City of Dover
Delaware
Delaware
REGULAR MEETING
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on September 8, 1980 at 7:30 p.m. with Councilman Witt acting as Chairperson. Members present were Messrs. Weyandt, Boaman, Carey, Carson and Richter. Mayor McDonough, Vice-Mayor Hardcastle and Councilman Bewick were absent.
The invocation was given by the Reverend J.H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS OF AGENDA ITEMS
Councilman Carson requested an additional agenda item to report on the resurfacing of S. State Street.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 1980
Mr. Weyandt referred to a report received from the City Manager compiled by Betz-Converse-Murdoch that appears to be an addition to facts presented by that firm during the meeting of August 25, 1980. He asked if a staff member had requested the additional information contained in the report and if an additional charge from Betz-Converse-Murdoch would be forthcoming.
Mr. Hodge reported no information on the question since a bill has not been received from the consultant firm.
Mr. Weyandt moved that a copy of the itemized bill be furnished to each Council member when received, stipulating that said bill outline the services performed by Betz-Converse-Murdoch. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of August 25, 1980 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey and bore the written approval of Mayor McDonough.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - EMERGENCY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1980
The Minutes of the Emergency Council Meeting of September 3, 1980 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey and bore the written approval of Mayor McDonough.
LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE - APPOINTMENTS
Questioned by Mr. Roe, Mr. Boaman explained that the purpose of the committee would be to project future costs in respect to the budget over a period of three to five years.
Mr. Witt stated that he disagreed with the committee appointments, feeling that the Legislative and Finance Committee should be performing long range budget projections.
It was Mr. Weyandt’s opinion that the committee was formed to study various projected costs. The subject matter of each item discussed by the Planning Committee would be referred to the related committee for further review and recommendations.
By motion of Mr. Carson, seconded by Mr. Carey, the long range planning committee was approved, consisting of Councilmen Weyandt, Boaman and Richter. Mr. Witt voted no.
PEDDLERS TRANSACTING BUSINESS IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT
Mr. Boaman related an incident occurring on September 5, 1980, where a group of out of state men acquired a peddler’s license from the City of Dover and proceeded to transact business in the downtown area, competing with established merchants selling the same goods. The merchandise consisted basically of television sets and furniture.
Mr. Boaman was also concerned with local citizens who might purchase these items since there was no stated warranty.
Mr. Boaman moved for referral to the Legislative and Finance Committee for study, seconded by Mr. Weyandt and unanimously carried.
CROSSING GUARDS - UPDATE
Dr. Goate’, Superintendent of the Capital School District, was present to inform Council of the School District’s position in furnishing crossing guards.
In a letter to Mayor McDonough, dated September 4, 1980, Dr. Goate’ stated that the Board of Education’s proposal included a suggestion that the City and the Capital School District share in the responsibility for crossing guards. In addition, training of the crossing guards would remain within the province of the Police Department of the City of Dover.
The School Board proposed that the Capital School District pay the City an extra amount of funds to cover possible unemployment costs which is similar to an agreement between the City of Dover and the Caesar Rodney School District. The City and the Capital School District would actively pursue the erection of pedestrian controlled stop lights at State Street, Walker Road and Pear Street and also request modification of the traffic light on Forest Street to a pedestrian controlled instrument.
The School District also offered the services of a substitute caller who, as stated in his letter, would be able to secure services of substitute crossing guards on days when regular guards are absent due to illness.
Dr. Goate’ reported that three CETA workers are now on the job, being trained by uniformed policemen. With the present schedule of guards, it would seem that the total cost of the program would involve $5,000 to $7,000 from each party.
Questioned by Mr. Witt, Mr. Hodge stated that the City of Dover does employ the crossing guards utilized by the Caesar Rodney School District. The Caesar Rodney District in turn reimburses the City for any costs involved, including unemployment.
Noting that Council has acted to discontinue the City’s involvement in employing crossing guards, Mr. Witt questioned the authority of any agreement with the Caesar Rodney School District.
Reminding those present that the City has allocated $10,000 towards funding the crossing guard program and the present projection is a cost much less than the allocation, it was Mr. Richter’s opinion that discussions between the City and the School District have resulted in progress; therefore, he suggested further discussions to resolve the few remaining problems.
Mr. Weyandt stated that the full Council had mandated an allocation of $10,000 for the first year, $5,000 for the second year and the third year the City would drop all responsibility for the crossing guard program. With this firm action by Council in mind, he could not understand the concessions being suggested by the School Board. Mr. Weyandt wondered what the School Board’s position would be when an opinion by the Attorney General is submitted, referring to a request by the Board for the Attorney General to rule on the matter as far as responsibility.
Relating his observation of student crossing guards on a busy highway in Ohio, Mr. Weyandt wondered if the District had pursued the possibility of utilizing a student crossing guard organization.
Dr. Goate’ replied that the District has never seriously considered this possibility but could include this in further discussions with the City.
The School Board’s request for an opinion from the Attorney General was based on a desire to explore every possibility to settle the matter of crossing guards. In addition, the Board had discussed the possibilities of a County-wide organization although they have never formally approached County officials.
Mr. Weyandt referred to a letter under correspondence, from Mrs. Pat Nemith, concerning methods of deriving crossing guards and requested that the City Clerk read the letter into the record.
Mrs. Nemith suggested acquiring crossing guards from welfare recipients or citizens who receive medicaid payments. She felt that his would boost morale and make the recipients feel more responsible.
Quoting from the Minutes of the Emergency Council Meeting of September 3, 1980, Mr. Hodge stated that the City Manager’s Office is working within the realm of Council’s decision that the City will administer four crossing guards, engaged by Chief Klenoski until November 1, 1980, keeping in mind that only $10,000 is available, as allocated. After this date, the four guards will be transferred as a responsibility of the School District. Unmanned positions, due to absence, will be the responsibility of the School District.
It was the general feeling of Council that a decision could not be rendered until further discussions take place between the City and the Capital School District.
CONFIRMATION OF POLICE BARGAINING COMMITTEE
The City Clerk presented a letter from Chief Klenoski informed Council that an election was held at the Dover Police Department on August 25, 1980 to select representatives of the Police Bargaining Committee.
Chief Klenoski presented the names of Carlton E. Phillips, Martin F. Stallings and Ellis B. Parrott and requested confirmation from Mayor and Council.
By motion of Mr. Weyandt, seconded by Mr. Carey, Council unanimously confirmed the aforementioned members of the Police Bargaining Committee.
SOUTH STATE STREET RESURFACING
Mr. Carson informed Council that the resurfacing of South State Street is now complete and in his opinion, an excellent job was performed by the construction company.
CORRESPONDENCE
First State Coin Company - Precious Metal Ordinance
A letter was received from Raymond R. Gesualdo, President of the First State Coin Company, stating that he agreed with the intent of the Precious Metal Ordinance; however, it was his opinion that the ordinance is vague and not well defined. Mr. Gesualdo applied for a new license under protest.
It was Mr. Witt’s opinion that the Legislative and Finance Committee wishes to acquire some experience under the present ordinance and will study future recommendations from Chief Klenoski and the Office of the City Manager.
Chief Klenoski reported that the ordinance has assisted in solving four robbery cases, resulting in the recovery of $48,000 in stolen goods. He agreed that some areas of the ordinance are vague but the overall intent has proven a step in the right direction. A workshop is planned with merchants to discuss any difficulties they may have with the contents.
Mr. Boaman moved that Chief Klenoski or Lt. Gray acknowledge receipt of the letter. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Dover Jaycees - Raft Race - Silver Lake
A letter was received from Mr. Bob Parker, President of the Dover Jaycees, requesting permission to hold a raft race on Silver Lake from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. on October 12th. The starting point will be in the beach area, preceding under the bridge to a point in the center lake and back again.
Noting that the Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee and the Safety Advisory Committee will not meet until October 6th, leaving little time for the Jaycees to plan the race on October 12th, it was generally agreed that Council should act on the matter.
Mr. Weyandt moved for approval of the request, stipulating that a committee of the Jaycees work with the Chief of Police and Mr. Roe’s office to establish that the raft race will be held in a safe manner. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Weyandt moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council in their meeting of September 8, 1980, are hereby approved.
JOSEPH M. MCDONOUGH
MAYOR
September 15, 1980
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