SPECIAL MEETING

September 18, 1956

A special meeting of City Council was held Tuesday, September 18, 1956, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Haman presiding. Councilmen present were Messrs Biddle, Davis, Hayes, Holpp, Mundy, Petty, Tischer and Zartman.

POWER CONTRACT

City Manager Ward explained to Council the details of contracts offered by Delaware Power & Light Company to the City Dover for purchase of power under a single circuit contract and under a parallel operation contract. Council discussed fully the advantages and disadvantages of the contracts ans the fact that many conferences had been held with officials of Delaware Power and light Company to eliminate or modify what Dover considers harsh terms. The parallel operation contract contains a provision for 365 hours use if demand, with a minimum demand of 1000 KW, which minimum is increased by any demand in excess of 2000 KW placed on the company by Dover. No allowance is made for emergency other than 1000 KW of demand, which will be deducted from the maximum taken by Dover to establish a new minimum demand to be charged Dover for the balance of the contract. The parallel contract would be for a period of one year, to be renewed automatically from year to year thereafter unless notice of termination is given six months prior to the anniversary date of the contract. Council discussed the possibility of operating its plant without a tie-in of purchased power, and considered the fact that present day living make electric power a necessity. The possibility of great economic loss to the community through power failure occasioned by some unforseen emergency was weighed against the insurance provided by a parallel operation contract, with provisions that are a risk to the continued operation of Dover’s plant.

On motion of Mr. Petty, seconded by Mr. Hayes, the City Manager was directed to obtain estimated on the cost of installing a new boiler and a new 5000 KW and 7500 KW turbine, both steam and gas driven.

On motion of Mr. Holpp, seconded by Mr. Tischer, the Mayor and City Clerk were authorized to sign a parallel operation contract with Delaware Power & Light Company for a period of one year. Councilmen Hayes voted No.

Council adjourned at 11:55 P.M.

F. Neylan

City Clerk