitted in the form of a petition, which will avoid frivolous, isolated requests. This would alleviate a lot of work for only one (1) or a very few number of property owners’ desire for a street name change, suggesting that a majority of the property owners be required for consideration of these requests.
The committee recommended that this matter be referred back to staff to formulate a proposed ordinance establishing a procedure for requests for street name changes, to include that such requests must be made by a majority of the affected property owners.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation by consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Community Development Block Grant - FY2000 Recommended Spending and Programs, and Proposed Resolution
Members were provided a proposed Resolution for the approval of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan (2000-2004) and the 2000 Action Plan. The Action Plan includes the City’s request for its $296,000 CDBG Entitlement. Members were also provided with the Consolidated Plan, which is a required HUD document that establishes a five-year strategy for the program. This Plan includes the Action Plan, which proposes projects use of funds to achieve the goals, along with certain required policy statements and certifications.
The Community Block Grant Advisory Committee reviewed the proposals for funding and recommended the following activities to be funded by the City of Dover CDBG Program for FY2000/2001:
Dover Police Department Community Policing $25,000
NCALL Home Ownership Counseling $10,500
Program Administration $59,200
Fair Housing Counseling $5,900
Neighborhood Home Ownership Program $30,000
Rehabilitation and Relocation of Queens Manor Entrance $35,000
Target Area Safety Improvements (Street Lights) $5,400
Target Area Economic Redevelopment $125,000
TOTAL $296,000
The committee recommended approval of the FY2000 CDBG Recommended Spending and Programs, and Proposed Resolution, as recommended by the Community Block Grant Advisory Committee.
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mrs. Malone, Council unanimously approved the committee’s recommendation by consent agenda and adopted the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, the City of Dover is entitled to $296,000 through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has prepared the 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan, in accordance with United States Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines, that serve as the primary planning document for identifying and meeting the housing and community development needs for the low and moderate-income residents of Dover; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dover is in favor of utilizing the Community Development Block Grant funds for community development purposes in accordance with the National Community Development objectives of benefitting low and moderate income families, eliminating slums and blight, and meeting other community development objectives; and
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development requires the City of Dover to submit a Consolidated Plan and an Action Plan for Application for Federal Assistance including the proposed use of funds and including certain certifications and policies to obtain its $296,000 entitlement; and
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has prepared the attached Application for Federal Assistance, and presented it at an advertised public hearing held on March 1, 2000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER approve the 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan and application for Federal Assistance included in the Action Plan, along with certifications and policies attached, and authorize its forwarding to the United States Department of Urban Development for consideration.
ADOPTED: April 24, 2000
Miscellaneous Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The City Planner, Mr. DePrima, submitted and explained three (3) miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments to the committee, as follows:
Article 3, Section 15.15(e) - Setbacks for Underground Fuel Storage Tanks - The NFPA specifies various setback requirements for storage tanks based upon the volatility of the substance being stored. In recognition of the vast amount of specific data and research that the National Fire Protection Code (NFPA) relies upon in developing national standards, it would be appropriate for the City to enforce national standards. The proposed amendment will eliminate a 35 foot setback requirement for underground fuel storage tanks in the C-3 (Service Commercial) Zone and instead requires the standards of the NFPA.
Article 12 (Definitions); Article 10, Section 2, Subsection 2.2 and 2.491; and Article 10, Section 2.5, Subsection 2.58 - Site Development Master Plans - Phasing of Development - These proposed amendments will have the effect of establishing parameters for the review and approval of site development master plans. The purpose of these amendments is to improve the process for large multiple building development projects by: 1) establishing a definition which describes a Site Development Master Plan; 2) add to the list of Planning Commission objectives relative to the review and consideration of site plans; 3) specifies a validation period for approval of master plans; and 4) specifies minimum plan information required on a Site Development Master Plan.
Article 5, Section 1, Subsection 1.5, items 1.51 and 1.55; and Article 5, Section 7, Subsection 7.5 - Fence Height Limitation for Residential Front Yards - These proposed amendments will have the effect of reducing the maximum fence height permitted within residential front yard areas from 6.5 feet to 4 feet and establish a separate and more obvious code section that describes residential fence provisions. In addition, the amendment places a prohibition on barbed wire fences or similar material in residential zoning districts. It will also provide a section that describes limitations on fences in non-residential zones and places a prohibition on barbed wire along property lines that adjoin residential zones.
The committee recommended approval of the miscellaneous zoning ordinance amendments, as recommended by staff. (It is noted that a public hearing is required and it is recommended that the public hearing be scheduled for May 22, 2000 at 7:30 p.m.).
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation by consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the ordinance will take place during the latter part of the meeting).
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report by consent agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Parks and Recreation Committee met on April 10, 2000 with Chairwoman Malone presiding.
Update - Super Summer Playground Program
During their meeting on November 22, 1999, members were reminded of a letter received from the Capital School District indicating that their facilities would not be available for use during the summer of 2000 and that staff was investigating alternatives for the Super Summer Playground Program.
Since that meeting, staff has been notified by the Capital School District that the City of Dover will be able to utilize William Henry Middle School and North Elementary School for the Super Summer Playground Program. As a result, the Parks and Recreation Department is in the process of hiring staff and making final plans for the program. A special Summer Camp Brochure is being produced and distributed to notify participants about the Summer Programs. It was noted that, although the Summer Playground Program will be held in the Summer of 2000, staff has concerns regarding the future of this program. As a result of the recent referendum, facilities throughout the Capital School District will have major construction underway and with the issue of summer school and school accountability, there could be major problems in obtaining the use of these facilities in future years.
Although the concerns have been addressed for this year and the City is able to continue the Super Summer Playground Program, Council President Christiansen urged that staff be directed to continue investigating alternatives. He further stressed that regardless of any action relative to the proposed facility at Schutte Park, this issue must be addressed since approval of the construction of the indoor recreational facility would take years, and therefore, would not resolve the lack of facilities for the next few years.
It was the consensus of committee members that staff continue to review alternatives for providing the Super Summer Playground Program for the future. No further action was taken by Council.
Mrs. Malone moved for acceptance of the Parks and Recreation Committee Report by consent agenda, assuring members that staff will continue to review alternatives for the Super Summer Playground Program. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on April 10, 2000 with Chairman Lambert presiding.
Bid - Television Inspection System for Sanitary Sewer System (Contract #2000-03)
To further evaluate inflow and infiltration into the City’s sanitary sewer system, staff solicited bids for one (1) small diameter and one (1) mainline television inspection system for sanitary sewers. This equipment will be used to identify inflow and infiltration problem areas of the sewer system. In addition, it will be used to evaluate the integrity of our underground sewer pipe network. This equipment will be used by the City of Dover’s engineering and maintenance staff throughout the year.
Staff recommended that a purchase order be issued to the low bidder, Aries Industries, Inc., in the amount of $28,981 for the purchase of a television inspection system for the sanitary sewer system.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Lambert moved to award the bid to Aries Industries, Inc. in the amount of $28,981, for the purchase of a television inspection system for the sanitary sewer system, as recommended by the committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weller and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Bid - 2000 Resurfacing Program
In conjunction with the City of Dover Capital Investments Plan, it is proposed to resurface various streets throughout the City during 2000. To date, the City has received a financial commitment from Suburban Street Aid Agreements for nine (9) streets. Additional requests for streets have been forwarded to the legislators for consideration as outlined in the program. Funding for this project will be provided by Suburban Street Aid Agreements and the Street Department Capital Budget.
Staff recommended awarding the contract for the 2000 Resurfacing Program to the low bidder, A.P. Croll & Son, Inc. from Georgetown, Delaware, in the amount of $670,435.46. It was noted that the average cost will be $6.23 per square yard and that additional work will be completed based upon the average cost.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Lambert thanked Senators Still and Bonini, and Representatives Wagner and Stone for their continued support regarding this matter.
Mr. Lambert moved to award the contract for the 2000 Resurfacing Program to the low bidder, A.P. Croll & Son, Inc. of Georgetown, Delaware, in the amount of $670,435.46, as recommended by the committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Proposed Trash Fee
The City of Dover, like any organization, needs adequate working capital in order to operate effectively. Staff had been discussing the possibility of instituting a trash fee as a revenue source in an attempt to fill the working capital needs for the General Fund. During the past several years, the City’s expenses have increased steadily; however, no property tax increase or major fees have been increased to generate additional revenue. The increases in the expenditures were paid through the increased revenues generated by the growth of the City and some minor fee revisions. It is estimated that as of July 1, 2000, the City will need an additional $600,000 to $700,000 in revenues to maintain the desired level of working capital.
Staff has evaluated the pros and cons of raising property taxes and of using “fees” as a source of additional revenues. This information was provided to Council during their Retreat held earlier this year. Staff felt that “fees” would be a more useful source for additional revenues and recommended that a trash fee be established at a rate of $5 per month, per residence/trash pickup. Considering that there are 11,000 trash pickups, at $5 per month, per residence/pickup, this fee would generate $660,000 annually. This fee will include those that currently receive the service and a tax exemption. The billing of this service fee would be monthly and included on the current electric and water/wastewater bill. Staff recommended approval of the trash fee at $5 per month, per residence/trash pickup to become effective for the July 1, 2000 billing cycle.
During the committee meeting, Mr. O’Connor explained that only those customers that are actually receiving the service would be billed and that the City would not be providing this service for those residents that have private trash service.
The committee recommended approval of instituting a trash fee at a cost of $5 per month, per residence/trash pickup to become effective for the July 1, 2000 billing cycle, as recommended by staff.
Mr. Carey reiterated his feeling that there should be some type of sunset provision to allow members the opportunity to determine if the City’s goal has been achieved.
Responding, Mr. Salters did not feel that there will be a need for the sunset provision, explaining that the possibility of a reduction in expenses for the City is not probable and that in order to generate the additional revenues as indicated, a 10% - 15% tax increase would be necessary.
Mr. O’Connor explained that these fees are included in the budget and that each year, Council has the opportunity to make any amendments to revenues as well as expenditures when reviewing the budget for approval.
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to institute a trash fee of $5 per month, per residence/trash pickup, to become effective for the July 1, 2000 billing cycle, seconded by Mr. Salters.
Mr. Carey moved to amend the motion to include a two (2) year sunset provision. The motion failed due to the lack of a second.
On a call for the question by Mr. Salters, the motion approving the committee’s recommendation was carried by a roll call vote of eight (8) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Carey).
Mr. Lambert moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
ELECTION RESULTS - 2000 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Mrs. Green, City Clerk, reminded members that in accordance with Title 15 Del.C. §7502, when there is only one (1) official candidate for each office, the official candidate may assume office without the holding of a formal election. Therefore, since all open positions for Mayor and Council were unopposed, there was no need to hold an election this year.
The following will be sworn into office during the Annual Council Meeting on May 8, 2000 for two (2) year terms:
Mayor - James L. Hutchison
First District - Bruce T. Gorman
Second District - William P. McGlumphy
Third District - William P. Truitt
Fourth District - John W. Pitts
Mrs. Malone moved to accept the election results, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
SETTING OF PROPERTY ASSESSMENT APPEALS AND APPOINTMENT OF ASSESSMENT APPEALS COMMITTEE
The City Assessor, Mr. Cooper, requested that the property assessment appeals be held on May 23, 2000 between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Council President Christiansen requested that Councilmen Salters (Chairman), Weller, and Carey serve as Property Assessment Appeals Committee Members, with Councilman Elect McGlumphy serving as an alternate.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the above recommendations, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENTS (MAYOR HUTCHISON) - GREATER DOVER ARTS COUNCIL - TERMS TO EXPIRE JUNE 1, 2001
Mayor Hutchison requested the appointments of Ms. Lynn Appel (to fill unexpired term of Mr. Irving Levitt), Mr. Fred Kaltreider (to fill unexpired term of Dr. Donald Parks), and Mrs. Jackie LaGuardia-McCabe (to fill unexpired term of Mr. Reuben Salters) to the Greater Dover Arts Council. These terms will expire June 1, 2001.
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the appointments to the Greater Dover Arts Council, as recommended by Mayor Hutchison. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
MONTHLY REPORTS - MARCH 2000
By motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mrs. Malone, the following monthly reports were unanimously accepted by consent agenda:
Chief of Police Report
City Assessor Report
City Clerk/Alderman Report (Fines)
City Manager Report
Mayor’s Report
General Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Water/Sewer Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Electric Revenue Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Improvement and Extension Fund, Cash Receipts & Budget Report
Internal Service Fund, Revenue & Budget Report
Referring to the first page of the Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report, “Inspectors Provide a Helping Hand”, Mr. Truitt commended Inspectors Sam Gonzalez and Jack Mitchell for going above and beyond their duties to provide assistance to a citizen in need.
Mr. Salters moved to accept the Building Inspector and Fire Marshal Report, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
CITY MANAGER’S SEMI-ANNUAL INSPECTION - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY
In accordance with Section 7-18 of the City Code, the City Manager performed the semi-annual inspection of the Robbins Hose Company. Mr. O’Connor met with the Fire Chief and noted the following points:
►The Company is still experiencing good response from the membership to fire calls and training.
►It is anticipated that by May 1, 2000 the 800 Mhz radio system will be in complete operation.
►The communications room is under renovation and should be completed before May 1, 2000.
►The emergency generator and new phone system is operational at Fire Station #1.
►Robbins Hose Company participated in the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Home and Trade Show at the Dover Mall during the weekend of April 7th through the 9th