QUARTERLY OPEN TOWN MEETING

The quarterly open town meeting was held on February 4, 1991 at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Richter presiding. Council members present were Mr. Hall, Mr. Daisey, Mr. Levitt, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Salters, Mr. Lynn, Mr. Weyandt, Mr. VanSant and Council President Christiansen.

Council staff members present were Chief Hutchinson, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Worley, Mr. Cregar, and Mrs. Boaman.

Mayor Richter opened the meeting, reminding those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action. Citizen's concerns will be heard and taken care of by staff or by Council during an official Council or Committee meeting.

Melvina Franklin - 13 N. New Street

Ms. Melvina Franklin of 13 N. New Street conveyed her concern for the deterioration of her neighborhood. Ms. Franklin, a single parent of two small children, explained that the New Street area is experiencing problems with drugs, fighting, loud noises, loitering, and littering. Since the police instigated a crackdown in the Kirkwood Street area, the problems have filtered to nearby streets, including New Street. She stated that it is unsafe for her children to be outside. In the early morning hours, she has been awakened by young people that congregate on her front porch as well as on her neighbor's properties. Her home has been burglarized twice. She is unable to afford a telephone and has no way to call the police for assistance. Ms. Franklin asked the City Council what plans they have to clean up New Street.

Chief Hutchinson relayed that the Police Department has recently implemented a foot patrol that encompasses New, Queen, Reed, and Kirkwood Street areas. Chief Hutchinson assured those present that the problems were nowhere near as significant as they were a year ago. The residents of New Street may be seeing increased problems that could have filtered from the Kirkwood Street area, but overall, the City of Dover has decreased its drug related problems. Chief Hutchinson also stated that a Boys Club was just recently brought into the City and the Salvation Army plans a center to open in March. This is the beginning of a plan to offer community support to drug related problems. Chief Hutchinson stated that the Police Department has received more community, church and school support than ever before. Problems of this nature cannot be solved overnight, but he assured Ms. Franklin that the Police Department will continue its efforts to combat these problems.

Responding to Mr. Daisey, Ms. Franklin stated that she would be willing to sign an arrest warrant but she is not sure that her neighbors would do so since they may be afraid of possible repercussions.

Mr. Pitts suggested that the City of Dover consider loitering or curfew laws. He acknowledged that many cities are involved in court cases over such laws, but he felt that the City should consider implementation of such a law for minors.

Mr. Salters stated that the Police Department quickly responds to a complaint, but as soon as the police leave the scene the crown reassembles. Most of the people seem to be between the ages of 14 and 20 years old and do not live in the area.

Ms. Franklin agreed with the implementation of a curfew for minors. Such a law would give the police a tool to use against youth loitering.

Tony Galla - Residential Parking

Mr. Tony Galla addressed the members of Council regarding the new residential parking permit policy. He thanked Council for the recent removal of two hour parking signs on Gooden Avenue as a result fo his previous complaints of being unable to move his vehicle in the two hour limit while visiting his dentist.

Referring to the residential parking permit policy, Mr. Galla questioned the initial and long term costs of the program. Mr. Galla stated his objections to his tax dollars being utilized to provide private parking to residents on public streets. He felt it discriminatory to the other taxpayers to be denied access to parking on public streets, specifically citing areas around Kent General Hospital and the Court House.

Mr. Galla suggested that potential home buyers be cognizant of the home's surroundings prior to its purchase. If a person buys a home near a hospital, they should understand that parking will probably be a problem; the same holds true with close proximity to schools, governmental complexes, etc.

Mr. Galla expressed concern that enforcement of residential parking violations could take time from our police officers who should be working on crime related matters. He suggested that members of council look into the full repercussions of a change before implementing a new program as a response to a few complaints.

Mr. Worley will submit cost figures on the residential parking permit program to Mr. Galla within a week.

Meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

CITY CLERK

JOHN E. RICHTER

MAYOR

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