Sharon J. Duca

The meeting's key discussions included the adoption of the agenda and consent agenda. Committee reports covered several topics: the Fiscal Year 2022 Audit Program was recommended for acceptance; a contract award recommendation for the Silver Lake Production Well design/build services to Davis, Bowen, Friedel, Inc. for $2,942,000; a status update on the Loockerman Street Fire of March 16, 2022, regarding a dangerous building; and a recommendation for the denial of waivers related to street right-of-way standards for Raymond Street and Railroad Avenue. Monthly reports for June 2022 were noted. The session included several appointments and reappointments to various committees. City Manager and Mayor announcements were also listed. Further detailed discussions occurred in separate committee meetings regarding the Meeting House Branch Drainage Improvement Project, including the sole vendor recommendation for AECOM engineering services, and the proposal for engineering support to increase stormwater storage for $16,500. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee discussed the bid evaluation for Garrison Oak Technology & Business Park Substation Switchgear, recommending an award to Siemens; approval of a Proposed Budget Amendment totaling $91,931 for the 2019 CDBG Action Plan; and the approval of School Resource Officer requests contingent on funding from requesters. The acceptance of a property donation from NCALL was also approved.

The Council Committee of the Whole meeting addressed several agenda items across its subcommittees. The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee reviewed data concerning safety concerns on East Loockerman Street, including speed studies and emergency response considerations related to a proposed road closure. The Utility Committee included a presentation on the Efficiency Smart Program with a staff recommendation to approve its inclusion in the FY26 budget, evaluation of proposals for the PFAS Treatment Feasibility Study & Design with a recommendation to award the contract to Verdantas, and consideration of an annexation request for 582 Acorn Lane. The Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee reviewed the Fuel Pump Island Upgrade, recommending approval of the proposal from Coastal Pump & Tank.

The meeting included the adoption of minutes from the Council Retreat of January 29, 2010, and the Regular Council Meeting of February 22, 2010. A public hearing was held for proposed zoning text amendments regarding Race Weekend Parking (Ordinance #2009-28) and a correction to zoning text concerning parking for existing C-2 zone buildings (Ordinance #2009-30). Council also held a public hearing regarding violations of the Dangerous Building Ordinance for unsecured properties owned by Stover Homes, LLC, resulting in orders to secure the structures. The Council reviewed the general sketch plan for the Bay Village Planned Neighborhood Development and voted to forward it to the Planning Commission. Committee reports covered the proposed Kent County Sports Complex, Economic Development Office benchmarks, Pitts Center user statistics, updates on Green Energy Funding, the PACE/NAES report, filling a temporary Account Clerk III position, amending the United Way land lease to allow subleasing, and reviewing revenue/cost saving ideas. Additionally, an ordinance capping excluded income for senior citizen tax exemptions (Ordinance #2010-06) was adopted. The Council also approved a letter in opposition to House Bill #194 regarding new gambling venues.

Key discussion topics included coordinating efforts for the 300th Anniversary events, specifically compiling information regarding dates and organizations involved into a central point of contact. The committee reviewed upcoming events for March, such as First Fridays, First Weekends, and St. Patrick's Day Parade activities, including planning for a Scavenger Hunt. Significant time was dedicated to reviewing the 2017 and 2018 schedule of events, which features collaborations like Dinner & A Movie, Comic Con, Dover Days, and securing grants from Restoring Central Dover for entertainment during several First Weekend/First Friday events. Updates were discussed regarding ribbon cuttings/grand openings and a long-range planning initiative to create a visitor resource guide for downtown. Additionally, the committee confirmed a promotional partnership with DEL DOT/DART.

Key discussions centered on downtown parking and safety enhancements. Safety involved a police update and suggestions for increased police patrols in high foot-traffic areas. Work plan updates addressed image improvement for downtown parking, including developing a pamphlet with a simple map, and ensuring clear signage for various parking types (2-hour, metered, permit). A grant application for wayfinding signage was submitted, and discussions occurred regarding cleaning debris blocking parking signs. Lot management schedules were established to address meter issues. Regarding policy, the committee discussed making all parking passes general rather than lot-specific and implementing a first-come, first-served basis for permits. There was also discussion about converting one lot to all metered parking and whether a proposed parking structure was necessary, focusing on funding and creating demand for it.