SPECIAL MEETING
November 21, 1955
A special meeting of City Council was held Monday, November 21, 1955, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs. Biddle, Davis, Helm, Holpp, Mundy, Tischer and Zartman.
MINUTES
Minutes of the meeting of November 14, 1955 were accepted as read.
HARMON PERMIT
City Manager Ward reported that the request of Mr. Jesse Harmon to move a building from the Ward property to Pine Street had been withdrawn.
DSEA REQUEST
The request of the Delaware State Education Association to convert the rectory of holy Cross Church, 24 S. Bradford Street, a residential section, into an office and apartment has been duly advertised, for hearing at this meeting. William R. Manter and W. D. Clements presented a petition signed by property owners on Bradford Street between Reed and Division Streets objecting to the request of the DSEA. The petition was signed by a majority of property owners in the block. Messrs Roushey and Harris of the DSEA explained the operation of their organization and stated that there was a distinction between their non-profit group and a commercial business. Property owners stated that they did not object to the organization but to the precedent that would be set by allowing the first business to open in the block. On the motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Mundy, Council rejected the request of the DSEA because a majority of property owners in the block objected.
GARDEN COURT
City Solicitor Hughes reported that he had filed suit against Garden Court apartments for the four of five installments due on the cost of extending sewer and water lines. The summons had not yet been served. Mr. Hughes will report on further progress in the suit.
TAXES
Mr. Hughes reported that action had been started for collection of all taxes delinquent for more than the years 1954 and 1955. Steps will be taken to advertise for sale properties of those taxpayers who did not respond to the initial notice.
On motion of Mr. Zartman, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council directed that advertisement be made in local newspapers of taxpayers delinquent for the years 154 and before, and that the advertisement include the name of the taxpayer, the year, and the amount of tax due. Taxpayers will be individually notified prior to publication.
NEW STREET RIGHT OF WAY
Mr. Hughes reported that he had not yet obtained from the surveyors the information required for a description for a description of the desired New Street right of way.
INSURANCE
On motion of Mr. Davis, seconded by Mr. Zartman, Council directed
1. That a broker of record be appointed to supervise the insurance program of the City of Dover, and that Mr. Charles Hardesty be appointed as such.
2. That the broker of record receive not more than 45% of the total annual commissions for insurance.
3. The term of the broker of record shall be three years. The term of the broker of record may be sooner terminated by City Council, for cause.
4. That mutual coverage be given wherever justified.
5. That employment of an insurance councilor be arranged at intervals to survey or review the insurance program of the City, at the pleasure of Council.
6. That physical inspection of the property and equipment to be covered be made by the broker of record in cooperation with the City Manager.
POLICY MANUAL
On motion of Mr. Tischer, seconded by Mr. Zartman, Council directed that a policy be complied by the City Manager for future guidance of Council, to which future policies will be added as established. The Utility Committee of Council will assist the City Manager in compiling the manual.
AIR CONDITIONING
The policy to be followed regarding installation of air conditioning in the area served with electricity by Dover was referred to the Utility Commission for determination.
SIPPLE TAXI
On the motion of Mr. Biddle, seconded by Mr. Helm, curb space on Bradford Street south of the entrance to the Delaware Trust Company parking lot was granted to Woody Sipple as a taxi stand to replace a space cut off by the parking lot entrance.
DOCTOR’S OFFICE
On motion of Mr. Mundy, seconded by Mr. Davis, Council directed that Dr. J. Street McDaniel submit plans for the erection of a building on Mary Street between Bradford and State Streets for approval of the building commission. It is not the policy of City Council to exclude a doctor’s office from a residential section.
PAYMENT FOR ASSESSMENT
City Manager Ward reported the terms of payment arranged with the J. M. Cleminshaw Company for the cost of reassessment of property within the City to be 50% on May 15, 1956 and balance in equal installments on June 15, July 15 and August 1956.
OPTIMIST BANNER
On motion of Mr. Tischer, seconded by Mr. Holpp, Council granted the Optimist Club of Dover permission to erect a banner on Loockerman Street form December 3 to December 17, 1955 to advertise their sale of Christmas Trees.
POLICE STATION
City Manager Ward reported that an offer had been received from Townsend Tomlinson to rent tot he City two buildings on Bank Lane for use as a police station for $75.00 per month.
LOOCKERMAN STREET
City Manager Ward reported he had discussed with the State Highway Department the reconstruction of Loockerman Street and discovered they had no plans for the project. If the street is ever developed with Federal Urban Aid a width of 40' from curb to curb would be required. As the State had no plan or funds, he discussed the possibility of the City preparing plans for approval by the State Highway Department. The City might than relocate light standards and conduit according to a final plan. The City Manager will report again on developments.
WATER STREET
City Manager Ward reported on the plan of the State to widen Water Street and install sidewalk from State Street east. The State will improve the street and install sidewalks at its expense. The City is required to provide right-of-way. Mr. Ward will negotiate with a property owner for a seven foot strip of eight-of-way that is needed.
Council adjourned at 11:30 P.M.
F. Neylan
City Clerk