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City Council of the Mayor and Council of New CastleWorkshop MeetingTown Hall – 201 Delaware Street – New CastleTuesday – March 11, 2008 – 6:30 p.m.Present: Council President William Blest Also Present: City Treasurer Janet Carlin, City Administrator Cathryn Thomas, MSC Secretary Chip Patterson Also: A workshop meeting was held to discuss a new franchise agreement being requested by Verizon to provide television, internet and telephone services within the City of New Castle. Verizon will be upgrading the copper lines with fiber optic lines. The fiber optic lines will be latched onto the existing poles and lines. Mr. Patterson stated that additional lines added to the poles will also add additional weight to the poles. Verizon owns a majority of the poles in the City, but Mr. Patterson voiced a concern about the weight being added to the poles owned and maintained by MSC. Ms. Metz stated that they are also aware of the additional weight and reminded Council that if the existing lines are above ground, the new lines will also be. If the lines are underground, the added lines will be underground as well. The reason for the workshop tonight is for Verizon to explain to the Council members what they want to do and to request a franchise agreement with the City for providing cable television service to City residents and business owners. FIOS TV is what Verizon will be providing under the franchise agreement. They will offer 24/7 service and competitive pricing. Channels can be purchased “a la carte” or packages will be available. It was also stated that free service will be offered to entities like MSC, City government buildings, schools, etc. Council members proceeded to ask questions about Verizon’s intentions and voiced their concerns. The meeting was adjourned at 7:03 p.m. City Council of the Mayor and Council of New Castle Regular Council MeetingTown Hall – 201 Delaware Street – New CastleTuesday – March 11, 2008 – 7 p.m. Present: Council President William Blest Also Present: Mayor John Klingmeyer, City Treasurer Janet Carlin, City Administrator Cathryn Thomas, City Solicitor Roger Akin, MSC Secretary Chip Patterson Approval of Minutes by Date A motion was made by Councilperson Reese to accept the Minutes as presented and was seconded by Councilperson Churchill and passed unanimously. [INSERT ACTUAL DATES] Approval of Treasurer’s Report Treasurer Carlin reported that there was $400.00 in petty cash, $127,683.39 total deposits for the month, $453,864.84 in the Wilmington Trust Accounts, $1,354,173.65 in the Certificates of Deposit and Delaware Government Investment Pool and $1,808,038.49 total cash on hand. A motion was made by Councilperson Reese to accept the report as presented and it was seconded by Councilperson Churchill. Report from City Administrator Ms. Thomas stated that her report was in Council’s packets, and provided a short overview of her report. Approval of Staff Reports Chief McDerby stated that his report was in Council's packet. Grant Review Councilperson Churchill stated that money from grants was received from DEMA, Community Transportation and Local Police Technology Fund. Grant money was paid to Joshi Construction and J&L Building regarding the Bellanca Hanger Project and to Kercher Engineering for Street Funding. Communications A letter containing a request from Mr. Simon Watts was reviewed. Mr. Watts resides at 60 W. 3rd St. and is requesting that the City transfer a small triangle of land to him. Mr. Watts purported that the land is currently owned by the City but is inside his hedge line. Mr. Watts was not in attendance at the meeting so Ms. Thomas explained to Council her understanding of the request. Councilperson Reese noted that according to a survey submitted with the letter from Mr. Watts, the property is owned by the Trustees of the New Castle Common and therefore Mr. Watts needs to contact the Trustees. Mr. Ken Boulden requested a vendor license from Council for a hot dog cart. Council President Blest said Council would discuss this item later at the meeting, when two other vendor requests would also be considered. Business from the Floor (concerning agenda items only) None. Business from the Mayor None. Business from the Council President Council President Blest spoke on a meeting he attended with our representatives and senators regarding the City’s Charter changes. The representatives and senators stated that they cannot back the Charter changes at this time. The new City Planner Ms. Marian Hull was introduced. Ms. Hull is a planner with URS and is taking over responsibilities for the City as a result of the retirement of Mr. Doug Lloyd. Ms. Hull spoke about the Comprehensive Plan and the timeline for the update. Unfinished Business
New Business
(C) from Ken Boulden from Dogs Gone Wild for a hot dog cart at the Wharf on Delaware Street. Mr. Boulden addressed Council regarding his company. Mr. Akin suggested this matter be tabled until he can research the State guidelines concerning the sale/vending of food. Council discussed the issues and decided to move forward, under certain circumstances. Councilperson Churchill made a motion to approve that all three vendors be granted permits, with the provision that all paperwork be secured to meet the State guidelines. It was seconded by Councilperson Reese and passed unanimously.
A motion was made for the Council to adjourn to Executive Session. It was seconded and passed unanimously. Respectfully submitted,
Jill D’Angelo
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