Acta

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT The Parks, Recreation, and Community Enhancement Committee Meeting was held on March 14, 2011, at 12:05 p.m. with Chairwoman Russell presiding. Members present were Dr. McGlumphy, Mr. Ruane, and Mr. Lewis. Mrs. Horsey was absent. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS Mr. Ruane moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried. Review of Applications - Youth Advisory Committee - One (1) Year Terms to Expire January 24, 2012 In accordance with Resolution No. 2008-11, adopted by City Council on June 23, 2008, nine (9) members are to be appointed annually to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee. It was noted that nine (9) applications were received and that there are nine (9) vacancies. Mrs. Russell recommended that all nine (9) applicants be appointed to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee. Dr. McGlumphy moved to recommend that Mr. Kenneth Anderson, Mr. Seadric Corbitt, Ms. Kristen Dietz, Ms. Chidinma Emenike, Mr. Dennis Hallock II, Ms. Karly Jones, Ms Sonya Modi, Ms. Valeria Provotorova, and Ms. Rachel Voak be appointed to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried. Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, stated staff’s desire for the City’s Teen Librarian to play a greater role in the Youth Advisory Committee, since this librarian specializes in working with this age group and could assist members on programming, etc. He suggested that future Committee meetings be held at the library. Mrs. Russell stated that although she had no objections to the Teen Librarian becoming involved with the Youth Advisory Committee, she felt that there should be no changes in the current City staff who are involved with the Committee. Responding, Mr. DePrima stated that it was never intended for the Public Affairs Coordinator to be involved; however, Ms. Sherwanda Rachal-Speaks, Recreation Specialist, would continue to participate in the Committee. With regard to the appointments, Mrs. Russell stated that the applicants will be sworn in once the appointments are approved by City Council. Benchmarks Established for the Economic Development Office Members were provided the Major Programs and Strategic Objectives for the Economic Development Office. Mr. William Neaton, Economic Development Director and Director of the Downtown Dover Partnership, reviewed the Strategic Objectives, including benchmarks, for Fiscal Year 2010-2011. In reviewing Item #1 of the Strategic Objectives, Complete a Site Development Master Plan for the Garrison Tract, Mr. Neaton stated that he has been working with a marketing company to develop a professional marketing plan. He noted that the plan is more extensive than he had anticipated and

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2011 PAGE 2 stated that he met with the Secretary of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) to solicit DEDO’s assistance. As a result, Mr. Jeff Stone, Director of Infrastructure and Intergovernmental Relations, DEDO, has been assigned to assist Mr. Neaton with this endeavor. He advised members that several subsequent meetings have been held to discuss developing marketing and business plans for the Garrison Tract. At the request of Dr. McGlumphy, Mr. Neaton stated that he would provide members with the Economic Development Market Packet that he shared with members last fall. Mr. Neaton advised members that he has received commitments from Macquarie Energy, LLC and DEDO to assist him with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Application process for the infrastructure development of the Garrison Tract. He noted that the a quote from the Becker Morgan Group included an estimated a fee in the amount of $8,000 for infrastructure costs at the Garrison Tract; however, it has since been determined that this information could be obtained free of charge from EDiS, and the City should be in receipt of this information soon. Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Neaton stated that no funds have been set aside for marketing for the Garrison Tract. Elaborating, Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, stated that staff has been considering creating a separate accounting fund for the Garrison Tract and making this project an independent line item so that income and expenses can be tracked. Mr. Neaton advised members that Macquarie Energy, LLC, a second potential tenant for the Garrison Tract, will visit Dover this week and was scheduled to meet with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) this morning. He stated that Macquarie Energy, LLC experienced difficulty obtaining the 80 air credits (Emission Reduction Credits) required by DNREC and hoped that this had been resolved. Mr. Neaton noted that the City of Dover has been instrumental in developing possible solutions to obtaining the required air credits and is scheduled to meet with Mr. David Small, Deputy Secretary of DNREC, on March 15, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. to discuss the matter. In response to Mrs. Russell, Mr. DePrima stated that, although Macquarie Energy, LLC will not be responsible for property taxes on the land, which is leased from the City, the contract requires the solar park to pay tax on equipment such as iron stanchions and wiring. Although taxes will be paid to the City, he stated that the actual solar panels are not taxable. After much discussion, Dr. McGlumphy suggested that, although specific details regarding the Sun Park were submitted previously to the Utility Committee and City Council, it would be beneficial for staff to make a presentation to the Committee. Mr. Neaton also invited members to contact him should they wish to tour the facility. Mr. Clay Hammond, Chairman of the Delmarva Black Chamber of Commerce and Vice-President of Business Development, questioned if there has been any discussion regarding minority participation in this project with regard to the purchase of solar panels. Responding, Mr. DePrima

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2011 PAGE 3 stated that the City’s involvement extends only to the land lease. He noted that, since the project is strictly private and involves only private investment, there was no discussion regarding minority participation as there was with the new Dover Public Library project. Mr. Bobby Wilson, 1561 Nathaniel Mitchell Road, stated his opinion that minority participation should be considered whenever the City is engaged in a project, since tax dollars come from the minority community as well. Responding, Mr. Ruane noted that Mr. Neaton was successful in allowing for the consideration of local companies for any improvements and/or purchases. In the future, Mr. Hammond suggested that language be included in such contracts to encourage minority preference and stated that local preference differs from minority preference. Mr. DePrima explained that this project involves the installation of 100 acres of solar panels and that few companies globally have the capability of producing the equipment required. Regardless, Mr. Wilson reiterated his feeling that if language regarding minority preference had been included in the contract, the company would have given this matter consideration. Referring to Item #2, Promote City-Wide Economic Development Initiatives, Mr. Neaton stated that he has attended monthly meetings of the Kent Economic Partnership for the past six (6) months and will continue to do so. In addition, he advised members that he has been working with a logistics company that has indicated possible interest in locating to the Kent County Aero Park. He noted that a Wilmington-based company, The Commonwealth Group, and the State Police are current occupants. Mr. Neaton reminded members that the Job Growth Report was provided to members during their meeting of February 14, 2011; therefore, this goal has been accomplished. He stated that a table listing vacant buildings has been created and will continue to be updated by staff. In response to previous comments made by Dr. McGlumphy, Mr. Neaton stated that staff is in the process of identifying all of the vacant properties located on Route 13. At the request of Mrs. Russell, Mr. Neaton stated that the number of years a building has remained vacant could be included on the list. With regard to vacant buildings, Mr. Ruane suggested the possibility of the City creating more stringent mandates by amending the existing ordinance. Mr. Neaton stated that he has been developing a list of renewable energy manufacturers and higher education renewable energy researchers and bringing them together with state officials and that this is an ongoing project. He stated that meetings have been held and will continue. Referring to Item #3, Advance Initiatives of the Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP), Mr. Neaton stated that Mr. DePrima is the Chairperson of the Recruitment Subcommittee of the DDP Economic Development Committee and that a recruitment strategy has been developed to attract new businesses to downtown. He reiterated that a marketing brochure, including a vacant property list, has been completed and is available in the DDP packet which is readily available from his office.

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2011 PAGE 4 Mr. Neaton stated that the asbestos cleanup at 22-24 West Loockerman Street has been completed and staff is currently in the process of obtaining estimates for renovating the interior. Staff has been meeting with property owners individually, as previously suggested by Mr. Ruane. Mr. Neaton also stated that he has a conference call scheduled with the owners of the property located on the corner of Governors Avenue and Loockerman Street, which has been vacant for a long period of time. It is his understanding that the owners will be moving forward with establishing a business at this location. Mrs. Russell relayed her concern that many businesses in the area remain open for only a short period of time. It was also her feeling that much effort is directed toward those properties located in the 100 block of Loockerman Street and suggested that staff give this same consideration to the 200 block, where more minority businesses are located. Responding, Mr. Neaton stated that a merchant meeting is held monthly and that all merchants along Loockerman Street are invited and encouraged to attend. In addition, he stated that a matching fund facade program is open to all merchants. Mr. Neaton reminded members that the charrette for the downtown area has been completed and was endorsed by City Council during their meeting of February 14, 2011. With regard to the Memorandum of Agreement between the DDP and Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) for the development of a public/private partnership for the Transit Center and recruitment of a private partner for the P3 Agreement to construct the Transit Center Building, Mr. Neaton noted that these goals are no longer germane and will not be completed. He explained that DelDOT has selected three (3) companies (EDiS, Buccini/Pollin Group, and Hunt Contracting) and will be sending each a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of the Transit Center. He stated that it is expected that the review of the RFPs will occur this summer and the contract will be awarded in September 2011. Mr. Neaton noted that after review and approval by the City, it is hoped that construction will begin after the first of the year (2012) and will consist of a 30,000 square foot building proposed to house the Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), E-Z Pass Delaware, and several other transit operations. Responding to Mr. Hammond, Mr. Neaton indicated that the City will not be the owner of the facility; it is anticipated that the builder will be the owner. In response to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Neaton confirmed that the first floor of the facility will be dedicated to the Transit Center and will include restrooms for patrons. The second and third floors will be offices. He also confirmed that Greyhound remains a potential partner. Mr. Wilson questioned if there will be a requirement established that general contractors must provide for minority participation prior to the distribution of the RFPs. Responding, Mr. Neaton stated that the RFPs will be handled by DelDOT and the City has no control over this issue. By unanimous consent, as a courtesy, members moved the Update - Planning and Funding for New Library forward on the agenda to be considered at this time.

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2011 PAGE 5 Update - Planning and Funding for New Library Ms. Margery Cyr, Library Director, advised members that EDiS located their construction site trailer onto the new library site on March 7, 2011 and began running power to the trailer on March 14, 2011. In addition, the City has begun relocating trees and shrubs on the site from Loockerman Street to other areas throughout the City. She also stated that the pavement work for the access road along the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) property line will begin soon and explained that this roadway is vitally important since it will be used to bring construction vehicles to the site. Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager/Director of Public Works, confirmed that the pavement work is scheduled for Thursday, March 17, 2011 and Friday, March 18, 2011. Mr. Zachery Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, advised members that staff will meet with City employees on March 17, 2011 and March 18, 2011 to provide information regarding the work the effects it will have on parking and building access. He assured members that neighboring property owners will be made aware of this information as well. Ms. Cyr stated that a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to be held on either April 5, 2011 or April 6, 2011, pending confirmation from the Governor’s Office. She also apprised members that two (2) fundraising events have been scheduled for the new Dover Library building project, as follows: 1) Saturday, March 19, 2011 at the Dover Newsstand at 5:30 p.m.; and 2) Friday, March 25, 2011 at the Golden Fleece Tavern at 5:30 p.m. FY 2012 Five-Year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) Mr. Zachery Carter, Parks and Recreation Director, reviewed the draft Capital Investment Plan for the Parks and Recreation Department for Fiscal Years 2012-2016. Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Carter explained that the paving of parking lots at Schutte Park was moved to Fiscal Year 2015 because a portion of the site will be occupied in the future by the Boys and Girls Club and the specific location is not known. In addition, he stated that a skate park is planned for a portion of the property. As a result, staff felt that the City should not develop the land until the details of these projects are known. Mr. Carter explained that there would be no benefit for the City to seed the property because it would be time to begin construction on other projects by the time the grass matured for use as a soccer field. Elaborating, Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, stated that the Master Plan for Schutte Park will provide a better understanding of the proposed uses of the property. In response to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager/Director of Public Works, confirmed that the realignment of Wyoming Mill Road will include the removal of all road surfaces. He explained that the old road bed will be milled out, dug down, and covered with topsoil to provide some type of positive drainage and that ponds are not proposed for this area. Mr. Koenig noted that there appear to be funds in the project budget to extend the path along Hazlettville Road to the intersection of Westover Drive, which was not originally included; however, federal

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2011 PAGE 6 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds will be used for the project. He indicated his understanding that any funds remaining at the end of the project will be returned to the federal government; therefore, the City intends to put any cost savings into additional improvements. Mr. Koenig noted that the 10-foot wide sidewalk would be extended to the intersection and the old road bed would be seeded. Mr. Ruane relayed his concerns regarding the out years of the Plan and requested specific details regarding when and if the Boys and Girls Club will relocate to Schutte Park. He questioned how long the City plans to hold the property in abeyance waiting for construction to begin on the Boys and Girls Club. It was his feeling that the property should not remain in perpetuity for the Boys and Girls Club when there is a need for other uses, such as a soccer field. Responding, Mr. DePrima suggested that this matter be further discussed when the Master Plan for Schutte Park is presented to members for their review, which is planned for next month. Mr. Ruane suggested that staff present City Council with a more aggressive and timely plan for Schutte Park, feeling that some projects, such as tennis courts planned for Fiscal Year 2014, should be moved forward. For the record, Mr. Ruane noted that the $195,000 included for the Lighted Soccer/Multi-Purpose Field and the $160,000 included for the Tennis Courts at Schutte Park (totaling $355,000) would equate to a one-cent (1¢) property tax increase. Referring to the Dover Interfaith Mission located on Forrest Street, Mrs. Russell requested staff to consider the placement of stakes to allow for residents to play horseshoes. Mr. Ruane moved to recommend that the Lighted Soccer/Multi Purpose Field and Tennis Courts at Schutte Park Projects be moved from Fiscal Year 2014 to at least Fiscal Year 2013 in the Capital Investment Plan (CIP). The motion was seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried. Mr. Clay Hammond, Chairman of the Delmarva Black Chamber of Commerce and Vice-President of Business Development, noted that there have been several articles in local newspapers addressing how the quality of life can be improved for the African American community. As a result, recreational offerings have been identified to provide such improvement. He explained that many individuals in the community cannot afford recreational offerings in the City. He proposed that the City hold a carnival, similar to one held in Middletown, and that a percentage of the proceeds be dedicated to scholarships for disadvantaged children to attend recreational programs. He requested the opportunity to meet with staff and members of the Committee to discuss this concept and invited everyone to attend the carnival held in Middletown. Responding, Mrs. Russell suggested the involvement of the Youth Advisory Committee.

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2011 PAGE 7 Mr. Hammond questioned the amount of participation at the Pitts Center during the summer months. Responding, Mr. Carter stated that participation is substantial; however, not as great as during the winter months. Mr. Hammond felt that the reason for the lack of participation is due to the facility’s lack of air conditioning. Mr. DePrima stated that, although air conditioning was removed from the project to provide cost savings, it has been discovered that it is uncommon to have air conditioning in gyms. UPDATES The following updates were provided to members: Housing and Recovery Act of 2008 Funds (Neighborhood Stabilization Fund) Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, reviewed the Update on the Housing and Recovery Act of 2008 Funds (Neighborhood Stabilization Program). Referring to the NSP Properties, Mr. Ruane relayed concerns that the sale price of these properties will skew the comparable sale prices in the area and affect the appraisal of property. He suggested that the property records include a note indicating that the property was a neighborhood stabilization house. Puncheon Run Watershed Action Team and Flood Plain Mapping Update Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager/Director of Public Works, advised members that a Community Workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall to review the improvements made by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) and the Kent Conservation District, and to discuss a resident’s recent success in obtaining a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) and identify other property owners who might be successful in pursuing this option. He stated that an electronic notice was distributed, and hand-delivered notices and mailings will also be distributed. Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, suggested that an effort be made to invite the engineer or surveyor who did the work that benefitted the successful resident so that he could explain the process. Responding, Mr. Ruane stated that he would attempt to contact him and request his presence. CDBG Program Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, reported the Status of FY 2009-2010 CDBG Projects. Referring to the Committee meeting scheduled for March 24, 2011, Mr. Ruane questioned if members should consider grant applications at this time since the CDBG funding to the City may not be allocated by the federal government. He suggested that staff look into this matter and advise members if the scheduled meeting is necessary. (Clerk’s Office Note: Per an email from Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend which was forwarded to members by the Clerk’s Office on March 15, 2011 (Attachment #1), CDBG funds will not be allocated until Congress passes the federal budget. The City’s HUD representative recommended using the FY 2009 allocation to develop the City’s Action Plan, which must be submitted to HUD by mid-May. For this reason, the meeting proposed for March 24, 2011 will take place as scheduled.)

PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF MARCH 14, 2011 PAGE 8 Dr. McGlumphy moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lewis and unanimously carried. Meeting adjourned at 1:38 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Sophia R. Russell Chairwoman SRR/AC/jg/js/dd/tm S:\AGENDAS & MINUTES\Committee-Minutes\2011\03-14-2011 PR&CE.wpd Attachment Attachment # 1 - Email from Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend forwarded to members on March 15, 2011 - CDBG for Upcoming Funding Cycles