SPECIAL MEETING

November 8, 1977

A Special Council Meeting was held on November 8, 1977 at 7:30 p.m. with Mayor Legates presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs. McDonough, Muir, Hardcastle, Carey, Witt and Carson. Councilmen Bewick and Weyandt were absent.

A Special Meeting of Council was held at the above time to consider the following items relating to Downtown Dover Revitalization - Phase I.

     1. Decision to allow left turns onto Loockerman Street from State Street and Governors Avenue.

     2. Decision at to the type of light standards to be utilized.

The Assistant City Manager, in his opening statement, explained that Phase I of the Downtown Revitalization Project includes updated signalization at various intersections other than the immediate business district, to improve the traffic flow on Loockerman Street. This encompasses a concept to allow a left turn for southbound traffic on Governors Avenue and northbound traffic on State Street at Loockerman Street.

Mr. McDonough and Mr. Witt expressed a disturbed attitude towards the fact that no formal presentation was scheduled, allowing the consultants to explain the reasoning behind the necessity of certain signalization and traffic flow changes.

Mr. McDonough asked why a professional presentation was afforded the merchants and Friends of Old Dover and not Council, when the entire project is being financed by the City of Dover.

Mayor Legates informed Council that a decision is necessary to approve or disapprove the concept of a left turn on Loockerman, as previously outlined, in order to incorporate said traffic flow on future plans. If approved, it would be necessary to rescind the present ordinance prohibiting same.

Chief Spence outlined his reasoning for suggesting a left turn, explaining that the abolishment of parking on the north side of Loockerman Street would add two feet to the roadway, facilitating a better traffic flow and less use of the intersections at State Street and Governors Avenue.

It was the general opinion of Council that members were not prepared to act, due to a lack of information on the items presented.

Mr. Witt moved to include an item on the November 14, 1977 agenda, for the purpose of an informative presentation on Phase I of the Downtown Revitalization Project. The motion was seconded by Mr. McDonough.

Mr. Hodge stated that the City Manager is of the impression that Council approved the $800,000, giving him authority to process the paperwork and proceed with the design of the various phases being approved at staff level and the overall concept approved by Council.

Mr. Woods informed Council that the engineering consultants were present and prepared to give an immediate presentation.

Mr. Witt called for the question which was unanimously carried.

Mr. Witt moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

                                                                        William H. Willis

                                                                        City Clerk

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council in their meeting of November 8, 1977, are hereby approved.

Charles A. Legates, Jr.

                                                                        Mayor

November 10, 1977

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