COUNCIL WORKSHOP

A Council Workshop was held on October 6, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Hogan presiding. Council members present were Mrs. Russell, Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Slavin, Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Ruane. Mr. Leary and Mrs. Williams were absent.

Council staff members present were Mr. DePrima and Mrs. McDowell.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Slavin moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. McGiffin and unanimously carried.

REVIEW OF STRATEGIC PLAN

Members were provided and reviewed the City’s Strategic Objectives for each department for Fiscal Year 2008-09.

Referring to the Mayor’s Strategic Objectives, Mr. Ruane suggested the elimination of item #3 - Facilitate the Adoption of a Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Ordinance to Compliment Kent

County’s TDR Ordinance. It was his opinion that this item was a carry-forward from the previous year and should no longer be listed. If such an ordinance is recommended through the consideration of the Comprehensive Plan Update, he felt that it could be listed at that time.

Mr. Ruane also relayed concern with item #2 - Secure Funding for the Delaware Civic Center to be built in Dover, noting that it is also a carry-forward item from the previous year. It was his opinion that the item should be reworded in more general terms, explaining that it should reflect the Mayor’s participation in the efforts to build a civic center; however, there should be no mention of securing additional funding from the City of Dover since the City Council has already gone on record regarding this matter.

Since the City has created its own Economic Development Office, Mr. DePrima suggested that there should be such a reference and noted that the Central Delaware Economic Development Council should be referred to as Kent Economic Partnership.

Mr. Ruane stated that the Mayor had included the Homeownership Program in his goals and suggested that if the Mayor wished to have a role in the program, it should be explicit.

Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. DePrima explained that each department’s goals should relate to their strategic objectives.

Referring to the Council’s Strategic Objectives, Mr. Ruane questioned if members felt that Charter Amendments should be included. Responding, Mr. DePrima stated that department’s may pursue projects that are not listed on their Strategic Objectives.

Mr. Slavin explained the struggles that the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee has had with the Charter Review and suggested that it would be helpful if members provided the committee direction regarding specific issues they feel warrant review.

Mr. Ruane recommended that the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee continue with the Charter Review with primary attention being focused on those recommendations contained in the IAAO Report and those recommendations necessary as a result of the Comprehensive Plan.

Responding, Mr. Slavin requested that the City Clerk include a Charter Review - Amended Scope on the next Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee’s agenda.

Mr. DePrima recollected the completion of item #4 - Review City Funding of Non-Profits and Conduct a Due Diligence Evaluation.

With regards to the City Manager’s Strategic Objectives, Mr. DePrima suggested that the agreed upon goals discussed during his recent evaluation be included.

Mr. DePrima stated that he has added a few goals for the Central Services Department relative to the implementation of the Green Purchasing Policy, which will be added to their Strategic Objectives.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. McDowell stated that the Use of Fortis - Document Imaging for all Departments is a continuing objective for the City Clerk’s Office.

Referring to item #5 - Establish a Customer Watch List of the Strategic Objectives for the Customer Services Department, Mr. Ruane stated that he commends staff for the development of such an objective; however, he relayed concern with the word “watch”, feeling that it sounds punitive. Responding, Mrs. Tieman, Senior City Administrator, stated that it should be referred to as a Customer Care List. She advised members that staff attempts to follow the policies of other jurisdictions, through the APPA, to give consideration to the customers during these difficult economic times.

Responding to Council President Hogan, Mr. DePrima indicated that he has not had the opportunity to thoroughly review the Strategic Objectives for the Fire Department; however, with regards to item #4 - Build an Emergency Services Building next to Fire Station 2 to House Special Operations Rescue Team Apparatus and Equipment, he stated that this concept was developed prior to the recent discussion of land acquisition.

Mr. Ruane relayed concern with the inclusion of objectives for which funds have not been budgeted. Responding, Mrs. Tieman noted that the measurement for item #4 for the Fire Department indicates that staff would develop a plan to build a storage garage at the rear of Fire Station 2 by July 2010 and not for the actual construction of the building.

Mr. Ruane stated that this issue has not been discussed amongst members of Council and, at this time, he would not support the planning of a building until members have had the opportunity to discuss the matter. It was his opinion that it was not appropriate to include this item as a Strategic Objective for the Fire Department.

Mr. DePrima stated that his intention for the presentation of the Strategic Objectives was to obtain feedback from Council. He noted that there are departments that have several goals with very few strategic objectives listed; therefore, he anticipates that he will be making revisions to the Strategic Objectives.

Mr. McGlumphy suggested that the contract negotiations with the FOP be included in the Strategic Objectives for the Human Resources Department.

Due to the economy, Mr. McGlumphy requested that when members begin deliberating for the 2010 Budget, they give consideration to the “must haves”, “like to haves”, and “can’t haves”.

Mr. Ruane stated the importance of the inclusion of the 2030 Objective of new and alternative generation, as well as the monitoring of the PACE/NAES Contracts, show recognition of asset management, and responsiveness to emissions requirements. He noted that all the Strategic Objectives listed for the Public Utilities/Electric Department are all dedicated to specific CIP Projects as opposed to the major business for the department.

Regarding the Public Services/Economic Development Department, Mr. McGlumphy requested that there be some type of quarterly or semi-annual report to allow for accountability and measurement for businesses since this is the first year for the department. Responding, Mr. DePrima stated that it is his goal to deliver to Council, by January 2009, an outline for the Strategic Plan for the department.

Mrs. Russell moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:04 P.M.

                                                                                    TRACI A. McDOWELL

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances, and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Workshop Meeting of October 6, 2008, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    CARLETON E. CAREY, SR.

                                                                                    MAYOR

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