PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee meeting was held on January 23, 2007, at 4:03 p.m. with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mrs. Russell, Mr. Lewis (departed at 5:14 p.m.), and Mrs. Horsey (arrived at 4:11 p.m.). Mr. McGlumphy was absent. Mayor Speed, Mr. DePrima, and Chief Horvath (departed at 5:12 p.m.) were also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mrs. Russell moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

New Library - Project Development: Library Building Committee and Project Coordination

In May of 2004, the City commissioned a library facilities plan from Robert H. Rolf Associates. This plan recommended that a newly constructed library in Dover would best serve the needs of our constituents. Additionally, the Delaware Division of Libraries completed a “Statewide Library Services & Construction Infrastructure for Delaware Libraries” report dated February 2005. The statewide plan presented to the Dover Public Library supported the construction of an anchor library of an even larger size than proposed in our commissioned report.

The construction of a new library was given the highest ranking of support at the 2006 Council Retreat and subsequently became a part of the City’s Mission Statement. Thus far, City Council has reserved $1,625,033 and the State of Delaware has allocated $1,668,411 for this project. Through the efforts of a site selection committee, City Council has designated the City Hall Parking Lot/Post Office site as a preferred location. A preliminary project budget and funding plan was developed and presented to City Council. A presentation was made to the Kent County Levy Court, and at its direction, a dialog has begun between the County Administrator and City Manager to discuss governance if Kent County were to participate in funding.

The project is now beyond the conceptual planning stages and ready to move into project development. In the 2007 CIP under Project Development, there is a budget schedule for the library. The breakdown schedule for FY07 shows $600,000 for planning and design.

Mr. DePrima stated that the two (2) important components of the project development phase are the development of a building committee and the hiring of a full-time project coordinator. He indicated that this phase will cost approximately 1% of the projected costs or $180,000, which is available within the Library Reserve Fund. Mr. DePrima stated that the building committee would consist of volunteers with the goal of creating a comprehensive building program, which would include a public relations campaign, funding campaign, and design development. The project coordinator would provide professional guidance and support to help the committee accomplish its goal and would be expected to be needed for at least two (2) years, but not more than three (3) years.

Mr. Ruane suggested that the hiring of a project coordinator should be done on a contractual basis.

Mrs. Russell moved to authorize the City Manager to begin the advertising process to solicit volunteers to develop a new Library Committee to assist in the development of a comprehensive building program, with the understanding that members are to be recommended to City Council by the Library Advisory Commission. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Mrs. Horsey moved to recommend authorizing the allocation of funding, in the amount of $180,000, for the library building committee and project coordinator services for the life of the project and that the total of all annual budgets for the project coordinator and building committee will not exceed $180,000; and no expenditure in any fiscal year will occur without an annual budget approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried.

Mr. Lewis moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager to solicit and hire a “project coordinator” to guide and support the library committee and, if the recommendation is to hire as an employee of the City, then that decision shall be brought before City Council for approval. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried.

Discussion - Revisions to Animal Control Ordinance

Mr. Ruane provided members with an email response from Chief Horvath regarding amending the vicious dog ordinance (Attachment #1) and a section of the Dover Code which indicates the number of dogs that could be kept for individual domestic purposes (Attachment #2).

Mr. Mark Moore, Animal Control Officer, indicated that there is a real problem with the breeding/selling and fighting of Pit Bulls within the City. He stated that banning the Pit Bull breed is not the answer and suggested that the number of animals allowed to be kept for domestic purposes should be amended. Officer Moore indicated that the Kent County SPCA has a list of the most dangerous dogs, which are the Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Akita, Chow-Chow, Doberman Pinscher, Mastiff, and a mix of any of the breeds listed and he felt that the City should establish their own list.

Mayor Speed concurred with Officer Moore regarding the establishment of an aggressive breed list.

Officer Moore stated that he would like the dog at large fine to be raised from $25.00 to $50.00 for the first offense and $100.00 for the second offense. He also suggested that Chapter 47 - Parks and Recreation, Section 74-31 - Animals Generally, of the Dover Code be amended to include a $25.00 fine for animals found off-leash within City parks.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mrs. Townshend stated that City code does not require a license to breed animals. She noted that breeding animals for sale would be considered a business and, therefore, would be prohibited in residential areas. She also recommended that the City of Dover Code, Chapter 18 - Animals, be amended to include the wording from the City of Newark Code, Section 5-4 - Restriction on the Number of Animals Allowed. Officer Moore recommended that, if revised, the number of animals should be changed from six (6) to four (4).

Chief Horvath recommended that the City of Wilmington Animal Enforcement Code Section 3-1 - Definition of Pit Bull Terrier, and Section 3-16 - Pit Bull Terrier Dogs, be added to the City of Dover Code, Chapter 18 - Animals.

Responding to Officer Moore, Mr. Ruane suggested that the City of Newark Code, Section 5-14 - Dog License, Rabies Vaccination for Dogs and Cats Required, be added to the City of Dover Code Chapter 18 - Animals.

Responding to Mr. Lewis, Officer Moore indicated that a revised version on the City of Dover Code, Chapter 18 - Animals, including the suggested changes, will be provided during the next meeting.

Mrs. Horsey indicated that spaying and neutering should also be considered when revising the City code.

Mrs. Russell moved to direct staff to prepare draft amendments to the City of Dover Code, Chapter 18 - Animals, as discussed, for further review by the committee. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Horsey and unanimously carried. (Mr. Lewis absent).

Mr. Ruane stated that the City of Newark Code Sections 5-12 - Sick, Injured, or Dead Animals, 5-15 - Right of Entry of Animal Control Officers, and 5-18 - Enforcement, and the City of Wilmington Code Sections 3-3 - Inspection of Buildings, Dwellings, etc., Generally; Right of Entry of Animal Control Officers, 3-13b -Removal of Fecal Matter of Dogs, Cats, Pigeons and Other Animals or Domestic Birds, 3-14 - Proper and Humane Care of Domestic Animals Required; Penalties for Violation of Section, as well as the definition of a secure enclosure should also be taken into consideration while revising the City of Dover Code, Chapter 18 - Animals.

Update - Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team Update

Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager, stated that an initial kick-off meeting was held on December 20, 2006 and, from that meeting, there were approximately seven (7) action items that will be addressed. He indicated that one of those items is that an application for additional funding will be submitted to the Conservation District for phase 2 of the basin study. Mr. Koenig indicated that it is the intention of the Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team to meet on a regular basis until all issues have been resolved and that the next meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2007.

Update - John W. Pitts Recreation Center

Mr. Zachery Carter, Director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the contract with Bob Smith Contracting was signed during a meeting that was held on January 5, 2007. He indicated that construction should begin in mid-February, with an estimated completion date of January 2008. Mr. Carter noted that a ground breaking ceremony will be scheduled sometime prior to the construction start date.

CDBG Program

Mrs. Tracey Harvey, Community Development Director, reviewed the status of the Consolidated Development Block Grant FY2005 and FY2006 program funds spent to date. She also noted that the CDBG Program received a satisfactory rating on the performance of expediency of funds for FY2005.

Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Harvey stated that all work is inspected and guaranteed for one (1) year after date of completion.

Mrs. Harvey indicated that on January 19, 2007, the Public Services Department was informed that Aid in Dover was relinquishing their awarded $25,000 grant back to the City of Dover. She suggested that the funds be reallocated to the Streets Project to complete the South Kirkwood Street project and requested approval to begin the public advertisement process. It was the consensus of members that Mrs. Harvey begin the public advertisement process.

Mrs. Harvey stated that Mayor Speed attended a ribbon cutting ceremony at 22 South Queen that had received closing cost assistance in the amount of $10,000.

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

Meeting Adjourned at 5:43 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Eugene B. Ruane

                                                                                    Chairman

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Attachments

Attachment #1 - Horvath Email Response to Vicious Dogs

Attachment #2 - Dover City Code regarding the keeping of domestic animals