COUNCIL COMMITTEES
The Council Committees Meeting was held on October 25, 1999, at 6:15 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, Mr. Weller, and Mayor Hutchison.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mrs. Malone moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilman Leary, Councilwoman Malone, and Mr. Merritt. Councilman Truitt was deputized to serve in the absence of Mr. Gorman.
Discussion - Remuneration for City Council, Council President, Civilian Committee Members, and Planning Commission Members
Council President Christiansen reminded members that the General Assembly has amended the City Charter that allows Council to set the remuneration levels for the Mayor, members of Council and others. It is Council’s policy to periodically review several issues involving the City. When the remuneration levels were last reviewed, it was agreed that this matter would be brought back for reconsideration. Noting that sufficient time has lapsed since the last review, it was Council President Christiansen’s feeling that it would be appropriate to review this matter at this time to consider a possible increase or decrease in the remuneration levels. He emphasized that no member of Council initiated this issue for discussion.
At the request of Council President Christiansen and as Chairman of the Salary Review Committee, Mr. Leary provided information with regards to Council salaries for discussion purposes only, as follows:
►Based upon the City Charter, Council commenced holding two (2) meetings per month in 1953. Before then, Council was limited to 15 meetings per year. The compensation in 1953 was $10 per meeting for a total of $240 per year.
►Composing $240 annually with inflation to December 31, 1998, yields $1,448.
►Factoring for population growth: The City’s population in 1950 was 6,223; in 1998 it was 33,819 - the difference, or growth, is 5.43 times.
►Taking the above into consideration and to complete the calculation:
$1,448 x 5.43 = $7,862 per year = $655 per month
Mr. Lambert stated that he would support a modest increase for Civilian Mommittee and Planning Commission members; however, he would not support any type of increase for Council at this time. As requested when considering increases for senior staff of the City, he stated that he has obtained information from the National League of Cities on 67 other municipalities for comparison. He advised members that, based upon a population of 30,000 to 34,000, the average council pay is $3,629.24 annually, which is $29.24 more than Council’s current pay. Utilizing this comparison as a method of calculating an amount that would be appropriate, it was his feeling that members of Council are currently being paid at a proper level. He also relayed concern that if the salary is increased, there would be a greater possibility of individuals running for office for all the wrong reasons. Should an increase be recommended, Mr. Lambert felt that it should not be for the current members of Council and that such an increase would become effective after each member has gone before the public for re-election. He reminded members that the City is currently over $1 million short for next year’s budget. It was his feeling that if it is necessary to raise taxes, the perception will be that the taxes are being raised to pay for Council salary increases.
Mr. Pitts indicated that in the past, he did not feel that Council should be paid an enormous amount of money to serve the public. Having served for almost nine (9) years on Council, he has realized that Council works very hard and on many occasions must make difficult decisions. Referring to Mr. Lambert’s concept to determine an appropriate salary amount, he reminded members that when it was time to increase the salary for a full-time Mayor, this concept was not utilized. It was his feeling that a huge increase has not been proposed and that future Council’s should be paid more adequately than they have been in the past. He agreed that each member of Council should run for re-election before any salary increase is instituted.
Mr. Weller stated that serving as an effective member of Council takes many more hours than he thought it would when he first ran for Council. Although he was aware of the remuneration, it was not for that reason that he chose to run for Council. It was his feeling that in order to attract qualified candidates in the future, consideration of a salary increase is necessary at this time.
Mrs. Malone stated her support for a salary increase. It was her feeling that individuals should be remunerated fairly for their services to the City. The City has grown over the eight (8) years since she was elected to Council and the workload continues to increase, noting the addition of subcommittees and ad-hoc committees, meetings, etc. She indicated her concurrence with many of the comments made regarding assurance of qualified candidates for the future. Although future Council’s should not be serving for the purpose of a salary, Mrs. Malone felt that they should be reimbursed for their time and recommended Council’s salary be set at $650 per month, Council President be set at 15% more than Council, $75 per meeting for Civilian Committee members, and $100 per meeting for Planning Commission members, to be effective January 1, 2000.
Mr. Carey felt that the calculation presented by Mr. Leary is logical and agrees that consideration should be given to reimbursement for the time given to the City.
Mr. Truitt stated that individuals interested in running for public office do not do so for the money. The City would not be able to pay the salary it would take to have individuals run for the money. Although he agreed that the increase in population should be factored into the calculation of an increase, he relayed concern with utilizing the population growth of 5.43 for determining a salary. As an example, he explained that when a manager is responsible for 10 people and that responsibility increases to 50 people, the salary would not be increased 5 times.
Agreeing with all other members of Council, Mr. Leary stated that his decision to serve as a member of Council was not due to money. However, he noted that there are many financial differences between members of Council, some being retired and receiving a pension, others that are independently employed, those that receive a salary or commissions, etc. Although he has been fortunate to have the ability to serve Council without consideration of remuneration, it is his fear that this may not be the case for others. In order to keep diversity within Council, Mr. Leary felt that it would be pertinent to consider an increase in Council’s salary. He reminded members that leadership requires making difficult decisions that are based on what each member feels would be best for the City and stated that this issue would be no different.
Mr. Pitts indicated his concurrence with those statements made by Mr. Leary.
Council President Christiansen reiterated his feeling that members should delay action in order for a solid recommendation to be developed for re-submission to the committee for their review and recommendation. He referred to the statements made by each member, indicating that the primary motivation for serving the City is for the good of the City and because the City is in the heart. Although the Council that is serving today will be taking action regarding this matter, Council President Christiansen stated that it will not necessarily affect current members; however, it may be the decision that will provide an opportunity for our citizens to fulfill their interest in serving the City in the future. Alluding to the costs involved in serving the City, he noted that there may be individuals that have the desire to serve but, unfortunately, are not in the financial position to do so. It was his feeling that no one should be making a lot of money by serving and at the same time, it should not cost them to do so either.
Responding to Mr. Weller, Mr. Lambert indicated that the survey conducted of other municipalities did not include budgetary figures, feeling that they would be irrelevant. He reminded members that the majority of the City’s budget is for the Electric Department, which Council is not responsible for, as they were in previous years.
Mr. Salters stated that the average citizen enjoys the safety and welfare of this City based on the decisions and rules made by City Council. Noting that, although there are approximately 30,000 citizens of this City, as the capital of the State of Delaware, and because of the small towns that surround the City, Council actually governs the surrounding areas of the City as well. There are concerns and decisions made that affect more people than just those that reside in the limits of Dover. Mr. Salters stated that the reference to the need for remuneration to serve on Council is
not germane to his position on this issue since his personal financial situation allows him to serve without being influenced by the compensation. However, he suggested that members put into perspective the job that is performed by Council and the possibility of the influence this decision could have for future potential candidates.
Mrs. Malone moved to recommend an increase in salaries, to be effective January 1, 2000, as follows: Council - $650 per month; Council President - $750 per month; Civilian Committee Members - $75 per meeting; and Planning Commission Members - $100 per meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and carried with Mr. Truitt voting no.
(City Clerk’s Office Note: The committee’s recommendation requires an amendment to Section 2-70 of the Dover Code; therefore, if approved by Council, an ordinance will be drafted to be submitted to the Legislative and Finance Committee for their review once the necessary sponsors are obtained).
Delaware State University Forebay Project - Funding Commitment
Members reviewed a request from Mr. Randy Greer, Environmental Engineer for the Sediment & Stormwater Program of DNREC, for the City’s funding commitment in the amount of $16,000 for the DSU Forebay Project. Mr. O’Connor reminded members that although Council approved the report and concept of the project for the improvement to Silver Lake, no action was officially taken to approve the $16,000 commitment. He also assured members that this issue was discussed and informally approved by the City/County Committee.
Mr. O’Connor stated that it is estimated that the Forebay Project will cost in excess of $125,000, with Kent County and the City of Dover contributing $16,000 each and the remaining funding to be acquired from DNREC. Representative Nancy Wagner has assisted in obtaining State funding for this project. Included in the Forebay Project will be the aeration, which will result in a total project cost of $400,000. At this time, there have been no additional requests for assistance of City funding.
Mrs. Malone moved to recommend that the City commit $16,000 to DNREC to begin the Forebay Project at Delaware State University and that this matter be presented to Council this evening for action. The motion was seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Mrs. Malone moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:58 P.M.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE
The Parks and Recreation Committee met with Chairwoman Malone presiding. Members present were Councilmen Pitts and Truitt, Mrs. Moerschel, and Mr. Davis.
Request of Military Order of the Purple Heart - Designation of Land for Veterans Memorial
A letter was submitted by Mr. Harry Long, Welfare Officer (Chapter 1728) of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, requesting consideration that the City of Dover designate a location for a memorial to all veterans of all United States wars. Special thoughts would be for military members that are currently prisoners of war or missing in action.
Mr. Long indicated that he has met with Mr. O’Connor, City Manager, and Mr. Hedgecock, Chamber of Commerce, regarding the possibility of utilizing property located north of the Division Street bridge, in the City park area. This area would provide a location for a solemn memorial to our veterans that would be visited and appreciated by veterans and their families for many years. Should the City approve the designation of this site to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Mr. Long assured members that the project will be one that the City will be proud of once completed. It is anticipated that the memorial will be similar to the Washington, D.C. memorials.
Mr. O’Connor advised members that the area recommended was selected since there is an existing walkway that would provide handicap accessibility. The members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart have assured him that they would maintain the monument. Due to the location being in the general area of the current fireman’s memorial, it was his feeling that the proposed monument would add beauty to the downtown area. Staff recommended authorization to work with the members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart to develop legal boundaries and a description of the proposed site.
In response to Mrs. Moerschel, Mr. O’Connor assured members that there would be an agreement stipulating that the Military Order of the Purple Heart will be responsible for the perpetual maintenance of the monument. He stated that the agreement will be similar to that of the fireman’s association, whereby all costs will be the responsibility of the association; however, on occasions, the City will assist by providing labor. Also, in response to Mrs. Moerschel concerning the design of the project, Mr. O’Connor stated that the City will be reviewing the project design and will have the right to accept or reject the design of the memorial.
Regarding the concerns of Mr. Lambert, Mr. O’Connor stated that the construction of the project will require footers due to the ground water level and closeness of the St. Jones River; however, he does not anticipate problems due to flooding.
Mr. Long advised members that the memorial will be for all veterans of all services and that he has made every attempt to fully coordinate this project.
Mr. Truitt moved to recommend approval of the designation of land for a veteran’s memorial as requested by the Military Order of the Purple Heart, with the stipulation that their association will be responsible for perpetual care and that the City be involved through the City Manager and Parks and Recreation Director in the design review process. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
Mr. Pitts moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:07 P.M.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Lambert presiding. Members present were Councilmen Carey and Weller, Mr. Kramedas, and Mr. Nichols.
Substation Transformer Services
There are currently five (5) substation transformers that are in need of major service, as follows:
1.Danner Farm Transformer - this unit began to leak around the cooling radiator flange joints in June 1999. Repairs were made to the motor two (2) years ago, at which time it was discovered that the contacts in the unit were worn and needed to be replaced. Continuous service is required to avoid severe damage to the transformer.
2.Lebanon Transformer - the annual oil testing indicates excessive arcing is occurring, indicating a need to perform contact service.
3.Mid-City Tie Transformer - oil test analysis indicates a need to perform contact service.
4.St. Jones Transformer - oil test results indicate that, due to the high summer loads, oxidation and sludge build-up is occurring and that a process called “hot oil cleaning” will prolong the life of the unit.
5.McKee Substation - the 69 kv and 12 kv transformer is in need of hot oil cleaning due to a condition similar to the St. Jones transformer.
Mr. O’Connor explained that the service described requires specialized equipment and training to ensure that the work is performed correctly. Bids were solicited, with the sole bids being received from S. D. Myers for all labor, materials, and tap changer coil reconditioning, as follows:
Danner Farm $36,060*
Lebabon $15,165*
Mid-City Tie $17,035*
St. Jones and McKee $11,819
Total $80,079**
* Price quoted includes a complete set of tap changer contacts and labor.
**S.D. Myers will reduce the mobilization fee for the transformer tap changer service by $1,820, reducing the total of $80,079 to $78,259.
It was noted that the bid price for Danner Farm ($36,060) also includes repair work on the main transformer tank. Bid specifications were also sent to Reuter Hanney, Exelon, Avo, and PSA; however, no response was received.
Funding for these services is available in the Distribution Upgrades Fund budget. Staff recommended approval of the bid for $78,259 to S. D. Myers for services to be performed on the five (5) substation transformers.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
DuPont Street Abandonment
The Ingerman Group and the Dover Housing Authority have submitted a request for abandonment of DuPont Street, which is a 309+/- foot public street that intersects South Queen and South New Street, approximately 240+/- feet south of Bank Lane. The street is 30 feet wide.
Mr. DePrima, City Planner, explained that the Ingerman Group, in cooperation with the Dover Housing Authority, are proposing to construct a new senior citizen housing complex, Owens Manor. The complex is to be situated on lands adjoining the existing Queens Manor Apartments. The Ingerman Group intends to purchase land on both sides of DuPont Street for the construction of Owens Manor and has requested that DuPont Street be abandoned so that the land can be consolidated. Under their plan, most of the land associated with DuPont Street will be used for fire lanes and access to a parking lot.
The Planning Commission considered the request and recommended approval of the abandonment with the condition that utility easements be reserved for the city, that a cross access easement with Mr. Carter be established, and that the Owens Mill Apartment Project, for which this abandonment is being done, be approved and that the construction permit not expire. In formulating their recommendation, the Planning Commission considered the following:
Existing Conditions and Use - DuPont Street is a one-way street without any existing houses or buildings fronting on it, and is below the City’s current standards. DuPont Street was apparently constructed some time in early or mid 1900’s as a part of a residential development that was never constructed. Located on an east-west axis mid-way between Water Street and Bank Lane, it does not match the rest of the street grid system in this part of Dover. Since it is a one way street, not a part of the greater grid system, and because it is located 250 feet from two (2) other east-west connector streets, it appears to have very little volume.
Mr. DePrima also noted that in accordance with Section 27 of the Dover Charter, when the City is considering abandonment of an improved street, it may authorize bids for the sale of the land. He explained that this property is not developable as is, and given that the owner and developer of the adjacent lots is the Dover Housing Authority, staff did not recommend that the property be offered for sale. If the street is abandoned to adjacent property owners, the majority of the land would revert to the Dover Housing Authority and the lands to be purchased by the Ingerman Group. A small portion (0.0186 acres) would revert to Robert D. Carter.
Recommendations of DAC - While the street does provide some access to the street grid, abandoning the street for a major downtown investment for senior citizens does not present any future problems. Mr. DePrima stated that the DAC members recommended abandonment and dedication of the land to adjoining property owners, conditioned on the overall approval and start of the Owens Manor Project.
Responding to questions of Mr. Weller, Mr. Petit de Mange of Landmark Engineering indicated that there are utilities located under the street that will require rerouting; however, any costs involved will be the responsibility of the developer.
In response to Mr. Nichols, Mr. Petit de Mange assured members that there is an adequate water supply in the area for a sprinkler system and indicated that flood tests were recently performed and all fire hydrants were tested, confirming an adequate water supply.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of the abandonment of DuPont Street, as recommended by the Planning Commission (Attachment #1 - Resolution). The motion was seconded by Mr. Nichols and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robin R. Christiansen
Council President
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