QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on February 6, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. with Mayor Hutchison presiding. Members present were Council President Christiansen, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Leary, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Fenimore, Mr. Salters and Mr. Hare. Staff members present were Mr. Lucas, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. DePrima and Mrs. Boaman.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Mayor Hutchison stated that this meeting will provide an opportunity for the various committees and organizations associated with the City of Dover to share their goals and objectives with members of Council and with the public. He requested that each organization attempt to keep their remarks limited to five minutes so that all organizations have an opportunity to speak.
OVERVIEW OF DIRECTION OF CITY OF DOVER
James R. O'Connor - City Manager
City Manager, James R. O'Connor, relayed the points of emphasis that have been placed on City administration in the recent past and for the future. The administration has been building a team effort approach, to include all departments and Council appointees. This has resulted in the sharing of abilities and talent, which maximizes the use of personnel, equipment and materials. The City is looking at service delivery as a very important aspect in its operation, which has become very important during the adverse weather conditions recently experienced. Mr. O'Connor stated that every department of the City worked together during the recent snow storm to handle possible problems with water lines, electric service and snow removal.
He plans to continue with the team effort approach, to remain flexible, and to continue looking towards changes that improve our systems and productivity. The City is working to expand its customer base. Referring to the concept of property taxes, Mr. O'Connor stated that it is difficult to measure the level of service being rendered to the amount of property taxes charged to a homeowner. The total amount of the tax is based upon the value of the property, rather than on the cost of service delivery. If the City's utility customer base is expanded to those outside the City limits, costs would be based upon a consumption charge rather than upon a property assessment charge. We will continue to look into new approaches for our existing customers, such as recently adopted electric rate structures. Expansion of our computerization systems is still a major goal, and we will continue to work towards expansion of our computer communication within the various departments.
Update on Comprehensive Plan - Anthony DePrima, City Planner
Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Planner, advised that the Comprehensive Plan update continues on schedule and he plans to bring to Council, in the very near future, the first phase of the Comprehensive Plan and recommended zoning changes. He will present detailed data and analysis of census information to the Council Committees during the latter part of February. During the process, they held public participation workshops with over 400 people participating and over 300 questionnaires completed and submitted to the Planning Department. Referring to some of the survey results. Mr. DePrima reported the following partial list of survey results:
∙ Respondents support revitalization and redevelopment in Downtown Dover
∙ Traffic on the Route #13 corridor is a major concern for respondents. The #1 frustration is that there is still too much through traffic on Route #13 and that SR 1 is not working as it was intended. East/west light timing is a concern. Respondents want enhanced visual improvements to Route #13, such as less signing and more landscaping.
∙ Respondents would like to see a civic center located on or near Route #13.
∙ Of those surveyed, 97% feel that Silver Lake is important to the City and a large majority feel that tax money should be spent on cleaning up the lake.
∙ City Council's policy of protecting the Air Base's mission by restricting zones around the Base to avoid conflicts with Base missions was supported by 93% of the respondents. There was support by 81% of the respondents that we need to assure that there is adequate off base housing for DAFB personnel. As a whole, respondents fully support protection of the base and its mission.
∙ Land use and growth questions were split 60/40 with 60% feeling that the City is growing too quickly and 40% feeling it is growing at acceptable rates.
∙ Strong support for agricultural land preservation, especially for lands located east of SR 1 and for more buffering for certain types of uses from residential areas.
∙ On the question on affordable housing and housing density, there was a feeling that there is no strong need or demand for additional affordable housing, with the majority of the respondents feeling that there is adequate amounts of affordable housing. It was noted, however, that approximately 15% of those surveyed knew people that are experiencing difficulty in finding affordable housing. Generally, respondents were acceptive of having affordable housing, as long as it is well buffered and well located in the City.
∙ When asked about four proposed transportation projects (Puncheon Run Connector, Extension of Saulsbury Road, full West Dover By-Pass, and SR 1/Rt. 8 Interchange), citizens of Dover are generally supportive of road projects. We have a population that is concerned about traffic flow and those on the west side of Dover tended to be more supportive than those from other parts of the City.
When asked what people most like about Dover, one of the main answers was the landscaping and flowers maintained by the City and the beautiful trees. The second most liked thing about Dover was its history and historic buildings. People liked the small town atmosphere but also like the fact that there are City amenities close by.
When asked what they least liked, the number one answer was crime and drug abuse. This is probably the number one answer for every city in the country. The second, third and fourth answers were all similar and related to traffic concerns throughout the City. The number five answer was parking in downtown Dover.
When asked what they would most like to see in Dover that is not currently available, the number one answer was a passenger rail service to Wilmington and into the big cities. The second most popular answer was a public swimming pool, the third was a civic center and the fourth was passenger air service at the Civil Air Terminal by the Base.
Mr. DePrima explained that details on all the above will be reviewed by Council Committees at a later date. In May, he will present a revised zoning map, with information derived from the workshops.
BRIEFING BY VARIOUS CITY ORGANIZATIONS
Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Nancy Ward, President, and Mr. Allen Hedgecock, Executive Vice President, addressed Council on behalf of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Ward commended Council for the manner in which they are amending their Comprehensive Plan, stating that although we cannot stop progress, we can lead it in the right direction. The Chamber represents 800 business members that are all impacted by changes that take place in the City and County. Ms. Ward explained that the Chamber has three directives under which they operate, as follows: 1) Assist existing and attract new commerce to Central Delaware and Dover; 2) Improve business problems; and 3) Improve Central Delaware in every respect. She explained each category in detail. Mr. Hedgecock stated that the Chamber has a Military Affairs Committee and a Dover Action Plan Committee that work strenuously to maintain good relations with Dover Air Force Base. Mr. Hedgecock stated that we are very fortunate to have DAFB as a part of our community. Referring to the issue of the SR 1/Route 8 Interchange, Mr. Hedgecock stated that 54% of respondents to the Planning Department's questionnaire agree that an intersection at Route 8 is needed. He stated that the Chamber supports this interchange, but they are only proposing an off ramp southbound and an on ramp northbound. Mr. Hedgecock relayed support from the Chamber for the proposed civic center near The Sheraton.
Central Delaware Economic Development Council
Mr. Dan Wolfensberger, Director of the Central Delaware Economic Development Council, stated that the Council is a public/private partnership that was founded approximately 15 years ago. It is co-sponsored by the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce and Kent County Levy Court and involves community leaders and businesses that are interested in the future growth of Dover and Kent County.
Mr. Wolfensberger stated that the unemployment rate in Kent County is 4.4% which the lowest rate in about 12 years. However, there are still approximately 3,000 people in Kent County looking for gainful employment. It is their goal to have a well-functioning, well-diversified local economy and at the same time continue our efforts into economic development to ensure that every individual in Kent County that wants a job has the opportunity to find one. Mr. Wolfensberger stated that Delaware is number five in the nation for projected per capita income growth until the year 2005. We, therefore, will be adding substantially to incomes in the community which will hopefully improve the quality of life for all of us. He stressed the need for the support of the community in order to make the proposed projects come to fruition.
Civic Center Review Committee
In the absence of E. Stuart Outten, Chairman of the Civic Center Review Committee, Mr. Roy Klein addressed members of Council. He stated that the Committee was established by an Act of the General Assembly approximately five years ago. Their mission is to determine if Delaware needs a civic center and if so, where it should be, what it should look like, how it should function, how it should be paid for, etc. The Committee has unanimously concluded that a civic center should be built in Dover, Delaware, the capital city of Delaware. Although they have reached a conclusion, they do not yet have a plan. They firmly believe that the center should be in the area of the Sheraton Inn, hopefully on the land currently owned by the City of Dover. Mr. Klein stated that if the City could donate land, known as Frazier's Pit, the donation could be a major portion of the City's investment into the project. They will look towards investments from the City, County and State. The location is ideal as it is located between Delaware State University and Delaware Technical & Community College, who will be partners of the proposed center as it will enhance their educational and athletic programs. They will look for permanent tenants such as the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, Tourism, etc. to ensure an income stream. It is their goal to have all data completed, including a financial plan and construction concept, by November 1996.
League of Women Voters of Greater Dover
Mrs. Ellen Wasfi, President of the League of Women Voters of Greater Dover, addressed Council. Mrs. Wasfi stated that their organization consists of approximately 50 members and that they are representative of a national organization, which is approximately 200,000 strong, and has recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. The League of Women Voters of Greater Dover is a non-partisan political organization whose purpose is to promote citizen participation in the political process through education and advocacy. The Dover League is best known in Dover for its sponsorship (along with others) of Candidate's Night Debates during elections for City, County, State and National offices. They are also responsible for the publication of the Directory of Elected Officials which provides residents with information on how and where to access their representatives with concerns important to them. Over the past two years, the Dover League has conducted studies of local programs in health care, children at risk, and the structure of City government. It is their intent to continue providing its community with voter service and education activities. As Dover continues to grow, it is hoped that the League will widen and diversify its role by acting as a facility for community dialog between the increasing numbers of groups of organizations with a wide range of views on the direction the City should take. They look forward to working with the many organizations of the community in the best interest of all.
Dover Art League
Mrs. Rosemary Woodward, President of the Dover Art League, informed those present that the Dover Art League is a member organization of Visual Arts Institution, serving Kent County with over 200 family and individual members, artists and non-artists. They offer the community a meeting place with diverse art exhibits that change bi-monthly. Their annual exhibits include Kent County High School shows, holiday gift shows, and many others. Their artist members are entitled to sell their work in the sales gallery, making a piece of their facility a retail facility. They are best known for their educational programs. In 1995, they taught over 500 students, with 260 being children that attended the summer art camp program. For 1996, they are budgeting to teach 575, with 290 being summer camp students. They are working with the Dover Housing Authority to introduce a summer art program for children living in Dover's housing projects. Nations Bank will help to fund the program. Their "collage of cultures" just completed its first year of a five year phase, where they brought the art of Delaware's migrants workers' to all three Delaware counties in the form of a beautiful exhibit of the migrants workers art. Many of the pieces sold and brought income to these previously unknown artists, and has changed their lives. This next year they will highlight the art of Delaware's Native Americans.
Mrs. Woodward stated that the efforts of the Dover Art League are executed by one part-time administrative assistant. With the exception of their instructors, all programs are made possible by volunteers. The Dover Art League is planning to relocate during 1996. It is felt that the League should declare itself a permanent, cultural institution in Delaware, with concentration being on the visual arts. It is their intent to purchase property in downtown Dover. They are currently working with the City, County and State to identify funding to assist in the purchase of property. It is their goal that by this time next year, they will be a really big player in the terms of revitalizing downtown and adding culture to downtown.
Dover Arts Council
Dr. Donald Parks, Chairman of the Dover Arts Council, stated that there are at least 55 different arts organizations within the Greater Dover area. This prompted previous Mayor John E. Richter to establish the Dover Arts Council, which was accomplished in February 1989. The Dover Arts Council is a service organization to the City, which is partially funded by the City as well as by grants, through the National Endowment for the Arts. Due to a decrease in funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (at least 40% within the next year), it will be necessary to obtain future funding from the community and corporate sponsors. The Dover Arts Council has been, and will be, greatly affected by the decrease in funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. As an example, it was necessary to eliminate the Executive Director position for the Dover Arts Council on a temporary basis. It is hoped that the importance of the Dover Arts Council to the community will be realized and the Executive Director position can be reinstated. The mission of the Dover Arts Council is to promote excellence, and access, and to provide education in the Arts and Humanities within our culturally diverse community in order to enhance the quality of life and contribute to the economic vitality of the Greater Dover Area. The Dover Arts Council's activities include the Annual Arts Festival, Fall and Spring Arts Tours, Arts Form, Aesthetics of the Community, provide a newsletter, Old Dover Days, etc. Dr. Parks stated that the Dover Arts Council consists of several different group of volunteers, which make the Dover Arts Council successful. The vision of the Dover Arts Council is to serve as many citizens, community services, organizations, educators, artists, governmental officials, business leaders and cultural organizations as possible; and to include a wide range of interests and opinions to guide them in development of a long-range plan for the Dover community.
Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization
Ms. Juanita S. Wieczoreck, Coordinator for the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), explained that the Dover/Kent MPO has been charged with developing a long-range transportation plan, with at least a 20 year planning horizon, and a three year transportation improvement program. Members of the Dover/Kent MPO include representatives of the City of Dover, Kent County Levy Court, Governors Office for the State of Delaware, Delaware Department of Transportation, and the Delaware Transit Corporation. With regards to the transportation improvement program, Ms. Wieczoreck indicated that Scarborough Road is scheduled for construction in 1998, improvements to the civil air terminal should be completed in 1998/1999, and that several other Dover area projects in the DelDOT pipeline are currently being negotiated for a quicker completion date, particularly the Walker Road project and the Dover signal systems. The air quality analysis has been accomplished for the long-range transportation plan and the technical document should be finalized within the next week. The transportation improvement program for fiscal year 1997 is currently in development and it is anticipated that it should be completed by next week to be submitted to the DelDOT. Future issues, that will be tackled once the long-range plan is completed, include investigating discrepancies between state and local regulations in terms of street requirements and layouts in an attempt to eliminate some of the problems that arise when the State requires one set-back and the City or County requires another. As new development occurs, the Dover/Kent MPO will be offering assistance to local governments in an attempt to provide residents an alternative to driving such as transit services.
As a result of the communication between the various agencies, the Dover/Kent MPO has realized the concerns regarding the design of Puncheon Run Interchange at Route #13, Webbs Lane, and Governors Avenue. By bringing these concerns to the attention of the Dover/Kent MPO, these issues are kept alive and alleviates an assumption being made by DelDOT that the design is complete and that the work can begin. This open communication also provides assurances such as the location of sidewalks along Kenton Road when the signal project was being designed near the new fire station. Although it has taken a little longer than what was anticipated, Ms. Wieczoreck assured members that the sidewalks will be installed. These are examples of accomplishments of the Dover/Kent MPO that are difficult to document. The Dover/Kent MPO provides the City with the opportunity to keep an open dialogue with the State and County in order to develop a better understanding of each others processes.
Dover Parking Authority
Speaking on behalf of the Dover Parking Authority, Chairman Mr. William Witham stated that the Authority consists of five members, appointed by the Mayor, who serve four year terms. They are supported by City staff including the City Manager, City Planner and City Assessor. Their meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month and the public is invited to participate. The Dover Parking Authority was incorporated in 1954 as an independent body authorized by the City of Dover to operate and maintain all street and public parking facilities in downtown Dover. The Authority currently operates seven parking lots consisting of: 1) City Hall, 2) Bradford Street, 3) Minor Street, 4) Governors Avenue, 5) Water Street, 6) Loockerman Way, and 7) North Street. There are a total of 285 parking spaces of which there is a 30% vacancy. The Dover Parking Authority has a budget of approximately $150,000 per year, subsidized by the City at approximately $40,000. The enabling legislation indicated that the purpose of the Authority was to provide sufficient off-street parking facilities adjacent to the downtown business area in cooperation with the owners of existing parking facilities so that private enterprises and the government may mutually provide adequate parking services for the convenience of the public. Until recently, the Dover Parking Authority has not been successful with regards to cooperation of private owners of parking facilities. The Authority is in the process of negotiating a lease agreement that will allow the Authority to manage and control a major parking lot located on North Street, which is known as the Ellis Body Shop parking lot. This will provide management of an additional 120 parking spaces downtown. With 110 new parking customers utilizing this lot, the Authority hopes to reduce all parking fees for the public.
One recent project of the Dover Parking Authority was the establishment of a customer parking lot that eliminated the two-hour time limit for customer parking in the Bradford Street lot. The grand opening of this parking lot was in December 1995, which is already showing positive results. A subcommittee was formed to investigate the possibility of establishing reduced cost public parking lots. The Dover Parking Authority is also in the process of improving crosswalks and signal lights downtown. In addition, the Police Department has increased monitoring violators for not yielding to pedestrians. A two-hour parking zone ordinance was recently established that prohibits moving vehicles from one two-hour parking space to another in an attempt to circumvent the two-hour parking limit. The Authority is attempting to develop a parking plan for the former Acme site. Another project being considered is the establishment of information kiosks. It is their goal to have these kiosks as information monuments located at each parking lot.
Downtown Dover Development Corporation
Mr. Gary Patterson, President, and Ms. GiGi Windley, Vice-President, addressed Council on behalf of the Downtown Dover Development Corporation (DDDC). Mr. Patterson stated that the DDDC is a non-profit organization which was developed to enhance the Dover Central Area Plan and the Gallery Study. Their mission includes the promotion of downtown, secure incentives for developers, look for areas whereby the DDDC can be catalysts, and in some cases, assist the City of Dover in both negotiations and other efforts. During the next six months, the DDDC will be focused on the prudent and successful disbursement of the 21st Century Fund Grant that was recently awarded to them by the State of Delaware. The application for the grant targeted six downtown sites, classified as the "Downtown Six", which were listed in the Gallery Study as being critical to the future development of the City. The "Downtown Six" consists of the Capital Theater, the Bayard Hotel, City Hall Parking Lot, Acme Lot, Old Train Station and the old Schwartz properties. The DDDC applied for the grant for the purpose of creating redevelopment grants to stimulate private sector investment. The private sector developers would be required to invest at least an amount that represents the 60% non-state match. If successful, the DDDC will be able to develop an aggressive plan of action to promote the development, preservation, employment, etc. of the "Downtown Six". Also, the DDDC will continue to work with the State on the relocation of the J.P. Court to be located in the downtown Dover area and with Main Street in their effort to enhance economic restructuring.
Greater Dover Committee
On behalf of the Greater Dover Committee, Mrs. Lynn Appel, Administrative Assistant, and Mr. Joseph McDaniel, Development Manager and Past President, addressed Council, explaining that the Greater Dover Committee has been in existence for approximately seven years. The Committee was developed in an effort to improve the quality of life in the Greater Dover area. Membership consists of 45, either active, honorary, or ex-officio professional men and women from the Greater Dover Area who are leaders in their fields. There are dues in the amount of $500 per year for membership. Some of the projects that the Greater Dover Committee has assisted in include: Mayor and Council candidate debates, donations to the Alternative School in Dover and to the Gateway to Dover project, and establishing the recycling igloos in Dover. The Greater Dover Committee is most proud of its Foundation, which was established by receiving donations in the amount of $25,000 from members only. Mr. McDaniel stated that the $25,000 Foundation was matched by the Delaware Community Foundation and that their first bequest, in the amount of $48,000, was received. Through market appreciation, the Greater Dover Committee now has a total Foundation in the amount of $110,000. Some of this money is used for grants for non-profit organizations such as the Senior Olympics, Dover Little League, Dover Art League, Read-A-Loud Program, Mom's House, etc. The on-going projects of the Greater Dover Committee include investigating the use of the Capital Theater, the possibility of placing a large clock downtown, and their biggest project, First Night Dover.
Ms. Appel explained that the First Night Dover event will occur on December 31, 1996 (New Year's Eve) in downtown Dover as well as in more than 160 other cities across the country. The event is a non-alcoholic celebration of the arts, providing families and friends an opportunity to come to the downtown area and safely celebrate New Year's Eve. There will be staggered performances throughout the evening in the downtown area. This event will provide Dover the opportunity to showcase the entire downtown area and attendees to experience several different forms of arts that they would otherwise never be given the opportunity to experience. There was a brief video shown that explained how First Night was started and what it is all about. Members were provided with information regarding "volunteer information night" to be held on February 22, and February 28, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. This will give those interested the opportunity to volunteer to serve on one of the various committees or assist in some other way in planning for the First Night Dover.
Kent County Tourism and Visitors Bureau
Ms. Mary Skelton, Director, and Mr. Frank Fantini, President, addressed members on behalf of the Kent County Tourism and Visitors Bureau. The objective of Kent County Tourism is to increase the number of visitors to our area, thereby increasing the economic impact in our Capital City and County. Tourism creates and helps maintain jobs, helps to retain local businesses and it often develops new businesses. The manner in which the number of visitors is increased is by promoting and advertising the unique features and special events held in the area. Some of the unique features we have include the First State, the Birthplace of a Nation, our cultural and historical significance, tax free shopping, and museums. Some of the special events we have are Old Dover Days, the African/American Festival, the Arts Festival, the First Night and the NASCAR Races. The new slot machines at Dover Downs is a great new tourism product. The proposed Civic Center will be an added attraction as a tourism product. In order for Tourism to be successful, a Comprehensive Marketing Plan has been developed designed to bring more trade shows, conferences, conventions, and more group bus tours to the area. This plan also includes establishing a part-time marketing position. It was noted that the Echo Tourism Conference for the State of Delaware will be held in Dover on March 20, 1996.
Main Street Dover
Mrs. Susan O'Neill, Project Manager of Main Street Dover, stated that Main Street Dover was created in January 1993 in an attempt to develop a comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization involving both the public and private sector. The comprehensive approach involves four committees: 1) design committee, to improve the downtown physical image; 2) promotion committee, which concentrates on marketing the downtown unique characteristics to shoppers, investors and tourists through promotional activities; 3) economic restructuring committee, to strengthen and diversify the existing economic base; and 4) organization committee, which focuses on facilitating among groups that play roles in the downtown area. The most important role of Main Street is their volunteers, who are the cornerstones of any revitalization effort. The design committee created a logo for downtown Dover in order to provide a symbol that Dover would be known for, which is the train station located at the end of Loockerman Street. Directional signage, with the Dover logo, were installed to provide directions on how to get to downtown and signs for parking areas. Several workshops have been sponsored by Main Street to assist businesses and property owners for improving their buildings. The promotion committee has created several events in an attempt to bring customers to downtown. These events include the holiday preview, spring fling, black history month, St. Patrick's Day parade, festival of lights, and arts festival. A brochure listing downtown businesses was also created and distributed as an advertising tool. The economic restructuring committee discovered that there was no avenue for a new business to be incorporated into Main Street and the overall revitalization effort; therefore, a welcome to downtown program was created. They also noted a lack of accessible loans for businesses for physical improvements to their buildings. The economic restructuring committee brought together four banks that provided small businesses a low interest loan for facade rehabilitation and exterior maintenance and improvements to their buildings. The organization committee works in conjunction with other committees that have a major role in the revitalization of downtown such as the Dover Parking Authority, Greater Dover Committee, Downtown Merchants, Downtown Dover Development Corporation, Dover Arts Council, Kent County Tourism, Dover Art League, and many others.
Some of the goals for 1996 for Main Street is the development of a promotional video, installation of a town clock, complete the streetscape improvements on the 100 block of South Governors Avenue, creation of conceptual plans for Phase II of streetscape improvements, and continue to address concerns of merchants.
Silver Lake Commission
Mr. Michael Malkiewicz, Chairman of the Silver Lake Commission, stated that there are seven members serving in an advisory capacity for the City. One of their main concerns is to maintain the balance at Silver Lake, explaining that a balance must be kept between the property owners along the lake and the fishermen, passive boaters, and power boaters that utilize the lake. The Silver Lake Commission also will be reviewing the St. Jones Watershed Study, conducted by the DNREC, which is expected to be complete in Spring 1996. The Commission has a constant concern regarding environmental/health issues regarding Silver Lake. The City's Planning Department has called upon the Silver Lake Commission to review proposed developments in and around Silver Lake. It is the Commission's desire to have a plan developed that would increase recreational use of the Silver Lake park area.
St. Jones River Greenway Commission
Mr. Chris Zimmerman, Chairman of the St. Jones River Greenway Commission, advised members that there are 15 members that serve on the Commission, of which five are appointed by the Mayor, five appointed by Levy Court, and five appointed by the State (DNREC). The focus of the Commission is to enhance and protect the St. Jones River Watershed. The greatest accomplishment of the Commission is the recent cleanup of the St. Jones River. A $20,000 grant was recently received from the Delaware Land and Water Trust Fund through the State of Delaware, Division of Parks and Recreation. This grant will allow the Commission to hire a vendor to devise a Master Plan for a Greenway throughout the St. Jones River Watershed. The Commission has also been involved in the stormwater management projects, the development of partnerships with organizations with similar goals, and assistance in the restoration of oxbows. It is felt by the Commission that these efforts are worth pursuing since it will provide individuals passive recreation by simply enjoying the natural features that surround us today.
Mayor Hutchison thanked everyone that participated in the meeting. It is his plan to utilize the Quarterly Open Town Meeting in February to provide City committees and commissions the opportunity to share their goals and objectives to Members of City Council. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, only a few of the many organizations that work with the City in making Dover a great place to live were able to provide a briefing of their accomplishments and future plans.
City Manager O'Connor introduced Mr. George Wackerhagen, who will be working with Duke/Fluor Daniels in representing the generation facility in the City of Dover.
Mr. Christiansen moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
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