PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting was held on

December 12, 2005 at 12:00 p.m. with Chairman Sadusky presiding. Members present were

Mr. Ruane and Mr. Long. Mr. Truitt was absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Ruane requested the addition of item #2 Discussion of Agenda Items for the January 10^th Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting. Mr. Carter requested the addition of item #3 Update on John W. Pitts Recreation Center.

Mr. Long moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Ruane and unanimously carried.

Discussion - Senior Citizens Overdue Library Books Fine

During the Regular Council Meeting of November 28, 2005, Councilman Slavin relayed concerns regarding the senior citizens overdue library books fine that is being proposed for the Dover Public Library. Beginning in March 2006, Kentnet, the current online public access catalog, will be replaced with the Delaware Library Catalog, which will include participation from public libraries in Kent County, Sussex County, the Wilmington branch of Delaware Technical & Community College, Delaware Division of Libraries, library at Wesley College and the Harrington, Smyrna, and Milford Public Libraries. Currently the Milford Public Library, all public libraries in Sussex County, and the Kent County Public Library charge fines to seniors for overdue materials. The Harrington and Smyrna Public Libraries will be imposing those fines starting in January 2006. The policy changes are being implemented for consistency throughout Kent and Sussex counties.

Ms. Sheila Anderson, Library Director of the Dover Public Library, stated all parties in both Counties have agreed on some policy changes, including that senior citizens should begin paying library fees for overdue materials. She stressed the importance of consistency throughout the State, explaining that some senior citizens would register for their library cards at the Dover Public Library knowing they do not have to pay fines while accumulating overdue books as they would with other libraries in the area. Other changes that have been made are extending the time DVD’s and videos can be checked out to two weeks instead of one week, allowing people under the age of 18 to check out DVD’s and videos cataloged as “juvenile”, and all fines for overdue materials other than DVD’s and videos will change to $.10 per day. Materials checked out of the library can also be extended up to three (3) times, which would be eight (8) weeks before it would be considered overdue.

Ms. Anderson noted that library usage circulation statistics determines how much State Aid a library receives each year and is also used when applying for funding from local, State, and national agencies. The Dover Public Library has been giving out a notice to all library patrons since mid-November regarding the various policy changes and only a few complaints have been received by staff members.

Responding to Mr. Long, Ms. Anderson stated if the amount owed is over $5.00, then that person will no longer be permitted to check materials out of the library or use the library computer until the fine is paid.

Mr. Ruane introduced the email statement made by Councilman Slavin opposing the library fines for senior citizens and questioned whether the fine was the result of the new statewide software system (Attachment #1). Ms. Anderson stated the State library employees managed the meetings, hired a consultant to head the meetings, and representatives from all libraries attended these meetings. The proposed library fines for senior citizens was agreed upon as a result of these meetings. Ms. Anderson also stated that it is difficult for staff to judge the age of a person.

Mr. Ruane moved to recommend support of the change in policy, as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried.

Discussion - Agenda Items for the January 10^th Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting

Mr. Paul Lakeman, Chairman of Main Street, will be giving a presentation on a Needs Assessment Study, including how to improve the downtown area, to the Downtown Dover Development Corporation. Mr. Ruane stated the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee would benefit from the observations and recommendations made during this presentation.

Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that Mr. Lakeman give the Needs Assessment Study presentation during the next Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement meeting on

January 10, 2006. The motion was seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried.

Update on John W. Pitts Recreation Center

During the Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement meeting of August 23, 2005, it was noted what organizations were donating funds to the development of the John W. Pitts Recreation Center. Mr. Zach Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, gave an update and stated that a check has been received and deposited from the Longwood Foundation for $250,000.00. Also, the Request for Proposals is still in draft form and will be received from Becker Morgan Group, Inc. shortly and should be presented during the Regular Council Meeting on December 20, 2005.

Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Long and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:22 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Robert M. Sadusky

                                                                                    Chairman

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Attachments to Original File Copy

Attachment #1 - Councilman Slavin’s email dated December 11, 2005