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REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on October 14, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President
Hare presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Neil, Mr. Polce, Mr. Taylor, and
Mr. Lindell. Mr. Sudler, Mr. Slavin, and Mr. Cole were absent.
Staff members present were Major Stump, Ms. Peddicord, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Hugg, Fire Chief
Rhodes, City Solicitor Rodriguez, and Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Christiansen was also present.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting.
Council President Hare declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council
was not in official session and could not take formal action.
There was no one present wishing to speak during the Open Forum.
The invocation was given by Bishop W. James Thomas, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried.
Mr. Taylor requested that item #3C-3, Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Public Infrastructure -
Clearview Meadow Subdivision Phase II, be removed from the consent agenda.
Mr. Neil moved for approval of the consent agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Taylor and
carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Cole, Slavin, and Sudler absent).
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2019
The Minutes of the Special Council Meeting of September 23, 2019 were unanimously
approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Taylor and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2019
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of September 23, 2019 were unanimously
approved by motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Taylor and bore the written approval of
Mayor Christiansen.
PRESENTATION - RECOGNITION OF SERVICE - GREGORY B. PATTERSON - DOVER
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION COMMITTEE (MARCH 2004 - MAY 2005 AND MAY 2007
- SEPTEMBER 2019)
On behalf of the Mayor and Council, Mayor Christiansen presented Mr. Gregory B. Patterson with
a Dover Cup in recognition of his service on the 4th of July Celebration Committee from March 2004
to May 2005 and May 2007 to September 2019.
Mr. Patterson reminisced about his 4th of July celebrations growing up in Dover and the
transformation that the committee has undergone. He thanked members for the recognition.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 2
C O U N C I L CO MMI T T E E O F T H E WH O L E R E PO R T -
SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
The Council Committee of the Whole met on September 24, 2019 at 6:00 p.m., with
Mr. Slavin (departed at 7:33 p.m.) presiding in the absence of Council President Hare
(arrived at 6:06 p.m., departed at 7:23 p.m. and returned at 7:25 p.m.). Members of
Council present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Sudler (arrived at 6:06 p.m.), Mr. Neil,
Mr. Cole (arrived at 6:07 p.m.), Mr. Polce, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Lindell.
Mayor Christiansen was also present. Civilian members present for the Committee
of the Whole meeting and their Committee meetings were Mr. Caldwell (Parks,
Recreation, and Community Enhancement), Mr. Garfinkel and Mr. Shelton (Safety
Advisory and Transportation), Mrs. Doyle (Utility), and Mr. Contant and
Mr. Shevock (Legislative, Finance, and Administration). Col. Dix (Parks,
Recreation, and Community Enhancement) and Mrs. Haass (Utility) were absent.
COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Taylor and
unanimously carried.
Update on the 2019 Comprehensive Plan Project
Mr. David Hugg, Director of Planning and Community Development, and
Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams, Principal Planner, reviewed a presentation entitled
"City of Dover, Delaware, 2019 Comprehensive Plan, Project Update September
2019".
Mr. Neil asked how the Kent County Economic Development Plan’s proposal for the
entire county has impacted what the City is considering for economic development.
Responding, Mr. Hugg stated that one of the Plan components is required
intergovernmental coordination to review the plans of adjacent neighbors and one of
the provisions in the economic development component of the City’s Comprehensive
Plan is the recognition of and eventual annexation of the properties located in the
County’s future Employment Zone, extending to Dover Air Force Base.
Mr. Anderson asked if anything had been developed regarding rail freight and
economic development. Responding, Mr. Hugg advised that the transportation
section of the Comprehensive Plan clearly identifies rail freight, the possibility for
air freight, and truck access to the general area as key elements. He noted that there
had been discussions with the owner of the short line railroad about rail-accessible
sites in the City of Dover. Mr. Hugg stated that one of the recommendations
included in the Plan deals with ensuring that they do not arbitrarily give up sites that
have or have had rail service for some other use, such as the core of rail-accessible
older industrial sites on Ridgely Street, Railroad Avenue, and along the river further
north.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 3
Responding to Mr. Anderson regarding a river walk around the St. Jones River,
Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams, Principal Planner, advised that the Dover Transit
Neighborhood Plan includes a focus on opportunities in the greater downtown area
and the plan identified waterfront property as an opportunity. She noted that,
although improvements such as the Capital Trails System have been implemented,
the opportunity has not been developed to its full potential. Mr. Hugg stated that one
of the recommendations included in the parks and recreation component, open-space
natural resources, is the completion of a master plan for the Silver Lake Park.
Mr. Taylor, noting the major events that are held in Dover, stated that he was
interested in a passenger rail system that would allow the City to reduce its carbon
footprint and to get people in and out of Dover at a much quicker rate. Responding,
Mrs. Melson-Williams advised that the transportation chapter of the Comprehensive
plan mentions passenger rail; however, one of the difficulties is having the
infrastructure in place to do passenger rail. She noted that the existing rail line is
freight-driven, and freight and passenger rail do not always mix well. Mrs. Melson-
Williams stated that she thought passenger rail was a project that was bigger than the
City of Dover to address. Mr. Taylor stated that he did not think it was too big and
that it needed to be reviewed in collaboration with the cities to the north and south
and should be added to the Comprehensive Plan.
Mayor Christiansen, speaking as the chairman of the Dover/Kent County MPO,
advised that passenger rail service is under consideration by not only the Dover/Kent
County MPO, but also WILMAPCO, which is the regional transportation council in
Newcastle County and in the City of Wilmington. He also noted that the Dover/Kent
County MPO was considering a direct route from Dover, or central Kent County, to
Route 301 and Route 50. Mayor Christiansen advised that when Route 13 was
designed by Coleman du Pont, it featured a rail line down the center from
Wilmington to Seaford for passenger transportation and bike trails; however, he ran
out of money.
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee met with Chairman Taylor
presiding.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Anderson and
unanimously carried.
Request for Waiver - Appendix B - Zoning, Article 5 - Supplementary
Regulations, Section 17 - Emergency Access Requirements - Waiver of
Emergency Rear Access Requirement for Townhouses at White Oak Road
Property: Apartments and Townhouses (Application S-19-15)
Mrs. Dawn Melson-Williams, Principal Planner, reviewed the Petition to Waive
Zoning Ordinance Provision: Elimination of Emergency access Requirements for
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 4
White Oak Road Property: Apartments and Townhouses on 3 parcels of land on
White Oak Road, as requested by Harman Brothers LLC.
Mrs. Melson-Williams advised that the Planning Commission recommended
approval of the elimination of the rear emergency access requirement, subject to the
implementation of the fire protection measures, including the firewalls, the exterior
materials on the units, and the sprinkler system. She also noted that the Fire
Marshal's office supports the waiver request with the proposed 13R sprinkler system.
Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Ring W. Lardner, PE, of Davis, Bowen, &
Friedel, Inc., representing the developer, stated that they would be using a 13R
sprinkler system and that there was sufficient water pressure for the height of the
townhouses, which is proposed to be three stories.
Mayor Christiansen asked if the system would deliver 55 pounds of water pressure
at the top of the buildings. Mr. Lardner advised that they want to install an individual
boost pump to ensure that it would, but they believe there is sufficient pressure. He
noted that the system would be evaluated by the building code official as a part of the
plan review process.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Lardner stated that the apartment units, which are
automatically required to be sprinklered and will have fire access around all four
sides of the buildings, were not a part of waiver request.
Responding to Mr. Polce, Mayor Christiansen estimated the cost for the sprinklers
to be between $7,500 and $10,000. He noted that insurance companies offer
discounted homeowner’s insurance if sprinklers are installed, as well as for smoke
detectors and fire extinguishers.
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Melson-Williams advised that a waiver had been
granted in the past for the Senators Lake townhouse community.
Mr. Anderson moved to recommend approval of the request for a waiver for the
elimination of the emergency rear access for the townhouse units subject to
conditions. The motion was seconded by Mr. Garfinkel and unanimously
carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Cole, Slavin, and Sudler
absent).
Hiring of a Security Firm for the Dover Public Library Using State Contract
GSS19363
Mr. Matt Harline, Assistant City Manager, reviewed the background and analysis
regarding the hiring of a security firm for the Dover Public Library using State
contract GSS 19363.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 5
Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager and her designees to interview
Security Guard, Inc. T/A Gettier Security and Sunstates Security, LLC and to enter
into a contract for security guards for the Library in an amount not to exceed $56,000.
Mr. Sudler asked if smoking at the library had decreased with the new signage and
if homeless individuals were still utilizing the library like a lounge. Responding,
Mr. Harline advised that he would check on the smoking and that one of the purposes
of hiring the security firm was to have someone circulating throughout the library to
ensure that people were using the library appropriately.
Mr. Sudler asked if there had been incidents of removing people from the library due
to foul odor, which could be difficult to measure. Mr. Harline advised that staff had
spoken with the attorney during this process and odor is a legitimate reason to ask
somebody to leave if it is either noticeable from a distance or complaint-driven. He
also noted that they need to address the use of the library by certain social services
agencies as a pick up and drop off point, noting that it was a problem last fall.
Mr. Slavin echoed previous comments about the cadet program which, in his opinion,
is an excellent program and it serves an excellent purpose. Noting that many of the
cadets are frequently hired away, leaving gaps in staffing, Mr. Slavin applauded the
effort to provide a more consistent security presence at the library, which is the issue
he hears the most about from his constituents. He also suggested that there be good
policies and procedures in place, along with a good solid understanding internally
from the staff that this is what their expectations are.
Mr. Christiansen expressed concern about the previous private security guards and
recommended following through with assessment.
Mr. Polce, noting that the recommendation is to authorize the City Manager or her
designee to interview both companies, asked for clarification on the number of
companies being hired. Responding, Mr. Harline advised that they would interview
both of the companies, hire just one of those firms, and negotiate the rate.
Responding to Mr. Polce, Mr. Harline confirmed that the company that is retained
assumes all liability for the armed guards so that the City is not exposed to additional
liability in the event of any incident with an individual.
Mr. Neil stated that he was a big fan of the library and that he wanted to make sure
that it is thought of as a safe place so that people will go there with confidence that
the City is providing protection for them.
Mr. Sudler asked if the prospective security companies had been made aware of
City’s concerns regarding the library. He also asked if they looked at companies’
performance rate, appraisals from other municipalities that are hiring them to do the
same thing in the same capacity and had done an extensive review of their
performance, strengths and weaknesses. Responding, Mr. Harline stated that they
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 6
had gone through a bid process with the State and they had four bids. The State
chose these two companies out of the four. He noted that they spoke with the County
about their experience with one of these firms, and will talk to cities and state
organizations that have used both firms. Mr. Lindell stated that he wanted the
accountability aspect emphasized to the guards.
Mr. Taylor expressed concern with both companies hiring quality guards and asked
if Staff had considered hiring retired Dover police officers, noting several advantages
to doing so. Responding, Mr. Harline stated that there would be one guard on staff
at all times to cover the 66 hours per week, and each firm would have to have at least
two individuals who were assigned to the City to become familiar with the library
operations and protocol. Mr. Harline reminded members that one of the advantages
of hiring a company that is already under contract with the State is that they come
with insurance and if they hired an individual, all the insurance would be the City’s
responsibility.
Mrs. Mitchell advised that Staff decided against starting with an armed security guard
because they wanted to see how the unarmed security guards work out. She also
noted that she had spoken with Acting Police Chief Stump and he has agreed to
provide radios so that the security guards will have a direct contact to dispatch.
Mrs. Mitchell also advised that the State reviews their training program and it is all
laid out in their contract. Additionally, if they have any problems with the security
company, the State will come in and handle them for the City.
Mayor Christiansen stated that if they decide to use armed security guards, he would
like for them to have some type of Council of Police Training (COPT) certification.
Mr. Lindell moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager and her
designees to interview Security Guard, Inc. T/A Gettier Security and Sunstates
Security, LLC and to enter into a contract for security guards for the Library
in an amount not to exceed $56,000. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and
unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Cole, Slavin, and Sudler
absent).
Prioritization of City of Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP)
Projects
Mr. David Hugg, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised
members that each year City Council develops priorities for road improvements to
be forwarded to the Secretary of Transportation and the Dover/Kent Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) for consideration in the department’s Capital
Transportation Plan (CTP). He noted that sometimes the projects that the City
believes are a high priority appear in the list and sometimes they do not, but each year
the City is offered an opportunity to suggest projects. Mr. Hugg informed members
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that the way that the process works is that the planning office prepares this list based
on a review of development activity, the status of the projects themselves and
discussions with the Public Works Department and the Police Department.
Mr. Hugg reviewed the 2019 Transportation Project Prioritization, noting that, in
most cases, the list was the same as the previous year. He advised that the sidewalk
work had already begun on priority #8 - US 13 Service Roads/Scarborough Road and
DelDOT has agreed to further consider priority #4 - Loockerman Street/Forest Street.
Mr. Hugg also advised that DelDOT has indicated that they do not believe the
original design for priority #6 - Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension is financially
or practically feasible and they desire to reconsider it. He noted that the roadway was
originally intended to run behind Lowe's and the PetSmart shopping center and then
cut across and connect to a realignment of the North entrance to Dover Mall with a
new traffic signal.
Mr. Anderson requested that priority #11- Kings Highway/Route 13 Intersection
Improvements be moved up on the list, noting that he had never seen Crawford
Carroll Avenue Extension as a great priority while Kings Highway is a free flow of
traffic and may even be a safety issue.
Referring to the Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension, Mr. Hugg noted that it had
been a longstanding desire to create a parallel road system to get local traffic off of
Route 13 so that if you wanted to go from Lowe's to Produce Junction you would not
have to go back out onto the highway. Similarly, proceeding from Dover Downs to
Dover Mall and Wilmington University. He stated that from a conceptual standpoint,
both of those are important as ways to preserve the primary mission of Route 13,
which is as an arterial road.
Mr. Hugg stated that he thought the Kings Highway project would have been
addressed with the development of Capitol Station and Lidl. He advised that the
intersection has turning issues and longer than average wait times; however, he did
not know if there had been a lot of accidents there. Mr. Anderson stated that he was
concerned that the intersection impinges on the free flow of traffic and that is a real
concern.
Mayor Christiansen advised that the list of projects had also been weighted by the
State, as well as their priority of funding and implementation. He stated that several
factors were exacerbating the Kings Highway intersection and if Council wanted to
re-prioritize the Kings Highway intersection over the Crawford Carroll Avenue
Extension, the MPO could encourage DelDOT to re-evaluate it.
Staff recommended approval of the recommended priority ranking for the coming
year.
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Mr. Anderson moved to recommend approval of the Prioritization of City of
Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) Projects for the coming
year, as recommended by staff, with the provision that priority #11- Kings
Highway/Route 13 Intersection Improvements be raised to #6 in priority and
then renumbered thereafter. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and
unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Cole, Slavin, and Sudler
absent).
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Safety Advisory and Transportation
Committee meeting, seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m.
UTILITY COMMITTEE
The Utility Committee met with Chairman Cole presiding.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Neil moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Sudler and
unanimously carried.
Amendment to Contract User Agreement with Kent County
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, reviewed the Background and Analysis for the
Amendment to Contract User Agreement with Kent County. She advised that the
amendment incorporates changes that have been made in the recent past, as well as
changing the agreement for the future, to accurately portray how the City’s sewer
flow is being transmitted to Kent County, which will provide for accurate billings to
the City. Mrs. Mitchell stated that the Agreement for Services a 10 year contract.
Staff recommended authorizing the City Manager to execute the amendment to the
Contract User Agreement with Kent County.
Mr. Slavin moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager to execute the
amendment to the contract user agreement with Kent County, seconded by
Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Cole, Slavin, and Sudler
absent).
Evaluation of Bids - Columbia Avenue Water Main Replacement
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, reviewed the Background and Analysis for the
Evaluation of Bids for the Columbia Avenue Water Main Replacement.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 9
Responding to Mr. Taylor, Mrs. Mitchell advised that there would have been a
pre-bid meeting in accordance with the City’s purchasing policy.
Mr. Slavin asked if the project would include the repaving of Columbia Avenue.
Mrs. Mitchell advised that the water main replacements were being coordinated with
the street program so that repaving occurs soon after the water main replacement
work is completed.
Responding to Mr. Slavin, Mrs. Mitchell stated that Bradford Street was scheduled
in the current paving program and would be brought forward in the near future for
approval.
Staff recommended awarding the contract to Teal Construction, Inc., for the City of
Dover, Columbia Avenue Water Main Replacement Project, Bid #20-0001PW, for
the amount of $521,201.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of Staff’s recommendation, seconded
by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Cole, Slavin, and Sudler
absent).
Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Public Infrastructure - Clearview Meadow
Subdivision Phase II
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, reviewed the Background and Analysis for the
Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Public Infrastructure - Clearview Meadow
Subdivision Phase II.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. John Knight of Knollwood Development
Corporation advised that all of the infrastructure met City standards.
Staff recommended acceptance of the dedication of rights-of-way and public
infrastructure in Phase II of the Clearview Meadow Subdivision. Dedication is to
include all of the referenced public improvements.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend approval of Staff’s recommendation, seconded
by Mr. Taylor and unanimously carried.
Mr. Taylor stated that he did not believe they had enough information to act on this item and
suggested attending one of the Clearview Meadow HOA meetings to obtain more information.
Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the rules to allow people from Clearview Meadow to speak.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 10
Mr. John Knight of Knollwood Development advised that he was the land developer and he did not
understand why the dedication was being delayed. He noted that he developed all of the required
right-of-way work, which is the storm drain, water, sewer, all of the streets, and stormwater
management. Mr. Knight advised that a lot of the problems in Clearview Meadow are related to
speeding and the Dover Police Department cannot enforce the speed limit until the streets are
dedicated to the City.
Ms. Alexis Catcher, 242 Lady Bug Drive, asked why the trees between them and the apartments were
not removed. Mr. Knight explained that the development design limited the areas that he could
clear.
Mr. Polce moved for acceptance of the dedication of rights-of-way and public infrastructure
in Phase II of the Clearview Meadow Subdivision. Dedication is to include all of the
referenced public improvements. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously
carried.
Request to Lower Speed Limit on State Route 8 Between Dover High Drive and
Artis Drive
Mr. David Hugg, Director of Planning and Community Development, reviewed the
request of Calvary Baptist Church that consideration be given to reducing the speed
limit on Route 8 between Dover High Drive and Artis Drive to a consistent 35 mph
from the limits of the City of Dover (near Artis Drive) eastbound to the point where
that limit is already in place along Route 8 and Forrest Avenue. He noted that the
Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) advised that the City of Dover
would need to initiate a request for them to consider the speed reduction.
Mr. Anderson expressed concern that the lower speed limit would cause increased
speeding and ignoring the law because people are not going to slow down. He also
asked how the speed reduction would affect the building standards, such as the left
turn lanes. Responding, Mr. Hugg stated that as the road speed increases, the number
of travel lanes also has to increase. He noted that at 50 m.p.h. there would be a
certain number of lanes, turn lanes, acceleration/deceleration lanes, and passing lanes
to allow for traffic stacking. Mr. Hugg stated that as the speed limit is reduced, the
length of the acceleration/deceleration lane is decreased and the length in the center
stacking lane is decreased. He noted that the reductions would also reduce the cost
of the road improvements that have to be made in that area.
Mr. Lindell asked if lowering the speed limit was giving Calvary Baptist church and
Destiny Church the chance to avoid what needs to be done to the road as part of their
development. Responding, Mr. Hugg stated that the speed limit sets the character of
the roadway. If they want it to continue to be a major arterial road then leaving the
speed limit alone creates a road situation that has all the aspects of a major arterial
road. Mr. Hugg advised that if the City agrees to the reduction in the speed limit, as
requested by the church, then they were making a decision that the road should be a
less intense highway and that it should be more like a local street with the appropriate
roadway standards that are required.
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Mr. Taylor asked if Staff had considered the effects on the residents trying to exit
Heather Field and the Stoney Drive area. Responding, Mr. Hugg advised that the
lower speed limit would help in that regard because they would be exiting onto a
lower speed highway and there would be limitations based on the higher road
standards.
Responding to Mr. Neil, Mr. Hugg stated that, according to the letter from Calvary
Baptist church, the distance from the City limits to the Destiny Christian church
entrance is approximately 1,000 feet and another 830 feet to the signalized entrance
at Forrest Avenue and Dover High Drive for a total of 1,830 feet. Mr. Neil stated that
he did not think the lower speed limit would change the character of that road all that
much.
Mayor Christiansen advised that he observed the traffic for approximately an hour
and he noted that traffic naturally begins to reduce their speed coming around the
bend. He suggested that most people who travel that road on a regular basis
anticipate the traffic signal at Leander Lakes and Dover High School, as well as
private driveways.
Mr. Neil moved to recommend requesting the Delaware Department of
Transportation (DelDOT) to reduce the speed limit on Route 8 between Dover
High Drive and Artis Drive to a consistent 35 m.p.h. from the limits of the City
of Dover (near Artis Drive) eastbound to the point where that limit is already
in place along Route 8 and Forrest Avenue. The motion was seconded by
Mrs. Doyle and unanimously carried.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Cole, Slavin, and Sudler
absent).
Mr. Taylor moved for adjournment of the Utility Committee meeting, seconded
by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE, FINANCE, AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee met with Chairman Lindell
presiding.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Mr. Hare moved for adoption of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Neil and
unanimously carried.
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Evaluation of Bids - Station 2 Roof Replacement
Mr. Tim Mullaney, President of the Dover Fire Department, reviewed the
background and analysis regarding the evaluation of bids for the Station 2 Roof
Replacement.
Fire Chief Rhodes’ recommendation is to award the work to Bayside Roofing, Inc.
Mr. Mullaney advised that although the bid was not the lowest, Chief Rhodes is
recommending Bayside Roofing, Inc. due to the rapport that the Fire Department has
with that company and because they were very receptive to what was needed and they
explained in great detail what they could and could not do. He noted that Bayside
was very thorough throughout the bidding process, they are a local company that has
been in business for approximately 35 years, and they offer a lifetime warranty on
labor.
Mr. Hare moved to recommend awarding the work to Bayside Roofing, Inc., as
recommended by Fire Chief Rhodes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Neil.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Mullaney stated that when working with contractors
you get a sense of what companies are knowledgeable in reference to the bids and
Bayside seemed the most thorough, they have a good reputation in the community,
and they presented a good overall package. He advised that, to his knowledge, there
was no aspect of the project that Bayside could not perform.
Mr. Taylor asked if there was a pre-bid meeting. Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City
Manager, advised that there was not a pre-bid meeting because, according to the
purchasing policy, public works projects under $50,000 do not require a formal RFP
process, only obtaining quotes from vendors. She advised that this item was brought
forward because the lowest bidder was not being recommended. Mr. Taylor stated
that he asked the question because, in the past, they have heard complaints that the
process was not fair, that it was very biased, and minority owned companies did not
stand a chance so he wanted to make sure that there was an even playing field.
Responding to Mr. Anderson, Mr. Mullaney stated that he did not know what
warranty was offered by the low bidder.
Mr. Anderson asked how much of this project would be paid from City tax payer
money and if there were matching funds from the Fire Department. Mrs. Mitchell
advised that $31,000 was budgeted for this project and, as part of a long-term
agreement with the City resulting from higher insurance premiums for residents
living on the west side of the railroad tracks, the City built Station 2 and is
responsible for capital maintenance on the station.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Mrs. Mitchell clarified that the purchasing policy gives
the department the discretion to get quotes from three vendors for projects under
$50,000; however, anything that is not the lowest bid requires an exception from
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 13
Council. Mr. Sudler expressed concern regarding bias because if you already have
an established relationship with a contractor and you particularly like that contractor
based off of previous experience, which is not wrong; however it defeats the purpose
of other individuals being able to compete for that job. He questioned how much the
City had done in regard to federal rules and regulations for affirmative action for fair
and equitable opportunity to provide service, noting that using vendors based on
relationships could be viewed as biased and prejudiced by not allowing a fair and
equitable process for individuals to compete.
Mrs. Mitchell stated that those policies are included in the purchasing policy;
however, public works contracts, which are infrastructure and buildings, have a
higher threshold because every project required Council approval previously.
Mr. Sudler stated that he would be interested in seeing some of the best practice or
past practice for the City to make sure that they are in compliance with affirmative
action and federal regulations. He advised that he and Councilmen Taylor and
Anderson have experienced and encountered constituents saying they are not.
Responding to Mr. Lindell, Mrs. Mitchell advised that if the project ran over budget,
the Fire Department would cover the overage.
Responding to Mr. Contant, Mr. Mitchell advised that repair to the damaged HVAC
system was not included in this project.
Mr. Hare moved to call the question, seconded by Mr. Taylor and unanimously
carried.
The motion to recommend awarding the work to Bayside Roofing, Inc., as
recommended by Fire Chief Rhodes was carried with Mr. Taylor voting no.
By consent agenda, Mr. Neil moved for approval of the Committee’s recommendation,
seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Cole, Slavin, and Sudler
absent).
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Legislative, Finance, and
Administration Committee meeting, seconded by Mr. Shevock and unanimously
carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment of the Council Committee of the Whole
meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 14
Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the Council Committee of the Whole Report, seconded by
Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried.
MONTHLY REPORTS - AUGUST 2019
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Taylor, the following monthly reports were accepted
by consent agenda:
City Assessor's Report
City Council’s Community Enhancement Fund Report
City Manager's Report
City Planner's Report
Controller/Treasurer's Budget Report
Fire Chief's Report
Police Chief's Report
CANCELLATION OF COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS - HOLIDAY
SCHEDULES
Council President Hare recommended the cancellation of the City Council meetings and Council
Committee of the Whole meetings the weeks when City observed holidays fall on the second or
fourth Monday of the month and cancellation of the City Council meetings and the Council
Committee of the Whole meetings for the weeks that fall on the fourth Monday in December.
Additionally, he recommended that whenever the Council Committee of the Whole meeting falls on
a Tuesday that is the Veterans Day Holiday, that those meetings be cancelled instead of being
rescheduled.
Mr. Neil moved for acceptance of the proposed holiday schedules, seconded by Mr. Lindell and
unanimously carried.
FINAL READING - PROPOSED ORDINANCE #2019-17
The First Reading of the Proposed Ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of
September 23, 2019. Council President Hare reminded members of the public that copies of the
proposed ordinance were available at the entrance of the Council Chambers or on the City’s website
at www.cityofdover.com under “Government.”
Mr. Neil moved that the Final Reading of the proposed ordinance be acknowledged by title
only, seconded by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried.
By motion of Mr. Neil, seconded by Mr. Anderson, Council, by a unanimous roll call vote
(Cole, Slavin, and Sudler absent), adopted Ordinance #2019-17, as follows:
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN
COUNCIL MET:
That Appendix C - Downtown Redevelopment, Article II - Definitions, Section 2 - Downtown Dover
Partnership of the Dover Code be amended to read as follows:
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 15
ARTICLE II. - DEFINITIONS[2]
Section 2. - Downtown Dover Partnership.
(a) The Downtown Dover Partnership shall be established and duly incorporated under
the not-for-profit corporation provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law
(8 Del. C §101 et seq.) for the purpose of fostering redevelopment within the target
area.
( Ord. No. 2014-01, 2-10-2014 )
(b) Certification of incorporation. The city solicitor, as incorporator of the company,
shall prepare and cause, or amend, the certificate of incorporation to be filed with the
secretary of State of Delaware, which certificate shall include those requirements set
forth in 22 Del. C. § 1504, as amended.
(c) Membership of company and board of directors. The management company shall be
a corporation comprised of not less than five members or directors respectively who
either own a commercial property within the district, or are the designee of such
owner.
(d) Company reports. The management company shall file with the finance department
and with the city clerk a monthly financial report and shall also provide an operating
report monthly. The City of Dover shall annually review the performance of the
management company and shall prepare for public inspection a report which certifies
that the management company is in compliance with its enabling ordinance, its
certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and the provisions of this appendix and 22
Del. C. ch. 15 (22 Del. C. § 1501 et seq.); the management company is fiscally
sound; and the management company has not discriminated against any person based
upon race, sex, national origin, religion, age or disability.
( Ord. No. 2014-14, 6-9-2014 )
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED:
That Appendix D - Downtown Dover Business Improvement District of the Dover Code be amended
by deleting it in its entirety.
ADOPTED: OCTOBER 14, 2019
CITY MANAGER'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, announced that there would be a public meeting on the update
to the 2015 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan on Monday, October 21, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
at the Dover public library. She also advised that there would be opportunities to view and learn
about the draft 2019 Comprehensive Plan during an open house event on Wednesday,
October 23, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Dover public library, 35 Loockerman Plaza,
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 2019 PAGE 16
meeting room A, with presentations at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and a visitation event on Thursday,
October 24, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 15 Loockerman Plaza in the Council
Chambers lobby area.
COUNCIL MEMBERS' ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Anderson thanked members of Council, the City Manager, the Police Department, the Mayor,
Mrs. Sass, and others for their dedication to “Delaware Goes Purple.” He also recognized
Councilman Polce for his participation.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Anderson and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
CITY CLERK
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Regular
Meeting of October 14, 2019, are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
/TM
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