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Paj 1
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee meeting was held on January 14, 2013,
at 5:30 p.m. with Chairman Lynn presiding. Members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Hare,
Mr. Rushe, and Mr. Shevock. Members of Council present were Council President Leary,
Mr. Dixon, Mrs. Williams, and Mr. Hutchison (departed at 6:37 p.m. and returned at 6:39 p.m.).
Mayor Carey (departed at 6:53 p.m.) was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Shevock moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Hare and
unanimously carried.
Draft Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) - Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012
In accordance with Section 46 of the City Charter, the City's financial books are audited by
independent auditors each year. Mrs. Donna Mitchell, Controller/Treasurer, submitted the
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012 and reviewed
key points of the Report. It was noted that all financial transactions were audited by S.B. &
Company, LLC. She introduced Mr. William Seymour, Auditor with S.B. & Company, whose
opinion was included in the report. However, she noted that the auditor had not completed the
management letter since they were continuing to work on the federal grant audit and report on
internal control and that Mr. Seymour would provide a presentation in this regard upon completion.
Referring to Page 37 of the report, Mrs. Mitchell noted that the amount of unrestricted total net
Assets was -$6,759,433, which was the result of the non-current liabilities due in more than one (1)
year, including the liability for medical benefits totaling $11,179,542. She advised members that the
Balance Sheet, as reflected on Page 39, depicted totals without the long-term liabilities and long-term
assets and showed an unassigned fund balance of $3,007,963 (considered spendable sources). She
indicated that these were the reported amounts that members were familiar with from working
through the budget process. On Page 41 of the Report, Mrs. Mitchell stated that the deferred
revenue, in the amount of -$582,144, was the result of the City having to reclassify prior year
revenues that had not yet been collected (aged receivables) and to reduce the fund balance for
financial report presentation purposes, and explained that this would not be reported as such for
budgetary purposes. She reminded members that ordinances were adopted recently that put “teeth”
into some of the collections; therefore, she believed this amount would change in the future.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mrs. Mitchell confirmed that staff did not submit any mid-year review
budget adjustments; therefore, everything was required to remain as originally budgeted until the end
of the fiscal year. This was due to timing and staffing issues. She felt that when staff presents this
year’s budget review, any significant changes would be included.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend acceptance of the draft Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, seconded by Mr. Anderson and
unanimously carried.
Paj 2
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 2
Proposed Ordinance Amendment - Ordinance #2013-01 - Amending Appendix B - Zoning,
Article 3 - District Regulations, Section 22 - Airport Environs Overlay Zone (AEOZ)
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, reminded
members that, in 2001, the City of Dover adopted the Airport Environs Overlay Zone (AEOZ) based
upon the maps and text provided by the DAFB in their Air Installation Compatible Use Zone
(AICUZ) study to ensure that development of lands surrounding the Dover Air Force Base (DAFB),
specifically within the zones identified by the Air Force as the Noise Zones, Clear Zone, and
Accident Potential Zones, proceeds in a manner that protects the public health, safety, and welfare,
as well as the viability of the DAFB. She explained that the overlay zone works in conjunction with
the underlying zoning district of each property to ensure that development in these areas is
compatible with the noise and other aspects of DAFB flight paths.
Mrs. Townshend advised members that the DAFB released an updated AICUZ study in 2010 which
included revised noise contours. She stated that staff used the updated information for the proposed
amendments to the text of the Zoning Ordinance relating to the AEOZ. Mrs. Townshend noted that
the proposed changes were primarily housekeeping changes and were directly related to the AICUZ
study provided by the DAFB.
Members reviewed Proposed Ordinance #2013-01 amending Appendix B - Zoning, Article 3 -
District Regulations, Section 22 - Airport Environs Overlay Zone (AEOZ). Mrs. Townshend advised
members that a recommendation for adoption would necessitate a Comprehensive Rezoning of the
area, which would be presented at the conclusion of this item.
Staff recommended adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2013-01.
Responding to Mr. Shevock, Mrs. Townshend assured members that staff worked with the DAFB
Community Planner in developing the proposed amendments and have received their approval.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2013-01, seconded by
Mr. Rushe and unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Ordinance #2013-02 - Amending the Zoning Ordinance
and Zoning Map of the City of Dover by Changing the Boundary of the Airport Environs
Overlay Zone (AEOZ) in Accordance with the 2010 Air Installation Compatible Use Zone
(AICUZ) Study Published by the Dover Air Force Base
Mrs. Townshend explained that the recommendation for adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2013-01
would necessitate amendments to the Zoning Map and that adoption of Proposed Ordinance
#2013-02 would incorporate the changes to the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone into the Zoning
Map as the Airport Environs Overlay Zone (AEOZ). Members were provided Proposed Ordinance
#2013-02 amending the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map of the City of Dover by changing the
boundary of the Airport Environs Overlay Zone (AEOZ) in accordance with the 2010 Air Installation
Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Study published by the DAFB.
Paj 3
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 3
Mrs. Townshend indicated that Proposed Ordinance #2013-02 amending the AEOZ was being
processed as a Comprehensive Rezoning (Appendix B – Zoning, Article 10 – Planning Commission,
Section 5 – Amendments, Subsection 5.4), since the rezoning was the result of a formal study by the
DAFB; therefore, staff sent 685 letters to affected property owners and held a public workshop on
November 8, 2012 to answer questions. She advised members that some properties would be
removed from the AEOZ Noise Zones as a result of the rezoning while others would remain in the
AEOZ Noise Zones; however, the boundary locations on their properties would change. She noted
that no changes to the Accident Potential Zones or Clear Zone were proposed. Mrs. Townshend
referred to a map depicting those parcels that would be removed from the Noise Zones
(Attachment #1). She noted that the map indicates that the Noise Zones are shrinking and the
Accident Potential Zone and Clear Zone remained the same.
Staff recommended adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2013-02.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2013-02, seconded by
Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Ordinance #2013-03 - Amending Chapter 22 - Buildings
and Building Regulations, Article XII - Vacant Buildings
Being aware that vacant buildings detract from community appearance, provide locations for
nuisance behaviors, and consume City staff time in responding to complaints or checking to ensure
that vacant buildings are kept secure, Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and
Community Development, reminded members that in 2006, City Council adopted the Vacant
Building Ordinance to reduce the community nuisance caused by vacant buildings. In addition to
requiring the registration of vacant buildings and requiring that owners of vacant buildings pay a
registration fee, the ordinance also tasked the City with inspecting vacant buildings to ensure that
they are maintained and secured. Mrs. Townshend advised members that a number of vacant
buildings in the City had become locations of arson due to owners not keeping them properly
secured. In addition, she stated that the problems caused by vacant buildings had been exacerbated
by the economic downturn.
Members reviewed Proposed Ordinance #2013-03 amending Chapter 22 - Buildings and Building
Regulations, Article XII - Vacant Buildings. Mrs. Townshend advised members that the proposed
amendments were primarily housekeeping amendments that would contribute to clarity and ease of
administration. In addition to the proposed housekeeping provisions, she indicated that the
amendments included increased registration fees for vacant non-residential buildings greater than
or equal to 10,000 SF. Mrs. Townshend explained that the current fee schedule failed to provide a
disincentive to vacancy, particularly for many of the large commercial box buildings. She advised
members that the Planning and Inspections Department currently devotes one (1) full-time inspector
to monitoring, inspecting, and working with property owners on vacant buildings. So far in Fiscal
Year 2013, $27,500 had been collected in vacant building fees.
Staff recommended adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2013-03.
Paj 4
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 4
Responding to Mr. Anderson in reference to Line 52 of the proposed ordinance, which would shorten
the time allowed before providing the City building inspector access to vacant buildings from 90 to
30 days, Mrs. Townshend explained that after waiting 90 days, particularly in foreclosure scenarios,
the properties may already be a nuisance to the neighbors. As an example, she stated that on several
occasions, although a property may have been vacant for 90 days, because utilities were not
disconnected and payment was being made for several of those days, staff could only document that
it had been vacant for 30 days. In these instances, although neighbors may have been submitting
property complaints, staff could not require registration or take any action in this regard.
Concurring with Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Townshend stated that information regarding vacant buildings
could be forwarded to the Economic Development Office, noting that the City has several incentives
for vacant commercial buildings, such as tax abatement for buildings over 20,000 SF, permit and
impact fee waivers, and tax abatement for buildings over 5,000 SF for the value of the renovations.
Mr. Hare relayed his concerns with subjecting responsible property owners (those who maintain their
properties and list them for sale with a realtor) to the same increase in registration fees as those
owners that do not take the necessary steps to maintain vacant properties. He questioned the
possibility of penalizing only those property owners who create problems.
Responding to Mr. Hare’s concerns, Mr. Lynn noted that when a property owner takes responsibility
to maintain vacant property, is actively marketing it, and has it listed with a realtor, there is an
exemption from the registration fee. Mrs. Townshend noted that the current ordinance allows for
such an exemption for three (3) years and suggested the possibility of extending this time limit due
to the current economy. However, she cautioned members that even if a property is listed for sale,
a property owner may have no intention of selling. Elaborating, Mr. Lynn stated that although there
may be a for sale sign, the property may not be listed at a reasonable market price and the property
owner may be claiming losses on income tax returns, leaving the City with buildings that are
eyesores.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mrs. Townshend stated that there were approximately 350 vacant
buildings in the City.
Mr. Lynn stated that the purpose of the proposed amendments was not to hurt those property owners
who were actively trying to market properties for fair market value but rather address the large and
growing problem of empty buildings that are not being marketed and are eyesores and safety
concerns.
Referring to the concerns of Mr. Hare, as questioned by Mr. Shevock, Mrs. Townshend stated that
she would rather extend the period of time for exemption than put staff in the position of having to
determine which properties are well maintained. She suggested extending the time period for the
exemption to five (5) years.
Paj 5
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 5
Mr. Philip McGinnis, 555 E. Loockerman Street, stated that he serves as the Chairman of Kent
County Association of Realtors Public Policy Committee and read comments regarding the proposed
ordinance (Attachment #2).
Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the rules to allow Mr. McGinnis an additional two (2)
minutes for remarks, seconded by Mr. Rushe and carried by a vote of four (4) yes (Anderson,
Hare, Rushe, and Shevock) and one (1) no (Lynn).
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Townshend stated that the inclusion of a commercial unit within
a building in the definition of a vacant building was specified in Line 22 of the proposed ordinance.
In talking with Mr. McGinnis, she stated that replacing “commercial unit within a building” with
“structure” would resolve his concerns. It was her opinion that by making that change, a building
such as Value City would continue to be viewed as a separate building, but a building where the
upstairs is occupied and the downstairs is unoccupied (or vice versa) would not.
Based on the discussion, Mr. Lynn suggested that a workshop be held to allow staff the opportunity
to work with the community regarding possible amendments to the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend that Proposed Ordinance #2013-03 be referred back to staff
to allow them to hold a workshop to develop amendments for consideration and that staff be
instructed to include residential properties. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and
unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Ordinance #2013-04 - Amending Chapter 22 -Buildings
and Building Regulations, Article X - Rental Dwellings
Members were provided Proposed Ordinance #2013-04 amending Chapter 22 - Building and
Building Regulations, Article X - Rental Dwellings to create a Crime Free Housing Program.
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members
that the Department of Planning and Inspections had been working cooperatively with the Police
Department to address problem rental properties. She explained that the Community Policing Unit
works with apartment complexes to implement a crime free multi-housing program, which includes
a seminar for complex managers and a lease addendum. The program has been successful in helping
apartment complex managers address criminal/nuisance behavior of tenants and guests. In working
with the Police Department, she stated that the Department of Planning and Inspections was looking
to expand this program to all rental property owners and managers and require participation in the
program as part of the Rental Dwelling code requirements.
Mrs. Townshend explained that the proposed ordinance would require landlords to participate in a
crime-free housing program, including participation in a crime-free housing seminar offered by the
Dover Police Department, and the use of a crime-free housing addendum to leases. In addition, she
stated that the proposed ordinance would allow for prorating rental permit fees for permits purchased
after the beginning of the permit year.
Paj 6
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 6
Staff recommended adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2013-04.
Mrs. Townshend advised members that, at the request of Mr. Anderson, staff drafted amendments
for the Committee’s consideration. She stated that Proposed Amendment #1 (Attachment #3) would
allow landlords to opt out of the crime-free housing requirement by paying a per dwelling surcharge
on rental permits; Proposed Amendment #2 (Attachment #4) would exempt licensed real estate
agents from the requirement to attend the crime-free housing seminar, unless their rental permit was
suspended for failure to enforce the crime-free housing lease provisions; and Proposed
Amendment #3 (Attachment #5) would not include use or possession of illegal drugs as a violation
of the crime-free housing lease addendum.
In response to Mr. Shevock regarding instances when a landlord would not be available to attend the
required seminar, Mrs. Townshend suggested further discussion with the Police Department for
possible solutions, such as the creation of an online class.
Mr. Hare relayed his concerns with creating requirements for excellent landlords who have never
caused problems in order to address issues created by other landlords. He suggested developing
requirements specifically for the problematic landlords instead of penalizing those that have done
everything the City has required. Responding, Mrs. Townshend explained the difficulty in
differentiating between “good” and “bad” landlords. She reminded members that it was only a two
(2) hour seminar and not onerous. In addition, she reminded members that those who wish to drive
a boat are required to take a boater safety course so as not to be a nuisance to others on the water.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Townshend confirmed that, currently, out-of-town (absentee)
landlords are required to have a local agent. An out-of-town landlord would have the option of
hiring a real estate agent to take care of the property and set up the lease in accordance with the
provisions, or could attend the seminar, or have a relative or local agent attend on their behalf. She
also confirmed that if the tenant were a relative or someone who the landlord did not have to worry
about with regard to crime-free housing, they could simply pay the extra $50.
In reviewing the proposed ordinance, Mr. Rushe stated that it did not include a good definition of
criminal activity. He noted that Amendment #3 would not include use or possession of illegal drugs
as a violation of the crime-free housing lease addendum and questioned why certain illegal activities
would not be a violation and others would. Responding, Mrs. Townshend stated that the City
Solicitor had reviewed the proposed ordinance only and not the amendments. In addition, she stated
that the Police Department’s Lease Addendum used with their Crime Free Multi-Housing Program
was upheld in court; therefore, staff would utilize the template used by the Police Department.
Mr. Rushe questioned how oral leases would be handled since there is no requirement under
Delaware Law that a lease be in writing. Responding, Mrs. Townshend stated that the City of Dover
does not allow utility service to be established without a lease. Noting that there are landlords who
keep utilities in their names, she stated that the City would require the Lease Addendum to be on file;
therefore, in those instances where there is an oral lease, the City would need the Lease Addendum.
Paj 7
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 7
Council President Leary reminded members that the original intent of the proposed ordinance was
not to address “nuisances” but rather activities that are dangerous, such as neighborhood terrorism,
etc. He suggested that everyone keep focused on this original intent during their deliberations.
At the request of Mr. Anderson, Master Corporal Bernat assured members that the purpose of the
Crime-Free Housing Ordinance was not to burden realtors or penalize owners of rental properties.
He stated that the program would be kept short and made as convenient as possible, with the purpose
of providing education. He explained that landlords of some of the problem houses were not familiar
with the landlord/tenant law, which has been problematic when they want to deal with problems but
do not know what to do. The seminar would educate landlords to allow them to be more responsible.
In addition, he indicated that eviction is the last level of action to be taken; however, the possibility
of eviction can be a motivator for both the owner and tenant. MCpl. Bernat stated that many times
renters do not have an investment in the neighborhood so they continue with dangerous activities.
Although it was not the intent to evict individuals, he stated that it was not desired that residents who
were living lawfully and are credible citizens leave as a result of those causing problems.
In response to Mr. Anderson, MCpl. Bernat confirmed that the Multi Crime-Free Housing Program
has been used for a decade and utilizes the same Lease Addendum that had been upheld in court and
was legal. He advised members that this program had been a success for both the management of
multi-housing and the community.
Mr. Lynn noted the receipt of correspondence from Ms. Maureen Bauer dated January 10, 2013
(Attachment #6).
Ms. Maureen Bauer, 22 Kent Circle, indicated that when she moved into The Hamlet over ten (10)
years ago, it was a nice place to live. She enjoyed going outside, visiting neighbors, taking dogs for
walks, etc. She indicated that this was not the case anymore due to a few nuisance rental properties
where, although the landlords are notified of certain activities, they do not take any action to resolve
the issues. She stated that there was no recourse other than calling the police every time something
occurs. She advised members that she lives in fear and that there have been good, upstanding
residents that have moved due to these nuisance properties.
Mr. Phillip McGinnis, 555 E. Loockerman Street, stated that he serves as the Chairman of Kent
County Association of Realtors Public Policy Committee and read comments regarding the proposed
ordinance (Attachment #7). He stated no objections to the proposed ordinance as long as licensed
real estate agents and professional property managers were exempt, explaining that these individuals
are educated to serve as professional property managers, are trained to include lease clauses that
follow the statute regarding criminal activities, and are aware that the landlord/tenant code is
required for residential dwelling units whether they are oral or written leases, etc. As licensed real
estate agents and professional property managers, he stated that they are better trained since this is
their business and he noted that the lease amendment that they currently use may be better than the
one proposed.
Paj 8
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 8
Responding, Mr. Lynn suggested that Mr. McGinnis provide staff with a copy of the lease
amendment utilized by the professional property managers for possible improvements to the
proposed lease addendum.
In response to Mr. Shevock, Mrs. Townshend stated that the current proposed ordinance would
require both the owner and agent to take the required seminar and suggested that staff be provided
an opportunity to make amendments prior to the First Reading.
Mr. Hare stated that he would support the proposed amendments if those landlords or property
owners that have not had any problems could take the seminar online and those handling properties
where there have been complaints and/or violations be required to attend the seminar in person.
Responding, Mrs. Townshend felt confident that an online seminar could be made available. She
noted that there are over 3,000 rental permits; therefore, staff would need to roll out the startup of
the program and she assured members that if there were any concerns, staff would report back to
members for their review and consideration in resolving the issues.
Mr. Rushe reiterated his concerns that the proposed ordinance includes what is not criminal activity
but not necessarily what criminal activity is. If it included just an arrest and eviction proceedings
were begun, he questioned how the tenant could defend himself/herself without violating their 5th
Amendment Right while awaiting trial. Responding, Mrs. Townshend stated that the City Solicitor
indicated that the proposed ordinance should refer to convictions. She assured members that the
proposed ordinance could be amended to clarify that criminal activity would apply to those who have
been “convicted of any crime.”
Council President Leary relayed concerns that members were losing track of the bigger issue,
explaining that if there were multiple calls for disturbance of the peace, etc., at the same address, he
felt this would be enough to start eviction proceedings. It was his opinion that the purpose of the
proposed ordinance amendment was to address the peace and security of neighborhoods and that
courtroom convictions were something completely different.
Concurring with Council President Leary, Chief James Hofelt, Dover Police Department, advised
members that it could be years before a courtroom conviction is issued, explaining that it is not
uncommon for a drug case to drag on for one-and-a-half years, which would result in having an
ordinance where no action could be taken for that period of time.
Mr. Anderson noted that 26 complaints were called in to the Police Department regarding a problem
residence referred to previously.
Mr. Rushe moved to recommend that Proposed Ordinance #2013-04 be referred back to staff to
allow them the opportunity to make amendments in accordance with the Committee’s discussion,
seconded by Mr. Shevock.
Paj 9
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 9
Mr. Anderson stated objections to delaying action, explaining that he had experienced such problems
personally and observed what it does to a neighborhood when there is wide-scale illegal activities
and nothing can be done to resolve the problems. Having had a problem property next to his
residence, he advised members that it took two (2) years before any action was taken to rectify the
problem and two (2) additional years for the neighborhood to restore itself to a point where the
children could play outside safely, his wife could walk safely at night, etc. He observed this
residence as a “crack house” with people going in and out during all hours, illegal weapons, etc. As
a result, he stated that there were burglaries in the area and the home became a hub for theft and
selling stolen property. Mr. Anderson felt that it was time for action to be taken and that staff could
make additional amendments to be presented in a couple of weeks.
Concurring, Mr. Lynn reminded members that this proposed ordinance follows gang hearings,
discussions about adding additional police officers, etc., and was a part of a comprehensive plan to
get serious and tough on crime in Dover. He also felt that staff could make revisions to the proposed
amendments and that further discussion could take place during the Council meeting.
Mr. Rushe moved to amend the motion to specify that the additional amendments made by staff be
presented to Council for their consideration of Proposed Ordinance #2013-04.
Mr. Rushe moved to recommend that Proposed Ordinance #2013-04 be forwarded to City
Council for their review and consideration without a recommendation by the Committee,
seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Discussion - Role and Scope of the Historic District Commission and the Historic District
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members
that, in recent months, there have been a number of discussions about the role of Dover’s Historic
District and, in particular, the Historic District Commission. She stated that some members of the
community have faulted the Historic District Commission with adding roadblocks to projects that
would support downtown redevelopment or creating impediments to economic development and
growth, while others see the Historic District Commission as important caretakers of our City’s rich
history. Many of the discussions about the Historic District Commission’s role had taken place in
informal venues among property owners, business owners, elected officials, and other stakeholders
in the community. She indicated that the discussions had not, in recent years, taken place as a public
deliberation, bringing together stakeholders on all sides of the issue to develop a common ground
solution that would support economic growth while preserving the City’s historic character.
Given the various concerns that had been shared by a number of stakeholders, staff recommended
that the Planning Office hold a public workshop (more than one (1) if necessary) by the end of
February 2013 to discuss the role and scope of the Historic District and the Historic District
Commission and that staff report back to the Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee
in March 2013 with clear recommendations on whether and how the role and scope of the Historic
District and/or the Historic District Commission should be modified.
Paj 10
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 10
In response to Mrs. Williams with regard to any effect the recommendation could have related to
(preservation/conservation) grant monies, Mrs. Townshend stated that, to her knowledge, staff’s
recommendation would have no effect regarding grants; however, if the City were to eliminate the
Historic District, she stated that there could be potential consequences. She assured members that
definitives regarding this matter would be researched by staff. She reminded members that the City
had been working toward becoming a certified local government and having the Historic District
Commission was a part of that certification.
Mr. Larry Josefowski, 323 S. State Street, advised members that he serves as President of the Friends
of Old Dover and he submitted and read portions of the letter into the record, as follows:
“It is interesting to hear some of the discussion regarding the role of the Historic
District Commission, and by extension the Historic District, being discussed in
economic terms. It is important to talk about the Commission, the district, and the
guidelines that govern the Historic District because by weakening the process of one
– the proposed elimination of the Historic District Commission-the importance of
our Historic District Guidelines is decreased.
It is a statement of convenience to place the perceived economic faults of Downtown
Dover towards the Historic District Commission, and by extension, the Guidelines
themselves. Historic structures that have been demolished or significantly altered
promote the loss of character that enrich the lives of people today. Part of the story
of Dover – a story stretching back 330 years- is missing. Have there been economic
benefits of these actions?
A strong historic character is not an impediment to economic development...it can
be just the opposite, a strong draw for tourism, and a perfect partner for businesses,
museums, colleges, schools, and government. We are doing a better job of promoting
our historic area, and keeping an aesthetically cohesive historic district, and the
appropriate oversight, makes economic sense.
Having a separate Commission helps to guarantee the process is followed...and that
helps to ensure better design. There is a greater sense of relatedness, more
innovative use of materials, and greater public appeal within historic districts than
in areas without historic designations.
Our historic districts provide a very real educational benefit. The preservation helps
our current generations, as well as generations to come, the very story of Dover, as
the architecture and structure provide the best possible record of ourselves and our
communities.
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LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 11
And, perhaps most importantly, it is the main characteristic of the City of Dover. Try
to visualize, if you will, Dover without The Green....or try to imagine a copy of the
Real Estate newsletter Open Door or the weekly house listings in the Post or the
State News without a single mention of homes being in or near "Historic Dover."
The Friends of Old Dover urges the city to not only continue the protection of the
Historic District by retaining the Historic District Commission to oversee the
Guidelines that have stood us well over the years, but to strengthen the process by
recognizing the value that this process has brought the city. There may be problems
with Dover, but removing the oversight in the interest of expediency is not the
solution.”
At the request of Mr. Josefowski, eight (8) individuals in attendance indicated their support of the
statement read into the record.
Mr. Lynn urged those interested in this matter to attend and participate in the workshop.
Ms. Terry Graham, 211 Delaware Street in New Castle, stated that she serves as Executive Director
of Preservation Delaware. She read a statement from “Preservation Politics - Keeping Historic
Districts Vital,” by Bill Schmickle, as follows: “A community that cares for its past by districting,
is a community dedicated to being responsible for its future. A Historic District says - here is a
place to invest a life, raise a family, grow a business, retire in security.” Ms. Graham stated that
Preservation Delaware is committed to assisting the City of Dover by serving as a resource,
participating in the workshop, etc. She stated that the members of Preservation Delaware take their
charge to provide continuing education and outreach for Delaware’s nine (9) Historic District
Commission very seriously.
Due to time constraints, Mr. Lynn indicated that no more public testimony could be made at this time
and apologized to those who signed up to speak.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation that the Planning
Office hold a public workshop (more than one (1) if necessary) by the end of February 2013
to discuss the role and scope of the Historic District and the Historic District Commission; and
that staff report back to the Legislative, Finance and Administration Committee during their
first meeting in March 2013 (March 11, 2013) with clear recommendations on whether and
how the role and scope of the Historic District and/or the Historic District Commission should
be modified. The motion was seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously carried.
Paj 12
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION
COMMITTEE MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2013 PAGE 12
By unanimous consent, the meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Sean M. Lynn
Chairman
SML/tm/jg/js/mk
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS\Committee-Minutes\2013\01-14-2013 LF&A REVISED.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Map of Properties to be Removed from the AEOZ Noise Zones
Attachment #2 - Comments of Mr. Phillip McGinnis - Chairman of Kent County Association of Realtors Public Policy
Committee
Attachment #3 - Proposed Amendment #1 to Proposed Ordinance #2013-04
Attachment #4 - Proposed Amendment #2 to Proposed Ordinance #2013-04
Attachment #5 - Proposed Amendment #3 to Proposed Ordinance #2013-04
Attachment #6 - Correspondence Received from Ms. Maureen Bauer dated January 10, 2013
Attachment #7 - Comments of Mr. Phillip McGinnis - Chairman of Kent County Association of Realtors Public Policy
Committee
Paj 13
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Paj 14
ATTACHMENT #2
LF&A Committee Meeting of 01/14/2013
Paj 20
ATTACHMENT #3
LF&A Committee Meeting of 01/14/2013
CITY OF DOVER
AMENDMENT 1 TO
ORDINANCE #2013-04
1 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
2 COUNCIL MET:
3 That Ordinance #2013-04 be amended by inserting the following text between lines 149 and 150:
4
5 (d) A landlord may opt out of the crime free lease addendum requirement by submitting the
6 following:
7 1. A letter declining to participate in the crime free housing lease program; and
8 2. A surcharge as specified in Appendix F: Fees and Fines.
9
10 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED THAT APPENDIX F: FEES AND FINES BE AMENDED BY
11 ADDING THE FOLLOWING:
12
Sec. 22-372—Crime free housing lease addendum
Subsec. (d) 2. Surcharge for declining to participate in the crime free $50.00 per dwelling
housing lease program unit
13
14 SYNOPSIS
15 The proposed amendment would allow for landlords to opt out of the
16 crime free housing requirement, and would require a per dwelling
17 surcharge on rental permits for those who opt out.
Paj 21
ATTACHMENT #4
LF&A Committee Meeting of 01/14/2013
CITY OF DOVER
AMENDMENT 2 TO
ORDINANCE #2013-04
1 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
2 COUNCIL MET:
3 That Ordinance #2013-04 be amended by deleting lines 123 through 128 and inserting the
4 following text in its place:
5 (a) All persons applying for a rental dwelling permit, and all persons administering,
6 managing or controlling the operation of any rental dwelling unit must attend a crime
7 free housing seminar, administered by the Dover police department, within 12 months of
8 issuance of the permit. Each rental permit holder and each rental property manager must
9 attend a seminar every three years. Documentation shall be submitted to the department
10 of planning and inspections and kept on file within the department.
11 (b) Persons holding a real estate sales license are exempt from the requirement to attend the
12 crime free housing seminar. If a rental permit held by a person holding a real estate sales
13 license is suspended in accordance with Section 22-373, he shall be required to attend a
14 crime free housing seminar before reinstatement of the suspended rental permit.
15
16 SYNOPSIS
17 The proposed amendment would exempt licensed real estate agents
18 from the requirement to attend the crime free housing seminar,
19 unless their rental permit is suspended for failure to enforce the
20 crime free housing lease provisions.
Paj 22
ATTACHMENT #5
LF&A Committee Meeting of 01/14/2013
CITY OF DOVER
AMENDMENT 3 TO
ORDINANCE #2013-04
1 BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
2 COUNCIL MET:
3 That Ordinance #2013-04 be amended by deleting the words “distribution, use, or possession” on
4 lines 137 and 138 and replacing them with “or distribution”.
5 SYNOPSIS
6 The proposed amendment would not include use or possession of
7 illegal drugs as a violation of the crime free housing lease
8 addendum.
Paj 23
ATTACHMENT #6
LF&A Committee Meeting of 01/14/2013
Paj 27
ATTACHMENT #7
LF&A Committee Meeting of 01/14/2013