LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met on September 10, 1991, at 6:00 p.m., with Chairman Weyandt presiding. Members present were Councilmen Hare and Lynn and Mr. Leary. Other members of Council present were Mr. Levitt, Mr. Salters, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Pitts and Council President Christiansen.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

There were no additions or deletions to the agenda.

FACILITIES STUDY - CORNERSTONE PARTNERS

As directed by City Council, Cornerstone Partners, Inc. submitted a preliminary space plan for the City Hall and Administrative Annex Building, Police Station and the City Warehouse (copies are available in the Office of the City Clerk). Mr. Jay Cooperson of Cornerstone Partners presented the report, as follows:

City Hall and Administrative Annex Building

The present City Hall building is seriously overcrowded, impairing staff operations. There are problems with circulation, and absence of adequate meeting space for Council as well as for employees; handicapped and other code shortcomings; and, in the Administrative wing, an aging mechanical plant and a majority of this wing is without natural light. Cornerstone Partners has concluded that minor changes will not resolve the problems.

Mr. Cooperson provided members with diagrams of alternative plans that would provide the necessary additional space. The estimated total project cost, excluding loose furniture, furnishings, and equipment, is $2,904,000. Mr. Cooperson explained that the proposed plans for the City Hall and Annex Building were designed prior to the WSFS building proposal.

Police Station

Mr. Cooperson advised members that the Police Station has the most acute problems relative to meeting code requirements and space needs. The Police Station no longer adequately serves the police of the City of Dover. There are major building code violations, overcrowding, substantial mechanical deficiencies, confusing circulation, and a building organization that could jeopardize the obtaining of vital accreditation. Noting that the movement of detainees to and within the building is without proper safeguard, the organization of the building and the site places the lives of its police officers and civilian employees at risk. There is sufficient land for new construction and parking for police and personal vehicles.

Mr. Cooperson provided members with diagrams of alternative plans that would provide the necessary additional space. The estimated total project cost, excluding loose furniture, furnishings, and equipment, is $3,611,000.

Chief Hutchinson advised members that when the current Police Station was built in 1968 there were 28 employees, and that there were no female police officers to accomodate. There are now 91 employees which include female police officers and accomodations must be provided accordingly, such as female locker rooms.

Responding to Mr. Salters, Chief Hutchinson stated that until some of the issues noted in the report are addressed, the City of Dover Police Department cannot apply for the National Accreditation Program.

City Warehouse

Additional space is needed in the administrative areas of the warehouse and changes in the existing layout would improve efficiency. The scope of work is substantially less than that needed for the City Hall and Police Station. It was noted that the franchised vehicle repair operation has adequate space for a considerable increase in level of activity; however, an exhaust system is critically needed.

Mr. Cooperson provided members with diagrams of alternative plans that would provide the necessary additional space. The estimated total project cost, excluding loose furniture, furnishings, and equipment, is $515,000.

Mr. Worley suggested that members digest the information given by Cornerstone Partners for discussion during the Council Workshop on September 12, 1991 to consider the proposed Bond Issue.

Council President Christiansen declared a recess at 7:03 p.m. Meeting reconvened at 7:07 p.m.

LANDLORD/TENANT ORDINANCE - SECTION 10-41

During the committee meeting of August 27, 1991, several citizens addressed members on the proposed landlord/tenant ordinance, that would amend Chapter 10 of the Dover Housing Code by adding a new section to be designated Article III, Section 10-41. The committee suggested that the comments and suggestions made be reviewed by the City Solicitor for possible revisions. The amended ordinance was submitted for the committee's review and recommendation.

Deputy City Solicitor Pepper was present and explained several legal proedural questions raised by the committee.

Referring to paragraph (a) of the proposed ordinance, Mr. Lynn reiterated his feeling that the last sentence should end with the word "unlawful", deleting "and hereby declared to be contrary to public policy". He also felt that the committee agreed that the fines, as indicated in paragraph (d), be established at $50 for the first offense, with subsequent offenses at $100. It was also noted that the intent of the language in paragraph (b) is confusing where it states that the "renter has no more than seven days to vacate the dwelling unit" and suggested that this section be revised.

Having concern with that portion of the notification procedure described in the second sentence of paragraph (d), members suggested that the word "lastly" be included to read: "or lastly by posting a copy thereof in a conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by said notice."

Ms. Jean Shane stated that although the proposed ordinance addresses some of the resident's concerns, the Central Dover Neighborhood Association suggested that a committee of landlords and representatives from Delaware Housing Authority and the Central Dover Neighborhood Association be formulated to assist landlords with tenant problems.

Mr. Charles Witt stated that the City of Newark currently has a similar landlord/tenant ordinance which was proven to be effective. He encouraged the passage of the proposed ordinance.

Chief Hutchinson advised members that he contracted the Police Department and that the landlord/tenant ordinance has been an effective tool for them.

Mr. Daisey referred to the time period for the number of offenses permitted prior to termination of the lease as indicated in paragraph (b) and suggested that it be changed from a three month period to a six month period. Responding, Chief Hutchinson explained that those tenants that the ordinance is intended to address will violate the City's noise or disorderly conduct ordinance or be convicted of any drug offense within a three month period.

By request of Mr. Weyandt, it was the consensus of the committee that the following revisions be incorporated into the proposed ordinance:

1) Revise paragraph (d) to state that the first offense would be a minimum fine of $50, with subsequent offenses given a fine of $100.

2) That the word "lastly be incorporated in to the second sentence of paragraph (c) to read: "or lastly be posting a copy thereof in a conspicuous place in or about the structure affected by said notice."

3) That paragraph (b) more clearly define the time period the landlord has in notifying the renter of eviction.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that the above changes be incorporated into the proposed ordinance (Attachment #1) and that it be submitted to Council for a first reading during their meeting of September 23, 1991. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.

TARGET BLOCK PROGRAM

During their meeting of August 12, 1991, City Council accepted the Target Block Program and authorized staff to proceed with the program. It was noted that a community meeting will be scheduled to dicuss the program with residents to seek theier input and support. Upon receiving public comment, the selection of the initial target block will be finanized and further program details will be developed and presented to the committee for their review.

Ms. Audrey Daniels, Community Development Director, advised members that an administrative public hearing was held on August 28, 1991. She stated that homeowners, landlords and tenants of Governors Avenue, Kirkwood and Queen Streets attended the meeting. After much discussion, it was the general consensus of the group to focus on Kirkwood Street as the initial target block.

Noting that the results of the public hearing are in agreement with staff's initial recommended target block area, staff requested permission to initiate the Target Block Program in conjunction with the Community Development Block Grant, Rental Rehabilitation Program, and Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program.

Mr. Hare moved to recommend that City Coucil grant staff permission to initiate the Target Block on Kirkwood Street, beginning at Fulton Street and proceeding to Loockerman Street. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

ELECTRIC ORGANIZATION STUDY

During their meeting of April 22, 1991, City Council authorized Resource Management International (RMI) to perform a detailed study of the organizational and management practices of the City of Dover Electric Department. An RMI team, consisting of experts in Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Utility Operations, and Management, held interviews with Electric Department personnel.

Mr. Craig W. Horneck, Manager of RMI's Albany Office, presented and explained the final report on the Organization and Management Syudy of the City of Dover Electric Department.

While some recommendations have already been initiated and others may not be possible, Mr. Worley explained that the report will be utilized by the Electric Department as a guide for the next five years. An implementation plan and schedule will be prepared by staff.

Mr. Hare moved to recommend acceptance of the Organizational and Management Study of the City of Dover Electric Department, as prepared by RMI (as on file in the Office of the City Clerk), seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Mr. Lynn moved for adjustment, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:32 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Francis R. Weyandt

Chairman

FRW/DJB/jg

Attachment