LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met on March 26, 1991, at 7:22 p.m., with Chairman Weyandt presiding. Members present were Councilmen Lynn and Hall and Mr. Leary. Other members of Council present were Mr. Levitt, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Council President Christiansen and Mayor Richter.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Lynn requested the addition of item #2-B to consider the Police Department's Request for Funds and item #8 to discuss the Rehabilitation Expenses which appear in the City Manager's Report. Mr. Worley requested the addition of an executive session for legal matters.

Mr. Leary moved to accept the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

SALVATION ARMY - SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE CITY OF DOVER

The committee considered a letter from Lt. Jeffery T. Bassett, Commanding Officer from the Salvation Army, relaying his concerns of the many men and women within the City of Dover who have drug and alcohol problems, are unemployed, illiterate and homeless. To alleviate some of these problems, Lt. Bassett suggested that the City hire a staff person that would be responsible for overseeing social problems.

Lt. Bassett stated that there are millions of dollars allocated by the State of Delaware to address social needs within the State. It is his feeling that the City of Dover could obtain more money than the small social service agencies. Lt. Bassett stated that there would be no need to burden residents with additional taxes, explaining that the new position would be dependent on grants. He explained that the City would only locate and obtain the funds, and that the smaller social agencies would then apply to the City to receive financial assistance to fulfill their programs.

Members of the committee felt that the concept should be considered in the reorganization of the City of Dover. Mr. Worley stated that he would obtain additional information and if the concept is feasible, he will present recommendations to the committee for their review.

REQUEST FOR FUNDS - POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Dover Police Department has been experiencing serious problems in the areas of Kirkwood, Queen, Reed, and New Streets, and some portions of Governors Avenue. To assist in alleviating these problems, the Police Department initiated a foot patrol program, consisting of two officers walking the streets four nights per week between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. in those problein areas. Chief Hutchison explained that this is an extra duty assignment and does not take away from normal shifts. He advised members that the foot patrol is funded by a special grant in the amount of $30,000 received from the Criminal Justice Council.

Based on the strong support that is being received from the community, Chief Hutchison requested permission to increase walking foot patrols to seven nights per week which would be a cost factor to the City of Dover in the amount of approximately $11,279.76 to complete the end of the current budget year on June 30, 1991.

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Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that the Police Department be permitted to expend $11,279.76 for the purpose of increasing the foot patrol program to seven days per week. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously carried.

UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE - REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF VARIANCE - MODULAR CLASSROOMS AT DELAWARE TECHNICAL AND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

During their Regular Meeting of August 8, 1988, Mayor and Council approved a request of the University of Delaware to utilize modular classrooms at Terry Campus for a period of three years (1988/89 through 1990/91 academic year). The University of Delaware submitted a letter requesting that the City of Dover extend the variance through the 1993/94 academic year.

Mr. John Murray, Acting Dean at the University of Delaware Parallel Program, explained that the parallel program operates under a contract between Delaware Technical & Community College and the University of Delaware to provide Arts and Sciences courses for college bound students from Dover and Kent County. He advised members that DTCC's long-term plan to accommodate the parallel program is either by acquiring a building adjacent to the main campus or constructing another building. Mr. Murray stated that neither one of those plans are expected to occur within the next few years; therefore, they requested that an extension be granted.

Mr. James Melvin, Fire Marshal, has inspected the facilities and reported that they are satisfactory and in compliance with required Codes.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that Council approve extending the period of time for modular classrooms for the use of the University of Delaware Parallel Program through the 1993/94 academic year. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

Mr. Weyandt directed the Planning Office to prepare an agreement for both parties to sign and requested that expiration dates be included.

TRASH COLLECTION - CHICKEN FESTIVAL

Mr. Worley advised members that the 43rd Annual Delmarva Chicken Festival is scheduled for June 7-8, 1991, at the Delaware State College. The event is sponsored by the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., and hosted by the Kent County Tourism Corporation, Forward Central Delaware and the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Worley stated that approximately $1,500 is contributed by the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. to support the festival, and money is raised through the trade, art shows and concessions. All excess funds will be turned over to the Kent County Tourism Corporation.

The festival committee has requested that the City of Dover support the festival with police and refuse collection services and that the refuse service be provided at no charge. The refuse collection would consist of placing five to ten 300-gallon containers and ten to twenty 90-gallon containers for a two-day period, at an estimated cost of $1,275.

It was staff's recommendation that the City provide the refuse collection at no cost since any profit the festival earns will benefit the Kent County Tourism Corporation, which provides tourism promotion for the City.

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Mr. Hall moved to recommend that the City provide refuse collection for the 43rd Annual Delmarva Chicken Festival at no charge, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

CITY TRANSFER TAX

When the City adopted a transfer tax several years ago, the tax was modeled after the State tax so that there would be no confusion for property owners. Last year, the State of Delaware approved H.B. 729 which amended Section 5401, Chapter 54, Title 30 of the Delaware Code Pertaining to the State's realty transfer tax. According to the City Solicitor, our ordinance does not automatically adopt subsequent amendments to the State law.

Mr. Worley explained that it is much easier for the City's realty transfer tax to be identical to the State's to avoid confusion and misunderstandings. Staff recommended that Mr. Rodriguez prepare the necessary documents to amend the City ordinance and that the first reading occur during the April 8, 1991 Council Meeting.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that the City Solicitor be directed to prepare the necessary documents to amend the City's realty transfer tax ordinance to be identical to the State's tax, and that the first reading of the ordinance take place during the April 8, 1991 Council Meeting (Attachment *1) . The motion was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously carried.

SI.gN REGULATION AMENDME.NTS

As requested by Mayor Richter, the City Planner met with Mr. Karl Dorzback, member of the Downtown Dover Development Committee, to examine the City's current sign regulations and determine what revisions, if any, would be warrantcd. The Mayor also requested that a committee be established for the purpose of reviewing any proposed amendments and to provide input and direction to the amendment process.

The City's Planning Staff, Chairman of the Board of Adjustment, and Mr. Dorzback, reviewed all the Board of Adjustment's cases that involved requests for sign variances for the years 1987, 1988, and 1989. A set of recommendations were presented to the Special Committee for their review. In December 1990, the Special Committee suggested revisions to the proposed sign regulation amendments. The amendments were submitted to the Planning Commission for their review and recommendations. The Planning Commission recommended their support and concurrence with the amendments. Mr. Mike Petit de Mange, Assistant Planner, gave a presentation that described the proposed amendments in detail. Staff recommended approval of the proposed sign regulation amendments and that a public hearing be held.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend approval of the proposed amendments to the RG-0, and C-4 district sign regulations (Attachment *2) and that a public hearing be held to receive comments. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hall and unanimously carried. (It is recommended that a public hearing be set for May 13, 1991 at 7:30 p.m.)

1991/96 CIP

The Capital Improvements five year plan for the year 1991-1996 was presented to the committee for their review. Mr. Worley explained that the each committee will review that portion of the report that relates to their committee and, if necessary, special meetings will be held to review the report in detail.

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT APPLICATION

As requested by Mr. Weyandt, staff prepared a breakdown of the $43,931 listed in the FY 1991 Community Development Block Grant Application as administrative expenses, During the grant preparation process, the figure was revised to $39,637 to meet the State of Delaware's 50% match requirement for the administrative portion of this grant. Mr. Knox explained that when the CDBG is

administered,the City receives a grant from the State of Delaware of which the

City matches. He stated that although $39,637 is the City's portion for the

project, only$17,236 is budgeted. Mr. Knox explained that the City takes credit

for in-kind contributions from the Inspections Department, Finance Department, etc. and puts it towards matching the State's portion of the administration money. The City's cash contribution and in-kind services total the amount which is matched by the State of Delaware.

CITY MANAGER'S MONTHLY REPORT

Noting that the City Manager's Report is very resourceful and detailed, it is a standing item on the committee's agenda for thorough review.

The committee reviewed the report and took no further action.

Mr. Lynn moved to adjourn into executive session, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:34 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Francis R. Weyandt

Chairman

FRW/DJB/jg

Attachments