REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on November 12, 1991 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members present were Councilmen Lambert, Daisey, Levitt, Pitts, Lynn, Weyandt and Hare. Councilman Salters was absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Worley, Mr. DePrima, Fire Chief Hurley, Mrs. Boaman and Mr. Rodriguez.
The invocation was given by Reverend Fowler, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Christiansen requested the addition of item #4C - Resolution - Bond Officers. Mr. Lynn requested the addition of item #11 - Executive Session - Legal Matters. By motion of Mr. Lambert, seconded by Mr. Lynn, Council unanimously approved the agenda as amended.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 28, 1991
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of October 28, 1991 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Lynn and bore the written approval of Mayor Richter.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 22, 1991
The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of October 22, 1991 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Lynn, seconded by Mr. Lambert.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING OF NOVEMBER 4, 1991
The Minutes of the Quarterly Open Town Meeting of November 4, 1991 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Lynn, seconded by Mr. Lambert.
PRESENTATION - DELAWARE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Mrs. Ellen Wasfi, President of the Delaware League of Women Voters, introduced Ms. Betty Wagner of the Delaware League of Women Voters, and Mr. Mike Williams, Director of Public Relations for Boscovs. They presented the City of Dover with two publications recently issued by the Delaware League of Women Voters as a public service. The first publication is the updated Third Revision of the Delaware Government Book which was initially published in 1976. It is a factual presentation of the structure and operation of Delaware government. The second publication is They Represent You, a directory of elected officials for Kent County residents.
Ms. Wagner compiled all updated information for the publications, and Mrs. Audrey Pugh performed all typing and editing. Mr. Williams arranged to have all directories printed by Boscovs so that they could be distributed free of charge to the public.
Councilman Patrick Lynn accepted the publications on behalf of Mayor Richter and members of Council and expressed their appreciation for the efforts by the Delaware League of Women Voters and Boscovs.
PROCLAMATION - NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH
The City Clerk read into the record the following Proclamation:
WHEREAS, hospice care has been demonstrated to be a humanitarian way for terminally ill patients to approach the end of their lives in relative comfort with appropriate, competent, and compassionate care in an environment of personal individuality and dignity; and
WHEREAS, the hospice concept advocates care of the patient and family by attending to their physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs; and
WHEREAS, hospice care is provided by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, social workers, pharmacists, psychological and spiritual counselors, and community volunteers trained in the hospice concept of care; and
WHEREAS, hospice care is proving to be an effective and economical alternative to unnecessary institutionalization for many terminally ill people; and
WHEREAS, hospice care is rapidly becoming a full partner in the nation's health care delivery system; and
WHEREAS, the enactment of a hospice benefit under Medicare, which became effective November 1, 1983, makes it possible for many more elderly Americans to have the opportunity to elect to receive hospice care; and
WHEREAS, there remains a great need to increase public awareness of the benefits of hospice care.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. RICHTER, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DOVER, DELAWARE do hereby proclaim November 1991 as NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH in the City of Dover and call on all city governmental agencies, the medical community, churches and community organizations to participate in appropriate forums, programs and activities designed to encourage city-wide recognition of and support for hospice care as a humane response to the needs of terminally ill people and their families and as a viable component of the health care delivery system in this City.
On behalf of Mayor Richter, Councilman Levitt presented the Proclamation to Ms. Carolyn Guerrin, representing Hospice.
1992 GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ISSUE
The City Manager briefly explained the proposed 1992 General Obligation Bond Issue, stating that Council recently made the following reductions:
Original Amended
Cost Estimate Cost Estimate
(1)West Dover Fire Station $ 819,000 $ 750,000
(2)Aerial Ladder 600,000 Eliminated
(3)Police Station Renovation/Expansion 3,100,000 3,100,000
(4)City Hall Renovation/Expansion 900,000 500,000
(5)Warehouse Office Renov/Expansion 463,000 Eliminated
(6)Schutte Park Phase I 2,822,000 * 2,622,000
(7)St. Jones Greenway 500,000 173,750
* Less the difference in costs for crusher run rather than the proposed paved parking lots.
The changes resulted in a reduction in the bond issue from $9.3 million to $7,355,000.
Mr. Mike Karia, Finance Director, explained the details of the financing plan for the bond issue, stating that the City plans to issue 15 year general obligation bonds. The debt service from the bond issue will be paid from the General Fund and the bonds will be issued sometime in April at an expected interest rate of 6.25% to 6.50%. The effect of the bond issue for capital projects and operating costs on the tax rate is projected at 13.72 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
Council President Christiansen declared the hearing open.
Mr. Tony Darpino - 731 E. Division Street
Mr. Tony Darpino of 731 E. Division Street stated his opinion that the citizens should be outraged that City Council is contemplating this project during a recession. Mr. Darpino reminded members of Council that many citizens are on a fixed income and cannot afford additional taxes. He suggested that the projects be delayed for a few years when the economy is in better condition. Mr. Darpino asked for information on the formation of the Downtown Dover Development Corporation and its functions, which was reviewed in detail by Mr. Weyandt. Mr. Darpino expressed his opposition to utilizing Electric Fund monies to supplement costs of the proposed projects when it was not utilized last year to lower the tax rate increase to the citizens of Dover.
Roy Bogus - 229 Frear Drive
Mr. Roy Bogus of 229 Frear Drive reiterated previous comments that a three bay firehouse is not needed for West Dover. The proposed brick building is not necessary and will only add costs to the project. He suggested, instead, that a two bay prefabricated steel structure be utilized. He suggested that the savings could be utilized to construct a firehouse on the east side of Dover. Referring to the Greenway Project, Mr. Bogus stated his objections to the construction of rest room facilities, reminding Council that rest room facilities in other park areas have been vandalized to the point of being useless.
Ed Dahn - 1199 Charles Drive
Mr. Ed Dahn of 1199 Charles Drive voiced his opinion that some of the projects could be scaled down. For instance, expansion of the Police Department is necessary, but must it be an expensive brick building? He suggested that members of Council be tough when spending the taxpayer's money and cut the frills from the proposed projects. He also suggested that the West Dover Firehouse be scaled down to allow enough appropriations for a small East Dover Firehouse.
Rexene Ornauer - 17 Mifflin Road
Mrs. Rexene Ornauer of 17 Mifflin Road stated that there are citizens that support the projects on the bond issue, and who feel that they will improve safety and the quality of life for the citizens of Dover. Mrs. Ornauer stated that she and her husband are retired and also live on a fixed income, but they still support the bond issue. She reminded members of Council that the argument that we should wait for a better time is an argument that is always heard when something of this nature is proposed. It has been her experience that projects that are delayed never cost less, nor will they ever get approved without protest by some. For the benefit of many citizens, young and old, she urged support of the bond issue.
August Haas - 412 Kings Highway
Mr. August Haas of 412 Kings Highway requested that Council trim back the proposed projects and that seniors over the age of 80 be given an additional tax discount.
Ruth Tee - 822 Whiteoak Road
Ms. Ruth Tee of 822 Whiteoak Road informed Council that she is appalled that they are considering such a property tax increase during these recessionary times. Many citizens are without jobs, and more and more are being laid off every day. Ms. Tee stated that everyone has a wish list similar to City staff's, but they do not get everything on the list at once. She urged Council to plan carefully for those projects that are really needed and reminded them that many citizens are unable to afford increased property taxes.
Council President Christiansen declared the hearing closed.
Mr. Weyandt voiced his concern with the proposed bond issue, feeling that the public may be confused with its complexities. He reminded the public that the proposed tax increase is over and above any normal property tax increase that may be necessary. He stated that he will support whatever the public wants but he urged the citizenry to find out as many facts as possible on the proposal.
Although Council has trimmed down the total cost of the bond issue, Mr. Lambert
felt that the park project costs should be cut significantly. Although he supports the concept of the park, he felt that only necessities should be financed at this time. Also, Mr. Lambert felt that City Council has a responsibility to prioritize the projects for the public.
Mr. Daisey and Mr. Levitt objected to Council's prioritization of the projects, feeling that members of Council may not be unanimous on the priorities and that the public should be permitted to vote for the projects they support.
Concurring, Mr. Pitts stated that the only way to determine what the public supports is to allow them to vote individually on each project.
Mr. Lynn reminded members of Council that there is no good time to raise taxes but saving tax dollars at the expense of safety is wrong. He stated that those of our generation must look to the benefit of those who will follow us and this includes providing for the public's health, safety and welfare. He felt that offering the projects in a menu fashion will allow the public to choose the projects they support, and stated that he has faith in their wisdom and good judgement.
Agreeing with Mr. Lambert, Mr. Hare felt that Council needs to prioritize the projects to ensure proper consideration of the projects relating to the public's safety.
Resolution - Bond Issue Referendum
The proposed Resolution, as prepared by Bond Counsel, was distributed and explained by Finance Director Mike Karia. Mr. Karia pointed out minor changes he has made to the Resolution and requested its adoption as corrected.
Mr. Lambert moved that the Resolution be amended, with the projects being prioritized by Council. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare but failed by a roll call vote of six (6) no, two (2) yes (Mr. Lambert and Mr. Hare), with Mr. Salters absent.
Mr. Lambert moved that the Schutte Park Project costs be reduced from $2.5 million to $200,000. The motion failed for lack of a second.
Mr. Daisey moved for adoption of the following Resolution, seconded by Mr. Levitt and carried by a roll call vote of six (6) yes, two (2) no (Mr. Lambert and Mr. Hare), with Mr. Salters absent:
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE HOLDING OF A REFERENDUM AS TO THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS OF THE CITY OF DOVER FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING CERTAIN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CITY OF DOVER
WHEREAS, the Mayor and the Council of the City of Dover have determined that there is a need for certain capital improvements of the City of Dover as identified in Exhibit A hereto (the "Projects");
WHEREAS, the Mayor and the Council have decided that such capital improvements are needed for the management and maintenance of the City;
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City have determined the advisability of funding the Projects with the proceeds from the sale of bonds of the City of Dover subject to approval by the qualified voters of the City of a bond referendum as hereinafter provided;
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City are authorized by Section 50(b) of the City Charter, 64 Delaware Laws Ch. 143, as amended, (the "City Charter"), subject to approval of qualified voters of the City as hereinafter provided, to borrow money and to give evidence of debts so incurred by the issuance of bonds of the City secured by the faith and credit of the City, for such purposes as they may deem necessary and proper, consistent with the powers conferred on them by the City Charter, for the management and maintenance of the City, such powers including all powers requisite or appropriate for the health, safety, convenience, comfort and well being of the City's population and the protection and preservation of property, public and private;
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City desire to borrow, pursuant to and in accordance with Section 50 of the City Charter, sums sufficient to finance the Projects, said debt to be evidenced by the issuance of bonds of the City secured by the faith and credit of the City;
WHEREAS, Section 50(b) of the City Charter provides that the amount of the bonded indebtedness of the City, secured by the full faith and credit of the City, may not at any time exceed a sum equal to 25% of the total assessed value of real property situate within the bounds of the City; and
WHEREAS, the addition of the amount of bonded indebtedness provided for herein together with the other bonded indebtedness of the City, secured by the full faith and credit of the City, will not cause the aforesaid limitation on bonded indebtedness to be exceeded.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Dover as follows:
1. The Council hereby finds that
(a)the Projects as identified in Exhibit A would be for the health, safety, convenience, comfort and well being, and would otherwise be for the general benefit, of the citizens of the City and would serve to preserve public and private property, and
(b)the cost of the construction of the Projects is estimated to be approximately the amount set forth in Exhibit A.
2. Subject to approval of the qualified voters of the City as hereinafter provided,
(a)the City shall borrow for the costs of the Projects, such costs to include all costs associated with the Projects including but not limited to all initial planning expenses, all legal, accounting, financing fees and the like associated with the Project and the borrowing therefor and the costs of the issuance and sale of the bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in connection therewith, and
(b)as required by the provisions of Section 50 of the City Charter,
(I)the aforesaid debt shall be evidenced by the issuance of bonds of the City, secured by the faith and credit of the City;
(ii)the aforesaid bonds shall be issued in one or more series, shall bear such date or dates, shall mature at such time or times, shall bear interest at such rate or rates, shall be payable at such time or times and at such place or places, shall be in such denominations, and shall contain such other provisions as the Mayor and Council may provide and shall be set forth in the said bonds;
(iii)the Mayor and Council shall direct and effect the preparation and sale of said bonds at such time or times, at such price or prices, and upon such terms as the Mayor and Council shall deem advisable;
(iv)the form of said bonds and of any coupons which may be thereunto attached shall be as prescribed by the Mayor and Council, and all such bonds shall be signed by the Mayor and the Treasurer of the City of Dover and sealed with the corporate seal thereof. Facsimile signatures of the Mayor and Treasurer and a facsimile of the Corporate seal may be imprinted upon such bonds and any coupons attached to said bonds in lieu of signatures of the said Mayor and Treasurer in their own handwriting and of the affixing of the corporate seal itself;
(v)the Mayor and Council shall levy and raise by taxation in each and every year such sums of money as may be required to pay the interest accrued on said bonds while all or any of said bonds remain unpaid, and the Mayor and Council shall levy and raise by taxation, from time to time, such sum or sums of money as may be needed to establish such sinking fund as the Mayor and Council may authorize in their discretion for the redemption of said bonds, or any of them, may be required to otherwise redeem any or all of said bonds at or before their maturity; taxes for interest and for redemption of said bonds shall be levied and raised as taxes for general municipal purposes in the City are levied and raised, and shall be in addition to those levied and raised for any and all other municipal purposes.
3. In the event that there are any excess proceeds of the bonds remaining after the completion of the Projects to the extend determined by the Mayor and Council, any such funds may be applied for any other authorized projects for public storm sewers, streets and appurtenances as determined by the Mayor and Council subject to the limitations of Section 50(c) of the City Charter. Any excess proceeds not otherwise used shall be applied to redeem bonds or as otherwise permitted by law.
4. The aforesaid resolution to incur bonded indebtedness for each of the Projects shall be placed before the qualified voters of the City for approval or disapproval at a referendum election to be held December 11, 1991, the polls to be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following location: Dover Elks Lodge, 1035 Forest Avenue, Dover, Delaware.
5. In addition to the resolution to incur bonded indebtedness, the question of whether the qualified voters would support a study (as to the feasibility of constructing an indoor swimming pool at Schutte Park shall be placed on the ballot as a non-binding referendum.
6. The Finance Director/Treasurer shall maintain information describing the projects and shall make such information available for public inspection.
7. As provided in Section 50(d) of the City Charter, as modified by federal and state law and judicial interpretations thereof, voting at the bond referendum shall be conducted as follows:
(a)Qualified voters shall be every natural person who is a resident or a nonresident taxable of the City, of the age eighteen (18) years or upwards. A nonresident taxable shall be such natural person who is listed as taxable according to the last City assessment and tax payment records preceding the referendum election;
(b)Each qualified voter shall be eligible to vote and shall have one (1) vote.
(c)Votes shall be cast either "For Bond Issue" or "Against Bond Issue" for each Project and voting shall be conducted by voting machines; voting by proxy shall not be permitted;
(d)Voting by absentee ballot shall be permitted in accordance with Section 8 of the City Charter and the applicable provisions of the City Code;
(e)The Mayor and Council shall appoint an election judge and two clerks to pass upon the qualifications of each voter and to conduct the election; a majority of said election officers present at the opening of the polls shall fill any vacancy among said election officers; and a majority of said election officers shall decide the qualifications of the voters;
(f)The Mayor and Council shall appoint the City Manager or another employee to attend the election with the last City assessment and tax payment records for the inspection of the election officers;
(g)The election clerks shall each keep a separate tally sheet and their tally sheets shall be compared and must agree as to the total votes cast for and the total votes cast against the bond issue. Both tally sheets shall then be certified as correct by at least two of the aforesaid election officers and be delivered to the Mayor, or to the Clerk of Council, immediately after the tally sheets are compared, are in agreement and have been certified; and
(h)The Judge of the election shall, in the case of a tie vote on the bond issue, cast the deciding vote, otherwise he shall refrain from voting, but the election clerks, if otherwise qualified, may vote.
8. The Mayor and Council shall, at the next regular meeting after the election, or at a special meeting, receive the results of the referendum election and make the same a part of the minutes of said meeting, whereupon if for any Project a majority of the votes cast were "For Bond Issue" bonds may be issued for such Project and sold as herein provided, but if for any Project at such referendum election, the majority of the votes cast were "Against Bond Issue", then no bonds shall be issued nor shall any money be borrowed under this Resolution for such Project.
9. Notice of the holding of the bond referendum shall be published in the Delaware State News, such notice to be published once a week during the three consecutive weeks preceding the referendum date. Such notice shall be in substantially the following form:
NOTICE OF BOND REFERENDUM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Mayor and Council of The City of Dover, in the State of Delaware, will hold a referendum on December 11, 1991 on the question described below, the polls to be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the following location: Dover Elks Lodge, 1035 Forest Avenue, Dover, Delaware.
The issue to be considered at the referendum is whether or not the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover should be authorized to borrow for certain capital improvements throughout the City of Dover: construction of the West Dover Fire Station, construction/renovation of Police Station, renovation of City Hall, development of Schutte Park (Phase I) and the St. Jones Greenway (collectively the "Projects") as more fully described in a resolution approved by the Mayor and Council at a meeting held on November 12, 1991 entitled "Resolution Directing the Holding of a Referendum as to the Issuance of Bonds of the City of Dover for the Purpose of Financing Certain Capital Improvements for the City of Dover (the "Bond Referendum Resolution").
The debt will be evidenced by the issuance of bonds of the City of Dover secured by the faith and credit of the City of Dover. The terms of the bonds shall be determined by the said Mayor and Council as more fully described below. Copies of the Bond Referendum Resolution and additional information concerning the Projects are available for public inspection in the office of the Finance Director/Treasurer of the City.
The persons eligible to vote at the referendum shall be every natural person who is a resident or nonresident taxable of the City of the age of 18 years or upwards. A nonresident taxable shall be such natural person who is listed as taxable according to the last City assessment and tax payment records preceding the referendum election.
The proceeds from the sale of the bonds will be used to pay the costs of the Projects, such costs to include all costs associated with the Projects including but not limited to all initial planning expenses, all legal, accounting, financing fees and the like associated with the Projects and the borrowing therefor and the costs of the issuance and sale of the bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in connection therewith. If more than one of the Projects is approved, the financing costs included in the cost of each of the Projects are expected to be decreased depending on the number of Projects approved.
The bonds shall be issued in one or more series, shall bear such date or dates, shall mature at such time or times, shall bear interest at such rate or rates, shall be payable at such time or times, and at such place or places, shall be in such denominations, and shall contain such other provisions as the Mayor and Council may provide and shall be set forth in the said bonds. The Mayor and Council shall direct and effect the preparation and sale of said bonds at such time or times, at such price or prices, and upon such terms as the Mayor and Council shall deem advisable.
The Mayor and Council are required by the City Charter to levy and raise by taxation in each and every year such sums of money as may be required to pay the interest accrued on said bonds while all or any of said bonds remain unpaid, and the Mayor and Council must levy and raise by taxation, from time to time, such sum or sums of money as may be needed to establish such sinking fund as the Mayor and Council may authorize in their discretion for the redemption of said bonds, or any of them, at or before their maturity and such sum or sums of money as may be required to otherwise redeem any or all of said bonds at or before their maturity; taxes for interest and for redemption of said bonds must be levied and raised as taxes for general municipal purposes in the City are levied and raised, and shall be in addition to those levied and raised for any and all other municipal purposes.
By order of the Council of the City of Dover dated November , 1991.
City Clerk
10. The City Clerk is hereby ordered and directed to cause the aforesaid notice to be published as hereinbefore provided.
11. The form of the ballot and method of voting shall be as follows:
West Dover Fire Station Construction $750,000
Plus Bond Cost 76,000
For
Against
Police Station Construction $3,100,000
Plus Bond Cost 123,200
For
Against
City Hall Renovations Construction $500,000
Plus Bond Cost 71,200
For
Against
Schutte Park Phase I Construction $2,550,000
Plus Bond Cost 112,200
For
Against
St. Jones Greenway Construction $180,000
Plus Bond Cost 64,900
For
Against
INFORMATIONAL QUESTION ON SWIMMING POOL
DO YOU FAVOR THE CITY OF DOVER, TOGETHER WITH OTHER PARTIES (FOR EXAMPLE THE STATE OF DELAWARE, KENT COUNTY, AND LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS) REVIEWING THE FEASIBILITY AND JOINT PAYMENT OF CONSTRUCTING A SWIMMING POOL IN DOVER?
For
Against
APPROVED by the Council of the City of Dover this day of , 1991.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Dover this day of , 1991.
Mayor
City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Project Project Cost Bond Cost * Total Cost
West Dover Fire Station$ 750,000$ 76,200 $ 826,200
Police Station 3,100,000 123,200 3,223,200
Renovation/Expansion
City Hall/Other Building 500,000 71,200 571,200
Renovation
Schutte Park Phase I 2,550,000 112,200 2,662,200
(Ball and Multi-purpose
Fields)
St. Jones Greenway 185,000 64,900 249,900
* Maximum financing cost for each project. If more than one project is approved, financing costs will be decreased for each additional project.
ADOPTED: November 12, 1991
Resolution - Bond Referendum Officers
Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the following Resolution, seconded by Mr. Lynn and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Hare and Mr. Salters absent):
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover have decided to hold a bond referendum on December 11, 1991 for certain capital projects; and
WHEREAS, the Bond Issue Referendum resolution requires that certain appointments related to the referendum be made by the City Council
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following appointments related to the aforesaid referendum are made as required by Section 7(e) of the Referendum Resolution:
1. Election Judge: Mr. William H. Willis
Alternate Judge: Beulah Gray
2. Election Clerks: Debrah J. Boaman
Janice C. Green
Alternate Clerk: Deborah K. Hilton
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Mayor and Council shall appoint an employee to attend the referendum with the City Assessment and tax payment records as required by Section 7(f) of the Referendum Resolution.
1. Assessment Clerk: Chapman Lucas
Alternate Assessment Clerk:Beatrice Moore
ADOPTED: November 12, 1991
Mr. Lynn moved that the proposed financing plan, submitted by Mr. Karia, be referred to the Legislative and Finance Committee. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
RESOLUTION - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY NO. 1
By motion of Mr. Lynn, seconded by Mr. Hare, Council unanimously adopted the following Resolution:
WHEREAS, on November 13, 1882, seventeen men gathered at the Odd Fellows Lodge on Loockerman Street and founded the Robbins Hose Company No. 1, named in honor of Mr. J.W. Robbins from the firm of Richardson & Robbins for his generous and benevolent nature; and
WHEREAS, the Robbins Hose Company No. 1 is beginning its 110th year of serving the City of Dover and the surrounding area, saving millions of dollars in taxes and insurance monies for our residents and maintaining a highly trained and well equipped fire department prepared to combat any fire emergency; and
WHEREAS, hundreds of dedicated volunteers have served the community not only as fire fighters of the Robbins Hose Company No. 1, but also in various capacities of the government and civic services with a spirit of dedication.