SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
The Special Council Meeting was held on October 22, 1991 at 7:00 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members present were Councilmen Lambert, Daisey, Levitt, Pitts, Salters, Lynn, Weyandt and Hare. Mr. Leary was also present.
Others present were Mayor Richter, Chief Hutchison, Mr. Worley, Mrs. Boaman and Fire Chief Hurley.
Council President Christiansen announced that the Special Council Meeting was called specifically for receiving public comment on a proposed $9.5 million bond issue. In explanation of the need for the bond issue, the City Manager offered detailed information on the following proposed projects:
Proposed Costs
1. West Dover Fire Station $ 819,000
2. Aerial Ladder Fire Truck 600,000
3. Police Station Renovation/Expansion 3,100,000
4. City Hall Renovation 900,000
5. Warehouse Renovation 463,000
6. Schutte Park Phase I 2,822,000
(Ball and multi-purpose fields)
7. St. Jones Greenway 500,000
8. Library Basement Renovation 55,000
Bond Expenses 257,000
Total $9,516,000
Council President Christiansen declared the hearing open.
Roy Bogus - 229 Frear Drive
Mr. Roy Bogus of 229 Frear Drive stated his feeling that $800,000 for a new West Dover Fire Station is too expensive, suggesting that the proposal be narrowed down to a two bay station and that one of the trucks from the Governors Avenue station be moved to the new site. Mr. Bogus suggested that future consideration be given to a similar station east of Route #13. It was his feeling that the proposed Police Station expansion is necessary and although City Hall may need expansion, he expressed concern with the money recently invested in renovations to the current structure. Referring to the Schutte Park, he suggested that the project be scaled down to cut costs. On the St. Jones Greenway Project, he expressed his hope that some of the money will be used to dredge Mirror Lake, stating that it is much too shallow for any practical use. Mr. Bogus voiced his support of the Library expansion.
Charles Salkin - 15 Maple Lane
Mr. Charles Salkin of 15 Maple Lane addressed Council on the proposed bond issue both as a City taxpayer and as a representative of the State's Division of Parks and Recreation. From the perspective of the Division of Parks and Recreation, he heartily endorsed the Greenway Project and the Schutte Park Project. Mr. Salkin discussed possible funding sources such as the Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund and the possibility of joint funding from the State, County and City. As a City taxpayer, Mr. Salkin stated his pleasure with Council's fortitude in planning for the future of its citizens.
Durward Matthews - 359 Mockingbird Avenue
Mr. Durward Matthews of 359 Mockingbird Avenue expressed his opposition to the proposed 19% tax increase that would be necessary to support the bond issue. He reminded members of Council that there are people living on fixed incomes that cannot afford such a tax increase. He also voiced concern with the additional costs associated with the bond issue and the other phases of the Schutte Park project. He suggested that the Park concept be abandoned and instead dedicate the property as a "wilderness area". Mr. Matthews reiterated previous concerns over his street not being repaved and suggested that current projects be completed prior to beginning new projects. Referring to the proposed West Dover Fire Station, Mr. Matthews stated that he was told by a former City Manager that impact fees in West Dover would pay for any needed future improvements. He, therefore, objected to bond issue monies being used for this purpose.
Grace Matthews - 359 Mockingbird Avenue
Mrs. Grace Matthews of 359 Mockingbird Avenue requested that the bond issues be offered for vote by the citizens on an individual project, or menu, basis. Although she is concerned with the increased taxes for those on fixed incomes, Mrs. Matthews strongly supported the public pool proposed at the Schutte Park.
James Yerger - 12 Lakeview Drive
Mr. James Yerger of 12 Lakeview Drive requested that the proposed bond issue projects be offered individually on the ballot in a menu fashion so that citizens may vote for only those projects they support. Although he does not object to the West Dover Fire Station, he felt that the proposal was too up-scale for what is really needed. He could see no need for an additional ladder truck. Referring to the expansion projects, Mr. Yerger felt that they should be scaled down and lower renovation costs should be sought. He suggested that the Greenway Project be funded by use of volunteers or private contributions. The Schutte Park project should be financed by impact fees. Mr. Yerger supported the Library renovations.
Susan LaPorte - 152 Pine Street
Mrs. Susan LaPorte of 152 Pine Street addressed Council on the proposed bond issue, both as a resident and as an employee of the State Division of Parks and Recreation. As manager of the State's Greenway Project, Mrs. LaPorte stressed the importance of the Greenway Project. She stated that many small towns are looking to the City of Dover to be the leader in this project and will respond accordingly to the City's commitment. Feeling that a commitment to enhance our environment is an extremely positive concept to pass on to our young children, Mrs. LaPorte requested the City's support of the project.
Shirley Bryan - American Red Cross
Mrs. Shirley Bryan, representing the Kent County Branch of the American Red Cross, spoke in support of the indoor public swimming pool project. The Red Cross provides many water safety and free learn-to-swim programs and there is often difficulty in finding adequate pool facilities to accommodate the increasing numbers of children and adults served by these programs.
Boyd Greenwalt - 309 MacArthur Drive
Mr. Boyd Greenwalt of 309 MacArthur Drive addressed Council both as a City taxpayer and as a member of the Friends of the Library. Mr. Greenwalt urged approval of the library expansion project and the Schutte Park, feeling that we must support education and recreation. Mr. Greenwalt also supported the police department expansion. Referring to objections to the property tax increase from those on fixed incomes, Mr. Greenwalt stated that we must look out for our younger generation. Citizens must pay now or pay later, and it always costs much more to pay later.
Glenn Mahan - 411 Nimitz Road
Mr. Glenn Mahan of 411 Nimitz Road objected to the borrowing of such a large sum of money. He stated that the City recently supported the purchase of a multi-million dollar turbine generator for which Dover has no immediate need. He suggested that Council take a hard look at the proposed projects and determine which are really needed.
Norman Todd - 154 Orchard Avenue
Mr. Norman Todd of 154 Orchard Avenue stated his prediction that passage of the full package in a bond referendum is questionable. He suggested that Council prioritize the projects in the order of real need. Mr. Todd also suggested that the projects be offered for vote individually by the public. Referring to the Manager's statements that some of the costs for certain projects are coming from the bond issue and some from contributions from the water/sewer fund, Mr. Todd wondered if this would mean increased utility costs as well as the increase in property taxes.
Ed Dahn - 1199 Charles Drive
Mr. Ed Dahn of 1199 Charles Drive addressed Council, suggesting that the project costs be cut down to realistic figures and the projects be offered on the ballot in a menu fashion so that the public has the opportunity to vote for the projects they support rather than having to vote yes or no to an entire package.
Charles Witt - 353 N. Governors Avenue
Mr. Charles Witt of 353 N. Governors Avenue stated that during the past fours years, City tax revenues have increased 96%. Mr. Witt relayed many facts relative to costs of City services versus revenues and the related effect upon City tax dollars. Mr. Witt reminded members of Council that they are running a business and each program should be self-sufficient. He suggested that every organization wanting a baseball field, soccer field, swimming pool, etc., be required to commit the funds for construction, maintenance and operation of the function. It was Mr. Witt's feeling that the Police Station expansion is needed although the costs could be pared down to at least $1.9 million. Within the next five years, a West Dover fire station will probably be needed, but citizens need to be given statistics to prove the need. The $55,000 needed for the library expansion should be available from the operating budget and should not be included in a bond issue. With the depressed economy, Mr. Witt suggested that all other projects be delayed.
Dale Waite - 558 N. State Street
Mr. Dale Waite of 558 N. State Street addressed Council on behalf of the Dover Little League. The League wishes to lease 22 acres of land behind the Schutte Park to house the ever expanding Dover Little League. Mr. Waite explained that there are over 700 children involved in Little League. They have outgrown their present facility on Horsepond Road. As suggested earlier by Mr. Witt, Mr. Waite stated that the Little League plans to pay their own way by constructing and maintaining their ball field. He requested the public's support for the Schutte Park project.
Joe Gray - 27 Liberty Drive
Mr. Joe Gray of 27 Liberty Drive stated that the children of Dover are the future of Dover, and that City leaders must properly plan for their future. Parks are a necessity so that our children do not grow up on the streets. The busier our children are in productive activities, the better our community will be in the future. Mr. Gray requested the community's support for the Schutte Park. Mr. Gray also voiced his support for the West Dover Fire Station, stating that although the proposal will require a tax increase, these volunteer firemen are actually saving City taxpayers a considerable amount of money and the community should support their efforts.
Tony Galla - 925 Woodcrest Drive
Mr. Tony Galla of 925 Woodcrest Drive applauded Council's efforts in moving our City forward. He stated that we need to be a progressive City, but we must be cautious with the taxpayer's money and growth must be accomplished in a reasonable manner.
Jack Willis (Representing Mike Malkiewicz) - 38 Winged Foot Road
Mr. Jack Willis, speaking for Mike Malkiewicz in his absence, voiced the support of Mr. Malkiewicz for the municipal swimming pool. Mr. Malkiewicz feels it is unrealistic to expect the City taxpayers to pay for and support an indoor swimming pool. It is his feeling that the only way a pool will succeed is to have funding and help from the State and County and even perhaps the Federal government. He offered to serve on any future committees that may be created for the purpose of determining the cost effectiveness of a swimming facility and coordinating discussions with officials from the County and State. It was suggested by Mr. Malkiewicz that the bond referendum simply asks for support to enter into discussions with the County and State about the feasibility of an indoor swimming facility. Since it is not known if there is ample public support for the concept, Mr. Malkiewicz felt it would not be prudent to ask the public for a financial commitment at this time. Mr. Willis reminded Council that swimming is not only a wonderful recreational sport for youth, but it also is becoming beneficial as therapeutic activity for the elderly. He offered his personal support in working with the State and County for financial assistance on the project.
Edmund Barnes - 52 Greenhill Avenue
Mr. Edmund Barnes of 52 Greenhill Avenue stated that he supported certain aspects of the bond issue and requested that the issues be broken down in menu fashion rather than being offered as a complete package.
Jim Ferguson - 738 Oak Drive
Mr. Jim Ferguson of 738 Oak Drive stated that he has four children that he tries to keep very active. As Senior League Vice-President for the Dover Little League, Mr. Ferguson stated that the Dover Little League provides recreational entertainment for many, many youth and their families. In fact, the organization serves so many youth that it has outgrown its present facility. Mr. Ferguson stated that the Dover Little League will utilize their own money to construct and maintain the ball park. They are only asking the City to lease the necessary land to them so that they can continue to serve the Dover community.
Charles Reed - 21 Hoylake Court
Mr. Charles Reed, President of the Central Delaware Soccer Association, addressed members on the need for the Schutte Park. The Soccer Association currently has approximately 625 youth playing soccer. At the present time they are using ball fields at local schools although this has proven insufficient for their needs and they would like to utilize fields at the new proposed Schutte Park. Mr. Reed reminded Council and the public that it is not important that these youth play soccer, but that they are kept busy in constructive and healthy ways. Soccer has proven to be a recreational activity that involves the entire family and includes both male and female players. Referring to the proposed West Dover Fire Station, Mr. Reed voiced his support for the project.
Ed Baker - 1526 Forrest Avenue
Former Fire Chief Ed Baker addressed Council and the public relative to the proposed West Dover Fire Station. Although the Robbins Hose Company does not make money for the City, Mr. Baker reminded Council that the volunteer fire company saves the City and its taxpayers approximately $3 million per year. With the massive expansion of Dover over the past 25 years, the Robbins Hose Company has increased very little. The West Dover Fire Station has been well thought out by the company and is also designed for tactical operations and the ability to house people in times of emergency. They hope to build a structure that will last 50 to 75 years. Mr. Baker stated that a volunteer fire company needs to be close to residential communities in order to be successful. Residential housing in West Dover has expanded significantly and the close proximity of a fire station would greatly help with recruitment of fire fighters. Regarding concerns for the need for a second aerial ladder truck, Mr. Baker stated that there are many other functions available from the ladder than just the capability of fighting high fires.
Charles Weller - 241 Fiddlers Green
Mr. Charles Weller of 241 Fiddlers Green requested that members of Council prioritize the projects in order of their importance. He stated that it is difficult for the citizens to determine which projects are most important and he felt Council has an obligation to offer the proposals in some order of need to assist the public in determining which projects they support. He also suggested that the items be offered individually for vote by the public. Mr. Weller stated his support for the expansion of the Police Station and the West Dover Fire Station, provided the proposal is scaled down to some degree.
Gloria Horn - 131 Baltrusol Road
Mrs. Gloria Horn, a sixth grade teacher at William Henry Middle School, stated that this community will definitely receive dividends by keeping our students busy. Statistics show that students that end up as productive citizens are those that were involved in activities throughout their school years. Sports, in particular, has been a savior for many school children. Mrs. Horn specifically supported the Schutte Park project and the indoor swimming pool. She suggested a jointly financed project between the State, County and City. Mrs. Horn stated that she has discovered that many of her students do not know how to swim and suggested that an indoor pool could be utilized for swim classes.
Dr. Howard Row - 207 Orchard Avenue
Dr. Howard Row of 207 Orchard Avenue reminded those present that many years ago children were allowed to play ball on vacant lots, roller skate on sidewalks and ride bikes anywhere. Today, children are not permitted to do these things. Regulations are now so strict that children must have recreational parks in which to play. Dr. Row stated that it behooves us to look after the youngsters that live around us and to provide for them, at public expense, the kind of facilities that we use to be able to borrow.
Brian Wasko - 611 N. Governors Avenue
Brian Wasko of 611 N. Governors Avenue addressed Council as a member of the Robbins Hose Company and as a taxpayer and father. Mr. Wasko is chairman of the Aerial Ladder Committee and briefed those present on the benefits of the requested aerial ladder truck and the West Dover Fire Station. Mr. Wasko stated that the proposed building is only 2 ½ bays and is just deep enough to house the 60' long ladder truck. The ladder truck is capable of being more than just a hook and ladder truck as we normally perceive it to be. It has a generator that provides emergency lighting when needed; it has air refilling system to provide adequate air supply for the fire fighters; a $21,000 pump is on the truck since it is cheaper than utilizing a $300,000 pumper to pump water and it has a tank of water on the truck. The ladder truck has a basket for the firemen to stand on which is significantly safer than the firemen fighting a fire 85' to 100' in the air, standing on the rungs of the ladder. The ladder truck will also allow them to perform salvage and rescue work. As a citizen, Mr. Wasko supported the expansion of the buildings, reminding everyone that the City has grown and the employees need adequate working space. As a father, Mr. Wasko fully supported the Schutte Park. He stated that the City of Dover is a good and safe community and we need to keep it this way for the future of our children.
Donavan Watson - 724 Miller Drive
Mr. Donavan Watson of 724 Miller Drive is retired from the military and has chosen to retire in Dover. He previously lived in Dover in 1986 and upon his return he noticed a tremendous amount of growth. Mr. Watson voiced his support for the Schutte Park, stating that we need to provide recreation for our children and young adults.
Ann Gniesco - 265 Mifflin Road
Mrs. Ann Gniesco of 265 Mifflin Road stated her feeling that there are too many items on the bond referendum. She agreed that the City has seen tremendous growth and that the projects are probably needed but cautioned Council about attempting to fund too many projects at one time. Mrs. Gniesco requested that the projects be prioritized and offered individually on the referendum ballot.
Terry Whitham - 321 N. Governors Avenue
Mr. Terry Whitham of 321 N. Governors Avenue addressed the West Dover Fire Station and Ladder Truck proposals. As a previous Fire Chief for the Robbins Hose Company, Mr. Whitham explained the need for the projects to maintain their current level of fire service to our citizens. There should be an aerial device within one mile of industry and West Dover has experienced tremendous industry growth in the past few years. Mr. Whitham stated that we cannot wait until a life is lost to address the growth problem and urged the public's support on these projects.
At the closing of the public hearing, Council President Christiansen thanked those that participated for their time and assured the public that written comments would be accepted for 10 working days after the hearing.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
JOHN E. RICHTER
MAYOR
JER/DJB/jg