PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE

The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting was held on October 27, 2003, at 5:30 p.m., with Chairman Pitts presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey, Mrs. Williams, Mr. Davis, and Mrs. Malone. Other members of Council present were Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Speed, Mr. Salters, Mr. Ruane, and Mayor Hutchison.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Williams and unanimously carried.

Leasing Agreement - Haslet Armory

The City of Dover Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Dover Police Department, have been searching for indoor recreational space. The Department of Administrative Services of the State of Delaware has a vacant building, known as the Haslet Armory, located at 122 William Penn Street, Dover. The building is approximately 36,866 square feet, and can be used for indoor programs for the Parks and Recreation Department, as well as programs offered by the Dover Police Athletic League (PAL).

The Department of Administrative Services of the State of Delaware has agreed to lease the Haslet Armory to the City of Dover for a term of one (1) year, at a price of $1.00 per year. Based on past utility cost for the building, staff has estimated the yearly cost of utilities to be approximately $25,000. Mr. DePrima indicated that since one (1) State of Delaware office will remain in the building, the State has agreed to pay the first $14,000 of utility costs, leaving the City of Dover responsible for a yearly cost of $11,000. To defray the cost of the utilities, the City has applied for a $10,000 grant from the Criminal Justice Counsel Weed and Seed Program, and a $10,000 grant from the Community Aid Substance Abuse Programs. It is hoped that the two grants combined will cover the cost of the excess utility costs, as well as any programming costs and improvements. At this time, the placement of grates on the windows (for protection) is the only known improvement necessary.

Staff recommended endorsement of the lease agreement with the State of Delaware, however, it was noted that the agreement would not be signed unless the grant funding was in place.

Responding to Mrs. Malone, Mr. Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, stated that the majority of the programs would take place in the evening hours and on weekends, thus avoiding any parking issues. He also noted that parking was available in the rear of the building and designated parking spaces would be addressed in the lease agreement.

Mrs. Malone suggested that staff check into the Biden Crime Bill for additional funding for utilizing the facility. Responding, Mr. Carter stated that correspondence had been sent to the Criminal Justice Counsel requesting support, however, to date, no response had been received.

Responding to Mr. Ritter, Mr. Carter stated that part-time staff would be used in securing the location each evening, all of which would be paid through the programming grants.

Mr. Carey moved to recommend that the City sign the Lease Agreement with the Department of Administrative Services of the State of Delaware (Attachment #1), for the Haslet Armory located at 122 William Penn Street, in the amount of $1.00 per year. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Williams and unanimously carried.

Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Williams and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:54 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    John W. Pitts

                                                                                    Chairman

WPM/jg/lcg

S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes200310-27-2003.min.wpd

Attachment on File at the City Clerk’s Office

Attachment #1 - Lease Agreement - Haslet Armory