COUNCIL RETREAT

Members of Council met on March 5, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. in a Retreat Session with Council President McGlumphy presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Ritter, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Gorman, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, and Mr. Speed. Mr. Salters and Mr. Ruane were absent. Mayor Hutchison, Mr. DePrima, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Petit de Mange, and Mrs. Green were also present.

Continuation - Review of 2001 Retreat Priorities - Implementation Plans

Mr. DePrima reminded members that as a result of the prioritizing exercise by Council, there were three (3) large projects, four (4) medium projects, and seven (7) small projects chosen by a majority of Council for staff to begin implementing. These projects have been assigned to a coordinator who has developed proposed implementation plans. During a Retreat Session held on February 15, 2002, members of Council began reviewing the implementation plans, which includes the time frame, estimated costs, etc., of the 2001 Retreat Priorities. Since they were not able to complete their review, this continuation session was scheduled.

Members of Council reviewed and discussed each implementation plan for the small projects, as follows:

TASK: Better Define Role of Mayor (need for full-time position) to include Mayor Leading the City in Economic Development. Reference: 19/23 - Small Project.

It was noted that members of Council will be considering proposals for a Compensation and Job Classification Study, which may include an Organizational Study of the City of Dover, during their Regular Meeting on March 11^th. Depending on its approval, the Mayor would be included in the study; therefore, it was suggested that further consideration of this matter be deferred pending Council’s action regarding the studies and that, if approved, this task be considered in conjunction with the review of the studies.

TASK: Establish Stricter Regulations Necessary for RG-1 Conversions (rooming houses, apts., etc.). Reference: 24 - Small Project.

All members of Council supported this task with the suggestion that the time frame be extended to give staff the opportunity to present any proposed amendments to the business and other interested community groups for their review prior to submitting to Council for consideration.

TASK: Preserve $500,000 Balance in the Parkland Reserve (for Recreation). Reference: 17 - Small Project.

Staff reported that the fund balance as of June 30, 2001 was $569,347. It was agreed that this task be considered final at this time and that no further action will be taken unless further directed by Council.

TASK: Reconsideration of Staff Seating Arrangements on Dais to Provide Mayor Seat at the Dais. Reference: 39/52 - Small Project.

In reviewing this plan, Mr. Carey reiterated the need to also provide the Fire Chief a seat at the Dais. He suggested that consideration be given to fulfilling this need in conjunction with this task. In an attempt to resolve this issue immediately, Mr. Carey recalled a previous suggestion of eliminating two (2) of the seats currently being occupied by the Finance Director/Treasurer and City Assessor.

After much discussion, Mr. DePrima requested that staff be given the opportunity to discuss this matter further and report back with a recommendation.

TASK: More Frequent City/County Meetings (suggestion of having all Council Meet with County Commissioners Twice a Year). Reference: 32 - Small Project.

After much discussion, the majority of Council requested that there be a total of four (4) meetings held quarterly per year, as follows: two (2) formal meetings with all members of Council and Levy Court Commissioners, with one being held in October prior to budget preparation; and two (2) informal meetings with only members of the City/County Committee. It was also agreed that there should be no dinner meetings.

TASK: Provide Overall Outline of What Duplication of Services Exist. Reference: 20 - Small Project.

All members of Council supported this task with no changes to the implementation plan, as recommended by staff.

TASK: Publish Committee Agendas with Notice of Opportunity to Speak. Reference: 26 - Small Project.

Staff noted that implementation of this task has already begun and has been incorporated in the budget for next year. There were no changes to the implementation plan as recommended by staff.

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

Meeting Adjourned at 10:55 A.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    William P. McGlumphy

                                                                                    Council President

WPM/jg

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