QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on May 6, 1991 with Council President Christiansen presiding in the absence of Mayor Richter. Members of Council present were Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Lynn and Mr. Weyandt. Mr. VanSant was absent.
Council staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Worley, Mr. Cregar and Mrs. Boaman.
Council President Christiansen opened the meeting, reminding those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action. Citizen's concerns will be heard and taken care of by staff or by Council during an official Council or Committee meeting.
JOHN BAKER - BETH PLACE
Sound Barrier - By-Pass
Mr. John Baker of Beth Place in Persimmon Park Place addressed Council with questions on a proposal for sound barriers along the proposed by-pass. Many of his neighbors are concerned with the probability of excessive traffic noise from the by-pass which will pass very near their residential neighborhood.
City Manager Worley explained that this type of request should be addressed with the State of Delaware, Department of Transportation. He explained, however, that the State would probably wish to wait to determine if a noise violation occurs. Mr. Worley felt that City Council would assist its citizens in addressing such a problem with the State of Delaware if the need arises.
Mr. Baker felt that the issue should be addressed prior to the completion of construction. The City Manager will provide Mr. Baker with the names and addresses of the proper officials to contact.
Private Community - City Services
Noting that Persimmon Park Place is a private community, Mr. Baker explained that the property owners do not receive the same services of other City property owners, such as street cleaning/paving, snow removal, etc. He suggested that the City lower the amount of taxes for these property owners by the amount of money saved with the property owners providing these services.
Mr. Worley explained that the developer of Persimmon Park Place made the decision to keep the development as a private community. The streets within the development do not meet City standards and were never accepted for dedication by the City. The concept behind this type of development is that if the developer can build less expensive streets, he can sell the homes at a lower cost to the purchaser. The property owners, upon purchase, accept the responsibility of maintaining the streets through condominium fees.
TONY GALLA - 925 WOODCREST DRIVE
Relating to the emphasis currently being placed upon our environment, Mr. Tony Galla distributed a picture depicting someone draining oil from their vehicle into the sewer system. He suggested that the City distribute educational information through the Towne Crier about the hazards of this type of action.
Referring to the recycling containers in the City of Dover, Mr. Galla suggested that the City somehow distribute information to the citizens on where the containers are located. Mr. Worley explained that the Delaware Solid Waste Authority is currently advertising the sites of the recycling containers. The City will be funding monies to supplement this advertising throughout the City.
Council President Christiansen and members of Council thanked Mr. Galla for his suggestions.
ISAAC ADAMS - BOATING ON SILVER LAKE
Mr. Isaac Adams expressed his desire to teach water skiing on Silver Lake to the Boy Scouts. He has encountered a problem with his competition water ski boat not meeting the standards imposed on Silver Lake. The boat contains a 230 horsepower inboard motor which exceeds the 115 horsepower, outboard motor, limit for Silver Lake.
Mr. Adams is a safety director for American Water Ski Association. He feels that his boat is safer than most boats on the lake. Although the motor is 230 hp, Mr. Adams stated that it is not a fast boat. It is geared down like a tractor, which has a lot of power but is not a fast vehicle.
Council President Christiansen requested that Mr. Adams submit a formal request, outlining the full details of the proposal, to the City so that the matter can be reviewed by the Silver Lake Commission and the Parks and Recreation Committee.
COMMENTS - COUNCILMAN CHARLES HALL
With his term of office nearing its end, Councilman Hall thanked his fellow Councilmen for their support throughout his term of office and City staff for their dedication and assistance. He offered special thanks to his wife for her full support during the many evenings he had to be away from home on City business. Mr. Hall wished his very best to Mr. Hare and the other members of Council as they confront the many difficult issues that will arise. He offered his future assistance to the City in any way.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
COUNCIL PRESIDENT
jg