ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Annual Council Meeting was held on May 10, 1999 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Council members present were Council President Christiansen, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Weller.
Council staff members present were Chief Faulkner, Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima, Chief Carey, Mrs. Green, and Mr. Rodriguez.
The invocation was given by Reverend Jean Sudler, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
OATHS OF OFFICE - CITY COUNCIL
The Honorable Henry DuPont Ridgely, President Judge of the Superior Court, administered the Oath of Office to members of City Council, as follows:
At Large - Carleton E. Carey, Sr.
First District - Holly L. Malone
Second District - Charles A. Weller
Third District - Robin R. Christiansen
Fourth District - Reuben Salters
RECESS
A short recess was declared for photographs of the Mayor and members of City Council.
STATE OF THE CITY MESSAGE - MAYOR JAMES L. HUTCHISON
Mayor James L. Hutchison offered the following State of the City Message:
“INTRODUCTION
This past year we set a new record with $69.8 million of new construction permits, which is 33 percent over 1997’s figure. We have been able to project positive results due to growth in the City and continuous increases of efficiencies in City operations.
The budget for Fiscal Year 1999/00 has:
No property tax increase;
No other tax increases;
No other fee increases;
No water rate increase; and
No electric rate increase.
The General Budget totals $15.9 million representing a 1.8 percent increase from Fiscal Year 1999. The property tax rate remains at 68.5 cents. There has not been an increase since July 1993.
The City Council has identified the Regional Community Sports and Recreation Center at Schutte Park as the number one project for the City of Dover. Much work has been done by Council, staff, and the Dover Recreational Facilities Committee. The project will be taken before the Bond Bill Committee this session, and $8.9 million will be requested to realize our goal. This project has the support of several communities in Kent County, Kent County Levy Court, area schools and colleges as well.
The Delaware Economic Development Office is in support of the efforts of the City of Dover to secure funds from the State Legislature to acquire land for the development of a high-tech industrial park. The Delaware Economic Development Office will become a partner with Dover in marketing the site as a high-tech business park. Specific targets will include life sciences, information technology, corporate headquarters and research and development.
Many new jobs came to Dover this past year. We had an announcement by Steelworks pertaining to its new expansion and the fact that jobs will be added to that site. The Department of Correction also added 180 jobs, and Proctor and Gamble added approximately 70 new jobs over the past year.
A strong working relationship has been established between the State and the City of Dover, and we will continue in this positive direction for the betterment of our citizens and the Capital City.
FINANCE
The Finance Department has completed two new lease agreements with telecommunication companies to provide space for their tower antennas. This will bring total revenues from all such leases to more than $1 million over the next 15 years. Equally important is that it enhances the competition in the telecommunications field so that our businesses and citizens receive better quality service at very competitive rates.
This department also completed realignment of the Water Sewer Fund with cost management and rate revisions.
The first right-of-way agreement was completed with Comcast Cablevision. Discussions are ongoing with other utilities regarding similar agreements.
POLICE
On September 11, 1998, the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new addition and renovation of the old building was held.
The 911 Center was activated. The average number of calls per month through this center has been 16,000. This center will serve as a backup to the Kent County Communications Center.
The Dover Police Department’s radio system was updated with the 800 MHz technology, and mobile data terminals are being installed in the patrol cars.
The Department’s recognition program was updated. Specific awards for service to the community, agency and the City, as well as life-saving events were expanded.
The D.A.R.E. program remained an effective educational and prevention program within the Capital School District. Three officers are assigned to this program.
The Community Policing Unit continues to serve and address the citizens’ concerns within their respective neighborhoods. Community service requests increased from 249 in 1997 to 672 in 1998. This unit compiled the first citywide survey of police services. This survey has provided us with information, which will be useful in identifying some of the concerns of our citizens. The emphasis placed on traffic enforcement during 1998 is reflective of the concerns of the neighborhoods. It continues to remain a high priority for 1999. Traffic arrests for 1998 increased 10.7 percent over 1997 with a total of 12,735.
Planning began during the fourth quarter of 1998 between the Police Department, the Mayor’s Office, the Governor’s Office, and the Department of Corrections to put “Operation Safe Streets” in place. This initiative was implemented in March of 1999 in a cooperative effort with Probation and Parole officers of the Department of Corrections. These officers will team up with officers from the Dover Police Department to ensure that compliance with the conditions of individuals assigned to probation is being met.
A policy is being developed which would allow the Police Department to handle minor complaints over the phone subject to the reporting person’s approval. This process is known as Teleserve. This system is in place at various agencies throughout Delaware. This is a move to make this agency more efficient in meeting the demands of a growing city and still be responsive to the needs and concerns of our citizens.
The Citizen’s Police Academy has been re-instituted. The class which recently graduated began in the fall of 1998 and was a joint municipal class with participants from surrounding communities. A second class is now being scheduled.
Plans are to re-institute the Police Cadet Program. The cadet program has found success at other agencies. Cadet assignments will include increasing uniform visibility in our downtown business district by having the cadets present on foot patrol. Additionally, cadets will be handling assignments normally relegated to sworn police officers. Such assignments may include working the desk and handling minor complaints through a Teleserve complaint system thus freeing time for officers to focus on more critical complaints and increasing their time for patrol activities.
The Department will host a Dover Police Youth Week this summer for approximately 20-25 youths. This will be the first of such an event by the Dover City Police. A major goal for the Dover City Police Department is to gain national accreditation.
INSPECTIONS AND PLANNING
Construction activity indicates that the economy is strong. The Planning Commission approved the following estimated square footage of projects in 1998:
Office - 44,985 S.F.
Commercial - 188,863 S.F.
Industrial- 407,760 S.F.
Public/Institutional- 322,004 S.F.
Total- 963,612 S.F.
This level was 94% higher than 1997. This was a record year for the 90’s in this category of development. For a community the size of Dover, these numbers indicate that growth is still strong.
Some notable approvals within the last 12 months are:
Capitol Place assisted living residence - 55,000 S.F.;
Proctor and Gamble Dover Wipes additions - 76,340 S.F.;
Westminster Village expansion - (apartments, community building, assisted living) - 75,000 S.F.;
McKee Business Park warehouse - 50,000 S.F.;
Lowe’s Home Center - 115,000 S.F.;
Renovation of National Cup for the Department of Corrections - 92,000 S.F.;
Catalog Resources warehouse and expansion - 270,000 S.F.;
Dover Downs Slots addition - 28,000 S.F.;
Amberfield subdivision (487 lots; former John Hunn Brown land) approved; and
Village of Cannon Mill subdivision (234 lots) approved.
For the first time ever, the number of business licenses broke the 3,000 mark.
Downtown redevelopment and beautification is well underway. A number of important construction projects and beautification projects have begun or are near completion. They include:
Preservation work at Richardson Hall and the Howe House on North State Street;
The new construction of a 54,000 S.F. assisted living residence will be done this spring;
Steel is up for the Duncan Depot development (former Delaware Lumber site). When completed, Mr. Duncan will have a completely remodeled 20,000 S.F. facility for offices, a convenience store, filling station, and service shops;
E.D.I.S. constructed a new 9,900 S.F. office building on Kings Highway, which is the new home for Merrill Lynch;
The former ice plant on North Street has been demolished, and plans are underway to convert it into a charter school;
To mark the millennium, a group of volunteer citizens began work to construct a Victorian “Millennium Fountain” downtown;
This spring the City will launch new landscape, sidewalk and lighting improvements;
The Dollar General Store was successfully relocated to the former Acme building on Governors Avenue;
The Dover Housing Development Corporation will be demolishing a substandard apartment building on South New Street and replacing it with a new building.
A new business loan program for downtown businesses titled, “Move In Move Up” has been started. We hope to make $62,000 in low-interest loans to small businesses this year.
MAIN STREET DOVER
Main Street Dover sponsored special events to promote Downtown Dover as the center of our community. These events continue to grow in popularity while attracting more and more visitors to the downtown area. One of the more popular events is the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Over 86 groups participated in this year’s parade.
Main Street Dover also sponsors the annual Festival of Lights held each December in celebration of the holiday season. Each year additions are made to the holiday display in Downtown Dover.
ELECTRIC
During 1998, the Electric Department completed three (3) State highway projects, five (5) new residential developments, street light installation at Chatham Cove and Cranberry Run, upgraded White Oak Road and Dover-Kenton Road from overhead to underground service and replaced bad underground service at The Retreat. The Electric Department continues to perform work on residential developments currently under construction, i.e. Village of Westover, Baytree, Baltray, Fox Hall West, Mayfair and Cranberry Run. Completed projects include Oak Shadows, Old Mill Manor and Acorn Farms. Projects still ongoing are the Dover Air Force Base Substation Upgrade and 69kv capacitors (to increase capacity or reliability).
Proposed projects for calendar year 1999 include the replacement of old and damaged wire at Rodney Village and Kent Acres, the relocating of cable on Denneys Road and the installation of fiber optic wire. A feasibility study is presently being conducted to determine if the City is in need of any new substations. We have seen an increase in public relations within the last year with the expansion of surrounding school districts and frequent requests for safety presentations, mall show exhibits and participation in science fairs.
During 1998 the Duke Energy team dealt with a significant challenge when the generator on Unit #1 tripped due to high vibration. After investigation and trouble shooting, the generator had to be taken apart. The internal machinery had to be sent to specialists in St. Louis, Missouri for repairs and rebuild. The Unit has operated well since the work was completed. Vibration readings during operation are at the lowest levels seen by the Duke team since managing the operation. A major controls upgrade was completed on Unit #3. Implementation of the new system has gone smoothly.
Several projects and activities are planned for the coming year, which will continue to improve operations at the plant. They include:
Emphasis on working safely—this is first and foremost;
Manage market conditions—the coming year promises even more changes in the energy market, from deregulation to wheeling of energy. The Duke Energy team is focused on working through those changes and bringing value to its partnership with the City of Dover. This will include crafting a new interconnection agreement with Conectiv or other providers.
Energy needs—With ongoing growth in the City of Dover and the surrounding area, Duke Energy will be making sure there is enough energy to supply that growth. They will also bring other skills and services to the City in support of other areas in the Electric Department.
New metering system—Installation of a new metering system to measure the 13 points of power flow in the transmission system was completed late in 1998. Implementation and trouble shooting of the new system is continuing into this year. Completion of the project will enable Duke Energy to monitor real-time poser flow around the system and share this data electronically with the City of Dover and Houston in addition to McKee Run.
Y2K—Keep McKee Run and VanSant in operating order through the Y2K rollover to meet our energy supply needs.
Community involvement—The Duke Fluor/Daniel (D/FD) Operating Services team will continue its focus on community involvement through its relationship with the United Way and other projects throughout the year. Over 97% of its staff were involved in some kind of community activity during the past year.
PUBLIC WORKS
The Public Works Department completed the construction of Pumping Station No. 7 on property located adjacent to Dover Downs and the U.S. Route 13 commercial district. This pumping station has a maximum capacity of 4.18 million gallons and will provide wastewater collection and transmission services to the U.S. Route 13 commercial district.
Painting of the General Foods elevated storage tank was completed in the past year. This painting included the stenciling of a logo for the City of Dover on the northern face of the tank.
Approximately $1.1 million worth of street reconstruction and repair work has been completed. This work included approximately 18 streets and 10 alleys. Also included were improvements to the City’s sidewalk network in various sections of the City. For the upcoming year, the City will spend $750,000 for the street program.
Planning work associated with the updating of the City of Dover’s comprehensive wastewater master plan has begun. This plan is expected to be completed in June 1999.
A major step toward a citywide Geographical Information System (GIS) is currently underway and is expected to improve interdepartmental coordination--especially in the area of utilities.
To serve our customers better, upgrading of water lines, sewer lines and pumping stations will continue next year.
INFORMATION SERVICES
The remaining HTE software modules were implemented on our AS/400 computer, and all PCs in the City can access and share this information. This provides each person with the ability to make better decisions because citywide data is now more accurate, timely, and readily accessible.
The citywide work on standardization in programs, operating systems and servers continued last year and will be completed next year. The City has made very good progress in the area of Y2K compliance. Much work on the hardware and software has been completed. The City will be ready for Y2K, and we do not anticipate any problems.
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Last year, many aspects of the Customer Service Division were automated which has made service to our customers faster and more efficient. A new billing format was introduced last year, which has provided the customers with more information on their electric and water/wastewater bills.
Customer Service concepts like preauthorized payments, single billings, selective payment date, abnormal usage, etc., have been implemented and are working well.
Our electric and water/wastewater customers are receiving high quality service at present, and this department will continuously work towards achieving higher levels of service to our customers.
Renovations to the Customer Service area are planned for next year.
In the fall of 1998, Administrative Services trained other departments on the HTE Budget module. For the first time, departments entered their own budgets into an integrated budget system. This has eliminated duplicate keying and made the budget process more efficient. As a result, the budget is planned to be delivered ahead of schedule.
Next year Administrative Services plans to implement a credit reporting system to assist staff in making decisions about customers’ credit, deposit requirements, extensions of credit, and payment plans. This system will be used to streamline the process of initiating new service. We hope to be able to initiate new services over the telephone, making it more convenient for our customers without taking on more risk for the City.
Administrative Services also plans to train other departments on the new Customer Information System. This training will put valuable information in the hands of all City employees so that better service can be provided to our customers when they have questions about their accounts. Dispatchers, linemen and Public Works water service staff will all benefit from this information.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/GROUNDS
The Grounds Division performed major debris clearance in Fox Hall, Fox Hall West, The Retreat, Mayfair and Rodney Village following the severe windstorm of June 1998.
The Christmas lighting display was expanded to include the North Dover Gateway, State Street/Governors Avenue point, Forrest Street point, the St. Jones Substation area and the addition of holiday banners downtown. The electric tree trimming crews in combination with a private contractor trimmed and/or removed over 4,500 trees interfering with the electric transmission and distribution lines. A new “Woody Vegetation Control” program was implemented to spray rights-of-way under selected lines. A major project for this coming year will be the removal of tree stumps along State Street, Governors Avenue, Bradford Street and connector streets in central Dover. This will be followed by plantings of new canopy trees along these streets. This Division will also be heavily involved in the landscape renovation project in Downtown Dover.
The Emergency Preparedness Division updated the revised Emergency Operations Plan and established the Emergency Operations Center in the Police Station. A major project for next year will be a joint exercise and evaluation on some phase of the Emergency Operations Plan utilizing the Emergency Operations Center and Support Operation Centers.
TAX ASSESSOR
The City continues to grow with a year-to-year assessment increase of $18.5 million for last July’s tax billing. To date since last July, we have added an additional $20.5 million in assessment to our tax base. Collections are up to date with no taxes over two years old being owed.
To assist seniors, both the allowable income limits for individuals and couples and the dollar amount of the tax exemption were raised. These new limits will be used for this year’s billing.
PARKS AND RECREATION
The Dover Recreational Facilities Committee (DRFC) completed the Phase III Report for the Schutte Park Regional Community Sports and Recreation Center and presented its recommendation to City Council on September 14, 1998. This report recommended that a 77,111 square-foot building be erected at Schutte Park. The facility would include three full-sized basketball courts, a running/jogging track, weight lifting room, dance room, classrooms, and a branch library. The estimated construction cost is $8.9 million. City Council authorized the DRFC to proceed with Phase IV of the project to include design, development, and fundraising. The Schutte Park Regional Community Sports and Recreation Center is considered to be the number one project of the City of Dover for the next three (3) years. The City has made a $1 million appropriation to the DRFC over the next three (3) years.
Comcast committed a total of $90,000 over the 1999-2000 period to support the development and construction of the Schutte Park Regional Community Sports and Recreation Center. This commitment includes $30,000 cash and $60,000 in promotional airtime.
The Friends of the Dover Public Library committed $10,000 over the next five years to this facility. These funds are for the construction of the branch library. Dover Downs committed $150,000 over the next three years to this facility.
The Department has worked successfully on Old Dover Days, First Night Dover and the Fine Arts Festival. These projects have enhanced the cultural life of the City.
Six (6) members of the Delaware Prevention Network (DPN) Dover Cross Country Track Club participated in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympics National Championship in Knoxville, Tennessee. Two (2) members of the team achieved First Team All-American status by placing in the top 25 in their age group.
The Youth Basketball Program continues to grow with a waiting list of youths wanting to participate.
The Recreation Department continues to expand partnership with the Capital School District with co-sponsorship of “Science and Technology Night” at William Henry Middle School. A total of 500 people participated in this event.
Staff is working with Kent County and the State of Delaware to create the Capital Bikebelt. The bike/walking/jogging trail will connect Schutte Park with Brecknock Park. The City received funding from the Transportation Enhancement Program to complete a preliminary study of how to cross the Conrail railroad track at New Burton Road near Blue Beach Road.
The Recreation Department continues to work with Kent County and the State of Delaware to enhance the water quality at Silver Lake.
The Department is working with the Friends of the Capitol Theater, Main Street Dover, Sewell C. Biggs Museum, and Dover Art League to create a strategic plan for Downtown Dover. This working group is known as the “Capitol Arts and Business Alliance.”
Projects for the upcoming year include funding, design and construction of the 77,111 square foot Schutte Park Regional Community Sports and Recreation Center.
ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY NO. 1
The Robbins Hose Company No. 1 is entering its 117th year of providing volunteer fire and rescue service to the City of Dover and its surrounding area and is the only all-volunteer fire department in the nation to serve a state capital.
Under the leadership of Chief Carleton Carey, Jr., the volunteer firefighters responded to 1,014 alarms last year. Robbins Hose Company continues to grow with the City with vigorous recruitment and training programs. Intensive training on fire and heavy rescue techniques such as confined space, high angle trench, and ice and vehicle rescues are planned. Our fire prevention program was a tremendous success and provided fire safety tips and prevention to over 3,700 children.
The Ladder 1 Replacement Committee has been established to plan for and purchase a new ladder truck in the year 2000. Presently, the Company is also seeking prices to replace our outdated telephone equipment and radio console.
I salute the men and women of Robbins Hose Company for their dedicated volunteer service to this community.
CONCLUSION
Plans are to organize a Youth Advisory Board in September 1999. This Board will consist of representatives from our local school districts. The purpose of this Board will be to aid in gaining information from our youths as to their needs and concerns about the future of Dover.
This office also plans to establish a roundtable consisting of representatives from ten or twelve of our largest employers. Meetings will be held quarterly for the purpose of building a better, stronger relationship.
The City of Dover strongly supports the State of Delaware’s efforts to buy the airport in Cheswold. The airport, if purchased, would turn into a public airport managed by the Delaware River and Bay Authority. There is no doubt that this effort on the part of the State—to bring a public airport to Kent County--would go a long way toward helping to enhance economic opportunities for our county and state.
As we reflect over this past year, tremendous credit needs to be given to our City Manager, Jim O’Connor, for his strong leadership not only in matters dealing with day-to-day issues but also in matters concerning the near and distant future. He has a strong vision and has done an outstanding job in continuing to move us forward. I would also like to give tremendous credit to our nine members of City Council. Final decisions rest with them, and they have truly been good leaders. The City of Dover needs to be proud of their leadership and commitment to the Capital City. There is no doubt that this past year has been a very demanding year, and my office will continue to work hard with our City Manager, Council and staff in working to make Dover a great place to live, great place to raise children and a great place to do business.”
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 26, 1999
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of April 26, 1999 were unanimously approved by motion of Mrs. Malone, seconded by Mr. Weller and bore the written approval of Mayor Hutchison.
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 number 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 16 - 22, 1999 as “EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES WEEK" and urge our citizens to participate wholeheartedly in its observance.
Mayor Hutchison, Council President Christiansen, Mr. Truitt (Chairman of the Safety Advisory Committee), Mr. Carey, and Mr. O’Connor presented a Proclamation to Chief Colin Faulkner, Kent County Emergency Medical Services; Chief Keith Faulkner, City of Dover Police; and Chief Carleton Carey, Jr., Robbins Hose Fire Company.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on April 26, 1999 with Chairman Salters presiding.
Purchase of a Mid-Mount Articulated Boom Mower
The committee reviewed bids for a Mid-Mount Articulated Boom Mower to replace the 1986 Terrain King Boom Mower in the Grounds Division. The bids specified a trade-in, removal of the 1986 mower, and installation of the new boom mower on a 1986 Ford Tractor.
Staff recommended awarding the bid to First State Ford New Holland, Inc., the low bidder, at a cost of $22,000, with a trade-in of the 1986 Terrain King Boom Mower.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation to award the bid to First State Ford New Holland, Inc., at a cost of $22,000, with a trade-in of the 1986 Terrain King Boom Mower. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on April 26, 1999 with Chairman Lambert presiding.
Evaluation of Bids - FY 1999 Curb Replacement Program (Contract #99-01)
In conjunction with the City’s Capital Investments Plan, bids were solicited for the removal and replacement of approximately 2,900 linear feet of deteriorated curb and 46,890 square feet of miscellaneous concrete work on selected streets. Funding for the project is being provided through the State of Delaware Suburban Street Aid and the City’s Street Department budget. The following areas have been included in the program:
Greenway at Silver Lake Yearsley Drive Walker Road Sidewalk
Hampton Drive Lost Tree Court Ross Street
Stonebrook Place Elderwood Square Simon Circle
(some additional small areas are also included in the program)
Bids were submitted by four (4) vendors, as follows:
Crystal Concrete, Inc. (Wilmington, DE) $179,502.00
Ralph Cahill & Son, Inc. (Smyrna, DE) $238,082.90
Davis Concrete, Inc. (Aberdeen, MD) $276,897.25
Shorts Enterprises, Inc. (Bear, DE) $290,212.60
Based on historical performance of the contractors, staff reviewed the two (2) lowest bids. Each year for the past three (3) years, the curb contract has delayed the paving program. Considering past experience, staff recommended awarding two (2) separate contracts for the FY 1999 Curb Replacement Program to Crystal Concrete, Inc. and Ralph Cahill & Son, Inc. The final amount of each contract will be based on the amount of work allocated by the Public Works Director to each contractor using their unit price bid. The total combined contract award is not to exceed $238,082.90 unless the bid quantities are altered by the City of Dover.
During the committee meeting, Mr. O’Connor explained the use of two (2) separate contracts. The City will primarily use the low bid contractor; however, if it becomes necessary, the City will have the ability to use the second lowest bid contractor. Staff has explained the concept to each of the contractors. Crystal Concrete, Inc. has indicated assurance that the work will be performed within the necessary time frame and Ralph Cahill & Son, Inc. has agreed to assist if necessary.
Mr. Lambert reported that much of the funding for this project comes from our local legislators, indicating that they have been instrumental in assuring that the City has had funding for the improvements that have been made to our streets, curbs, and sidewalks for the past several years. He expressed appreciation to Senators Still and Bonini and Representatives Wagner and Stone for the financial support provided to the City towards this program as well as many others.
The committee recommended approval of staff’s recommendation to award two (2) separate contracts for the FY 1999 Curb Replacement Program to Crystal Concrete, Inc. and Ralph Cahill & Son, Inc. The final contract amount of each contract will be based on the amount of work allocated by the Public Works Director to each contractor using their unit price bid. The total combined contract award is not to exceed $238,082.90 unless the bid quantities are altered by the City of Dover.
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
Mr. Lambert moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS - 1999/2000
Council President/Vice Mayor
Mr. Lambert moved to nominate Robin R. Christiansen as Council President/Vice Mayor, seconded by Mr. Pitts. Mr. Leary moved that nominations be closed, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried with Mrs. Malone voting no.
The motion for the appointment of Robin R. Christiansen to serve as Council President/Vice Mayor for 1999/2000 was carried with Mrs. Malone voting no.
City Solicitor
Mr. Leary moved to nominate Nicholas H. Rodriguez as City Solicitor, seconded by Mr. Pitts. Mr. Leary moved that nominations be closed, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
The motion for the appointment of Nicholas H. Rodriguez to serve as City Solicitor for 1999/2000 was unanimously carried.
Deputy City Solicitor
Mr. Pitts moved to nominate William Pepper as Deputy City Solicitor, seconded by Mr. Leary. Mr. Leary moved that nominations be closed, seconded by Council President Christiansen and unanimously carried.
The motion for the appointment of William Pepper to serve as City Solicitor for 1999/2000 was unanimously carried.
Fire Marshal
Mr. Carey moved to nominate David J. Truax as Fire Marshal, seconded by Mr. Truitt. Mr. Salters moved that nominations be closed, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
The motion for the appointment of David J. Truax to serv