SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

A Special Legislative and Finance Committee meeting was held on May 2, 2003, at 11:37 a.m. with Chairman Salters presiding. Members present were Mrs. Williams (departed at 1:09 p.m.), Mr. McGlumphy, and Mr. Shelton (arrived at 11:45 a.m.). Mrs. Street was absent. Others present were Mr. Pitts, Mr. Speed, and Mr. Ruane.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Noting the absence of Mr. Shelton, Mr. Salters requested that item #2 be considered prior to item #1. Mrs. Williams moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. McGlumphy and unanimously carried.

PROPOSED RESOLUTION - REQUEST TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO AMEND §2901(7) AND §2903 TITLE 25 - INCREASE THE LENGTH OF TIME THAT CERTAIN LIENS ARE EFFECTIVE FROM THREE (3) YEARS TO TEN (10) YEARS

During the Regular Council Meeting of February 10, 2003, members directed staff to pursue a change in legislation that would provide for a ten (10) year payment period for City liens by extending the lien period up to ten (10) years. As a result, Deputy City Solicitor Pepper prepared proposed legislation and a Resolution requesting the General Assembly to amend 25 Del. C. §2901(7) and §2903 to increase the length of time that certain liens are effective from three (3) years to ten (10) years.

Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend adoption of the Resolution, as prepared by the Deputy City Solicitor (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mrs. Williams and unanimously carried.

2003 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ACTION PLAN AND PROPOSED RESOLUTION

During the committee meeting of April 28, 2003, members tabled consideration of the 2003 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan and Proposed Resolution.

Mr. McGlumphy moved to remove the matter from the table, seconded by Mrs. Williams and unanimously carried.

Members were provided with a proposed Resolution for the approval of the CDBG 2003 Action Plan. The Action Plan includes the City’s request for a $336,000 CDBG Entitlement and is a required HUD document that establishes a one year strategy for the CDBG program. The goals established by the proposed plan are as follows, in order of priority:

                   1)   Provide safe and livable neighborhoods.

                   2)   Preserve the existing housing stock in the City of Dover.

                   3)   Provide decent and safe neighborhoods.

                   4)   Increase the livability of our neighborhoods.

                   5)   Provide aid to the homeless and special needs persons.

The Community Block Grant Advisory Committee reviewed proposals for funding and recommended the following activities for fiscal year 2003:

            Dover Police Department Community Policing Program      -         $20,000

            CDBG Program Administration                                             -         $67,200

            Fair Housing Counseling                                                        -              $600

            Target Area Housing Rehabilitation and Infrastructure         -       $168,200

            Microenterprise Assistance Program (Main Street Dover, Inc.)   -         $30,000

            Suitable Living Environment (House of Pride)                      -         $25,000

            Aid in Dover                                                                           -         $25,000

            TOTAL                                                                                  -       $336,000

Mr. Jorgenson advised members that the programs and funding levels have been reviewed and it is felt that the funding levels reflect a realistic and well-balanced approach to achieving the goals and objectives of the City of Dover 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan. Members were provided a brief description of each activity.

There was much discussion regarding each of the proposals. There were some concerns regarding the Microenterprise Assistance Program and it was suggested that members be provided a breakdown of the expenses reported.

Responding, Mr. Jorgenson indicated that the City purchases 810 hours of service from the Main Street Manager. He assured members that documentation will be scrutinized to assure that the program assists those with low to moderate incomes. He also advised members that Mrs. Daniels, Community Development Director, and Mr. Perez, Main Street Manager, have been advised of quarterly expectations.

It was Mr. Jorgenson’s feeling that the missions of the Downtown Dover Development Corporation and the Main Street Program mirror each other and that City departments provide staff support to both organizations. In order for the City to reap the rewards, he has proposed that the Main Street Manager provide this staff support to both organizations. Mr. Jorgenson stated that he has spoken with the leadership of both organizations and they concur with the proposal and that Mr. Perez concedes.

City Clerk’s Office Note: To avoid any conflict of interest, Mrs. Williams was requested to leave the Council Chambers during the discussion of the request for Aid in Dover.

Members requested that staff provide a summary statement of all carry forward projects of the CDBG Program for previous fiscal years, to include “frozen” monies.

Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Jorgenson stated that there is on-going dialogue with HUD officials to resolve any negative findings. He was to attend, along with the City Manager, a meeting with HUD officials at this time; however, due to this meeting, it was necessary to reschedule. He suggested that, once it is held, he would provide members with a summary of the meeting.

Mr. McGlumphy moved to recommend approval of the FY 2003 CDBG Action Plan in the amount of $336,000 and adoption of the proposed Resolution (Attachment #2), as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shelton and unanimously carried (Mrs. Williams absent).

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

Meeting Adjourned at 1:28 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Reuben Salters

Chairman

RS/jg

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Attachments on File at the City Clerk’s Office

Attachment #1 - Resolution to General Assembly

Attachment #2 - 2003 CDBG Action Plan