City of Dover
Delaware
Delaware
REGULAR MEETING
June 23, 1975
The Regular Meeting of Council was held on June 23, 1975, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Carroll presiding. Members present were Messrs. Cullen, Legates, Muir, Hardcastle, Perman, Witt, Harris and McDonough.
The invocation was given by Reverend J. H. Williams, Council Chaplain.
MINUTES
The minutes of the regular Council meeting of June 9, 1975, were accepted and bore the written approval of Mayor Carroll.
PRESENTATION OF HONORARY CITIZENSHIP AND PLAQUE TO FREDERICK AND NINA BRITTAN
In his opening remarks, Mayor Carroll praised Mr. Brittan for his accomplishments in the Sister City program, having been a member since its inception 1956 and presently serving as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Brittan has also served as a member of the City of Dover Planning Commission since 1971. Mayor Carroll expressed his regrets that Mr. and Mrs. Brittan were leaving Dover for retirement in the south. A plaque presented to Mr. Brittan in behalf of Mayor and Council, depicted his many years of public service to the community and an Honorary Citizenship Certificate was bestowed on Mr. and Mrs. Brittan.
REPORTS
Chief of Police Report for the month of May was accepted.
The City Clerk was requested to read into the record a letter from the Professional Police Registry to Chief Spence awarding him a certificate testifying to the fact that he had the standards for certification at the executive level.
In behalf of Council, Councilman Legates congratulated Chief Spence for his outstanding attainment.
Building Inspector and Fire Marshal’s Report for the month of May was accepted.
City Planner’s Report for the month of May was accepted.
City Alderman’s Report for the month of May was accepted.
Cash Receipts, General Fund, for the month of May was accepted.
Budget Report, General Fund, for the month of April was accepted.
Cash Receipts, Electric Fund, for the month of May was accepted.
Budget Report, Electric Revenue Fund, for the month of April was accepted.
Cash Receipts, Electric Improvement Fund, for the month of May was accepted.
City Manager’s Report for the month of May was accepted.
CITY MANAGER’S WRITTEN REPORT
Mr. James reported that McKee Run Unit #3 was synchronized with the DPL system on May 15 at 12:15 A.M. and started producing electric at that time on a trial basis. To date, 672,000 kilowatt hours of energy has been sold to Delmarva Power and Light.
The Engineering Department is holding meetings with the Highway Department on the rebuilding of Saulsbury Road with progress being made on that project.
On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council accepted the City Manager’s Report as presented.
REFINANCING $500,000 LOAN TO ELECTRIC REVENUE FUND
Council was informed by Mr. James that it would be necessary to refinance the Electric Revenue Fund loan of $500,000 granted by Council May 13, 1974. The City Manager explained that increased costs of maintenance and fuel were contributing factors which necessitates Council’s action for this authorization.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council by a unanimous roll call vote authorized Mr. James to refinance the $500,000 loan to the Electric Revenue Fund not to exceed one (1) year and adopted the following resolution.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND CITY TREASURER TO UNDERTAKE TEMPORARY BORROWING AS PROVIDED IN THE CHARTER OF THE CITY OF DOVER.
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorized and empowers the Council of the City of Dover to anticipate current revenue borrowing such sum as shall be needed, not to exceed 1% of the total taxable assessment, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to borrow temporary funds for the current operating requirements of the City of Dover Electric Revenue Fund and to pay off a temporary loan approved by Resolution adopted May 13, 1974.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER:
1. That from and after the adoption of this resolution, the Mayor and City Treasurer of the City of Dover shall be empowered and authorized to execute under the seal of the City of Dover any and all instruments, documents or other evidences of indebtedness as required for the borrowing on a temporary basis a sum not to exceed $500,000.
2. The Mayor and Treasurer of the City of Dover shall be empowered to obtain said funds upon such terms and from such local lending institutions as in their best judgement they deem necessary and proper.
3. Any and all amounts borrowed pursuant to this resolution shall be repaid out of current revenue received hereafter by the Electric Revenue Fund and not late that June 23, 1976, or thereabout.
ADOPTED JUNE 25, 1975
J. P. COURT #7 REPORT
A check in the amount of $7,944.80 was received from J. P. Court #7 for fines for the month of May 1975 with deferred payments as of May 31, 1975, amounting to $35,683.39.
On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council accepted the J. P. Court #7 Report as presented by the City Clerk.
COMMITTEE OF COMMITTEES REPORT
The Committee of Committees held a meeting on June 12, 1975, at 3:00 P.M. with Chairman Legates presiding.
Girl Scout Lane - Deed to City of Dover - - The Committee considered a request by Mr. Eugene Reed to accept the deed to Girl Scout Lane for cost of settlement only, which would be approximately $325.00 according to Mr. James.
Since the land ties in with the City of Dover Park and Recreation Center and could be used as access to the park, the Committee recommended that Council accept Mr. Reed’s offer.
On motion of Mr. Harris seconded by Mr. Muir, Council voted for the recommendation of the Committee by a unanimous roll call vote.
Court Street Closing - - The Committee discussed a referral from Council relative to the closing of Court Street adjacent to the State House. There was a consensus of opinion that a traffic count should be instituted, complied and a report made available to Council before a recommendation is submitted.
The City Manager was instructed to proceed with the count and report his findings to the Committee.
Revenue Sharing Requests - - The Committee of Committees next considered the various requests for Revenue Sharing funds for the period of July 1, 1975 to June 30, 1976 and recommended the following grants:
D.O.I.C. $ 10,000.00
Golden Opportunity Center 18,700.00
Geriatrics Services 7,500.00
United Cerebral Palsy 2,450.00
Capital Green Day Care Center 5,000.00
City of Dover General Fund 672,280.00
Mayor Carroll stated that although the General Fund of the City receives the bulk of the monies, future requests submitted in proper form and approved would be allocated from that fund.
Mr. Harris reminded those present that approximately $75,000 of Revenue Sharing is necessary to operate the Senior Surrey annually.
On motion of Mr. Hardcastle, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council accepted the recommendation of the Committee for Revenue Sharing Grants as submitted by a unanimous roll call vote.
On motion of Mr. Cullen, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council accepted the written report of the Committee of Committees as submitted.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
The Legislative and Finance Committee met on June 12, 1975, at 3:45 P.M.
Insurance Program - City of Dover - Aetna Insurance Company - - The Committee received buds from various companies on hospitalization and health and accident insurance in anticipation of a rate increase from Blue Cross presently serving the City. After reviewing the various programs, it was concluded that the City of Dover employees could receive equal coverages or in some cases superior coverage at a substantial reduction of cost to the City and the employees with Aetna Insurance Company.
The Committee recommended that the various insurance coverages with Blue Cross and Safeco be terminated as of July 1, 1975, and a contract be consummated with Aetna Insurance Company on that date or as soon as the change over can be completed.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council voted for the recommendation of the Committee by a unanimous roll call vote.
Police Department Regulations on Mustaches and Haircuts - - The Committee discussed a past request from the Police Department which would allow mustaches and changes in hair style. The matter was discussed with the Police, the Chief of Police and the Mayor.
The Committee recommends that the Police Department be allowed to wear mustaches and alter their hair style and sideburns to comply with Air Force Regulations 35-10, Attachment 1, dated 25 February 1975.
On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Cullen, Council voted for the recommendation of the Committee by a unanimous roll call vote.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council accepted the written report of the Legislative and Finance Committee as presented by Chairman Legates.
APPOINTMENT - PARKING AUTHORITY
Mayor Carroll submitted the name of William Manter to be reappointed to a three year term effective July 1, 1975, to the Dover Parking Authority.
On motion of Mr. Muir, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council by a unanimous roll call vote approved the recommendation of Mayor Carroll.
LEVY COURT - WITHDRAWAL OF RATE CASE - CA #449 1975
A letter from Kent County Levy Court president William Paskey, Jr., was informed Mayor Carroll that the rate case, Levy Court versus City of Dover, has been dismissed by authority of that body.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter.
JAMES YOUNG - REQUEST TO USE RECREATION CENTER FOR WEDDING RECEPTION
Mr. James Young requested use of the City of Dover Park and Recreation Center for his daughter’s wedding reception on September 27, 1975, from 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Mr. Cullen moved that the request be granted and future requests of this nature be referred to the City Manager for his disposal of same. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hardcastle.
Mayor Carroll suggested that the City Manager and the Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee formulate a set of rules governing the use of this facility. After this is accomplished, the City Manager will have a set of standards to abide by for future requests.
On a call for the motion, Council granted Mr. Young’s request with Mr. Witt voting no.
PROPOSED SILVER LAKE BOAT ORDINANCE
Letters from Peg, Baxter Weber and family and representatives for concerned boaters Bill Scotton and J. Laurits expressed concern on the proposed boating ordinances of Silver Lake.
A public hearing will be held on July 14, 1975 at 8:00 P.M. and was so noted by Council.
On motion of Mr. Cullen, seconded by Mr. McDonough, Council acknowledged receipt of the letters.
DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS - RESIGNING PROGRAM
In a letter to Mayor Carroll, Mr. Raymond Pusey, Chief of the Bureau of Traffic, Division of Highways, informed Council that federal funds are now available to upgrade certain signs within the City limits that do not conform to the guidelines set forth in the manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. An agreement was attached for Council’s consideration and approval.
It was explained that the signs would be furnished by the state from federal funds and the installation performed by City work crews. All signs then would conform with the international sign code.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council authorized the Mayor to place his signature on the agreement by a unanimous roll call vote.
BICENTENNIAL FINANCIAL REPORT
Mikki Brockstedt, Administrative Director of the Dover Bicentennial Committee, submitted a letter with an attached financial statement for April and May 1975. Mrs. Brockstedt stated that monthly statements would be furnished to the City now that all records have been centralized.
Mr. McDonough questioned the absence of a Kent County appropriation on the statement. In preliminary discussions it was his feeling that the City could receive some financial relief when the County, State or Federal government allocated monies to the Bicentennial Committee since theirs is a fixed budget.
Mr. James agreed to contact Mr. Blagg on this matter. On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council acknowledged receipt of the report.
REVIVAL - CAPITAL GREEN AREA - MINISTER ROBERT L. WILLIAMS
In a letter to Mayor and Council, Minister Robert L. Williams requested permission to hold a revival on Capital Green.
Mayor Carroll questioned Minister Williams concerning the location desired in Capital Green and what dates the revival would be held since this was not specified in the letter.
Minister Williams described a parcel of land adjacent to the River Road entrance off US 13 in Capital Green.
It was explained that this land does not belong to the City of Dover therefore Council has no jurisdiction in its use.
Minister Williams was instructed to contact the owner of the land, obtain permission for its use, and then he and the owner submit a request with full details of the function.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council acknowledged receipt of the letter.
BERRY VAN LINES - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY - FIRE SIGNAL RECEIVING EQUIPMENT
Mr. Leland Berry, Vice President of Berry Van Lines, expressed concern that the fire signal receiving equipment, with connections to various local businesses, at the Robbins Hose company might be discontinued before a UL approved central station is operating in the Dover area.
Mr. James stated that the equipment at Delaware Electric Signal Company is to be inspected by the Middle Department on Wednesday, June 25th, and according to Chief Kemp no one would be disconnected until a local alarm system company is UL approved.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Muir, Council requested that the alarm control system at Robbins Hose Company remain in operation until such time that a local control center becomes UL approved.
CENTRAL DOVER BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, INC. - SIDEWALK SALE
A letter from Jane Erek, Secretary to the Central Dover Business Association request permission from Council to hold a Sidewalk Sale on July 11th and 12th.
On motion of Mr. Legates, seconded by Mr. Witt, Council granted the request stipulating that all activities be in concurrence with the City Manager, Chief of Police and the City Fire Marshall.
DOVER RACQUETS CLUB - REQUEST TO RESERVE TENNIS COURTS
A letter from L. J. Steinhauer, Vice president of the Dover Racquets Club, requested permission to reserve the Tennis Courts at the City of Dover Park and Recreation Center on June 23, 25 and 30 and July 2nd from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. due to a last minute problem in arrangements with the Capital School District.
Mr. Hardcastle stated that the problem was resolved at the last school board meeting.
Mr. Legates asked if the Racquets Club had been using the courts on a reserve basis and that he opposed an organization monopolizing this facility at any time. To avoid future accidents which would prevent individual citizens from utilizing the courts, action should be taken by Council.
On motion of Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. McDonough, Council referred the above to the Parks, Playgrounds and Trees Committee. Mr. Legates and Mr. Harris voted no and the motion was carried.
J. & B. SOFT DRINKS - REFUND LICENSE FEE
Mr. Roe requested that Council grant his office authority to refund the license fee to the J & B Soft Drink partnership owned by two school age boys. Complaints from local merchants and additional license fees resulted in a decision to dissolve the partnership.
On motion of Mr. McDonough, seconded by Mr. Hardcastle, Council granted the above request.
MR. ROE - VACATION
If there were no objections from Council, Mr. Roe stated that he would be on vacation July 7 to July 11 and August 18 to August 29. There were no objections.
$10,000 REQUEST FROM LEVY COURT FOR RECREATION CENTER
Mr. McDonough inquired about a response from the Levy Court on the request for $10,000 to help defray expenses at the City of Dover Parks and Recreation Center and had the request been put in writing. Mr. McDonough asked the City Clerk if this had been done since this was a Council sponsored request falling under his job description. Mr. Willis answered negative, feeling that a request of this nature would come from the City Manager’s Office.
Mayor Carroll stated that a request of this category should designate a specific person or department in the motion by Council. However, he felt in this incidence the request should be written on Mayor and Council stationary and accepted the responsibility of drafting a letter to the Levy Court requesting a grant of $10,000.
LIBRARY LEGISLATION STATUS
Mr. Witt inquired about the status of the City of Dover Library related to County control. Mr. James stated that a meeting was held with Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Jackson of the Commission and Mr. James in attendance. Mr. Jackson wrote the proposed amendments that would be necessary for the legislation to enable the City to gain control of the library. Mr. James delivered the amendments to a member of the General Assembly who stated that he would have them prepared and returned to the Library Commission. The Commission would then have them introduced into legislation by a member of the legislature of their choice to insure passage by that body. To date, Mr. James has heard nothing.
$600,000 GRANT - ROBBINS HOSE COMPANY
Mr. McDonough questioned the status of the $600,000 grant to Robbins Hose Company and progress of the building program.
Mr. James stated that the original bids were rejected because they exceeded the $600,000 grant. Bids on the renovation of the present building and enlargement of same were to be let the week of June 16th. The first phases of the contract are to be awarded June 24, 1975. Mr. James explained that all funds are retained by the City of Dover and allocated as invoices are submitted and approved by him. Allocations of any monies related to the $600,000 grant must comply with the revenue sharing laws.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED AT 9:17 P.M.
WILLIAM H. WILLIS
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council in their regular meeting of June 23, 1975, are hereby approved.
CRAWFORD J. CARROLL
MAYOR
1 JULY 1975
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