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FINAL Mayor and City Council of New Castle President Castagno called the regular meeting of the New Castle City Council to order at 7:00 PM and led those assembled in the pledge of allegiance. He explained the agenda and asked those attending to take an agenda. Roll Call Present: President Castagno Others Present: Treasurer Janet Carlin, Finance/Human Resources Director Marian C. Delaney, Mayor Klingmeyer, Police Chief McDerby; Jacquelyn Seneschal, AICP, of KCI Technologies, Public Services Director Jim Weldin Approval of Minutes by Date Councilperson DiAngelo and Ms. Seneschal reported changes to the minutes. Ms Seneschal submitted changes in writing at the Council meeting In response to President’s Castagno’s request, the City Clerk read the changes The changed text read: “Mayor Klingmeyer reported that he and several others had spoken with Dan Rose of DelDOT to discuss pedestrian and bikeway improvements along Washington Street. Mayor Klingmeyer, Planning Commission Chairman Jim Steele, Director of Public Services, Jim Weldin and City Planner Jacquelyn Seneschal met with the DelDOT representative to review the plans for the improvements. Ms Seneschal noted that DelDOT’s proposals are consistent with other urban design initiatives in the City’s comprehensive plan.” Councilperson DiAngelo also submitted a change in writing at the Council meeting, but these were not read. Councilperson Miller moved to accept the minutes as amended. Councilperson Reese seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese approved the minutes. The motion carried. Approval of Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Janet Carlin reported that as of November 31, 2004: Cash on hand totaled $270 Councilperson Reese moved to accept the treasurer’s report. Councilperson Padmalingam seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese approved the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Department Directors’ Reports Police Chief McDerby reported that the receipt of an $85,000 grant from a special fund from the Attorney General’s Office. The fund will make it possible to bring an enhanced fingerprint system to the new police department. The new system allows the department to intercommunicate with the State database concerning fingerprints and mug shots. He expressed the belief that the Police Department is doing well. President Castagno asked if the new system will increase productivity by keeping troops on the streets. Chief McDerby replied that as a result of the new system City police no longer have to travel to the State police barracks to do fingerprinting. As a result, travel time has been significantly reduced. He also reported that New Castle’s new police building has a video arraignment system so that police officers need not appear in court. Rather prisoners are processed and arraigned at the police station. In fact, everything is self-contained in the new building. President Castagno thanked Chief McDerby for soliciting and receiving the grant. Public Services Director Jim Weldin announced that he was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Public Works, Delaware Chapter. He also provided an update on pending projects. The wharf-railing project has been completed. The only bid for street paving was from Cirillo Bothers. The City Engineer advised rejecting the bid because the bid amount exceeded his recommendation for reasonable cost. Mr. Weldin agrees with the City Engineer’s assessment and the bid was rejected. The City is now preparing an RFP for only the drainage culvert replacement, to be advertised in January. The remaining work of street widening and paving will be performed in the spring because the drainage problem must be solved before paving can begin. He hopes to receive more competitive bids. The paving for the Greenway Construction has been completed although landscaping had not been installed because of wet conditions over the past month. However, the final grading and some landscaping have now been done. The landscaping was expected to be completed that week. The Friends of New Castle City Parks and Beautification reports that all the playground equipment ordered has been installed. Additional playground equipment for Buttonwood Park will be ordered once Council approves a location for the park. A sign has been designed for the park. However, the necessary rolling and paving of the planned basketball courts in Buttonwood could not be done because of wet conditions. The work will probably have to wait until spring. The City has received a $12,242.81 grant for Homeland Security from the Office of Domestic Preparedness. The money is committed for the use of Public Works Departments for planning and preparing for response and recovery involving weapons of mass destruction. Items planned to be purchased from the grant include traffic barricades, generators, emergency lighting, and respirators for public works employees. Mr. Weldin also hopes to purchase a large format printer to reproduce large maps. The printer would be a valuable tool for emergency responders to an incident in the City. The City has also been awarded a $140,000 grant for Transportation Enhancement for the Western Gateway Project. This project will enhance landscaping enhancements along Delaware Street from Route 141 to Eighth Street. The required City match is $5,000 if the entire amount of the grant is needed. Of this amount, $2,000 has already been budgeted and a grant from Senator Dori Connor will match City spending with a 40% contribution from the State. The final details will be worked out in January when the City will sign a contract. The project is slated to begin in the spring. Mr. Weldin displayed a map depicting where landscaping is planned. Councilperson DiAngelo asked if shrubbery and trees were to be replaced. Mr. Weldin replied that some would be enhanced. Councilperson Reese asked who would maintain the landscaping after it is complete. Mr. Weldin replied that the City would do so. He also said that there will be a cross walk in the school district. He pointed out areas where shrubbery would enhance the City environment. Councilperson Reese then asked whether Buttonwood Park would have a minipark at this time. Mr. Weldin noted that deciding the location of the park was on the agenda and that he has maps with possible locations for the park. Mr. Weldin attended an All Hazards Technological Conference for Homeland Security in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition to numerous seminars on emergency management issues, the conference featured demonstrations of advanced technology related to Homeland Security, including innovations for Goldberg Positioning. Councilperson Reese congratulated Mr. Weldin on his election to the Board of Directors of the American Public Works Delaware Chapter. Finance/Human Resources Director Marian C. Delaney reported on the following. Finance November 2004 financial reports have been distributed to the packets. YTD 60.4% of the budget has been collected and 46.3% of the budget expended. The November 2003 financial report listed 54.6% of the budget collected, and 43.0% of the budget expended. The City calendar has been sent to the printer. The expected mail-out date was December 23, 2004. Because the City is using the MSC electric mailing list, every resident (approximately 2200) will get a calendar. Ms. Delaney thanked the following members of the calendar committee for their input: Anita Banks, Chip Paterson, Jean Williamson, David Skupien, Janet Carlin, Jim Weldin, Dr. Genevieve Miller, Janet E. Carlin, and Kevin McDerby. Human Resources In a new tradition, a Service Award Certificate will be issued to every employee with at least one year of City service. Jaime Rogers and Joseph LeVan, both of the Public Safety Department, who celebrated 10-year anniversaries in 2004, will receive engraved plaques. Mayor Klingmeyer and City Council President Castagno signed the certificates and the department heads will distribute them to their staffs. To promote employee safety, the City provided one-month video training, beginning December 12, 2004. Because the City is a member of the Delaware Safety Council, the videos will be provided free of charge. Employees assisted the HR department to decide what kind of training to provide. The Public Works Department assisted the Arasapha Garden Club in decorating buildings for the Christmas holiday. Note: The City’s Finance group expressed appreciation for Debby Pullan’s efforts in processing the business licenses in December for early renewal. Councilperson Miller moved to accept the Directors’ reports. Councilperson Reese seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese approved the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Communications Councilperson Miller disclosed that she had received a communication from concerned citizens at Washington Park. She believes that most of the complaints had been addressed. The concerns addressed eight properties on Washington Avenue and Thirteenth Street that have trash in the yards. She asked Mr. Weldin to comment. He revealed that it is good to have the information before the Council so that he can do something about them. He reported that the Code Enforcement Officer is already working on some of the issues. He said that the City has already issued complaints or is investigating the complaints. He asked if the Council wanted a rundown on the status of the citations issued. President Castagno noted that the Council is not the place to go through every complaint. He suggested having a meeting with interested residents to discuss the issues involved. He invited concerned citizens to contact the Public Service Department to determine the status of the complaints. Mr. Weldin said that the total number of complaints investigated in 2004 was approximately 200 and that in November alone the Public Services Department had addressed 61 complaints and closed 42 through voluntary compliance. Seven violations are still open; two violations are pending for the violator to appear in court; One violation is for an abandoned property, which is awaiting a sheriff’s sale. The other four are relatively new. Everyone who receives a violation is given time to respond. President Castagno asked if the telephone number 322-9813 is being used to report violations anonymously. Mr. Weldin replied that they do get complaints that way. Councilperson Reese asked if the Code Enforcement Officer is leaving. Mr. Weldin replied that he is leaving in January because his wife has been transferred to Fort Meade. MD. Mr. Weldin promised to provide an update of 2004 violations and their status at the January Council meeting. Councilperson Padmalingam asked about the landscaping at Route 141 and Delaware Street. He observed that that area was not cared for, that it is “not a thing of beauty.” He said that the area needs more maintenance and that some plants need to be removed. Mr. Weldin replied that the City had used a landscape architect to design the park before he was associated with the City. He further revealed that the City thinned out weeds and mulched the area twice this year. President Castagno announced that the City has added a button to its home-page web site for comments about the tree issue. People are also invited to the workshops planned for January. The City is encouraging public input on the ordinance. Business from the Floor President Castagno called for business from the floor on agenda items. Charlotte Houben of Washington Park asked if the telephone number for the complaints would be in the City Calendar. Mr. Weldin replied that it would be. Kerstin Almquist said that there are many weeds in the parks the City cares for and reiterated that the City needs a garden person to care for them. She also asked about the Western Gateway. She noted that the New Castle Flower Beautification Project and the Arasapha Garden Club started the project and that if the project is implemented, the City must have a garden person to care for it. She again asked the City to hire such a person. Councilperson Reese said that the City’s budget will not be done until July 1, 2005, and recommended that Ms. Almquist request the funds for a garden person from the Trustees because they do their budget early in the year. Jeff Davis asked Chief McDerby if computerized finger printing and imaging will also be done for employment checks also. Some people must go to Dover to have background checks done for employment. Chief McDerby said that the State police want to control that process, but they have established a section on Route 40 so that people won’t have to go Dover. Chief McDerby explained that the City police do not do criminal checks, but they do hand rolled fingerprinting for immigration purposes or for people finger printed at their employers’ request. Business from the Mayor There was no business from the mayor. Business from the President There was no business from the president. Unfinished Business Ms. Seneschal pointed out that two related ordinances are on the agenda: one to change the zoning and one to amend the zoning code. Second Reading of Ordinance 428, Changing the Zoning of Bull Hill Park Property from Historic Residential (HR) to Open Space and Residential (OS&R): President Castagno reminded those assembled that the reading is not a vote and that the ordinance is still subject to change. Last Council meeting, Councilperson Reese and others noted that the definition of what is currently allowed under OS&R is not clear. President Castagno then read the ordinance and asked the City Planner to comment Third and Final Reading and Motion to Adopt Ordinance 429, Amending Chapter 230: Ordinance 429, Chapter 230, affects Ordinance 428 in that it clarifies the glossary of terms under the OS&R zoning code. President Castagno then asked Ms. Seneschal to explain the definitions of terms affected by the amended ordinance to clarify what the term buildings and other terms mean. For example, she revealed that the changes make it easier to distinguish between a building and a structure. Under the revised ordinance, those terms clearly have different meanings. The term boating facilities has also been clarified. Under the existing use of the term, this could refer to anything from a slip to a full-fledged marina. The amended ordinance defines the term as a slip: something that allows a person to get a boat into or out of the water. Another ordinance change permits the use of playground equipment in OS&R property. Councilperson Miller asked if the Planning Commission has considered the Trustees’ property. Ms. Seneschal replied that the zoning request affects only the City. President Castagno said that as owners, the Trustees would have to petition for that zoning change. Ms. Seneschal noted that there is an adjacent property in Bull Hill owned by the Trustees that is not subject to the zoning change. Councilperson Padmalingam expressed concern about buildings in the 5.6 acres that are 34 feet high. He asked whether there are provisions for preventing the height of a structure. Ms. Seneschal explained that OS&R zoning does not permit the construction of any building. Under the change no one can put any kind of building, even a picnic pavilion, in an OS&R zone without going to the Board of Adjustments for public hearing. The zoning change makes it more difficult to construct any building. Ms. Seneschal reiterated that if this zoning change goes through, even to put a bathroom in an OS&R zone will require a public hearing. Councilperson Padmalingam pointed out that a park now exists at Bull Hill. President Castagno thanked Ms. Seneschal for her work on the proposed zoning changes and asked for a vote to accept the second reading of the ordinance change. Councilperson DiAngelo moved to accept the second reading of the ordinance; Councilperson Padmalingam seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese approved the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Ms. Seneschal noted that the last two pages of the material handed out that evening describe changes to Ordinance 429. These changes must first be passed, and then Ordinance 429 can be passed. President Castagno read Chapter 230 and asked for a motion to accept the third and final reading of Ordinance 429, Chapter 230, which includes precise definitions of what is allowed in OS&R zones. Councilperson Miller moved to accept the changes to Ordinance 429. Councilperson Reese seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese approved the motion. The motion carried unanimously. President Castagno reported that the Ordinance will be sent to Mayor Klingmeyer for his signature. Appointment to the Board of Housing Appeals: Councilperson Reese nominated Patrick Kirkley to serve on the Board of Housing Appeals. He explained that Mr. Kirkley is in construction and that he is young. Councilperson Reese moved to accept his nomination. Councilperson Padmalingam seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese approved the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Councilperson Reese asked about the length of the term. President Castagno said that the term will be for two or three years. Mr. Weldin pointed out that Mr. Kirkley will replace Charles Cobb and that his term will be staggered. President Castagno asked Mr. Weldin to notify Mr. Kirkley of his election and the term he is to serve. New Business Approval of David Skupien as Absentee Ballot Clerk for City Election to be Held April 9, 2005: President Castagno asked for a motion to appoint Mr. Skupien as Absentee Ballot Clerk. Councilperson Reese moved to accept Mr. Skupien. Councilperson Padmalingam seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese all approved the motion. The motion carried unanimously. President Castagno asked Ms. Delaney to advise Mr. Skupien of his election. Councilperson Miller asked about the time period for absentee ballots. Ms. Delaney advised that there will be a Saturday and a Wednesday night for acceptance. Councilperson Miller believes the new arrangement will be a more sophisticated way to service the public. Awarding of Bids to Perform the City Audit for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2004: Councilperson Miller reported that the City had received one bid for the audit from Belfint, Lyons, and Sherman for $5,850. President Castagno asked how the current bid compares with last year’s bid. Councilperson Miller revealed that it is about the same. Ms. Delaney said that this year’s bid is a little less. Councilperson asked if the firm is a certified CPA firm and if it meets the RFP requirements. Councilperson Miller answered that it is and it does. She then moved to accept the bid. Councilperson Reese seconded the motion. Councilperson DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese approved the motion. The motion carried unanimously. Counteroffer from Crompton Corporation for Remediation Work and Authorization for President Castagno To Sign the Release Agreement: President Castagno explained that Crompton was formerly called Witco and that they owned the Trolley Barn. He explained that the agreement about the Witco building stipulated that if environmental issues existed to the building or the property, Witco would be liable for eliminating them. In the construction process, the City found $67,000 worth of environmental changes that had to be made to what is now the parking lot. To the City’s claim for $67,000. Crompton responded with an agreement to pay $50,000 in damages. The City Solicitor received the offer in writing and forwarded his findings to each Council member President Castagno then read the City Solicitor’s recommendation to accept the offer. He pointed out attorney fees and expert fees would exceed the differential between the City’s original demand and the sum offered. If the City won, attorney fees could be recovered and possibly certain expert fees. But other fees may not. President Castagno pointed out that the City Solicitor noted that the several years involved in litigation would not be advantages to the recover the differential between Compton’s offer and the City’s cost. He recommends that the City accept the offer. President Castagno asked the Council to decide whether to accept the counter offer or to pursue litigation. To accept the offer, the Council must authorize the Council President to sign the agreement accepting Crompton’s offer. Councilperson Miller pointed out that in terms of honesty and credibility, the company should have paid the entire amount, but that if we don’t accept the offer, it might cost more money to pursue the case than the City could recover. The $50,000 offer is significantly more that Crompton’s original offer. She voted to accept. Councilperson Reese pointed out that if the City threatens to go to court, Crompton’s will also incur legal fees, and the City has the opportunity of recouping attorney fees. President Castagno pointed out that the first offer was $30,000 and that if the City goes to court, the offer will revert to $30,000 because the corporation will have addition expense. Councilperson Miller reminded that “we are not dealing with strong ethics here.” Councilperson Padmalingam asked if the City would collect attorney fees in addition to the $50,000. President Castagno responded that the $50,000 is a “one shot deal,” and that the City has not yet incurred significant legal fees. Councilperson Padmalingam favored acceptance since the City is short of money and will get most of the money back. Councilperson Reese asked Mr. Weldin if there was any chance of getting all of the money back. Mr. Weldin replied that the parking lot had been carefully inspected, including digging deeply to identify pollutants and any other tanks remaining there. Councilperson Miller asked if the City had gone to Witcom initially when they worked with the Trolley Barn. Witcom’s response was if problems arise, “come see use”. Councilperson Miller moved to have President Castagno sign Crompton’s offer. Councilperson DiAngelo seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese all approved the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The Development of Buttonwood Park: Councilperson Padmalingam reminded the Council that because of pre-existing conditions, Buttonwood Park had to be closed. Now, the City is investigating possible sites for the park. Mr. Weldin reported that he had looked at City-owned land in Buttonwood and came up with three possible locations: a small lot at 20 Arbutus Street, (55 by 46 feet), a larger area at the corner of Buttonwood and A Street; the end of Eighth Street where the wetlands now are, and the Trustee land next to Buttonwood School, which he considers the ideal location although it is not available. He pointed out the possible locations on a City map. Mr. Weldin explained that the problem with the Arbutus location is that it is a small lot and it doesn’t provide easy access; it is not as open as the others. He doesn’t recommend the end of Eight Street area because it is secluded. The problem with the Buttonwood and A location is that a stream runs through it, although the distance from the road to the stream is about 50 feet. He wants an open park that the police can patrol and favors the land at Buttonwood and A. Councilperson Reese asked if Buttonwood and A would attract the greatest number of people. Councilperson Padmalingam recommended soliciting input from Buttonwood residents concerning what they want. Mr. Weldin assured him that residents would have input. Councilperson Reese suggested erecting a fence between the park and its neighbors on the side where the park would be. Mr. Weldin noted that the land is low in some places; He favors planting shrubbery there. Councilperson Reese pointed out that the previous park had not been on City property and that a park at the Eighth Street location would be an attractive nuisance. President Castagno then solicited public comment. Planning Commission Chair Jim Steel of Washington Park said that the DeAscanis Corporation had looked at properties 47 and 57 for possible development. He reported that the stream there is “very bad.” When it rains hard, the water there is four or five feet deep, and it pours down New Castle Avenue, all the way to Buttonwood Avenue. He spoke with Mr. Weldin about it, who said that $400,000 has been appropriated to open up the ditch. According to Mr. Weldin, the project is “tied up by the Corps of Engineers, DelDOT, DNREC, and everybody else.” Until something is done with that waterway, lots 289, 260, 281 are completely under water. Storm water drains there, but no connecting pipes drain the water off the land. The ditch is completely cluttered. The City must come up with a way to drain the property. We would be better off if the ditch were a tax ditch. Then trees would be cut and trash removed. The ditch starts in Castle Hills and comes all the way down. A child could drown anywhere along the ditch. Mr. Steele noted that part of the Trustee lot would be a perfect location for the park, and he sees no reason why the City cannot use the Trustee lot. Mr. Weldin replied that he had sent letters to the Trustees asking that they donate the land for a park, but that they had refused. He met with Chief and Mrs. Petty, and all agreed that the lot was ideal for a park. The Conservation District has submitted an application for drainage control on the Buttonwood and A Street lot, but the State has not responded. However, a project to control drainage from Buttonwood Avenue to the railroad tracks has been approved. He noted that $300,000 had been earmarked for the project and questioned when work would be started. Mr. Weldin replied that he is trying to get an answer as to when the project will begin. President Castagno asked if a safety issue exists on the corner lot. President Castagno noted that the City could build a park in a week or two, but questioned whether or not the designated spot is appropriate. He asked about other options. Councilperson Reese said that the people asking for the park said that they would be satisfied with a minipark on Arbutus Street. President Castagno asked people will be in jeopardy if a park is build there. Councilperson Reese said the park would be an attractive nuisance. Mr. Weldin observed that the park would not be an insurance deterrent. President Castagno said the park would be acceptable for the time being. Mr. Weldin agreed that the area would suffice as an option. Teel Petty of Buttonwood reminded the Council that Buttonwood residents had been asking the City to do something about the water that sits on the property being discussed. She asked who labeled the land there wetlands. Residents have complained for months about water standing on their property, and observed their properties are not wetland. That water comes from other developments and drains onto the land there. In 2004, for the first time, water remained all year. The City partly paved A Street and stopped. The residents could once go from street to street even when the street was dirt. She complained that funding exists to solve the problems in Buttonwood, but nothing is done because the neighborhood is poor. President Castagno asked her opinion of the options for the park. She replied that a park on A Street would be fine if the City gets rid of the standing water. She asked why Buttonwood should be the garbage dump for everything that travels down from Castle Hills, Collins Park, and the highway. President Castagno asked if she would like to proceed with the park or relieve the drainage problem first. She replied that by spring the City should have a reasonable park that is good for all the residents. She doesn’t want a large park because drug dealers would congregate. She doesn’t want the park by the ditch because children play there. She wants a small park for small children. She said that the Arbutus location would be fine and that the City should proceed with a park there. President Castagno asked is she had consulted the neighbors about the park. She answered that they want a park and soon. Councilperson DiAngelo asked if it had to be on City property. President Castagno said that it does. Councilperson DiAngelo then asked about the property adjacent to Buttonwood school and learned that it is Trustees property. Councilperson Reese noted that another problem is that the population there is “more toward the front.” Councilperson DiAngelo said we could talk about this for years, but the need for playground is immediate. Councilperson Padmalingam noted that we have the equipment to build a small park at the Arbutus site. Mr. Weldin agreed that they could build a complete park there. Mr. Weldin revealed that when the City cleared the lot proposed for the Arbutus park, several residents called to object to placing a park there. He asked if the City should solicit public opinion in that neighborhood. Ms. Petty offered to solicit resident feedback. Councilperson Reese noted that the residents might be concerned that the new park would be the same as the old park with its attendant problems. President Castagno asked that Mr. Weldin, Ms. Petty and Councilpersons Padmalingam and Reese to visit some of the residents to elicit their feedback. Ms. Petty said that the Council could set up a meeting and invite the residents. President Castagno said the City has a sign to put up. Mr. Weldin said that he could set up the necessary equipment in six to eight weeks. Mr. Steele advised against putting the playground near the railroad tracks. Ms. Petty said the tracks are not a problem. Earl Carpenter asked if this a temporary expedient, how much cost is involved in moving equipment once it is installed. Mr. Weldin estimated the cost would be approximately $2,000. Moving the swings would be minimum cost. The structures would have to be installed by a certified program installer. The City would have to pay the installer to come back to reinstall the structures. President Castagno then opened the floor for comments. Comments from the Floor Nancy Coning who introduced herself as board member and co-chair of the wreath workshop for the Arasapha Garden Club, cited the partnership between the City, the Trustees, and the Arasapha Garden Club. She noted that there has been a partnership between the City and the club, but this year, no support from the City was forth coming. She noted that the club has begun planning for next year, and asked if the City wishes to continue the club’s making of Christmas decorations for the town. She said that last December, the club had requested support for the project, without ever receiving a contribution from the City. She wanted to know if the City wishes to continue the project. Councilperson Miller noted that the Council had received such a request address to Delaware Avenue, when the correct address is Delaware Street. Ms. Coning asked if that changes the funding process. Ms. Delaney noted that she received a letter from Gail Seitz and enclosed the funding letter. It should have been in the packet tonight, but for some reason, it wasn’t included. She promised to discuss the appropriation in the Executive Session. President Castagno asked if the appropriate was a budget item. Ms. Delaney disclosed that in the past the City has given the Club an appropriation in October. The City didn’t appropriate contributions this year, but since October 2001, we have given Arasapha $2,000. Ms. Delaney said that the City has a contingency fund. Councilperson Miller said that the Council could contribute this year. President Castagno then asked for other comments from the floor. David June revealed that he had come on behalf of some of the residents of Thirteenth Street, who are concerned about the dilapidated conditions of some homes there. They want the City to increase enforcement of citations for violations of the housing code. He asked the City to make a serious effort to ensure that residents maintain their property. Mr. Weldin said that there have been 66 citations for violations in Washington Park alone. Councilperson Miller asked Mr. June his opinion about the increase in violations in Washington Park. She asked if people are moving out. He replied that six or eight residents have moved out of the area, that some of the re-occupied homes are rentals, and that some of the people moving in do not maintain their homes or their yards. President Castagno suggested that Mr. June meet with Herb Swanson, Jim Weldin, and the Code Enforcement Officer to determine a solution to the problem. Tom McDowell presented a petition from concerned citizens asking for the termination of Public Service Director Jim Weldin’s contract and requesting that he not be appointed as City Manager. Jim Steele thanked the Council for passing Ordinance 429. President Castagno thanked him for his excellent work on the revisions. Meeting Adjourned President Castagno called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Councilperson Miller moved to adjourn the meeting and move to an executive session; Councilperson Reese seconded the motion. Councilpersons DiAngelo, Miller, Padmalingam, and Reese all approved the motion. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Next Scheduled Meeting The next City Council meeting is scheduled for January 11, 2005. Respectfully submitted, Darcy Mozer City Clerk |
