COUNCIL COMMITTEES

The Council Committees Meeting was held on October 27, 1992, at 7:00 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Leary, Mr. Salters, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Hare, Mr. Lambert, and Mr. Tudor. Mayor Knopf was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. Noting that there is only one item for the Utility Committee to consider, Mr. Hare suggested that the Utility Committee convene prior to the Legislative and Finance Committee.

Mr. Levitt moved to accept the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee met with Chairman Daisey presiding. Members present were Councilmen Pitts and Lambert and Mr. Carey.

PURCHASE OF FLOW METERING EQUIPMENT

In conjunction with the Inflow-Infiltration Program underway in the Wastewater Division, bids were solicited for the purchase and installation of six permanent flow metering devices. These meters will be used to determine which of the drainage basins warrant further detailed investigation for Inflow-Infiltration and how to reduce or eliminate it.

Prior to submitting bids, firms were required to submit the information on their systems for staff's review. Although three firms submitted the information, the equipment provided by ADS Environmental Services, Inc. was the only one approved for use. Staff recommended awarding the contract for the purchase and installation of flow metering equipment to the lone bidder, ADS Environmental Services, Inc., in the amount of $205,300. The Engineer's estimate was $230,000.

Mr. Lambert moved to recommend approval of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.

Mr. Pitts moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lambert and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:12 P.M.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Levitt presiding. Members present were Councilmen Salters and Leary. Noting the absence of Mr. Hindman, Mr. Lambert was deputized to serve as a member.

REVIEW OF CURRENT SMOKING REGULATIONS ORDINANCE - SECTION 14-15

Members of City Council held a public hearing on October 1, 1992, to review the City's current smoking regulations (Section 14-15 of the Dover Code) and referred the matter to the Legislative and Finance Committee to determine if and what modifications are needed.

Taking into consideration the public testimony and information received that the City's current smoking regulations ordinance is working to the satisfaction of the majority of citizens, Mr. Salters moved to recommend that no changes be made to the City's current smoking ordinance. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary.

Mr. Daisey stated that although the current smoking regulations are working to a certain degree, it was his feeling that the testimony indicated that there are areas in which the ordinance could be improved, such as in the case of "fast food" restaurants.

Mr. Hare agreed that there is a need to address "fast food" and small restaurants, feeling that they cannot adequately provide separate sections for smoking and non-smoking and suggested that smoking be restricted in those restaurants that seat less than 30 people.

In an attempt to explain the intent of the motion, Mr. Salters noted that several general recommendations and statements were relayed during the public hearing. Members of Council were charged with reviewing the effect of the current smoking ordinance and its success. Since no formal complaints have been received regarding the current regulations, it was his feeling that no changes should be made to the ordinance; however, should a member of Council or citizen have a specific recommendation, they may submit their proposed amendments to the committee at any time. Mr. Salters felt that prior to making any changes to the ordinance, a thorough review of their effects should be accomplished.

Mr. Lambert relayed concern with government regulating privately owned businesses. He agreed that any recommended changes need to be carefully reviewed since they could affect businesses in the City.

Several other members of Council concurred with Mr. Lambert and the judiciousness of the motion. Members also emphasized the importance of not legislating small business to the extent that they are forced out of business.

Since there are some concerns relative to small restaurant owners, Mr. Daisey suggested implementing some of the changes that have been recommended on a trial basis.

On a call for the question by Mr. Leary, the motion to recommend that no changes be made to the City's current smoking ordinance was unanimously carried.

Mr. Lambert urged the restaurant owners to consider the concerns that have been relayed for the possibility of implementing such recommendations on their own.

QUARTERLY WRITE-OFF OF UNCOLLECTIBLE ELECTRIC BILLS

A list of uncollectible electric bills, in the amount of $18,940.54, was submitted for the committee's review. The list consisted of those accounts from April 1, 1991 through June 30, 1991 which have shown no collection activity for a period of one year or longer. Staff recommended endorsement of the write-off of uncollectible electric bills in the amount of $18,940.54.

Mr. Salters moved to recommend acceptance of staff's recommendation, seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

WORK PLAN - HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

At the February 28-29, 1992 Goals Workshop, Council requested that staff continue to nurture the development of the City's Human Resources Department. Staff distributed a work plan for the Human Resources Department for FY 1992-93.

Noting that the work plan is detailed and that the committee has not had the opportunity to review it, Council President Christiansen suggested that this item be discussed at the next Legislative and Finance Committee meeting.

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

Meeting Adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Robin R. Christiansen

                                                                                    Council President

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