COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Members of Council met in a workshop session to discuss the Bond Issue, on September 12, 1991 at 7:00 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Council members present were Mr. Salters, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Weyandt and Mr. Pitts. Mr. Levitt and Mr. Hare were absent. Legislative and Finance Committee civilian member Mr. Leary was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Salters moved to adjourn into executive session prior to discussion on the Bond Issue for personnel and legal matters. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.

The meeting reconvened at 7:09 p.m. with Mr. Hare present.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND ISSUE

Mr. Worley began discussion on the General Obligation Bond Issue, stating that there were two issues that needed to be defined: 1) the amount of the bond issue, and 2) the date for the bond referendum.

The projects which were tentatively identified for inclusion are as follows:

    a.  West Dover Fire Station

    b.  Aerial Ladder Fire Truck

    c.  Public Works Material Storage Building

    d.  Library Basement Renovation

    e.  Schutte Park

    f.  St. Jones River Greenway

    g.  Tar Ditch Drainage Project

    h.  City Hall Renovation/Expansion

    I.  Police Station Renovation/Expansion

    j.  Warehouse Renovation/Expansion

Mr. Worley handed out a workshop information guide which shows each project and the projected amount to be borrowed (Attachment #1).

Referring to the Schutte Park Phase II Pool Complex, Mr. Worley suggested a partnership between the State of Delaware (Capital and Caesar Rodney School Districts), Kent County and the City. Mr. Worley felt that with this partnership, the City's share would be one-third. This would be added to the bond issue as a challenge grant.

Finance Director, Mr. Mike Karia, submitted a breakdown of the financial plan for the debt service of the Bond Issue Project 1991 (Attachment #2), and a bond issue report (Attachment #3), and answered questions by members of Council.

Mr. Salters moved to recommend acceptance of the list as presented by staff, to be included in a bond referendum, seconded by Mr. Pitts.

Mr. Hare stated that a list should be prioritized with the costs itemized for the public to review. Disagreeing, Mr. Salters stated that the list is made up of projects that the public requested and felt that a complete bond referendum should be held.

Mr. Hare further stated that the pool should remain in the proposed bond issue and the Greenway should be limited to $7,000.

After extensive discussion, Mr. Christiansen requested a roll call vote on the motion to proceed with the list as presented by staff, for inclusion in the bond referendum. The roll call vote was six (6) yes, (1) no (Mr. Daisey), with Mr. Levitt absent.

Mr. Daisey suggested that staff provide members with an itemized list of further breakdowns for their review.

Mr. Salters moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                  Robin R. Christiansen

                                  Council President

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