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City Council of the Mayor and Council of New Castle Present: Council President William Blest Others Present: Mayor John Klingmeyer, City Solicitor James Harker, Master Sgt. James Barnes, City Administrator Cathryn Thomas, Interim Director of Public Services Frank DiSabatino and City Engineer David Athey Approval of Minutes A Motion was presented by Councilperson Churchill to accept the minutes of February 13, 2007, for the Public Hearing, Regular Meeting and Executive Session and the minutes of the March 1, 2007 Special meeting. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Petty. The minutes were accepted as presented. Approval of Treasurer’s Report City Treasurer Janet Carlin was unable to attend the meeting. City Administrator Thomas stated that there was $514,258.94 total cash in the Wilmington Trust Accounts, $1,412,943.93 in the Certificates of Deposit and De. Government Investment Pool and $1,927,202.87 Total Cash on Hand. A Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented was brought by Councilperson Reese. The Motion was seconded by Councilperson Churchill. Treasurer’s Report was accepted as presented. Report from the City Administrator Mrs. Thomas stated that her report was in Council’s packet and added that we were using the new recording system and explained the details of the system. Councilperson DiMondi asked the City Administrator for an update on the new garbage truck the City had ordered. Mrs. Thomas referred that question to Mr. DiSabatino. He stated that the chassis for the truck was not ready yet and that they hoped to have the truck sometime this month. Approval of Staff Reports Master Sgt. Barnes and Mr. DiSabatino stated that they had nothing to offer other than their reports that were in Council’s packet. Councilperson DiMondi stated that the City’s audit was almost complete and should be available for review within the next or so. Grant Review B-2 DelDot Agreement #06-P-PROG-70–The City has requested and it has been approved by DelDot to amend the initial agreement to add Municipal Blvd. To the list of specified streets, thereby allowing the City to invoice DelDot for the remaining available balance of $33,437.00. The City invoiced DelDot for the paving and received reimbursement of $33,437.00 this month. Bellanca Air Service Hangar–The City will act as the fiscal agent in administrating grants from the State level through a $300,000.00 grant from the Department of Transportation and from the Federal level through a $295,832.00 grant from Save America’s Treasures. A check in the amount of $200,000.00 was received in November, 2006 and the City has signed a contract with Remington, Vernick & Beach Engineers, not to exceed $69,000.00 for engineering services in connection with the recommended improvements to the Hangar. Communications Council President Blest received an invitation from the First Baptist Church inviting Council to their Patriotic Sunday on May 6, 2007. Business from the Floor John Goworski asked if Council had passed the Compression Brake Ordinance. Council stated that it had and there was short discussion on whether signs should be posted. It was felt that a notice should be placed in the newspaper and that temporary signs should be posted. Unfinished Business 1. Discussion, First and Second Reading of Ordinance No. 450, adding a section to the New Castle City Code regulating the feeding of wildlife on City and other public property. Councilperson Churchill read the Ordinance. 2. Discussion on Ordinance No. 451, governing vacant buildings, similar to what is contained in the Wilmington City Code and to schedule a public hearing for said Ordinance on April 10, 2007. Council President Blest briefly described the proposed Ordinance and asked Council to read it and give him their input. A Motion was made by Councilperson Churchill to send the matter to the Planning Commission and was seconded by Councilperson Petty. The Motion passed unanimously. 3. Third Reading, Motion, Discussion and Vote on Ordinance No. 444, amending the zoning Code to grandfather front yard setbacks in the R-1 classification legislated non-conforming by the Amended Zoning Act of1968. Councilperson DiMondi read the proposed Ordinance and a Motion was made by Councilperson Reese. It was seconded by Councilperson Churchill and passed unanimously. 1. Discussion on a request from MSC for the City to commence condemnation proceedings for a property required for public purposes. Mr. Patterson, the MSC Secretary, spoke on this matter and requested that Council begin condemnation proceedings on the property owned by Paul McConnell (Centerpoint) to allow MSC to run water, electrical, etc. services to the Riverbend development. Mr. Patterson stated that they have had no success in negotiating with Mr. McConnell. Mr. McConnell was present and requested that Council not begin the proceedings since MSC was unwilling to explain to him why MSC wanted that particular part of his property and if there were any alternatives. Council President Blest requested that City Solicitor Harker schedule a meeting among all concerned parties before the end of the month to see if some type of resolution can be accomplished before Council considers condemnation proceedings, since it was Council’s general feeling that they use condemnation proceedings as a last resort. 2. Discussion on a request from Elaine Pataky, the property owner of 603 Center St. to connect to a water service line on a property owned by the City (601 Center St.). After hearing from Ms. Pataky and Mr. Patterson, Councilperson Reese made a Motion that this matter be tabled until Council has all the information regarding these properties. It was seconded by Councilperson Churchill and passed unanimously. Councilperson Reese will follow-up with all concerned parties. 3. Discussion of withdrawing proposed Ordinance No. 446, amending the Zoning Code of the City of New Castle by requiring approval of utility plans by MSC prior to a building permit being issued. Mr. Patterson requested, at the urging of Mr. Shawn Tucker, attorney for Harvey Development, that this matter be withdrawn until such time as MSC and developers/contractors can reach an agreement on policies and procedures. Councilperson Reese withdrew the Ordinance and the withdrawal was passed unanimously. 4. Discussion and approval of a request for a Vendor License for a Hot Dog Cart. Chris Esdale applied to the City for a vendor license. Mr. Esdale owns Chris’ Sandwich Cart and was given a vendor license last year. Council President Blest made a Motion that Mr. Esdale be given the vendor license. It was seconded by Councilperson Churchill and passed unanimously. 5. Discussion to alter the configuration of one way traffic on 14th St. in Washington Park. Councilperson Reese explained why the residents on 14th St. are requesting that the traffic pattern be changed and Council President Blest stated that he felt the Chief of Police should be contacted and give his opinion regarding this matter. A Public Hearing will be held on this matter on April 10, 2006 at 6:45 p.m. 6. Discussion on trash collection issues raised initially by Councilperson DiMondi. Councilperson DiMondi requested that a letter be sent to St. Anthony’s Club informing them that the City will no longer provide them with garbage pickup. It was brought up that there are other businesses/residences in the City in the same situation. Mr. DiSabatino made a list of properties that fall into this category. Councilperson DiMondi did not wish to discuss this matter at the meeting and made a Motion that this matter be tabled. Councilperson Reese seconded the Motion and it was passed unanimously. 7. Discussion, Motion and Vote on Resolution No. 2007-8, approving wage increases for non-union, part time, seasonal and temporary employees equivalent to increases for employees covered under the AFSCME Union Contract. Councilperson DiMondi read the Resolution and there was no Motion to accept the Resolution and, therefore, the Resolution died on the table. 8. Discussion, Motion and Vote on Resolution No. 2007-10, to make available to the Mayor or any member of the City Council, upon request by same, any documents or information paid for with taxpayer monies. Councilperson DiMondi read the Resolution and there was no Motion to accept the Resolution and, therefore, the Resolution died on the table. 9. Discussion, Motion and Vote on Resolution No. 2007-11, to appropriate up to $25,000 for free enrollment and participation to any City eligible youth in the 2007 Summer City Recreation Program. Councilperson DiMondi read the Resolution and there was no Motion to accept the Resolution and, therefore, the Resolution died on the table. 10. Confirmation of the Mayor’s appointment to the Planning Commission. The Mayor has appointed William Simpson and David Byrd to replace Melissa Pavone and Jane Miller on the Planning Commission. A Motion was made by Councilperson Churchill to accept the Mayor’s appointments and it was seconded by Councilperson Petty. The Motion passed unanimously. 11. Comments from the Floor. Mr. Earl Carpenter asked if the vendor license for the hot dog cart was for one location only. Council confirmed that it was. Mr. David Byrd was in the audience and thanked the Mayor and Council for their appointment of him to the Planning Commission. A Motion was made by Councilperson Reese that the meeting be adjourned. It was seconded by Councilperson Churchill and the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jill F. DiAngelo |
