SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

A Special Council Meeting was held on January 29, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. with Council President McGlumphy presiding. Council members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Speed, Mr. Salters, and Mr. Ruane. Mr. Pitts and Mrs. Williams were absent.

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

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Truitt and unanimously carried.

PUBLIC HEARING - FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME MAYOR FOR THE CITY OF DOVER

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Council President McGlumphy reminded members that during their Regular Meeting of January 12, 2004, Council set a Public Hearing on the issue of a Full-Time or Part-Time Mayor for the City of Dover (due to inclement weather, the public hearing scheduled for January 27, 2004 was canceled).

Council President McGlumphy read the guidelines and declared the public hearing open.

Mary Skelton - Resident of the City of Dover and Director of Kent County Tourism

Ms. Mary Skelton spoke in favor of a full-time Mayor. She felt that the salary should be increased and that although comparisons of other municipalities may indicate otherwise, the full-time position deserves additional compensation. She stated that the City of Dover is a metropolitan City and is on the verge of becoming a great city, it’s growing enormously, quickly and now would not be the time to revert back to a part-time Mayor position. For the Mayor, a full-time position means 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week; therefore, it is more than what the average person would consider being a full-time position.

Concurring with comments made by individuals in the community that because of our government, the Mayor is a public relations position, she asked what could be more important to a City than public relations. She also explained that for the “ribbon cutting” ceremonies, the City is made up of many small businesses that feel it is important for the Mayor to be present for these ceremonies. On many occasions, she has requested that the Mayor join her when making a presentation to groups that are considering the City of Dover for bringing meetings to our City. The Mayor has played an important role in their decision to come to Dover.

Ms. Skelton stated that the real issue is availability of the Mayor and the City of Dover and people deserve to have a full-time Mayor.

Dan Wolfensberger - Central Delaware Economic Development Council

Mr. Dan Wolfensberger reiterated the commitment of the Central Delaware Economic Development Council for support of a full-time Mayor. He stated that it has been the Council’s experience that there is tremendous value in a full-time Mayor to the City and in particular, economic development issues and the availability of a Mayor at the spur of a moment. Mr. Wolfensberger urged Council’s support for a full-time Mayor in the future.

William Daisey - Candidate for Mayor

Mr. William Daisey indicated his opposition to a full-time Mayor; the City has a Council/Manager Form of Government not a Mayor/Council Form of Government. He referred to the past two (2) studies that have been done which indicate that the City of Dover is not large enough to support both a full-time City Manager and Mayor nor can the City justify the costs for both positions. Mr. Daisey explained that there may often be more than 40 hours worked per week by the Mayor, as well as members of City Council; however, it is expected that with a City the size of Dover, those that run for office and are elected serve, do so with the understanding that they will be donating many hours.

Mr. Daisey reminded members that the purpose for conducting a study is to obtain information and answers. If Council is unwilling to abide by the recommendations of a study, then a study should not be requested. With this particular issue, he stated that there were two (2) studies conducted. It was his feeling that the Council did not have the right to alter the recommendations of such a study and that only the people would have that right.

Mr. David Anderson - 217 Cecil Street

Mr. David Anderson stated that he is not speaking for or against the issue of a full-time or part-time Mayor but rather to advocate the issue of placing the question on the ballot to be answered by the people. He advised members that several years ago he had proposed the concept of placing such a question on the ballot. Mr. Anderson stated that over time, he has come to realize that a full-time Mayor position is an investment for the City. However, in order to settle the issue, he felt it was necessary to put the question before the people and supports Council in this endeavor.

Mr. John Friedman - Candidate for Mayor

Mr. John Friedman indicated his support for a full-time Mayor position for the City of Dover and read a statement into the record (Exhibit #1).

Mr. Jeff Reed - Candidate for Mayor

Mr. Jeff Reed commended members for allowing the people of the Capital City of the First State to finally decide the issue of a full-time or part-time Mayor for the City of Dover. He stated that many changes have occurred in the City which has resulted in a different community that has grown into a very viable and large metropolitan area. Because of this, it was his feeling that the people should be given the opportunity to determine if a full-time Mayor is necessary.

Mr. Reed stated that previous Councils decided, without public input, to remove certain responsibilities from the Mayor and in addition, changed the Mayor’s position to full-time. The Council now has the opportunity to solve the issue regarding a full-time or part-time Mayor by placing the question on the ballot. He felt that the community needs a full-time Mayor and explained the importance of having him serve as the leader of our City. He also suggested the Council consider the possibility of restructuring the entire Council. Although individuals may change, there will always be the Mayor and Council positions within the City of Dover and never should these positions be downgraded. Council has the opportunity to add more to the upcoming vote by allowing the people to relay their feelings as to which position should be leading this City.

Mayor James Hutchison - City of Dover

Mayor James Hutchison advised members that, during the last 10 years, he has had the opportunity to serve the City as Mayor, and during the last 6 years, has served in this capacity as the City’s only full-time Mayor. It is clear to him that a full-time Mayor is needed in the City. By City Charter, the Mayor serves as Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the Police Department by appointment of the Police Chief, responsible for public safety, economic development, keeping jobs, and seeking new job opportunities. The Mayor is also responsible for building partnerships with State government, working with the Governor and the governor’s cabinet, the membership of the General Assembly, and serving as a lobbyist. It is the Mayor’s Office that has the responsibility of building relationships with businesses, both large and small, working with the Kent County Tourism and Economic Development Offices. Mayor Hutchison stated that the Mayor is responsible for having a strong working relationship with Dover Air Force Base, and that it is critical for the Mayor to be present at each Change of Command. He stressed the importance of meeting, personally, with every new commander of Dover Air Force Base, the Plant Managers of Proctor and Gamble, Kraft Foods, and Playtex.

Mayor Hutchison stated that the Mayor’s Office represents the City of Dover, including City Council, city staff, and our citizens. He reminded members that the City acquired $2.5 million for the purchase of the Garrison Farm (381 acres), and explained that these funds were acquired due to the efforts of the Mayor. The City purchased the land at a cost of $5,000 per acre, and the City has leased the land for the past five (5) years generating revenues in the amount of $119,000. Mayor Hutchison advised members that today, this land is valued at $40,000 per acre, which equates to a $15 million asset to the City.

Mayor Hutchison also noted the diversity in the City and the importance of building relationships and partnerships with the entire City, which is accomplished everyday on a full-time basis.

There being no one else present wishing to speak, Council President McGlumphy declared the Public Hearing closed.

Council President McGlumphy noted receipt of a letter received from Mr. Robert Lambert, former member of City Council. He also indicated that Mr. Friedman had submitted written comments (noted above as an attachment) and that additional written comments should be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office to be made a part of the record.

Considering that there was only one (1) written testimony received, Mr. Speed suggested that it be read into the record. Mr. Ruane requested that it not be considered a precedent to read written testimony into the record since Council could be inundated with such documents.

Written Testimony - Mr. Robert Lambert

Council President McGlumphy read a letter received from Mr. Robert Lambert, 210 Winterberry Drive, into the record (Exhibit #2).

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

Meeting Adjourned at 7:29 P.M.

                                                                                    JANICE C. GREEN

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Special Meeting of January 29, 2004, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    JAMES L. HUTCHISON

                                                                                    MAYOR

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S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCouncil-Minutes20041-29-2004-Special.wpd

Exhibits Attached to Original Minutes and File Copy

Exhibit #1 - Correspondence received from Mr. John Friedman

Exhibit #2 - Correspondence received from Mr. Robert Lambert