SPECIAL MEETING

                                                                                                                        August 25, 1947

A special meeting of City Council was held in City Hall on Monday evening, August 25, at 7:30 P.M. with Mayor Woodford presiding. The following members were present: Mrs. Frear, Messrs. Keith, Vane, Burton, Hartnett, Carson, Mikell and Wright.

Bill – Aeronautical Commission

Mr. Barnes, secretary of the Aeronautical Commission, presented a bill in the amount of $109.86 which represented expenses incurred by them in trying to find out he status of the Dover Army Air Field. Without objection, Council ordered the bill paid.

Two Way Radio

Mr. Gentry appeared before Council with figures showing the cost of the two way radio extension. Without objection, Council instructed the City Manager to proceed with the installation.

Power Situation

Mr. Carson stated that on June 27, he and City Manager Wilcox were appointed a committee by Mayor Woodford to meet with Mr. Pyle of Delaware Power and Light to draw a contract for reserve electrical energy. On August 14, after a conference with officials of International Latex Corporation, it was decided to have a conference with Westinghouse Corporation to see if a generator could be repaired, and also to see if a better contract could be procured from Delaware Power and Light. Mr. Carson stated that he and Acting City Manager, Mr. Brown, had met with Mr. Taylor of Westinghouse who referred them to Mr. Stevens. In order that questions which he asked of Mr. Stevens could be answered direct to Council, he had asked Mr. Stevens to be at this meeting. Mr. Carson asked Mr. Stevens if the 2500 KW turbo-generator could be repaired. Mr. Stevens stated that two years ago, in December 1945 and January 1946, Westinghouse made an inspection and found nothing radically wrong with it. At that time it had been in use for a period of seven years, during which time it was not inspected. Knowing the condition two years ago and observing it in operation that afternoon, he did not see but what it was in good condition. Mr. Carson asked how long Mr. Stevens felt it should run before another inspection wa made. Mr. Stevens replied that, since it was in good condition after seven years service, he saw no reason why it should be inspected at this time. Action on the repairing of the generator was deferred.

Mr. Carson stated that he then went into the purchase of generating equipment, both steam and Diesel, and new and old. Mr. Stevens stated that a 2500 KW Turbine could be delivered within fifteen months. The cost would be about $108,000; with condenser about $142,000; and with all the piping, foundation, etc., about $168,000. The question of starting and stopping the present generator, which would have to be done in event we took our off peak requirements from Delaware Power and Light, was asked Mr. Stevens. He stated that it definitely would be detrimental.

Mr. Carson also stated that he had asked Delaware Power and Light for a contract such as they had with Lewes, which would take over the Latex circuit.

After considerable discussion, Council decided as follows: Upon motion of Mr. Keith, seconded by Mr. Burton, Mr. Carson and Mr. Brown were appointed to have Latex Corporation and themselves meet with Delaware Power and Light to negotiate with Delaware Power and Light to try to get a contract similar to the one which Delaware power and Light now has with Lewes.

Upon motion of Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Carson, Mr. Brown and Mr. Mikell were appointed to look into the turbine situation with respect to prices, delivery, etc., and report to Council at the next meeting.

Council adjourned at 9:15 P.M.

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                                                                                                            City Clerk