SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

A Special Council Meeting was held on March 4, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members present were Councilmen Lambert, Tudor, Leary, Pitts, Salters, Levitt, Daisey and Hare.

Council staff members present were Mr. Worley and Mrs. Boaman.

The Special Council Meeting was called to receive testimony on a proposal to discontinue the City's Senior Surrey service. City Manager, Mr. Thomas Worley, explained that the hearing is for the purpose of securing public comments on the possibility of ceasing the operation of the City's Senior Surrey and transferring the service to the State of Delaware.

Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing open.

Mr. Worley introduced Mr. Ken Bach, of Delaware Administration for Specialized Transportation (DAST) who operates the fixed route system in Dover as well as the DAST system that operates in the County. Mr. Bach explained that the DAST system would be extended to provide service in the City of Dover if the Senior Surrey service is discontinued.

Mr. Bach explained that should the City discontinue operation of the Senior Surrey, the State is ready to provide DAST service in the City. Since inception of the Senior Surrey, funding has been provided jointly by the City and the State and if the Surrey service is continued, the State will continue to subsidize it by contributing $110,000 and the purchase of one new van each year. If the Senior Surrey service is discontinued, then DAST could fill the void. The DAST system requires 24 hour notice and would cost $1.00 in fare.

The following citizens spoke in favor of continuing the Senior Surrey service:

T. Magoo Dorcy of 1131 Bay Road urged Council to continue accepting DelDOT funding for the City Senior Surrey services, stating that it is impossible to give 24 hour notice at all times, as required by DAST.

Jamie Wolfe stated that the Surrey provides transportation for approximately 1,050 disabled and senior citizens in the City of Dover. She explained the difficulty with having to give 24 hours notice if using the DAST system, stating that the Surrey is the only transportation that provides the service needed to give these people their freedom. She stated that DAST could never provide the service currently being offered by the City, including the assistance given to the riders by the Surrey drivers. The Surrey drivers help the riders with their grocery bags, but DAST has a limit on the number of packages allowed per rider and they offer no assistance to their riders. Use of the Surrey is the only method of independent living for many people. Ms. Wolfe wrote a letter to Governor Carper about her concerns with DAST and he has promised to look into the matter.

Doug Harris, a former Councilman, stated that he was on City Council when the need for and creation of the Senior Surrey was devised. The need for this service has only increased over the years; it certainly has not decreased. Mr. Harris stated that the service contributes to the quality of life in this City, similar to the flower program, which costs the taxpayers money but the enjoyment is worth the cost.

Dorsa White, a Senior Surrey driver, stated that the Surrey drivers have been employed by the City for many years. She reminded Council that some day we all will get old and need assistance. She stated that for most of her riders, the Surrey is the only means of independence available to them and she urged Council to please continue the service.

Marie Hill of 320 Jason Street stated the she could not afford to purchase a car and that using taxi cabs is too expensive. She has no other transportation available to her and will be totally restricted to her home without the Senior Surrey.

Olga Goicuria of 16 Gristmill Drive stated that the senior citizens have paid their dues to society and now find themselves dependent upon the system they once supported. On behalf of senior, handicapped, and mentally ill citizens, she pleaded with Council to continue the Senior Surrey service. Ms. Goicuria also commended the Surrey drivers for the assistance they offer to the riders.

Alice Dailey of Mishoe Towers urged Council to continue the Surrey. She stated that it is the only means of transportation she has to go to and from her doctor's office and it is vital that she keep her doctor's appointments.

Bernice Sumner of 320 Jason Street reminded Council that Delaware is a rich State that can well afford to take care of its elderly citizens. Taking away their only means of transportation is like making them prisoners in their homes. Not only is the Surrey the only transportation to many for doctor's appointments, it is also their only means of getting out for groceries and to the Senior Center which is the only place some can get an affordable hot meal. Many elderly citizens are all alone and the only friendship and company they get is from those at the Senior Center. She reminded members of Council that they too will get old some day and will need this type of service.

Elsie Morris of 34 N. New Street stated that the City is very lucky to have such wonderful employees as those that work as drivers for the Surrey. They are so helpful to those that ride the Surrey. Ms. Morris stated that the DAST system could not meet their needs and reminded Council that it is important for the elderly to maintain their dignity and some form of independence. Getting out of their home by use of the Surrey is the only means of freedom for many of the elderly.

Mary McKasson of Luther Towers stated that she loves the Senior Center where she and her friends can get together and for many of them the Senior Surrey is their only means of getting there. She reminded Council that for many of the senior citizens, the Senior Center is the only place they can get a good, hot meal. She pleaded with Council to continue the Surrey service.

Elizabeth Morris of 411 Queen Street expanded upon the courtesy of the Surrey drivers to those that ride. She stated that the City is lucky to have such dedicated employees. She feels that the DAST service cannot begin to meet their needs and urged Council to continue the Surrey service.

Tony Galla of 925 Woodcrest Drive stated that the State systems are inadequate for the needs of the disabled and senior citizens of this City. The people of the City want the Senior Surrey and are willing to pay for it. The only means of independence for many of the riders is the Senior Surrey. Mr. Galla urged Council to listen to the needs of the public.

Robert Bonniwell, Executive Director of the Modern Maturity Center, thanked the City and the State for the many years of service to the community through the Senior Surrey service. It is a vital service to the disabled and senior citizens in the City. Addressing accusations that it is a duplication of services with the State's bus services, Mr. Bonniwell stated that it is not; it is a partnership that meets the various needs of all our citizens, with the Surrey offering more specific services to those that need special attention. Mr. Bonniwell stated that in many other cities, the senior centers receive grants from the City to assist in serving the elderly. The City of Dover does not make such a grant, but does contribute by offering the services of the Senior Surrey and he urged Council to continue this needed service.

Carolyn Thompson, Assistant Executive Director of the Modern Maturity Center, relayed a message from Mr. A. Richard Barros, President of the Board of Directors of the MMC. Mr. Barros reminded Council that the MMC serves many senior citizens in Dover. When the City created the Senior Surrey they obviously felt there was a need for such a service. He felt it would be a disgrace to discontinue the service now when so many citizens rely solely on this means of transportation. He stated that it is a local issue that should be addressed on a local basis. Ms. Thompson also relayed her support for the service. She stated that transportation is a necessity for those living an independent life which is essential to the dignity of so many of our disabled and senior citizens. They do not wish to rely on others; they want to maintain their independence.

Linda Goodnight, Betty Mills and Donna Sauer were present representing Easter Seals in Dover. Ms. Linda Goodnight, Independent Living Skills Instructor for Easter Seals, explained that the loss of the Senior Surrey would have a drastic and negative impact on Easter Seals in Dover. A major part of the Independent Living Program is the ability to get to and from necessary places on their own. Without the Surrey, many of their clients would not be able to meet this need. She relayed experience with DAST of poor scheduling and their inability to meet their specific needs.

Betty Mills, Transitional Skills Instructor for Easter Seals, teaches their clients how to integrate into the community. The Senior Surrey is the means of transportation for the clients who have specific places they need to go which often involves multi-stop trips. This could not be accomplished with DAST.

Ms. Donna Sauer stated that she is a client of Easter Seals and she needs the Senior Surrey to get to and from her job and to the other places required for her success through the Easter Seals program.

Javan Davis of 635 Nimitz Drive stated that eliminating the Surrey is the same as depriving those in need of their human dignity. He stated that the City needs to help those citizens that made the City what it is today. He stated that the riders are not asking for handouts, but want what they have worked so hard for all of their lives. He urged Council to keep this very vital service that we may all need someday.

Margaret McBride of 923 Shank Road, spoke on behalf of senior citizens that want to be independent. She stated that independence means so much to the senior citizens and pleaded with Council to continue this service. Ms. McBride suggested that Council look for other ways of funding the Surrey, such as using the $70,000 being considered for payment for a full-time Mayor.

Lillian Porter of 123 Reese Street stated that it is important for the senior citizens to maintain their dignity. She has no complaints against the State's services, but the Senior Surrey has been extremely successful and should be continued. She also stated that using the Surrey allows them to have some form of freedom without having to ask friends or family for help. She urged Council to make the Surrey a continued part of the City's budget so that the riders do not constantly have to defend its existence.

Ora Daniel Bunch of 6 Bellrive Court relayed her admiration for those that spoke up at this meeting. She stated that she not only uses the Surrey, but enjoys being with others on the bus. The Surrey drivers are very courteous and the service is great. She asked Council to continue the Senior Surrey service.

Thelma Brinkman of 14 Welch Drive in Persimmon Park Place stated that the only bus service available to Persimmon Park Place is the Surrey. The DAST system rarely comes anywhere near the Park. She explained the difficulties with having to give 24 hour notice to use DAST, stating that although they know the time of their doctor's appointments, it is impossible to know what time they will be finished. She urged Council to listen to the needs of its citizens and continue the Surrey.

Council President Christiansen declared the public hearing closed. He acknowledged correspondence supporting the Senior Surrey service from the following: Mrs. Carmen Lopez, Dr. Emil Sammak, Dimity Weingard (DOE), Mr. Robert Wheeler and Jamie Wolfe. Correspondence relative to this issue will be accepted by the City Clerk's Office for up to seven days after this hearing.

Mr. Daisey relayed his appreciation to those that took their time to speak to Council during the public hearing. He stated that the City needs to look at other options in order to keep this service. The two words "independence" and "dignity" were mentioned numerous times this evening and Mr. Daisey stated that he would do all that he could to help Dover's senior citizens to maintain both.

After listening to all the public testimony, Mr. Lambert stated that Council must take a new look at the issue. He thanked the speakers for expressing their appreciation for the quality of the Senior Surrey service and its drivers.

Mr. Tudor reminded the citizens that Council members have been charged with running the City with the least amount of tax dollars. When the Senior Surrey service was created, it was created based on the fact that there was no other transportation available. Mr. Tudor stated that he has heard of many abuses of the system, such as a rider calling the Surrey to be picked up, but by the time the Surrey arrives they discover that the rider found another way home. This is an expensive service and these types of abuses only add to its expense. He stated that the senior citizens are the first to complain when taxes increase but that they must realize that this type of service is supported by taxes. Mr. Tudor stated that if this service is duplicated by the State's systems, then we must consider tying the two services together so that costs are reduced. Responding to Mr. Tudor, Mr. Bach stated that upon approval of their budget, they will continue support to the City's Senior Surrey.

Mr. Levitt stated that the Senior Surrey service is a part of the City's full budget package. The hearing was for the purpose of receiving public reaction. Council must now set its priorities in order to agree upon a budget for the next fiscal year.

City Manager, Tom Worley, stated that it is important for Council to make a decision on the Surrey service very soon since the State would need to know by early April if their system is expected to pick up the City's discontinued service.

Mr. Salters stated that during the public hearing not one person suggested eliminating the Senior Surrey service. He, therefore, stated that he would support continuing the service. He cautioned those present, however, that the citizens must understand that a tax increase is inevitable for this next fiscal year and he hoped that those present will support Council on this issue.

Mr. Hare stated that he heard very good testimony during the public hearing. As a Board of Director for Kent/Sussex Industries, he is privy to the disadvantages that many people must deal with daily.

Mr. Salters moved that Council not consider eliminating the Senior Surrey service from the budget, but that we continue to evaluate the service for possible fare increases and other possible modifications. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare.

Mr. Tudor asked if there is any way to combine the DAST system with the Surrey system to avoid duplication of services. Mr. Worley stated that the City and State are already doing this, and that there is no duplication of service at this time.

On a call for the question on the motion, it was carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

Mr. Levitt moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.

                                                                                    DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                                                                    CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of March 4, 1993, are hereby approved.

                                                                                    AARON O. KNOPF

                                                                                    MAYOR

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