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CITY COUNCIL OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF NEW CASTLE Present: Council President William Blest Also present: Mayor John Klingmeyer, City Treasurer Janet Carlin, City Solicitor James Harker, City Engineer David Athey, City Administrator Cathryn Thomas, Police Chief Kevin McDerby, Building Official Jeff Bergstrom Approval of Minutes The Minutes for Council’s December, 2006 meeting were not available as the tapes were being copied, but the minutes to Council’s Public Hearing and Regular Meeting for November 14, 2006 were presented and approved as presented. Approval of Treasurer’s Report City Treasurer Janet Carlin stated that there was a total of $400.00 in the Petty Cash on Hand, $$346,258.76 in total Monthly Deposits, a total of $476,432.55 in the Wilmington Trust Accounts. $1,718,008.30 in the Certificates of Deposit and Delaware Government Investment Pool and $2,194,440.85 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. City Administrator Thomas reported that the goal to mail the City Annual Report Calendars by the end of the year would not be met, however the calendars would be mailed as soon as possible after the first of the year. Approval of Staff Reports Chief McDerby informed Council that he checked on the 2nd and Chestnut St. question presented at December’s meeting and that the end of Chestnut St. is actually a street, not a parking lot or dead end. Councilperson DiMondi stated that the City has approximately a 5% cushion in the budget, but doubted that it would still be there at the end of the year. Grant Review A-4 State of Delaware Livable Delaware Fund–The City’s request for a Livable Delaware fund matching grant in the amount of $10,000 was approved to update the Comprehensive Plan. C-2 Delaware Emergency Management Agency–The New Castle Citizen’s Corps Council has requested and be4en approved for $3,000.00 in State Homeland Security Grant Program funds. The website has been completed and can be found at www.newcastlepd.us Bellanca Air Service Hanger–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. Communications Councilperson Churchill received a letter from Bonnie White regarding the landlord issue. Ms. White was not happy with the application as it requires the social security number and birth dates of the landlords and she felt this information was not necessary. Council received a letter from the new officers of Good-Will Fire Company and they are opposed to the closing of Howell Dr. in Buttonwood. Business from the Floor Mr. Gene Petty spoke on behalf of the residents of Buttonwood and stated that Howell Dr. was never meant to be a street in the first place. Ms. Victoria Garrett stated that she appreciated the concerns of the Fire Company, but the safety of the children in Buttonwood is what is most important. Rev. Aaron Moore stated that he would like the road kept closed as did Ms. Consuela Jenkins and Mr. Avalon Tatum. Ms. Gladys Clark opposed the $50 rental fee as too costly. Unfinished Business 1. Discussion, Motion and Vote on Resolution No. 2007-1, approving a Minor Subdivision for property located at 100 E. 4th St. After a brief discussion the Resolution was passed unanimously. 2. Discussion, Motion and Vote on Resolution No. 2007-2, to rescind Resolution No. 2006-24, concerning closing off access from Howell Drive to Buttonwood Avenue. After a lengthy and somewhat heated discussion, this matter was tabled. Council will leave the barricades up while looking into getting gate of some sort and getting Rep. Mulrooney and DelDOT to install traffic calming measures on Buttonwood Avenue prior to removing the barricades. 3. Discussion to hold a Public Hearing to consider Ordinance No. 448, amending the Zoning Code to grandfather front yard setbacks in the R-1 classification legislated non-conforming by the Amended Zoning Act of 1968. This matter was tabled. 4. Discussion, First and Second Reading of Ordinance No. 448, amending Chapter 171 of the City Code: Parades and Public Assemblies, proposing the application fee be changed and lowered from $50 to $5. New Business 1. Discussion to refer to the Planning Commission a request from the Trustees concerning a request to rezone several properties owned by the Trustees. Councilperson DiMondi asked to see the differences in zoning classifications (i.e., permitted uses and setbacks) before voting. Mr. Harker stated that in doing so the City’s Comprehensive Plan may need to be changed. Mr. Bergstrom stated that these are not just simple changes. The matter was approved to be referred to the Planning Commission. 2. Discussion to schedule a date for a public hearing on a proposed Ordinance Amending §166-7 of the City Code by adding a new section under (d) Engine Compression Brakes. After a short discussion it was agreed that a Public Hearing should be held on February 13, 2007 at 6:45 p.m. to discuss this matter. 3. Discussion, Motion and Vote on Resolution No. 2007-3, approving a grant applicant to be submitted to receive funds through DNREC for the Natural Resource Management and Community and Local Government Grants program. Councilperson Churchill read the Resolution. Mr. Athey spoke of the problems at Bull Hill and how they could possibly be fixed. He also stated that a grant in the amount of approximately $25,000 would be needed, but that the City would have to match those funds with cash and/or in-kind services. It was suggested that Council request matching funds from the Trustees and if the funds were forthcoming, a grant could be applied for next year. 4. Discussion, Motion and Vote on Resolution No. 2007-4, approving the renegotiated AFSCME Union contract for the term July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009. The Resolution was read and a Motion was made by Councilperson Churchill. It was seconded by Councilperson Reese and approved unanimously.
Comments from the Floor Dr. Padmaligam again spoke about cleaning up the shoreline at Battery Park. He felt that money should be put towards the Battery Park shoreline than the Bull Hill shoreline. Respectfully submitted,
Jill DiAngelo, City Clerk |
