MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW CASTLE
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2006
5:00 P.M.
Present:
Council President William Blest
Councilwoman Janet Churchill
Councilman John DiMondi
Councilwoman Teel Petty
Councilman Donald Reese
Also Present:
City Administrator Cathryn C. Thomas
Mayor John F. Klingmeyer
Finance/HR Manager Marian C. Delaney
HR Benefits Coordinator David E. Skupien
Mr. Blest called the meeting to order at 5 p.m.; roll call was taken.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Appointment of Public Services Director
The majority of this Council felt the need to fill the position of Public Services Director and funds were set aside in the budget. A committee reviewed applications and interviewed two. The individual offered the position chose not to accept the position, Mr. Frank DiSabatino. He is, however, willing to fill the position on an interim basis for a few months while the City resumes the search and he will assist in the transition process when another candidate is selected. This arrangement is in conformance with the union contract; however, Mr. DiSabatino will need to step out of the union while in this interim post. Mr. DiMondi doesn’t feel there is any need for the position and that it is within the scope of duties for the City Administrator. Mr. Blest said Mrs. Thomas’ duties include overseeing the police department, finance director, and public works. Mr. Reese feels it is a necessary position; we need direct supervision and we are missing out on grants. Mrs. Churchill agreed and added that things could be more efficient with a director. Mrs. Petty expressed concern with whether we want to go with an internal candidate or go outside. Mr. Reese made a motion to appoint Frank DiSabatino as Interim Public Services Director; Mrs. Churchill seconded the motion. She added that the interview process takes a long time and that we interviewed Mr. DiSabatino over an hour with a lot of difficult questions.
(The length of time the interview process takes followed.) The motion was approved 4-1 with Council members Reese, Churchill, Petty and Blest casting favorable votes and Mr. DiMondi casting the dissenting vote.
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October 23, 2006
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UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Resolution No. 2006-42 – Approving an Amendment to Contract the City has with Landscape Architectural Service LLC for Services Related to Western Gateway Project
Mr. Blest provided a background of the Western Gateway Project, which is a project the previous Council conceived. It is between the State and the City and is a $140,000 beautification project. It has been on hold for over a year due to funding issues by the State, but the State has notified they are willing to move forward now. Landscape Architect Services has informed that their services have increased $5,000 in that time. (DelDOT was approached about paying this fee since they were the cause of the delay; they refused citing the fact that they did not tell the city to stop the project.) Mrs. Churchill made a motion to approve the amendment to the contract with the city with Landscape Architect Services LLC; Mr. Reese seconded the motion. (Mr. Blest read aloud a letter describing the rationale for the $5,000 increase; discussion followed between Council members and Matthew Spong of Landscape Architect Services.) Of great concern to Council members was the delay caused by the State that is no fault of the city. Mr. DiMondi also feels that since the contract was put on hold for over a year it needs to be reaffirmed/renegotiated and going forward now goes against the terms of the contract. Mr. Blest will consult with the City Solicitor.
Mr. Reese feels it is a worthwhile project and is in favor of going through with the $5,000. Mrs. Churchill questioned when the one year of maintenance that is included in the contract begins. Mr. Spong indicated that is a separate contract that would start when it is awarded to a landscape contractor. She is also concerned about the easements. (Brief discussion followed.) Mrs. Petty reiterated her concern with the costs of delays. Mrs. Thomas said that since the contract is being amended the city could also address the delay issue. The contractor would also need to accept it. Mr. Spong reminded Council that the monies awarded for this project need to be utilized by 6/30/07. He cannot complete the project without the increase in funds. (Discussion followed about going to another architect; time and money are both factors to starting over again.) The motion passed 3-2 with favorable votes from Council members Reese, Churchill and Blest; dissenting votes were cast by Mrs. Petty and
Mr. DiMondi.
Mr. DiMondi challenged Mr. Reese’s vote on the grounds he left the meeting before the formal vote and suggested consulting our counsel**.
Mr. Blest announced the vote is split 2-2; this will be delayed until the next meeting.
**Note for record: Mr. Reese left the meeting at 5:35 p.m. Prior to leaving he was asked by Mr. Blest if he was in favor of the Resolution; he said he is in favor.
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October 23, 2006
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2. Resolution No. 2006-44 – Bid for Amplification and Recording System for City Council Chambers
Mrs. Thomas provided the status of bids for this equipment. A two-channel system was selected and it was hoped to have a trial period with the equipment. However, efforts to arrange this with the company have not been successful and she now has concerns about this company. She suggested rescinding awarding the contract to the low bidder and go to the four-channel system which was submitted by Collins who were the second lowest bidder. They are a proven company and she is confident we will receive the product and service we need. Mr. DiMondi made a motion to accept the four-channel system (approx. $10,000) bid; Mrs. Churchill seconded the motion. The motion was approved by unanimous vote.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Resolution No. 2006-43 – To Approve “STOP” Signs at Following Locations: (1) Ninth Street at Intersection with Gray Street; (2) to make a four-way STOP for Intersection of Second and Chestnut Streets
Mrs. Churchill has spoken to residents on Gray Street and those in the area of Second and Chestnut Street about the need for STOP signs to increase safety. The issue of having a public hearing was raised and discussed. It was decided to conduct this public hearing at 6:45 p.m. just prior to our next Council meeting.
2. Resolution No. 2006-45 – To Enter Into a Contract with ADP for Preparation of Payroll and Related Items for City Personnel
Mr. DiMondi moved to table this issue based on Ms. Delaney’s request not to move forward at this time. He disagreed with her decision but he feels her support is needed as head of the department. Mrs. Churchill seconded the motion which was approved unanimously. Ms. Delaney added they intended in January 2007 to look at a new financial package; she feels it would be more cost-effective to look at a whole financial package in January and if it doesn’t meet our needs we can revisit ADP.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Turner
Stenographer
