LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met on May 29, 1991, at 7:00 p.m., with Chairman Weyandt presiding. Members present were Mr. Lynn and Mr. Hare. Mr. Leary was absent. Other members of Council present were Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. VanSant, Mr. Pitts and Mr. Salters.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Lynn requested the addition of item 38 to finalize the budget. Mr. Hare moved to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

Mr. Lynn moved to recess into executive session to discuss legal matters, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried. The meeting recessed at 7:05 p.m. and reconvened at 7:20 p.m.

REQUEST TO WAIVE SMOKING REGULATIONS AT DOVER BOWL - K.C. SHETH

Mr. K. C. Sheth submitted a request to waive the smoking regulations at the Dover Bowl on the basis of economic hardship. He advised members that the bowling leagues have indicated that if smoking is prohibited, they will not continue to utilize the Dover Bowl. Mr. Sheth explained that if the Dover Bowl lost its league bowlers, the direct and indirect revenue they generate would have an adverse effect on this business (the Dover Bowl’s financial statements were reviewed by the committee during the preceding executive session).

Mr. Jay Sonecha, partner in the Dover Bowl, stated that there are a significant number of bowlers that smoke and that they will go where there are no restrictions. He advised members that the Dover Bowl could lose as much as 30% of revenue. Mr. Sunetta reminded members that there is Brunswick Doverama and the bowling facility at the Dover Air Force Base that are located just outside the Dover City limits. Since these bowling facilities do not have to abide by the smoking ban, bowlers have expressed their intent to move their leagues if smoking is banned at Dover Bowl.

Responding to Mr. Daisey’s concerns, Mr. Sheth assured members that he will attempt to separate smokers and non-smokers whenever possible and will attempt to utilize smoke eaters.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that Council grant an exception to the smoking regulations ordinance, Section 14-15 of the Dover Code, in accordance with subsection (e) 3 (Violations and Penalties - Appeal to Council). For the Dover Bowl, stipulating that non-smoking be encouraged and that they attempt to separate smokers and non-smokers when possible. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried

BIDS

Senior Surrey Bus

Bids were solicited for a Senior Surrey bus for fiscal year 1990/91. The bus will be a 1991 Ford with a diesel engine and will be a wheelchair equipped vehicle. The vehicle will be paid for by the Delaware Transportation Authority. Staff recommended that the bid be awarded to the low bidder, Chesapeake Bus and Equipment Co., in the amount of $31,500.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend acceptance of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.

Annual Radio Maintenance Contract

bids were requested for the annual radio maintenance contract for maintenance contract to cover repairs and maintenance of all City radio communication equipment, including labor and parts, installation and removal of mobile nits, and an annual preventive maintenance check of all units. It requires 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service for the base stations with a guarantee that the base stations will be back in service within 24 hours and all other equipment within two working days.

Staff recommended that the annual radio maintenance contract, for the period of July 1, 1991 - June 30 1992, be awarded to the low bidder, Motorola, at a projected total of $26,319.60.

Mr. Hare moved to recommend acceptance of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

TARGET BLOCK PROGRAM

Council has determined that neighborhood appearance and vitality is a major issue for the City of Dover; therefore, staff developed the neighborhood target block concept. During their Regular Meeting of November 12, 1990, Council endorsed the target block program and directed staff to submit blocks for consideration with projected budgets for possible inclusion in the FY91/92 budget.

Members of the committee were provided with a detailed report on the target block program. Ms. Swain explained that the program will require community participation. Should Council approve the target block program concept, it was suggested that public hearings be held. Staff recommended implementation of the Target Block Program effective in FY 91/92 and that a priority block list for future program years be developed.

Mr. Hare moved to table action pending budge approval, seconded by Mr. Lynn and unanimously carried.

CITY MANAGER’S MONTHLY REPORT

In reference to the fuel adjustment, Mr. Weyandt suggested that the utility Committee consider the creation of the minimum balance for the account as recommended by the City Manager in his May 24, 1991 weekly update.

Mr. Lynn moved to recess into executive session to discuss personnel matters, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried. Meeting recessed at 8:05 p.m. and reconvened at 9:00 p.m.

BUDGET REVIEW

Mr. Weyandt announced that, while in executive session, the committee discussed salaries for City employees as they pertain to the budget.

Mr. Lynn moved to recommend that there be no tax increase and that the necessary funds be transferred from the Electric Fund to the General Fund in order to balance the budget. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.

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

Meeting adjourned at 9:02 P.M.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Francis R. Weyandt

                                                                        Chairman

FRW/DJB/jg