QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
The Quarterly Open Town Meeting was held on November 2, 1987 at 7:30 p.m. with Vice-Mayor Richter presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Daisey, Mrs. Legates, Mr. Christiansen, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Weyandt and Mr. VanSant. Mayor Carroll and Mr. Lynn were absent.
Staff members present were Mr. Roe, Mr. Bartolotta, Mr. Lucas, Chief Klenoski, Ms. Bittner and Mr. Rodriguez .
Vice-Mayor Richter stated that the first portion of the meeting will be for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the Financing Plan for the Comprehensive Sewer Study. The normally scheduled Open Town Meeting will convene immediately following the public hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING - COMPREHENSIVE SEWER PLAN - FINANCING PLAN
As a result of rapid growth in the area, the City has had to look at future capacity for sewer facilities within the City of Dover. A study was performed by Whitman, Requardt and Associates on the Wastewater System Mast Plan-Facilities Financing, which included a projected future wastewater plan as well as a financing plan. The public hearing is for the purpose of hearing public comments on the plan and the financing alternatives outlined in the report.
Mr. James Avirett of Whitman, Requardt and Associates gave a short presentation to the public, explaining that the report considered the present system of the City and its over all wastewater capacity and possible deficiencies, including maintenance on portions of the present system. A second area covered in the report was a projection of the future growth of the City and the effect the growth will have on the present system and the impact on future expansion of the wastewater system. Projections were based upon the City of Dover’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Mr. Avirett reviewed the City’s present fee structure for the sewer system. Normal maintenance operations, bonding of certain projects and County charges for conveyance and treatment are built into basic sewer rates. In the past, federal funds were available to assist in funding particular wastewater conveyance projects. Unfortunately, very few dollars are available at the federal level today for projects of this nature and the City must look into other funding sources.
The funding method proposed by Whitman, Requardt and Associates is termed a “Service Development Charge”, which is sometimes referred to as an “impact fee”. The basic concept of the proposal is that the costs associated with building new facilities related to new growth are paid by the Service Development Charge. The fee would be based upon determination of capacity and would be assessed at the time that the building permit is being issued.
Mr. Bartolotta highlighted the key philosophical basis for development of the charges. New costs associated with growth will not be borne by the sewer rate payer, but rather will be borne by the new growth. One area of concern expressed during committee level discussion was the possibility of driving the growth out of the City limits, into the County, to avoid the new fees. Mr. Bartolotta stated that meetings with officials of Kent County revealed that Kent County presently charges a fee similar to an impact fee for developments in sewer service districts that exceed existing capacities. The County’s Land Use Plan encourages cluster developments and if a developer builds a subdivision outside the City limits, the County would require the developer to install a package treatment facility in the development with the full costs borne by the developer.
Vice-Mayor Richter explained that the purpose of the public hearing is to hear comments from the public on the proposal prior to Council action. The matter will be further considered and reviewed by the Utility Committee and Council.
Dan Phelan - 19 Tam O’Shanter Court
Mr. Dan Phelan of 19 Tam O’Shanter Court complimented the City on the presentation. He asked if the City would be responsible for the debt if a new system was built and the fees did not materialize. Mr. Bartolotta stated that the required bonds would have to be guaranteed in some manner by the City.
Responding to a question by Mr. Phelan of the possibility of the new fee discouraging growth in the City, Mr. Bartolotta stated that without the fee, development would come to a stop on its own because there will be no sewer capacity for new structures.
George Chabbott
Mr. George Chabbott was present in his capacity as Legislative Chairman of the Board of Realtors and President of Emerson Realty, Commercial and Industrial Division. The organizations represented by Mr. Chabbott are pleased that the City of Dover is taking responsible steps towards growth in the City and agree that planning and implementation for new systems is imperative. However, they would like an opportunity to seek other sources of financing for the system. Mr. Chabbott stated that if fees are charged to developers for future growth, the fees would ultimately be passed on to the new homeowner. The organizations have no alternative to offer at this time but are researching plans of other cities and counties throughout the country to obtain ideas for alternative sources of financing. One area of concern expressed by Mr. Chabbott is the proposal of charging the fee at the time of building permit issuance. This would result in the necessity of a developer having to obtain up-front money, in addition to interest fees and carrying charges, until such time as the structure is occupied and the certificate of occupancy is issued, with the money being recouped from the purchaser. One alternative offered by Mr. Chabbott is the possibility of the City assessing the fee at the time of certificate of occupancy.
Mr. Chabbott ended his comments by requesting that the City set up an ad-hoc committee of interested persons such as members of the Home Builders Association and/or the Board of Realtors, to work with the Utility Committee in establishing a financing plan that would be equitable to everyone concerned.
Mr. VanSant alluded to Mr. Chabbott’s suggestion of assessing fees at time of occupancy, stating that the new system would be in place prior to the time of occupancy, meaning that the City of Dover would be financing the system until the costs are recouped.
Responding to a question by Mr. VanSant on the present practice of the City, Mr. Bartolotta stated that if development has downstream capacity, the developer would pay nothing; if the downstream capacity is not available, the developer would not be permitted to develop unless he increased downstream capacity, which is sometimes not economically feasible for the developer.
Tony Ashburn
Mr. Tony Ashburn was present representing the Home Builders Association of Lower Delaware. Mr. Ashburn stated that it appears to him that the present system has worked very well in the past and would continue to work in the future. It is his feeling that young couples attempting to upgrade their housing will be saddled with yet another additional charge. Mr. Ashburn felt it unfair to burden the homeowner with an additional cost such as the proposed impact fee. If this charge is financed over the mortgage with the home, it will eventually cost the homeowner a considerable amount of money. He offered an alternative suggestion of allowing the homeowner to pay for the fee over a number of years along with his monthly sewer bill.
The National Home Builders Association has been solicited for their assistance in obtaining information on this subject as it has been dealt with by other cities across the Country and Mr. Ashburn requested the opportunity to present this information to the Utility Committee.
Mr. VanSant referred to Mr. Ashburn’s statement of the homeowner carrying the impact fee on his mortgage, stating that many homeowners do the same thing with major appliances.
Mr. Ashburn cautioned Council of the possibility of discouraging growth in the City.
Hearing no further requests for public input, Mr. Richter reminded everyone that this matter will be more fully discussed during the Utility Committee Meeting.
QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING
Mr. Ed Starkey - Police Surveillance - Vicinity of The Greens and Super Fresh
Mr. Ed Starkey of 295 Green Blade Drive addressed Council on the recent increase in crime in the area of The Greens. Mr. Starkey complained of vandalism, destruction of personal property, and of persons urinating in public in this area. Mr. Starkey stated that statistics show that juvenile arrests have increased considerably in the age group of nine (9) and under, and this is the age group that is involved in incidents occurring in the vicinity of his home. Mr. Starkey stated that very young, unchaperoned children are left to play in streets. He recommended that recreational facilities be provided for the children to occupy them in positive activities. In the interim, Mr. Starkey requested additional police surveillance in the vicinity of The Greens.
Durward Matthews - 359 Mockingbird Avenue
Durward Matthews, President of the Mayfair/Crossgates/Wedgewood Civic Association, reiterated previous requests for additional police surveillance in his neighborhood. He complimented the Police Department on their coverage during the celebration of Halloween. He also complimented Police Officer Case on her presentation on the formation of a Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. Residents were told by Officer Case to call the Police Department whenever they noticed anything that appeared suspicious. However, when residents call complaints into the Police Department, they receive no response to their calls.
Skateboarders are using Post Boulevard rather than the recently designated skateboarding area for their play activities and Mr. Matthews questioned why the Police Department has not stopped the practice. Mr. Matthews alluded to previous problems in his neighborhood where windows were shot out of several automobiles and wondered if the criminal was ever found and prosecuted. The City Police Department was involved in the arrest of an individual that was responsible for graffiti on neighborhood property. However, the charges were dropped and Mr. Matthews wondered if the Police Department could be held responsible for repairs to the property since they did not prosecute the criminal.
Mr. Christiansen suggested that Mr. Matthews have his neighbors document their complaints to the Police Department to substantiate their calls, for review by the Chief of Police or the Mayor.
Chief Klenoski stated that he was unaware of any unanswered complaints from the City Police Department and invited anyone to contact him if such an incident should occur. During the month of September, in Mr. Matthews neighborhood 11 complaints were received, none of which were of a serious nature. Radar surveillance, under special assignment, was conducted in this neighborhood on October 6, 14, 15, 19 and 20, 1987. After presentation of a neighborhood Crime Watch Program, only one resident of the Mayfair/Crossgates/Wedgewood area took advantage of the Police Department’s property identification equipment.
Chief Klenoski stated that the incident where several car windows were shot, resulted in an arrest being made. There was also an arrest in the graffiti incident, however, the case had to be dropped due to the necessity of having to reveal an informant.
Chief Klenoski stated that over the past eight years, manpower of the Police Department has been increased with 11 additional police officers and stated that he is willing to hire as many officers as Council wishes to authorize.
Ed Dahn - 1199 Charles Drive
Ed Dahn of 1199 Charles Drive complimented members of the Legislative and Finance Committee for not smoking during the last committee meeting where discussion took place on Health in the Workplace. Mr. Dahn stated his hope that all other committees will follow the example set forth by the Legislative and Finance Committee.
Mr. Dahn complimented members of Council in utilizing diplomacy and restraint during heated discussions. He noted the difficulty of remaining calm at times, but suggested that members of City staff not be publicly berated. He felt that it behooves members of Council to control their emotions at times and portrays a better image of the City as a whole. Mr. Dahn also complimented Council for the many hours of dedicated hours volunteered to the City of Dover, although he noted the absence of three members of Council during recent discussions on possible Charter changes, which he feels is of major importance to the City.
The presentation on the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program, as made to residents of the Mayfair/Crossgates/Wedgewood Civic Association, was excellent as well as a presentation by Mr. Richard Scrafford on the mechanized refuse collection system. Mr. Dahn suggested possible coverage of such presentations on cable television, feeling that all residents of the City could benefit from such a program.
Chief Klenoski informed the public that Storer Cable Communications airs a Police Department program every Tuesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. dealing with crime prevention, safety tips, radar locations, etc. This program is aired free of charge by Storer.
Mr. Levitt concurred with Mr. Dahn’s comments on non-smoking during committee meetings. Although a smoker, Mr. VanSant stated that he attempts to refrain from smoking during public meetings.
Ruth Tee - 822 Whiteoak Road
Ruth Tee of 822 Whiteoak Road addressed Council, thanking Councilmen Christiansen, Levitt and Lynn for making Council more accessible to the public, feeling that most citizens will not write letters relative to their problems.
Ms. Tee submitted the following complaints for Council consideration: (1) Utilization of tar and chip to repave alleys; (2) Charles L. Witt letter being read in full during a Council Meeting and inaction by staff on letters of complaints; (3) Discrimination on removal of abandoned vehicles including a vehicle owned by William Hurley on Greenhill Avenue and a yellow vehicle located across from 17 Upland Avenue; (4) lack of checks and balances by members of Council on follow-up by City staff to citizen complaints; (5) jurisdiction on Site Plans, referring to an addition to Slaughter’s Used Cars; (6) dangerous situation stemming from vehicles cutting through the parking lot of Dover Diner; and (7) insufficient ordinances for dealing with dangerous buildings, referring to the Johnson property located on Whiteoak Road.
Ms. Tee thanked Mr. Bartolotta and Mr. Ed Cregar for assistance and response to some of her problems.
Referring to her complaint of inappropriate staff response to her concerns, Ms. Tee stated that she received a response from the City Clerk stating that the matter has been referred to the proper department, but she never received a response or sees corrective action by the involved department. Mr. Christiansen reiterated a previous suggestion that a member of Council be designated to track staff response to citizen complaints. Mr. Richter volunteered Mr. Christiansen for the position.
Mr. Weyandt informed Ms. Tee of a request he made to the City Solicitor for a possible revision to the present dangerous building ordinance. This will be considered during the Legislative and Finance Committee meeting, following the Open Town Meeting.
Dan Phelan - 19 Tam O’Shanter Court
Mr. Dan Phelan of 19 Tam O’Shanter Court objected to observance of Halloween by the City of Dover on October 30th. He felt that the holiday should have been observed on Saturday, October 31st and requested that City Council not allow such a change in the future.
Grace Matthews - 359 Mockingbird Avenue
Mrs. Grace Matthews of 359 Mockingbird Avenue thanked the Police Department for surveillance in her neighborhood during Halloween and complimented the police officer assigned to the area for the extra effort shown, including the distribution of candy to Trick-or-Treaters. Mrs. Matthews referred to her husband, Mr. Durward Matthews who serves as President of the Mayfair/Crossgates/Wedgewood Civic Association, stating that many citizens will not approach the City with their problems which is why many neighborhood complaints are delivered by Mr. Matthews.
Referring to the recent test program for mechanized refuse collection, Mrs. Matthews stated that the test area was insufficient for a genuine feeling of the public on the new system.
Crime in Bicentennial Village - Mr. Tom Clark - 205 Old Flint Circle
Mr. Tom Clark of 205 Old Flint Circle complimented the Police Department for the additional surveillance in the area of Bicentennial Village during the observance of Halloween. He referred to the recent increase of burglaries in his area, and requested the continued support of the Police Department.
Janice Hickly - 17 Freedom Drive
Mrs. Janice Hickly of 17 Freedom Drive also spoke in reference to increased vandalism in her neighborhood and related to Council a personal experience, which occurred in 1985, where her residence was burglarized while her family was at home. The criminal was positively identified by her and was charged. However, she was never advised of the status of the arrest. Mrs. Hickly stated that crime in the area of Bicentennial Village has increased considerably in the past several months and requested that the City of Dover do everything possible to increase police surveillance in the development.
Chief Klenoski requested that Mrs. Hickly contact him for more information on the status of the burglary in her home. Chief Klenoski agreed that crimes in this particular area have definitely increased. He stated, however, that his department is working in the area although the officers may not be visible to the public. Chief Klenoski reminded citizens to keep their homes locked and their belongings secured, keeping the opportunity for crime from the criminals. Every resident must accept responsibility for their property and assist the Police Department in preventing crime.
Mrs. Hickly contributed part of the crime problem to improper zoning and planning, referring to the many offices and shopping complexes located within a residential neighborhood.
Mr. VanSant thanked Mrs. Hickly for her contribution to the discussion and invited her to bring future comments or suggestions to Council.
Charles Corbett - 239 Green Blade Drive
Mr. Charles Corbett of 239 Green Blade Drive stated that he works very unusual hours which allows him, at times, to be home during the day. He stated that he often observes persons in the neighborhood that obviously do not live there and he suggested that the Police Department make their presence known, feeling that it would serve as a deterrent to potential criminals.
David Johnson - 722 Whiteoak Road
David Johnson addressed Council concerning his property located at 722 Whiteoak Road which was considered for demolition by City Council. Mr. Johnson explained that he and his wife purchased and renovated the property for the sole purpose of residing there when all alternations are complete. He thanked those members of Council that took advantage of his invitation to personally view the structure. The outside of the building has been completed and is no longer a public hazard. The interior of the structure will be repaired as soon as possible. Mr. Johnson stated that he purchased the house after it remained empty for many years and he feels that he has made a definite improvement to the neighborhood with the renovations of the property.
Responding to comments from Mr. Johnson, Mr. Weyandt stated that his concerns on the property centered around the requirement that it meet the City of Dover Housing Code.
Reuben Salters - 109 Bertrand Drive
Mr. Reuben Salters of 109 Bertrand Drive referred to Carlyle Gardens and the need for low rent housing in Dover. Mr. Salters lives in close proximity to a low rent housing project. Unlike residents in Bicentennial Village, the low rent housing in Mr. Salter’s area was built after he purchased his home. Mr. Salters assured residents of Bicentennial Village that State authorities are working on a solution to eliminate some of the problems that are presently in existence at Carlyle Gardens.
An article appeared in the Delaware State News indicating that Mr. Salters felt that a racial problem exists in Dover and that he was upset by the lack of black officers on the City Police Force. Mr. Salters stated that this was untrue and that the Delaware State News has promised to print a retraction of the article. He agreed that there are not enough black officers in Dover but he expressed no complaints against the Police Department on this issue. Mr. Salters stated his opinion that black police officers would serve as a greater deterrent to crimes committed by black persons and would give small black children something to look up to. He did not feel that crime in Dover only takes place in areas that house minorities. It is his opinion that in today’s society, crime is occurring in all areas and in all types of neighborhoods. He encouraged citizens of all races to assist the Police Department in cleaning up crime in Dover.
Eric Frankl - 44 Freedom Drive
Mr. Eric Frankl of 44 Freedom Drive spoke concerning the fears of residents of Bicentennial Village due to the recent increase in crime in their area, stating that he does not feel that the problem is due to any particular race. Mr. Frankl suggested additional parks and recreational areas within housing units, which could lead young children in a more positive direction and a more productive lifestyle.
Alan Hash - 58 Freedom Drive
Mr. Alan Hash of 58 Freedom Drive stated objections to citizens and the Police Department accepting crime as a normal part of life. He does not feel that locked doors and barred windows are a normal part of life and he refused to believe that this is an acceptable way to live by Dover’s citizens.
Dee Mears - 36 Lamplighter Lane
Mrs. Dee Mears of 36 Lamplighter Lane addressed Council, complimenting the City’s Police Department in their efforts to reduce crime in Dover. Mrs. Mears stated that Council should increase the manpower of the Police Department if necessary even if it results in increased property taxes. She reminded those present that citizens must work with the Police Department in order to make the system work.
Janice Hickly - 17 Freedom Drive
Responding to remarks by Mr. Reuben Salters, Mrs. Janice Hickly clarified her previous statement relative to crime in her neighborhood. She wished to make it very clear that she does not feel that this problem is a racial issue. There are black and white families residing in Bicentennial Village, and everyone shares the concerns of crime in the area. She requested that all citizens assist in not making the problem appear as a racial issue.
Mr. Daisey expressed his appreciation to members of Council for allowing citizen input from the many concerned citizens present tonight.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:35 P.M.
JOHN E. RICHTER
VICE-MAYOR
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