QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on August 1, 1988 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Richter presiding. Members present were Councilmen Hall, Daisey, Legates, Lynn, Christiansen, Levitt, Weyandt and VanSant.

Council staff members present were Chief Hutchison, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Bartolotta, Mr. Roe, and Ms. Bittner.

CHARLES JOHNSON - 419 S. STATE STREET

Mr. Charles Johnson of 419 S. State Street addressed concerns with plans of the Dover parking Authority to construct a parking facility behind State Street. Mr. Johnson questioned the rationale of providing parking for state agencies at the expense of City taxpayers. He projected the proposed parking spaces will cost close to $10,000 per space. Urban Partners was commissioned to perform a downtown study at a cost of $60,000. The initial report places very little priority on a parking facility in the southwest quadrant with the City, yet this is the direction being taken by the Parking Authority, It was Mr. Johnson’s feeling that the parking lot seems to be in the wrong place and serving the wrong constituency st an exorbitant cost.

He alluded to Larry McAllister’s theory that the parking facilities must come before development and questioned exactly what type of development is expected. He strongly objected to the development of properties that close at 5:00 p.m. This part of the City needs people living there on a full time basis, not additional offices.

Mayor Richter stated that Mr. Johnson’s concerns will be forwarded to members of the Parking Authority.

PHIL BAYNARD - 427 S. STATE STREET

Mr. Phil Baynard of 427 S. State Street expressed his strong opposition to the proposed parking lot at State and Water Streets. He feels that development of such a parking facility at this location would be an assault on the historic district. The three houses affected by the parking lot have no front yard and he felt that the back yards are an integral part of the properties.

The City of Dover has chosen to take steps to revitalize the downtown area, but Mr. Baynard felt that the proposed parking lot is too far away from downtown to have any affect on the parking shortage. Urban Partners, in their preliminary report, have pointed to the Bradford Street area as the most urgent parking priority. He suggested other locations for a parking facility such as multi-level parking on existing parking lots of use of vacant land at the east end of Water Street. Although the Parking Authority is an autonomous body, City funds are involved and Mr. Baynard felt that the City should be involved in the decision making process.

Responding to questions by Mr. Christiansen on the prospect of citizens parking so far away from downtown businesses, Mr. Baynard stated that a multi-level parking garage at City Hall would be utilized by downtown patrons if it were the only facility available.

Mayor Richter assured Mr. Baynard that Council will be involved in the Parking Authority’s plans concerning the funding of their proposal.

HAROLD WOLCOTT - 213 N. KIRKWOOD STREET

Mr. Harold Wolcott of 213 N. Kirkwood Street addressed problems recently being encountered on his street. The Elks Club is located in close proximity to his home. There is insufficient parking facilities for the Club and patrons often park in front of Mr. Wolcott’s home, blocking his driveway and damages have occurred to his fence from persons leaning on it. Not only are neighbors subjected to loud noise from the Club, but the younger gather in front of the surrounding homes playing loud music during all hours of the night. During past years, Mr. Wolcott was able to request that the vehicles be moved and the noise be kept down, but lately he has been ignored by those involved. He requested that Council take action to help the residents of North Kirkwood Street to maintain a nice neighborhood.

In response to a question by Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Roe informed Council that the Elks Club was established prior to adoption of the Zoning Code and they are operating under a Conditional Use, with no off-street parking facilities provided.

Chief Hutchison assured Mr. Wolcott that the Police Department is working on the problems addressed and requested that Mr. Wolcott contact him after the meeting for additional information.

ROY BOGUS - 229 FREAR DRIVE

Mr. Roy Bogus of 229 Frear Drive was present and complimented Council on the Thursday evening Spring/Summer Performing Arts Series at the park, feeling that these performances are an asset to the community.

Mr. Bogus informed Council of observing fire vehicles attempting to cross Route #13 at Whiteoak Road, en route to a fire. Three of the fire trucks were able to cross the highway, but the forth truck sat at the intersection for quite a long time before being able to proceed. Mr. Bogus suggested that some thought be given to having the lights controlled from the Fire House or the use of police assistance at major intersections to facilitate a timely response by fire apparatus.

Mr. Christiansen informed those present that the Fire Department currently controls traffic signals at the intersections of Governors Avenue and Division Street, and Governors Avenue and loockerman Street. The system, however, does not always work due to mechanical problems. The Police Department always attempts to assist the Fire Department when needed.

Mayor Richter took the opportunity to thank Mr. Bogus for accepting his appointment to attend the Canoe Jousting in Snow Hill, Maryland on Behalf of the City of Dover.

JACK COSTELLO - 789 WALKER ROAD

Questions were raised by Mr. Jack Costello of 789 Walker Road, relative to plans for a West Dover fire company branch. Mr. Costello alluded to the heavy expansion to the west of Dover. With Conrail tracks dividing the City and the increased development to the west, Mr,.Costello asked if the City has any plans for expansion of the Fire Department to accommodate the residents on the west side of the City.

Mr. Christiansen stated that the Robbins Hose Company has a committee actively working on a study of this nature. Statistics are being compile don the number of runs to the west and the Fire Company’s response time. Referring to the railroad tracks, Mr. Christiansen stated that arrangements were made some time ago with Conrail, through a telephone tie-line to be able to break any train that may hinder the fire company’s response to a fire. In addition, the Robbins Hose Company can always utilize the services of Cheswold, Camden, or Hartly which are based west of the railroad tracks.

Mr. VanSant suggested that Councilman Christiansen set up a meeting with the Fire Chief and members of the press to explain how the Conrail interrupt works. He felt that an article on this subject would be very beneficial to the residents living west of Dover.

Mr. Weyandt reminded Mr. Costello that when the Walker Rosa water tank was constructed, it was made large enough to store fire apparatus in the base of it, which would facilitate the fire protection needs for the west side of the City.

EDWARD COX - 798 E. LOOCKERMAN STREET

Mr. Edward Cox of 798 E. Loockerman Street addressed the traffic congestion and excessive speeding along E. Loockerman Street Extension. He requested that Council consider closing off E. Loockerman Street Extension, making it a long cul-de-sac or dead end street. He referred to past plans for such a consideration, in conjunction with development of the John Hunn Brown property. Since the Brown property has not been developed, the idea was not culminated. With the many fast food restaurants being located in close proximity to Loockerman Street, the residents of E. Loockerman Street, S. Edgehill Avenue and S. Halsey Road are burdened with excessive traffic congestion. He stated that residents face grave danger when attempting to enter or exit their driveway. He suggested that a barrier be installed just east of Shakeys, closing off E. Loockerman Street Extension.

Mr. Weyandt questioned if the closing of E. Loockerman Street Extension would have any affect on fire apparatus to fires in this area. Mr. Christiansen stated his opinion that fire trucks could utilize Division Street for access.

Mayor Richter assured Mr. Cox that the Safety Advisory Committee will consider his suggestion.

ED DAHN - 1199 CHARLES DRIVE

In an attempt in improving public relations, Mr. Ed Dahn of 1199 Charles Drive suggested that Council give consideration to not issuing tickets when the street sweeper is out of service. He felt that in many instances, citizens are issued parking tickets for parking in areas that are designated for street sweeping. However, the City’s street sweeper is not always able to maintain its schedule and citizens feel it is unfair to them to be issued a ticket when the sweeper is not operating.

Mr. Dahn complimented Mayor Richter on his State of the City Message and Mr. Hall on his immediate action on Council since his recent election.

Questions were raised by Mr. Dahn on the City’s support for the civic center. He stated that he attended all of the City’s committee meetings, where the subject was not brought up, yet many of the members of Council changed their stand on the project. He objected to the citizens of Dover being subjected to the civic center expenses on behalf of the City and State. Mr. Dahn also suggested that the City continue its efforts towards a Local Service Function Budget.

Mr. VanSant stated that Council went on record quite some time ago as supporting the concept of a civic center. Referring to Mr. Dahn’s statement on City residents paying three times, Mr. VanSant reminded him that City residents will also reap the rewards from development of the center through increased revenues, taxes, licensing, etc.

Mr. Weyandt explained his change from opposition to support of the civic center, stating that the necessary funds were readily available to the City with no tax increase in its property owners. The City has made it very clear that there will be no additions to the committed $2,000,000 expenditure and will not be responsible for any possible operating deficits. Mr. Weyandt stated that you must invest to reap returns and he felt that the City has a good opportunity to exceed its investment in returns. Mr. Daisey explained his support for the civic center project for the same reasons stated by Mr. Weyandt.

RUTH TEE - 822 WHITEOAK ROAD

Ms. Ruth Tee of 822 WHiteoak Road stated her opinion that part of the problem with insufficient parking in the downtown area is due to owners and employees utilizing the available parking spaces. Also, the addition of Malls to the Dover area has caused the closing of many downtown stores. She stated that citizens want to park directly in front of the store that they are visiting, yet they will park at the Mall and walk a great distance. She complimented Mr. Hall on his letter concerning the plans of the Dover Parking Authority.

Regarding the proposed civic center, Ms. Tee cautioned the City about becoming involved in something that could result in increased costs to City taxpayers.

Ms. Tee alluded to the amount of increased traffic throughout the City such as on Whiteoak Road, New Burton Road and North Street. As a means of increasing public relations, she also suggested that the City invest in some way of getting more information to its citizens, such as a monthly newsletter.

Mayor Richter thanked everyone for their input into the Open Tow Meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

DEBRAH J. BITTNER

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

                                                                                    JOHN E. RICHTER

                                                                                    MAYOR