220 Delaware Street
New Castle, Delaware 19720
(302) 322-9804

The New Castle City’s Planning Commission Meeting took place on
June 25, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. in the City of New Castle’s Town Hall.

Members Present:  Dr. Jack Norsworthy, Chairman
George Freebery
David Bird
Joe DiAngelo
Bill Simpson

Members Absent: Thomas Wilson
Elliott Tatum
Jim Steele

Staff Present: Douglas Lloyd, City Planner

City Personnel: Mayor Jack Klingmeyer

Dr. Norsworthy called the meeting to order at 6:45 p.m.  Roll call was taken. 

Approval of Minutes –  Mr. Bird made a motion to accept the minutes from the last meeting; Mr. Simpson seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously passed. 

Discussion on Comprehensive Plan Updates & Review – Dr. Norsworthy informed that the University of Delaware (UD) will not be signing a contract with us until they have signed a contract with the State.  A new quote will be needed from them.  URS has also been asked for a quote.  Mr. Simpson asked if information was received from 2005 that had been discussed at a previous meeting.  Dr. Norsworthy responded that we only know about the materials that were sent.  He has not heard any more on this matter to date.  Mr. Bird commented that he had looked at City Council’s resolution concerning scope of services and looked at UD’s website on different plans.  He distributed copies of his research to members and Mr. Lloyd.  (Mr. Bird elaborated on the information he distributed and discussion followed.)  Mr. DiAngelo reminded everyone that funding will be necessary to get things done that are in the Comprehensive Plan.  Mayor Klingmeyer discussed ways to get monies for projects.  (Lengthy discussion followed.) 

Budget Review – Dr. Norsworthy has not received any accounts payable to date.  The budget has been passed.  He does not know the status on the Planning Commission’s request and will check with Cathie Thomas and report at the July meeting.  We were well under budget. 

Public Hearing -- Dr. Norsworthy informed there will be a public hearing on
July 26, 2007 (4 p.m.-7 p.m.) regarding DelDOT’s revised regulations for access to state-maintained roads for planning, design, construction and acceptance for maintenance of sub-division streets.  Written comments may be submitted online.  Copies of the regulation are available by request or online.  Mr. Lloyd said these regulations could substantially affect New Castle.  He inquired whether the


Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2007
Page 2

Planning Commission would like for him to look at the changes that could affect us.  He will review the document and report back to the Planning Commission.  If the work involves more than one or two hours he will contact the Planning Commission. 

General Discussion – Mr. Bird stated concern about how recent business that came before the Planning Commission and City Council can be misconstrued through communication and the media. 
Mr. DiAngelo said that City Council is going to have a public hearing on the vacant building ordinance that we recommended to Council upon review by the city solicitor.     

Next Meeting -- Our next meeting is scheduled for July 23, 2007.

Adjournment – Mr. DiAngelo made a motion to adjourn the meeting; Mr. Simpson seconded the motion.  Motion was passed unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Debbie Turner
Stenographer

(Stenographer not present for meeting; transcribed from tape.)