REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on June 14, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mr. Salters and Mr. Weller. Mr. Pitts and Mrs. Malone were absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Faulkner, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Deputy Chief Farling, Mrs. Green, and Mr. Pepper.
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.
The invocation was given by Elder Wallace Dixon. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Robert Owens, Dover Elks Lodge #1903. In commemoration of Flag Day, Mr. Owens gave a brief history of the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Weller requested the addition of item #2A, Presentation to Alan J. Farling. Council President Christiansen requested the addition of item #3A, Comments by City Manager and item #3B, Comments by City Planner. Mr. Salters requested the addition of item #6A, Engineering Services Agreement.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 24, 1999
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of May 24, 1999 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mr. Weller and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
PRESENTATION - KELLY L. WAGNER - DELAWARE’S HOMECOMING QUEEN
Mayor Hutchison presented a Certificate of Recognition to Kelly Lynn Wagner in recognition of being selected as Delaware’s Homecoming Queen. Ms. Wagner is a 1999 Graduate of Polytech High School and will be attending Delaware State University. As Delaware’s Homecoming Queen, in July 1999 she will compete for America’s Homecoming Queen in California.
PRESENTATION - ALAN J. FARLING - CIVILIAN MEMBER OF THE UTILITY COMMITTEE FROM DECEMBER 1997 TO MAY 1999
In recognition of service as a Civilian Member of the City of Dover Utility Committee from December 1997 to May 1999, a Dover Cup was presented to Alan J. Farling. The Cup was presented by Mayor Hutchison, Mr. Lambert, and Mr. Weller, with all voicing their praise for the services of Mr. Farling and their good wishes for his future. Mr. Lambert, as Chairman of the Utility Committee, expressed appreciation for the service provided, noting the importance of civilian representation on City Committees.
PUBLIC HEARING - ELECTRIC FUND BUDGET
A public hearing on the Electric Revenue Fund Budget is required for compliance with the 1985 Electric Revenue (Refunding) Bonds Resolution - Annual Budget Section (as amended by the 1990 Bond Resolution) prior to adoption of the budget. Notice of the public hearing was properly advertised.
Mr. O’Connor stated that the total revenue and expenditures for the Electric Revenue Fund is $51,090,800.
Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing open.
There was no one present wishing to speak during the public hearing.
Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing closed.
Council action of the Electric Fund Budget will take place as a first reading during the latter part of the meeting.
COMMENTS REGARDING ELECTRIC OUTAGES - CITY MANAGER
Mr. O’Connor referred to the recent electric outages experienced in the City of Dover. The outage that occurred on June 8th was due to a problem in the tapping sleeves in the transformer. This equipment, which is currently out of service, will require dismantling and rebuilding of a part. It should be back on line within the next four (4) weeks.
The outage that occurred on June 10th was the result of a construction accident on the Puncheon Run Connector, whereby an employee of one of the contractors working on the project hit a guy wire for a 69kV line. The guy wire swung and wrapped around the two-phases of the 69kV line, causing two (2) of the City’s substations to short out.
UPDATE ON DEMOLITIONS - CITY PLANNER
At the request of Council President Christiansen, Mr. DePrima provided members with an update regarding the action taken thus far with regards to the authorized demolitions of properties located at 1380 College Road and 279 Troon Road (Dangerous Buildings Public Hearings held during the Council Meeting on May 24, 1999).
Mr. DePrima reported that there has been no action or correspondence received regarding the property located at 1380 College Road. He reported that work has begun on the property located at 279 Troon Road. He stated that approximately 60%-70% of the house is now sided. Although the trash has been removed from the garage area, allowing the concrete floor to be completed, it was placed in the rear of the property. At this point, the City is fining the owner $100 per day in accordance with the Dover Code. Arrangements are being made to remove the trash from the rear of the property and to have the windows boarded.
Mr. DePrima assured members that a lien will be placed on the property for any expenses incurred by the City.
COUNCIL BUDGET HEARINGS
Members of City Council and civilian members of Council Committees met in budget hearings on May 24, 1999. Mr. Salters, Chairman of the Legislative and Finance Committee, explained that the proposed budgets were prepared by the City Manager, Finance Director/Treasurer, and Administrative Services Director, with the assistance of City staff. The total budget for the City’s major funds for 1999/2000 is approximately $75.3 million, with $15.9 million in the General Fund budget. The committee recommended acceptance of the proposed 1999/2000 budget as presented by staff.
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Council Budget Hearings Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried. (The First Reading of the budget ordinances will take place during the latter part of the meeting).
PROPERTY ASSESSMENT APPEALS REPORT
The Assessment Appeals Committee met on May 20, 1999 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Members present were Councilmen Leary (Chairman), Weller and Truitt. Formal property assessment appeals were reviewed, as follows:
Value Appealed
People’s Place Property, Inc. Appraised Assessed
214-216 W. Division Street $ 68,300 $ 41,000
The committee recommended that the property be exempt.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Delaware Guidance Services Value Appealed
for Children and Youth Appraised Assessed
884-B Walker Road $ 182,200 $ 109,300
The committee recommended that the property be exempt.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
The committee also recommended denial of the request for reimbursement for their 1998/99 taxes since the request was not made in a timely manner.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Value Appealed
Capitol Green Housing Corp. Appraised Assessed
Capitol Green Housing Units $4,101,600 $2,460,900
The committee recommended that the property be exempt.
Mr. Weller noted that the City does not currently provide trash collection service to the housing units and suggested that staff review this matter. Mr. O’Connor assured members that staff will contact the owners to work on providing trash collection service.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Colonial Investment/Rudolph Value Appealed
Von Croy/Central Dover Offices Appraised Assessed
32 W. Loockerman Street (Condos) $2,197,400 $1,381,500
The committee recommended no change.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Colonial Investment/Rudolph Value Appealed
Von Croy/Central Dover Offices Appraised Assessed
32 W. Loockerman Street (Commercial) $1,428,200 $ 856,900
The committee recommended no change.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Colonial Investment/Rudolph Value Appealed
Von Croy/Central Dover Offices Appraised Assessed
100-400 Hiawatha Lane $3,238,600 $1,943,200
(Silver Mill Apartments)
The committee recommended no change.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Colonial Investment/Rudolph Value Appealed
Von Croy/Central Dover Offices Appraised Assessed
9 E. Loockerman Street $1,786,200 $1,071,700
(Treadway Towers)
The committee recommended reducing the appraised value to $1,447,100 and assessed value to $868,300.
Mr. Leary moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Leary moved for acceptance of the Property Assessment Appeals Report, seconded by Mr. Weller and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts and Mrs. Malone absent).
SETTING OF PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1999/2000
The current property tax rate for the City of Dover is sixty-eight and one half cents ($0.685) per one hundred of assessed valuation. The proposed budget maintains the same rate for the upcoming tax billing.
Mr. Salters moved that the property tax rate remain at sixty-eight and one half cents ($0.685) per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation for the upcoming 1999/2000 property tax billing. The motion was seconded by all members present and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Pitts and Mrs. Malone absent).
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on June 14, 1999 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Engineering Services Agreement - Landmark Engineering - New Burton Road-Schutte Park Bikeway/Pedestrian Crossover Study
Members considered a request of the City Planner, Mr. DePrima, to enter into a planning and engineering services contract with Landmark Engineering for the preparation of a New Burton Road-Schutte Park Bicycle Path Study. He reminded members that the City of Dover was recently awarded a DelDOT Transportation Enhancement Grant to perform this study. The total project cost was estimated at $25,000, of which DelDOT would pay $20,000 and the remaining $5,000 would be contributed by the City of Dover.
During the committee meeting, Mr. DePrima explained that the project will complete a preliminary study of how best to cross the Conrail Railroad Track at New Burton Road in the general vicinity of Blue Beach Drive. The purpose of the crossing is to give the residents of south Dover direct access to Schutte Park via an existing easement along an unimproved road. This pathway would be a critical part of the proposed “Capital Bikebelt” which links several parks, schools, and neighborhoods in the Dover area. This portion of the Bikebelt will connect Schutte Park with Brecknock Park in Camden.
A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was advertised in accordance with City guidelines. Landmark Engineering was the only firm that submitted qualifications and expressed an interest in the project. They propose a four (4) phase study that includes Data Gathering and Base Mapping, Preliminary Scoping, Conceptual Planning, and a Final Report. They will coordinate meetings with all the affected parties including Conrail/CSX, DelDOT, Parks and Recreation, and landowners. Mr. DePrima stated that it is not unusual that only one proposal was received for this study due to its small size and narrow focus. Landmark Engineering has an interest in this project since they worked on the Dover Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan that called for this connection.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Salters moved to authorize staff to enter into a planning and engineering services contract with Landmark Engineering for the preparation of a New Burton Road-Schutte Park Bicycle Path Study, for an amount not to exceed $25,000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weller and carried with Mr. Lambert abstaining.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENT (MAYOR HUTCHISON) - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
Mayor Hutchison recommended the appointment of Mr. Richard D. Senato to the Board of Adjustments. This appointment is to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Frank Traynor, which will expire July 2000.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the appointment as recommended by Mayor Hutchison, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.
APPOINTMENTS BY COMMITTEE CHAIRS - CIVILIAN COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Committee Chairs recommended the following civilian committee member appointments: Legislative and Finance Committee - Robert F. Merritt; Parks and Recreation Committee - Susan Moerschel; Safety Advisory Committee - William A. Martin; and Utility Committee - Gregory Kramedas.
Mr. Truitt moved for approval of the appointments as recommended by Committee Chairs, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
FIRST READING - PROPOSED BUDGET ORDINANCES
Mr. Salters moved to waive the reading of the proposed budget ordinances before Council, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried. Council President Christiansen reminded the public that copies of the proposed ordinances are available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or can be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office. Final action by Council on the proposed ordinances will take place during the Council Meeting of June 28, 1999.
Mr. Salters moved for acknowledgment of the First Reading of the following proposed budget ordinances, by title only, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried:
Budget Ordinances - Proposed 1999/2000
A. General Fund - Cash Receipts and Budget
B. General Contingency Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenues and Budget
C. Municipal Street Aid Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenues and Budget
D. Police Grant Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenue and Budget
E. Library Grants Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenue and Budget
F. Library Endowment Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenue and Budget
G. Community Development Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenue and Budget
H. Delaware Prevention Network - Cash Receipts/Revenue and Budget
I. Internal Service Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenue and Budget
J. Water Fund - Revenue and Budget
K. Wastewater Fund - Revenue and Budget
L. Kent County Sewer Adjustment Related Items - Revenue and Budget
M. Water/Wastewater Contingency Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenues and Budget
N. Electric Revenue Fund - Revenue and Budget
O. Electric Utility Improvement and Extension Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenues and Budget
P. Electric Utility Depreciation Reserve - Sources and Uses of Funds
Q. Electric Utility Insurance Stabilization Fund - Sources and Uses of Funds
R. Electric Utility Future Capacity (Restricted) Fund - Sources and Uses of Funds
S. Health Insurance Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenues and Budget
T. Workers Compensation Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenues and Budget
U. Water Improvement/Extension Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenues and Budget
V. Wastewater Improvement/Extension Fund - Cash Receipts/Revenues and Budget
Mr. Leary moved to adjourn into executive session for personnel matters, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:10 P.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of June 14, 1999, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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