The City Council met in regular session on December 18, 2000, in City Council Chambers.  A quorum being present, Mayor Cleveland L. Rippons called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Those Commissioners in attendance were Commissioners Bohlen, Watkins, Weldon, Atkinson and Travers.

 

Ed Kinnamon led in the Lord’s Prayer.  Commissioner Atkinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Commissioner Watkins made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2000 Council meeting as distributed with a correction to the spelling of the name of a company (Delmarva American LaFrance) that submitted a bid for a fire engine.  Commissioner Atkinson seconded the motion.  The motion was passed unanimously.   

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

Mr. Theodore S. Danforth of Severn Trent Environmental Services, Inc. appeared to speak about his company’s services for running the wastewater treatment plant as an alternative to the current operator.  Written information will be reviewed by the Department of Public Works and their recommendation will be provided to Council.  A proposal could be presented by mid-February if Council requests it.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

 

Council to Discuss Ordinance Exempting Sale of Christmas Greenery from Peddler’s License Requirement (Second Reading & Vote)—This ordinance was introduced on December 11, 2000.  This ordinance exempts the peddler from the license fee only.  Commissioner Watkins made a motion to pass the ordinance as written.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

Council to Approve City’s 2001 Holiday Calendar—Mayor Rippons, as Personnel Manager of the City, endorsed the holiday schedule and recommended that Council approve it.  Commissioner Weldon made a motion to approve the holiday calendar.  Commissioner Bohlen seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS

 

Council to Appoint Police Board Members

As it stands now the Police Board is made up of five members—one from each ward.  Mayor Rippons asked for it to be expanded to seven members.  The sixth appointment would be the Mayor, who is also to be Chairman of that Board and the seventh member to be appointed by the Mayor.  The appointments were as follows:

 

 

To expand the Board as suggested by Mayor Rippons, an ordinance would be prepared and voted on after the second reading.  Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to accept the Mayor’s recommendation.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously. 

 

Commissioner Watkins made a motion to accept the five individuals nominated by the Commissioners for the Police Board.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.  The Mayor’s representative will be voted on after Council has approved the ordinance.

 

Council to Consider Modifications to the Employee Manual—The first revision would be to clarify policy in case of inclement weather regarding essential and non-essential employees.  The Personnel Review Committee has recommended a liberal leave policy be in effect when the Mayor (as Personnel Manager) so indicates.   If the snow has accumulated to a point that an employee cannot make it safely to work, they can take vacation, a personal day, etc.  An ordinance must be prepared to amend the employee manual.  Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to have said ordinance prepared.  Commissioner Weldon seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

The second item was the policy relating to the number of vacation days an employee can carry over from one year into the next.  The current number is 30 days.  The Department Heads recommend that Council return to 45 days which is recognized by the State Retirement Agency.  Commissioner Weldon made a motion to extend the vacation carryover to 45 days.  Commissioner Atkinson seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

 

Council to Consider Zion Church Request to Return of Variance Filing Fee ($100)—Commisioner Atkinson stated that he will not take part in this discussion since he is an appointed officer in Zion Church.  Mr. Collison stated that in the past non-profit organizations and churches were given refunds for building permits; however, he is not sure about variance requests (zoning requirements).  The fees are used to defray the expenses of conducting variance hearings such as advertising.  The Council requested Mr. Collison to research if this has been done in the past.  Discussion of this item will continue on January 8, 2001.

 

Council to Consider Bethel A.M.E. Church Request to Purchase Property at 705 Pine Street (which is owned by the Commissioners)—Commissioner Watkins spoke of the two pieces of property that the City was supposed to deed to Bethel A.M.E. Church.  One piece was deeded; the other was not.  He asked for further research on what was done by the previous Council.  Discussion of this item will continue on January 8, 2001. 

 

Council to Approve Purchase Order over $2,500—(No. 1617 Oct. Fees Lincoln Terrace and Oct. Fees for Vestry)—Commissioner Travers made a motion to approve this purchase order.  Commissioner Atkinson seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Council to Approve Financial Statement for November—Commissioner Travers made a motion to approve the financial statement for November.  Commissioner Watkins seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

 

Mayor Rippons requested a motion to meet in executive session after the regular meeting to discuss property and personnel.  Commissioner Watkins made the motion.  Commissioner Atkinson seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Atkinson made a motion to cancel the City Council Meetings on December 25, 2000; January 1, 2001; and January 15, 2001.  Commissioner Travers seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

Commissioner Bohlen made a motion to pass the request to study the lighting in the alley off Race Street near the “Place on Race” to the Street Lighting Committee.  Commissioner Watkins seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

With no further business, Mayor Rippons adjourned this portion of the meeting at 9:28 p.m.

 

I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and accurate account of the Council meeting Monday, December 18, 2000, insofar as I personally am aware.

Edwin C. Kinnamon
Clerk & Treasurer