REGULAR MEETING
January 25, 1971
The regular meeting of City Council was held on Monday, January 25, 1971 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs Biggs, Coyle, Hayes, Holmes, Holpp, Legates and Walls.
The invocation was said by Rev. Claude Fulks of Christ Memorial Baptist Church, South Dover.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular meeting of City Council held on January 11, 1971 were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
LEGISLATIVE & FINANCE, WAGES & HOURS COMMITTEE
A written report of the Legislative & Finance, Wages & Hours Committee meeting held on January 21, 1971 was presented by Chairman Hayes. On motion of Mr. Walls, seconded by Mr. Legates, Council accepted the report as presented.
BLUE CROSS COVERAGE
The Blue Cross rates are due to be increased on March 1, 1971. The City’s cost for their employee coverage is presently running $2300 per month. Under the new increase the cost will be $3170 per month. A consideration has been given to increase the benefits under the City group plan by upgrading the Blue Cross plan from Standard Extended to Standard 80. This will mean an additional cost to the City of $230 per month, or a total of $3400 per month. On motion of Mr. Biggs, seconded by Mr. Coyle, Council approved the recommendation of the Legislative & Finance Committee and provided for and increase in Blue Cross benefits to its employees effective March 1, 1971.
MEMORIAL RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF DAVID GAMBERG
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover express their grief at the unfortunate and untimely death of David Gamberg. Mr. Gamberg was a well known and well respected businessman in the City who tool a keen interest in the betterment of the City. He was always considered a good friend of the Mayor and the members of Council. His death represents a great loss to the community.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover pass this Resolution in honor of the memory of David Gamberg. They express their sympathy to Mrs. Gamberg and her children.
A copy of this Resolution shall be made a permanent record of the City of Dover in honor of the memory of David Gamberg.
RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF MATHEW E. MITTEN
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover were deeply grieved at the untimely death of Mathew E. Mitten. Mr. Mitten was a contractor of well known ability and integrity. He was a leader in the community and he was interested in the future of the City of Dover and Kent County. His death is certainly a great loss to the community.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover pass this Resolution in honor of the memory of Mathew E. Mitten. They express their sympathy to Mrs. Lorna Mitten and her children.
A copy of this Resolution shall be made a permanent record of the City of Dover in honor of the memory of Mathew E. Mitten.
RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF DR. JAMES M. CHASE, JR.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover express their grief at the untimely death of Dr. James M. Chase, Jr. Dr. Chase was a well known and well respected physician and surgeon in the City of Dover. He was active in the Kent County Heart Association, the American Cancer Society and other charities. He was extremely interested in the welfare of the City of Dover and its citizens.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover pass this Resolution in honor of the memory of Dr. James M. Chase, Jr. They express their sympathy to Mrs. Retta Chase and her children.
A copy of this Resolution shall be made a permanent record of the City of Dover in honor of the memory of Dr. James M. Chase, Jr.
RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF JAMES G. SMITH, JR.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover were deeply grieved at the untimely death of James G. Smith, Jr. Mr. Smith was a well known and well respected businessman in the City. He always found time in his busy schedule to give freely to civic projects and charities. He was a leader in fund raising for the YMCA and the Kent General Hospital. He was extremely interested in the future of the City and its residents. His death at so young an age is a great loss to the Community.
The Mayor and Council of the City of Dover pass this Resolution in honor of the memory of James G. Smith, Jr. They express their sympathy to Mrs. Sara Smith and her children.
A copy of this Resolution shall be made a permanent record of the City of Dover in honor of the memory of James G. Smith, Jr.
After a brief moment of silence, the Council by motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Walls, adopted the above Resolutions, by a unanimous roll call vote.
COUNCILMAN TURNER B. HASTINGS RESOLUTION
On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Walls, Council by unanimous roll call vote adopted the following resolution honoring the memory of Councilman Turner B. Hastings.
RESOLUTION IN MEMORY OF COUNCILMAN TURNER B. HASTINGS
Turner B. Hastings became a member of Council on February 14, 1966. He served as such until his untimely death on January 15, 1971. As a member of Council, he was chairman of the Safety Advisory Committee and Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee. Councilman Hastings had the rare ability of expressing himself simply and concisely. He was extremely intelligent and he quickly grasped all issues presented before Council. Whatever Councilman Hastings attempted to do he attempted to do well and he usually succeeded in this goal. He was a leader. He gave liberally of his time for civic functions and charities for the betterment of this community. His departure is a great loss to the community.
The Mayor and members of Council are deeply grieved at the loss of their fellow Councilman. The enactment of this Resolution is but a small token of their appreciation for Councilman Hastings’ contributions to Council and the City of Dover. The Mayor and Council extend their sympathy to Mrs. Sarah G. Hastings and her children.
A copy of this Resolution shall be made a permanent record of the City of Dover in honor of the memory of Councilman Turner B. Hastings.
ADOPTED JANUARY 25, 1971
MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS
The officials appointed to conduct the Municipal Election on January 18, 1971 certified the results to City Council as follows:
COUNCILMEN:
First District Alfred S. Biggs 673 Votes
Edward T. Hammond 134 Votes
Donald Dean 109 Votes
Second District Charles A. Legates 772 Votes
Third District Carleton Walls 552 Votes
Charles Witt 355 Votes
Fourth District Victor E. Holpp 657 Votes
Mary E. Postle 242 Votes
Total Votes Cast 946 Votes
On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Holmes, Council accepted the election results as certified by the election officials.
J.P COURT #7 REPORT
The monthly report of the J.P. Court #7 was received for the month of December. A check in the amount of $4,568.20 was attached. On motion of Mr. Walls, seconded by Mr. Coyle, Council accepted the report as presented.
FIREWORKS DISPLAY - JULY 4TH
A letter was received from the Dover Chamber of Commerce asking City support for the fireworks display held annually on July 4th. The Chamber has experienced difficulty in the past in meeting expenses, and are inquiring about a free fireworks display for all City residents, to be underwritten by the City of Dover. The Chamber has figures and information available on their past experiences. On motion of Mr. Hayes, seconded by Mr. Legates, Council requested the City Manager investigate this request by the Chamber and make a recommendation to Council.
NICHOLAS BROWN - CITY PLANNER
Mr. Nicholas Brown, City Planner, was introduced to Council and stated that although only being on since January 18, 1971, he was making the rounds of the various departments of the City and also the County and State Planning Departments to better acquaint himself with the various personnel and problems that he would be facing.
HINKLE BUILDING
A proposal has been received from Mr. Edward S. Wilson and Mr. George M. Records for the purchase of the Hinkle Building owned by the City and located on the southeast corner of North and State Streets. A price of $5,000 has been offered, which they state is negotiable. Their intent is to convert this building into professional or business offices on the first two floors, with apartment units on the third. On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Coyle, Council referred this request to the Committee of Committees for their consideration and recommendation.
HURLEY PROPERTY - BANK LANE & GOVERNORS AVENUE
An offer has been made by Mr. William Hurley Estate to sell to the City of Dover some property located in the vicinity of Bank Lane and South Governors Avenue. This property could be used in the widening of Bank Lane from New Street to Governors Avenue. There are a couple of other pieces of property that would be necessary for the City to purchase along the southside of Bank Lane in order to obtain the necessary frontage to complete this project, if it were undertaken by the City. On motion of Mr. Biggs, seconded by Mr. Coyle, Council referred this request to the Committee of Committees for their consideration and recommendation.
FEDERAL POWER COMMISSION CONFERENCE
Mr. Neylan attended a conference on Friday, January 22, 1971 with Federal Power Commission, Delmarva Power & Light Co., and other Utility Companies on the Eastern Shore concerning the DP&L’s filing for a fuel adjustment clause increase effective March 1, 1971. It was originally thought that being the Commission had handed down a ruling on November 27, 1970 excluding Dover from the DP&L rate increase that was asked, effective December 1, 1970, that this fuel adjustment clause increase would also exclude the City of Dover. However, Dover has been included in this increase that is being filed with FPC. Dover must now file a protest with the FPC, through its representative attorneys, in order to block any increase at the present time.
POWER PLANT EXPANSION PLANS
Mr. Neylan presented to Council a preliminary plot plan on the expansion of the McKee Run Generating Station and installation of a 100MW Unit. The conversion of the present coal burners to oil burners is progressing along schedule. Both units should be converted during this calendar year. No further word has been received on the obtaining of low-residual oil to be used upon conversion. Bids are being obtained to purchase this fuel, and various other problems are being worked out pertaining to this project.
CLEMINSHAW REAL ESTATE REAPPRAISAL
Mr. William James stated that he had been in contact with the Cleminshaw Company and they expect to have a man or men in Dover no later than the 15th of February, and he was assured that the project can still be completed by the contract date of February, 1972.
OUTSTANDING CHECKS
There are outstanding checks in the Electric Revenue Fund totaling $1,026.13 from electric deposit refunds to customers that have never been claimed. The City Treasurer requested permission to write off these outstanding checks. On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Hayes, Council approved the request of the City Treasurer.
COURT CASES
City Solicitor Rodriguez stated that there are two cases against the City pending in court, the first being the suit entered by Wiener Associates, for which the briefs have been filed and Mr. Rodriguez believes that a decision will be forthcoming in approximately three to four months. The second, is the case of the City vs Dr. Peter Schaefer, which has been appealed, but briefs have not been filed by Mr. Schaefer’s attorney.
REPRESENTATIVE DOBBERSTEIN
State Representative Arthur Dobberstein was present and addressed Council and stated that in his newly elected office he will work closely with the City on any matters coming before the Legislature that would have an effect on the City, and would welcome any help and advice that might be forthcoming from the Council in any of these matters.
Council adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Jay R. Dougherty
City Clerk
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by Council at its meeting of January 25, 1971 are hereby approved.
JANUARY 26, 1971 Crawford J. Carroll Mayor