REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on July 13, 1992 at 7:30 p.m. with Councilman Levitt, Acting President, presiding. Members present were Councilmen Tudor, Leary, Pitts, Salters, Daisey and Hare. Councilmen Christiansen and Lambert were absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Worley, Mr. DePrima, Fire Chief Baker, Mrs. Boaman and Mr. Rodriguez.
The invocation was given by Reverend Doreina Miles, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Tudor requested an opportunity to discuss miscellaneous matters, under item #7C. Mr. Leary moved for acceptance of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried (Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Lambert absent).
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 22, 1992
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of June 22, 1992 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Salters, seconded by Mr. Pitts and bore the written approval of Mayor Knopf.
PUBLIC HEARING/SECOND READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE - TREE PLANTING AND PRESERVATION - ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
A public hearing was duly advertised for this time and place to consider an amendment to the Zoning Code by adopting a Tree Planting and Preservation Ordinance. The first reading of the proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of June 22, 1992.
Planner's Review
Anthony DePrima, City Planner, explained that the ordinance would be an amendment to the Zoning Code, Article 5 and Appendix A. The ordinance will establish standards and requirements for the protection and planting of trees and woodlands.
Responding to questions by Mr. Tudor, Mr. DePrima explained that the Planning Commission is the governing authority for Site Plan review, where the tree ordinance would be addressed. Variances from the Zoning Code requirements are reviewed by the City's Board of Adjustment.
Public Hearing
Councilman Levitt declared the hearing open.
Doug VanSant - 626 N. Governors Avenue
Mr. Doug VanSant of 626 N. Governors Avenue addressed Council on the proposed ordinance as both a private property owner and a professional surveyor and land planner. Mr. VanSant stated that he felt the ordinance is a well intended plan, but relayed his hope that it does not add another layer of government that requires additional fees, inspectors, review boards, etc.
Councilman Levitt declared the hearing closed.
By motion of Mr. Hare, seconded by Mr. Leary, Council adopted the following ordinances by a roll call vote of six (6) yes and one (1) no (Mr. Tudor), with Mr. Lambert and Council President Christiansen absent:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
Amend Article 5 (Supplementary Regulations) of the Zoning Ordinance by deleting in its' entirety Section 11, Subsection 11.15 Woodlands, and by renumbering subsequent Subsections within this Article as follows:
11.15Significant Wildlife Habitat.
11.16Prime Agricultural Land.
11.17Scenic Resources.
11.18Combinations of Environmentally Sensitive Features and Scarce Resources
Amend Article 5 (Supplementary Regulations) of the Zoning Ordinance by adding a Section 15 entitled Tree Planting and Preservation as follows:
Section 15.Tree Planting and Preservation
Section 15.1 - Purpose
The purpose of this Section is to establish standards and requirements for the protection and planting of trees and woodlands because it is recognized that woodlands and trees are not only desirable but are essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the population in that they provide oxygen, reduce carbon dioxide, stabilize soil, cleanses the air by transpiring clean water into the atmosphere, cleanses water passing into the ground through the root system, provide protection for wildlife and their habitats, provide shade, reduce noise and glare, increase property values, and provide an important physical, aesthetic, and psychological balance to the built environment.
Section 15.2 - Definitions
Caliper Dimension. The term 'caliper dimension' means - an outside diameter measurement of the trunk of a tree measured at a vertical distance of three (3') feet above grade.
Clearing. The removal of trees from an area of 5000 Square Feet or greater, whether by cutting or other means. Clearing shall not include the removal of trees for landscaping purposes by individual lot owners.
Design Professional. Shall be any person licensed as a landscape architect or architect, landscape designer certified by Delaware Association of Nurseryman, or a member of the National Arborist Association.
Dripline. A line on the ground established by a vertical plane extending from a tree's outermost branch tips to the ground; i.e., the line enclosing the area directly beneath the tree's crown from which rainfall would drip.
Tree. Any self-supporting woody perennial plant, usually having a mainstem or trunk and many branches and at maturity normally attaining a trunk diameter greater than three (3") inches at any point and height of over ten (10') feet.
Tree Protection Area. Any portion of a site wherein are located existing trees which are proposed to be retained in order to comply with the requirements of this Ordinance. The tree protection area shall include no less than the total area beneath the tree canopy as defined by the dripline of the tree or group of trees collectively.
Wetlands. Those areas of lands which fall within the definition of Wetlands currently used by the Army Corp of Engineers, or those adopted by the State of Delaware in accordance with Army Corp of Engineers.
Woodland. An area of contiguous wooded vegetation (7,500 s.f. or greater), where trees exist at a density of at least one (1) tree with a caliper dimension of six (6") inches or greater per 375 s.f. of land and where the tree branches form a contiguous canopy.
Section 15.3 - Applicability
The terms and provisions of this Section shall apply to any activity on real property which requires Conditional Use, Site Plan or Subdivision approval of the Planning Commission as set forth in Article 10, except the provisions in Section 15.4 which shall apply to all real property.
Section 15.4 - Tree Preservation
15.41Trees Required by Planning Commission To Be Replaced - Trees required by the Planning Commission as a part of a Conditional Use, Subdivision, or Site Plan approval shall not be removed unless it is diseased or infested, or presents a danger to life and property. In cases where such trees are removed they must be replaced with a tree planting of a similar variety in accordance with the Table of Trees standards kept in the office of the Building Inspector.
15.42Trees of Special Value - Trees having a historic value, as determined by the State Historic Preservation Officer, or that are on an outstanding nature due to type or species, age, or other professional criteria may be required by the Planning Commission to be preserved, such trees may be prohibited from being removed by the Building Inspector until such time that the Planning Commission has granted approval to remove such trees.
15.43Tree Preservation in Wetlands - No portions of wetland areas shall be developed or cleared of vegetation unless granted permission under State and/or Federal permit; they shall remain as essentially undisturbed areas protected under the provisions set forth in Section 15.7.
15.44Clearing Prohibited Without Approval - Clearing, as defined by this Ordinance, for any purpose whatsoever, except the establishment of trails and pathways (not greater than eight (8') feet in width) and open yard areas, shall be prohibited unless approved by the Planning Commission through the Site Plan, Conditional Use, or Subdivison review process.
Section 15.5 - Woodland Preservation
15.51Tree Preservation and Selective Clearing Plan Required - All site development proposals in woodland areas that require Planning Commission approval and which involve the development of woodland areas shall include a Tree Preservation and Selective Clearing Plan as part of the submission plan. The Tree Preservation and Selective Clearing Plan shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of this Section and Section 15.7 and Section 15.8 of this Ordinance.
15.52Limited Clearing For Site Development Allowed - Generally, site development plans for the construction of new buildings within existing woodland areas shall limit clearing of the land to those areas necessary to provide for the placement of the building or group of buildings, adequate access onto the property and to the proposed building or group of buildings, utility placement, off-street parking and yard areas to allow for daylight infiltration and building maintenance. When woodland areas are proposed to be cleared to allow for new construction, clearing within the area of the proposed construction shall be limited to an area of thirty (30') feet from the proposed building foundation, and fifteen (15) feet from off-street parking lots, and utility placement.
15.53Maximum Clearing Requirement - Specifically, no more than 50% of a lot, parcel or tract of land occupied by woodland vegetation may be cleared for any purpose.
15.54Planning Commission Waiver - Should the Planning Commission determine after demonstration by the applicant that due to physical limitations of the land which would otherwise prohibit the reasonable use of the land, or for purposes of preserving, protecting and promoting the interest of public health, safety, welfare and/or public convenience, the Planning Commission may waive the provisions of Sections 15.52 and 15.53 and require replacement planting for mitigation purposes.
Section 15.6 - Tree Preservation and Planting in Non-Woodlands
15.61Tree Preservation and Planting Plan Required - All developments in non-woodland areas requiring approval of the Planning Commission shall be required to submit with its application and plans, a Tree Preservation and Planting Plan as set forth in Section 15.8, and shall conform with the following provisions.
15.62Tree Density - On each property for which a Tree Preservation and
Planting Plan is required by this Section, existing trees may be retained and new trees shall be planted such that the lot shall attain or exceed a tree density of 1 tree per 3,000 square feet of lot area or fraction thereof. Trees needed to meet buffer requirements shall not be counted towards tree density. Trees required to be planted in parking areas as specified by the Planning Commission shall not be counted towards tree density.
15.63Minimum Standards for New Trees - For trees to be counted toward the required tree density they must be of a species and size as set forth in the Table of Trees approved by the Planning Commission and kept on file in the Office of the Building Inspector.
15.64Minimum Standards for Existing Trees - For existing trees to be counted toward the required tree density, the tree shall have a minimum caliper dimension of two (2") inches. No trees over 8" in caliper dimension shall be removed unless within an area of thirty (30') feet from the proposed building foundation, off-street parking lot, and utility placement.
Section 15.7 - Tree Protection and Planting Requirements
15.71Application - The following guidelines and standards shall apply to activities regulated under Article V, Section 15 of this ordinance:
15.72Protection Required - To protect the required trees or woodland and their critical root zone, a tree protection area delineated by the dripline of a tree or group of trees to be retained, shall be established. The protection area shall not be disturbed by site utility and grading work, by construction activities such as parking, material storage, concrete washout, sedimentation intrusion or erosion, or other activity. Damage to trees or woodland and their critical root zones shall require tree plans to be revised to compensate for the loss as determined by the Building Inspector.
15.73Protection Measures - Tree protection areas shall be protected by fencing, staking, or continuous ribbon and where necessary silt screens which shall be situated to coincide with the dripline of the tree or group of trees to be preserved. Protection measures shall be erected prior to construction, and must remain until final landscaping is installed.
15.74Planting Requirements - New trees proposed to be planted for credit toward the density requirement shall have spacing that is compatible with the spacial site limitations and with responsible consideration toward specie size when mature. Species selected for planting must be ecologically compatible with the specifically intended growing site. Trees selected for planting shall be free from injury, pest, disease, and disorders.
Section 15.8 - Tree Preservation, Planting and Selective Clearing Plans
15.81Plan Specifications - A Tree Preservation and Planting Plan or a Preservation and Selective Clearing Plan, prepared by or in conjunction with a design professional, shall be shown on a copy of a preliminary plat, sketch, or site plan, as appropriate to the proposed development, drawn to the same scale and covering the same area as the other plan documents prepared for the Planning Commission hearing. The plan may be combined with a required buffer and landscape plan for the project, at the option of the developer. The plan shall provide sufficient information and detail to clearly demonstrate that all applicable requirements and standards of this Ordinance will be fully satisfied. The Plan shall contain but need not be limited to the following:
a. Project name, zone, parcel number, north arrow and scale.
b. Developers name, address and telephone number.
c. Name, address, and telephone number of the design professional responsible for the preparation of the plan.
d. Delineation of all lot lines, minimum yard areas, buffers, and landscape areas as required by the Zoning Ordinance.
e. Total acreage of the site and total lot area for each lot delineated.
f. Delineation of all wetlands and woodlands.
g. Designation and delineation of all lots in non-woodland areas, expected to retain existing trees to meet the tree density requirement.
h. Approximate location and description of the protective tree fencing, staking, or continuous ribbon to be installed which at a minimum, shall follow the dripline of all trees to be retained along adjoining areas of clearing, grading, or other construction activity.
I. The location, spacing, caliper dimension, and species of new trees proposed to meet tree density requirements.
j. Measures to be taken to avoid sedimentation intrusions and erosion in tree protection areas, and the location of such devices.
k. A summary table of the number new trees to be planted and minimum number of existing trees to be retained to meet the tree density requirement if any, along with calculations showing that the tree density requirement has been achieved. Groupings of trees in the tree protection areas for new trees may be keyed to the summary table by area rather than having each tree individually labeled on the plan.
l. There shall be a note on the plan indicating that a one year full price replacement guarantee on all new trees planted is held by the applicant.
ADOPTED: July 13, 1992
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
Amend Appendix A (Land Subdivision Regulations), Article V, Section B, Item 1 (c) by deleting the phrase "...single trees with a diameter of six (6") inches...".
Amend Appendix A (Land Subdivision Regulations), Article V, Section B by adding the following Item:
5. A Tree Preservation, Planting and Selective Clearing Plan shall be prepared which shall reflect compliance with the provisions and requirements of Article 5, Section 15.8 of the City of Dover Zoning Ordinance and submitted along with the Preliminary Plan for review.
Amend Appendix A (Land Subdivision Regulations), Article VI, Section H, Subsection 1, by deleting in its' entirety Item (f) and inserting in lieu thereof the following:
(f) Shade Trees: To be located in accordance with an approved Tree Preservation, Planting and Selective Clearing Plan as specified in Article V, Section B, Item 5 of this Ordinance and Article 5, Section 15.8 of the City of Dover Zoning Ordinance.
ADOPTED: July 13, 1992
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on June 23, 1992 with Chairman Levitt presiding. The report was made to Council by Councilman Salters.
Miscellaneous Delayed Receivables
Prior to 1989, certain uncollectible accounts were transferred to a delayed receivables account. Some of these accounts date back to 1978 and have had no activity for four (4) years. The City no longer utilizes a delayed receivables account since valuable billing information could not be retained on the computer once the account was transferred. The City's auditors have recommended that the following delayed receivable accounts be written off as uncollectible:
General Fund
110-000-116-01-00 Miscellaneous General $ 3,911.80
110-000-116-02-00 Paramedic 117,819.14
110-000-116-03-00 Trash 27,145.59
Water Fund
412-000-116-04-00 Water - Sewer 18,788.99
412-000-116-05-00 Miscellaneous Water 5,138.00
Electric Fund
480-000-116-06-00 Electric Service (58.46)
480-000-116-07-00 Miscellaneous Delayed 23,789.49
480-000-116-09-00 Inactive - 3 19,273.43
The committee recommended that Council accept the recommendation of the City's auditors and write-off the above mentioned receivables as uncollectible.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Daisey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Lambert and Council President Christiansen absent).
Downtown Development Funds
During the past year, several organizations have submitted requests for contributions from the City. Council directed staff to consider these requests during budget preparation. The City established a grants policy in the fall of 1990, which has never been funded since its adoption; however, for the past four (4) years, the City has budgeted $65,000 in Downtown Development Funds. Of the agencies requesting funds, only the Central Dover Business Association, Tourism Corporation and the Parking Authority service downtown.
Noting that the request of the Central Dover Business Association is for the Main Street Program, Mr. Leary explained that Council approval should not be interpreted to indicate a three year commitment from the City.
The committee recommended that the Downtown Development Funds be distributed as follows: 1) an amount not to exceed $40,000 to the Dover Parking Authority; 2) $20,000 to the Central Dover Business Association; and 3) $5,000 to the Tourism Corporation. It was noted that any funds not needed to cover the Parking Authority's deficit shall be considered for distribution to other agencies.
Responding to questions by Mr. Salters, Mr. Worley explained that if the entire $40,000 distribution to the Parking Authority is not needed, Council will determine the distribution of the remaining funds to other agencies.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Daisey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Lambert and Council President Christiansen absent).
Amendments to Grass and Weed Ordinance
The Inspections Department has recently been actively enforcing the Weed Ordinance (Article II, Sections 21-17, 21-18, and 21-19 of the Dover Code). Staff recommended that the ordinance be amended in order to clarify enforcement.
The amendments would provide that the summons issued is to cite the violation of the Code and is to be accompanied by a letter or a copy of relevant provisions of the Code which will state the corrective action to be taken and will state the consequences for failure to take such action. The amendments would also make it clear that persons may be found liable for violations even if they correct the violation after they are cited.
The committee recommended approval of the intent of the amendments to Section 21-19(a) and Section 21-17 of the Dover Code and that the City Solicitor prepare an ordinance to be presented to Council for a First Reading.
Mr. Daisey objected to a summons being issued prior to a warning to those in violation. Mr. DePrima explained that the Inspector attempts to warn the property owner first. However, once the grass is in excess of 12" in height, there is not much time to allow for a grace period since the grass continues growing during this time frame.
Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Hare and carried, with Mr. Daisey voting no (Mr. Lambert and Council President Christiansen absent). The First Reading of the proposed ordinance will be acted upon during the latter part of the meeting.
Full-Time Mayor - Council President Christiansen
The committee considered a letter from Council President Christiansen suggesting that the City consider a full-time Mayor position for the City of Dover. He reminded members that one of Council's goals is to review the organizational chart for the City of Dover, indicated as Item #B of Council's Goals Report.
The committee recommended that Council President Christiansen's letter be accepted into the record. No further action was taken by Council.
Mr. Salters moved for acceptance of the Legislative and Finance Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Daisey and unanimously carried (Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Lambert absent).
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Parks and Recreation Committee met on June 23, 1992 with Chairman Pitts presiding.
Water Use Plan for Silver Lake
In accordance with the Diagnostic-Feasibility Study of Silver Lake Phase II Implementation Plan, a water use plan for Silver Lake was developed by the consultant, F.X. Browne Associates, Inc., and the City of Dover, as follows:
1) Establishes a 75 foot buffer around the lake from shore, docks, swimming area, and fish attractors for power boats and skiing;
2) Designates three locations around the lake for the installation of fish attractors;
3) Creates a "nature preserve" area to enhance the fish and wildlife value of the lake. The "nature preserve" area will be a no wake speed zone.
F.X. Browne Associates had originally recommended two possible locations for a water ski slalom course; however, due to the erosion that could be created, they recommended that the ski slalom course be eliminated. The Silver Lake Commission endorses the Water Use Plan, with the elimination of the ski slalom course.
The committee recommended adoption of the Water Use Plan as presented, with the elimination of the ski slalom course as recommended by F.X. Browne Associates, Inc. and the Silver Lake Commission.
Mr. Pitts moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried (Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Lambert absent).
Re-Approval of Westfield (Westwood) Parkland Donation
During their Annual Meeting of May 11, 1992, Council accepted from the Westwood Development a combination of land donation in the amount of 1.45+/- acres and $39,785 to meet the 10% land donation requirement under Article VI, Section F-2 of the Subdivision Regulations. As suggested by Mr. Salters, the name of the subdivision was changed to "Westfield" since the City already has a development known as "Westwood Place".
Subsequent to Council's approval, the Planning Commission had requested a revision to the development that would provide access to a neighboring development. As a result of these roadway changes, the revision to the Westfield Subdivision has affected the configuration, but not the amount of land to be donated to the City for parkland.
The City Planner presented members with a diagram depicting the proposed revision to the subdivision and assured members that the 1.45 acres to be dedicated as open space has been retained. The Planning Commission recommended that the City accept the revised plan for the dedication of open space for the Westfield Subdivision.
The committee recommended approval of the revision from the Westfield Subdivision that has affected the configuration, but not the amount of land to be donated to the City for parkland, as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Mr. Pitts moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Leary and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Lambert and Council President Christiansen absent).
Mr. Pitts moved for acceptance of the Parks and Recreation Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried (Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Lambert absent).
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT
The Utility Committee met on June 23, 1992 with Chairman Daisey presiding.
Annexation Policy for Single Lots
The City Planner submitted a proposal that would allow annexation requests for individual residential lots to be presented directly to the Utility Committee without going through the Planning Commission review process. The present annexation policy requires the review of the Development Advisory Committee and Planning Commission for a zoning recommendation prior to being presented to the Utility Committee. Requests of annexation for individual residential lots could be handled more efficiently if the City Planner was authorized to formulate a recommendation to be presented directly to the Utility Committee. The Planning Commission and Development Advisory Committee will continue to be apprised of all annexation requests.
The committee recommended that annexation requests for individual residential lots be presented directly to the Utility Committee without going through the Planning Commission review process.
Mr. Daisey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried (Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Lambert absent).
June Quarterly Fuel Adjustment Review
The City reviews its fuel adjustment projections every quarter and modifies it in December on a levelized basis for the next calendar year. The current fuel adjustment is set at -$0.004 per KWH. Fuel revenue is $0.03 per KWH which is part of the base rate that represents fuel. The current cost for 3% sulfur oil is $14.90/barrel ($0.35/gallon). The current cost for 1% sulfur oil is $16.90/barrel ($0.40/gallon).
The current conditions in the fuel oil market indicate a continued escalation in price over the next six months. The existing fuel adjustment is based on a small increase in the price each month to a projected cost of $19.66/barrel by December 1992. Staff recommended that the fuel adjustment remain at its current level.
The committee recommended that the fuel adjustment remain at -$0.004 (negative four tenths of one cent per KWH) for calendar year 1992.
Mr. Daisey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Hare and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Lambert and Council President Christiansen absent).
North Street Improvements
In conjunction with the Sewell-Biggs Museum Project, staff has been working with the State of Delaware to complete a series of improvements to North Street. The water and sewer mains were replaced last fall. Additional improvements include removal and replacement of all curb, sidewalk and driveway aprons on North Street from Federal Street to the beginning of the Constitution Place Project. The project also includes removal of the concrete roadway in this block and the placement of an asphalt roadway. Since a contractor is already on site with similar work scheduled, and to avoid the delays and additional costs associated with bidding the work separately, the City has negotiated a proposal for the work from the Museum's general contractor, Bancroft Construction Company. The total cost of the work to be completed will be $89,358.00 under this proposal. The necessary funds have been received from the State of Delaware to pay for this work.
The committee recommended acceptance of the proposal in the amount of $89,358.00 from Bancroft Construction Company.
Mr. Daisey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Salters and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Lambert and Council President Christiansen absent).
Mr. Daisey moved for acceptance of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried (Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Lambert absent).
APPOINTMENT - DOVER PARKING AUTHORITY - ARTHUR G. ERICSON
Mayor Knopf requested confirmation of the appointment of Arthur G. Ericson to the Dover Parking Authority, replacing K.C. Sheth. The appointment is for five years, to expire on July 1, 1997.
Mr. Hare moved for approval of the appointment as requested, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried (Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Lambert absent).
FIRST READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCES
Mr. Salters moved to waive the reading of the proposed ordinances before Council, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried (Mr. Christiansen and Mr. Lambert absent). Mr. Levitt 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 July 27, 1992.
Mr. Salters moved for acknowledgment of the first reading of the following proposed ordinances, by title only, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried:
A. SECTION 21-18 (A) (GRASS AND WEED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT)
B. SECTION 21-19 (A) (GRASS AND WEED ORDINANCE AMENDMENT)
REMARKS - COUNCILMAN TUDOR
Since he was only recently sworn into office, Councilman Tudor stated that he felt he had no right to pick apart the budget since he was not involved during budget hearings. However, he has reviewed the budget in detail and feels the City will be in great trouble during this next budget and we are doing nothing about it now. Although he did not feel he had the right to tell Council their budget was wrong, he felt he must point out that what is being done is wrong and to learn why. He asked that Council not respond to his remarks now, but to review the problems and offer constructive solutions to the problems. Mr. Tudor offered the following remarks:
1. Schutte Park - It is not needed. He reminded members of Council of the amount of money that was tied up with its Paramedic Service and although it seemed like a good idea at the time, Council did not look far enough down the road to see what it would cost the taxpayers. It was a good and needed service, but it started out on a budget of $66,000 (from federal funds) to a budget of over $400,000 until it was taken over by the County. He stated his fear that the Schutte Park funding will increase in the same way. Mr. Tudor stated that the City does not lack playgrounds and does not need the Schutte Park. He has looked at the Little League Park on Horsepond Road and sees nothing wrong with the current park.
2. The City currently has approximately 400 employees and 270 vehicles. Vehicles with 50,000 miles are considered for replacement. Citizens do not sell their vehicles simply because they have over 50,000 miles and the City should not either. There was a time when the City had a dump truck that was 29 years old. In reviewing the budget, he saw that the City has scheduled nearly $1 million per year for vehicular trades.
3. One of the City's biggest problems is that there is too much middle management. When a department head is hired, the first thing that happens is that they hire an assistant and a secretary and purchase a vehicle.
4. In order to pay for services and employees, and attempting to not increase property taxes, the City continues to increase utility rates. Utilities cannot continue to subsidize the General Fund; the City must cut back.
5. The first thing the City needs to do to cut back is to stop hiring. A moratorium should immediately be placed on hiring. The City hired 11 additional employees last year, yet the record only shows three since the eight paramedics are now employed by the County. The City is in the process of hiring an Information Services Director, and this position is not needed. Hiring this person will just mean another vehicle, assistant and secretary.
6. The Grounds Division has grown drastically. Only a few years ago, there were only three employees taking care of all the flowers in the City of Dover. Now this department operates under a budget of over $400,000.
7. The City needs to give specific departments more responsibility, which would in turn eliminate some assistants, secretaries, etc.
8. City Council is in charge of the City Manager and they need to tell the Manager that there will be no increase in taxes next year and he will not increase utility rates to subsidize the General Fund.
9. City staff, including the City Manager, has never had to meet a payroll. The City Council has to determine the City's income and adjust their expenditures accordingly. We cannot continue to take additional monies from our taxpayers.