SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

GOALS WORKSHOP

Members of Council met for a Goals Workshop on January 7, 1995 at 8:00 a.m. at C-Moore's Restaurant on Loockerman Street. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tudor, Mr. Leary, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Weyandt, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Hare and Council President Christiansen. Chief Smith, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Karia, Mr. DePrima, Mr. O'Connor, Mrs. Boaman, Ms. Nan Hagen, and Mr. Butch Kinerney were also present.

Mr. O'Connor stated the purpose of the meeting is to allow for open communication between members of Council and City staff on the direction of the City for the next year. Recapping some matters that were discussed last year, Mr. O'Connor stated that Council had discussed the concept of a public relations officer for the City. Mr. O'Connor stated his feeling that the position is not needed for the City. He stated that he attempts to keep Mayor, Council and Council staff abreast of all current issues and that they, in turn, are all public relations officers for the City. He felt that they are better prepared to answer questions than someone that is charged with maintaining a minimum amount of information on many topics.

Relations with the media was a topic of discussion. Mr. O'Connor stated that he meets with the media as needed and that he believes the City has a very good relationship with the news media.

Mr. O'Connor discussed his budget philosophy, stating that although the budget is a very important document, it should be a guide that can be amended as needed. He explained that City staff must prepare their budgets in January for a budget that does not conclude until June one and one-half years later. Many changes can take place during that period of time. He felt that budget amendments should be made throughout the course of a budget year to ensure that the budget reflects current information.

Referring to the Assistant City Manager position, Mr. O'Connor explained that at the current time, he feels no need to fill the position. His feeling is that all of his department heads are actually Assistant City Manager's and that they are capable of running their departments in his absence. He will continue to analyze the need to fill the position and will keep Council informed of any changes in his plans.

With the recent loss of the Public Works Director and Assistant Public Works Director, Mr. O'Connor felt that this is the perfect opportunity to make some changes in the Public Works Department. He has selected Mr. Scott Koenig to serve as Public Works Director. There will be no Assistant Public Works Director. Mr. O'Connor stated that he plans to reorganize the department so that some of the current positions will be upgraded to encompass more employee responsibility. Some new positions may be implemented, but the total dollars involved will not exceed what was budgeted for the department. He believes that many services that are now being contracted out, can be accomplished by City employees if they are properly trained. Although Mr. Tudor felt that there are times when the City may save money by performing the jobs themselves, there could be instances where job prices become inflated when the City has no competition. Agreeing that this could happen, Mr. O'Connor relayed examples where cities have had their own personnel bid a job along with private contractors. Such a practice keeps the City in line with private business. This concept could be utilized by the City of Dover, if after trying the concept, we feel it is necessary.

One area of the City that Mr. O'Connor will be looking at this next year is the maintenance shop. He has not had sufficient time to analyze if privatization is more economical than performing the work ourselves.

Looking towards the next year, Mr. O'Connor felt that the City of Dover should take active roles in community activities. He urged members of Council to participate in such activities as Rotary, Main Street, Chamber of Commerce, etc. He stated that Council will see increased financial commitments to these organizations in the next year's budget proposal.

Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Planner, explained that for the next two years his department will be working on a revised Comprehensive Plan. He will be hiring a temporary Planner to assist with the update. He plans to put a great deal of emphasis on open space and will have neighborhood meetings in areas where there are large, open parcels. Due to the significant amount of work involved with the Comprehensive Plan update, Mr. DePrima requested that members of Council keep to a minimum small projects that would involve him or his staff.

Mr. DePrima stated that during the next year, he plans to discuss with the State the possibility of the City dropping its restaurant inspection program and allowing the State to perform this function. Mr. Christiansen cautioned Mr. DePrima to be very careful that the same level of inspections will be given by the State before a change is made. Mr. DePrima stated that he will gather all information prior to making a recommendation to Council.

Mayor Hutchison submitted a request that City Council consider the concept of a full-time Mayor (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk). It was agreed that this matter would be addressed by the Legislative and Finance Committee.

Ms. Nan Hagen gave a brief overview of the accomplishments of Main Street and encouraged participation by members of Council in matters concerning downtown.

Meeting Adjourned at 11:30 A.M.

                                                                       DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                                                       CITY CLERK

                                                                       JAMES L. HUTCHISON

                                                                       MAYOR

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