Special Council Meeting - Budget Review Minutes and Exhibits 1-5
City Council Meetings. 29 me 2018.
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Paj 1
SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
BUDGET REVIEW
A Special Council Meeting was held on May 29, 2018 at 6:01 p.m. with Council President Slavin
presiding. Council members present were Mr. Anderson, Mr. Neil, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Cole, Mr. Polce,
Mr. Hare, and Mr. Lindell. Mr. Sudler was absent.
Staff members present were Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Dill, Mr. Hugg (departed at 6:44 p.m. and returned
at 6:53 p.m.), and Mrs. McDowell. Mayor Christiansen was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Lewis moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Neil and unanimously carried.
INTRODUCTION AND PRESENTATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2019 RECOMMENDED
BUDGET
Council President Slavin expressed his thanks for the work that had been put into this budget, noting
that he thought that this was perhaps the most solid and transparent budget that he had seen in all the
years that he had served. He stated that this budget hit all the marks that Council asked of staff,
explaining that it was the result of Council providing strategic direction and staff doing the heavy
lifting to deliver on that vision. Mr. Slavin noted that there are no proposed tax increases, and the
only increases in rates are supported by the data from the rate studies that Council commissioned so
that the City can satisfy the rate payers and bond covenants. He stated that it was as transparent a
document as he could have hoped for and is certainly as transparent a document as the citizens
should expect from our government.
Mr. Slavin extended his thanked to Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, and all of the City of Dover
staff for the tremendous effort and product, noting that he thought this was the result of the very
mature and stable government that the City currently has.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OVERALL BUDGET
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, thanked members of Council and all of the City’s committees
for their support. She introduced Mr. Jeff Dill, noting that he had previously worked in the Finance
Department and was now serving as the City’s Budget Analyst. Mrs. Mitchell expressed thanks to
Mrs. Sharon Duca, Director of Public Works/City Engineer, for the excellent work she did in helping
her analyze the sanitation services. She also thanked the entire sanitation crew, explaining that she
appreciated all of the support that they gave her while she was analyzing the options regarding the
City’s sanitation services.
Mrs. Mitchell reminded members that the City’s motto is “Community Excellence through Quality
Service.” She reviewed a poster (Exhibit #1) depicting the “D.O.V.E.R.” acronym she developed,
explaining that Dover employees have dedication, ownership, vision, excellence, and reliability and
provide community service, public safety and public utilities. Mrs. Mitchell advised members that
this would expand to town hall meetings that she was going to hold to talk to all employees and let
them know how much the City appreciates the support that they give the City and its residents. She
also reviewed a poster of the City’s mission statement (Exhibit #2), noting that this budget was
developed with those statements in mind.
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW MAY 29, 2018 PAGE 2
Mrs. Mitchell reviewed a presentation entitled “City of Dover, Fiscal Year 2019 & Beyond,
Proposed Budget, Budget Highlights & Discussion Points, May 29, 2018,” budget pages 9-27. She
reminded members that the discussion during the Council Workshop of January 26, 2018 included
strategic goals and the future of the City, and staff tried to incorporate that into this budget, so it goes
beyond 2019.
Mrs. Mitchell provided members with handouts entitled “City of Dover, Draft Budget - Fiscal Year
2018/2019, Challenges Going Forward” (Exhibit #3) and “City of Dover, Comparative Personnel
Table” (Exhibit #4).
ELECTRIC TARIFFS AND POWER COST ADJUSTMENT (PCA) CREDIT
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, reviewed a presentation entitled “City of Dover, Budget
Workshop, Fiscal Year 2018-2019, Electric Fund Rates, PCA Credit & Future Planning,” budget
pages 29-33.
Mrs. Mitchell advised members that the budget for the Power Plant may decrease prior to adoption
of the budget. She explained that she had asked the Plant Manager to provide her with an
implementation plan regarding the recommendation to decrease their staff by six (6) people by
May 31, 2018, noting that the draft budget maintained the current number of positions.
SANITATION COST OF SERVICE RECOMMENDATION
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, advised members that the concept of looking at outsourcing
sanitation was to contract out sanitation services and redeploy personnel to other divisions, where
needed, and create a separate parks and recreation grounds and maintenance crew. She explained
that there were three (3) options: 1) sell outright including equipment, 2) establish a franchise with
one (1) vendor, with the City managing the contract, like the recycling contract, and 3) maintain the
current service. Mrs. Mitchell noted that one vendor has a customer service team that can handle
all customer service inquiries, so if the City selected a vendor like that, it would also cut down on
the office staff workload.
Mrs. Mitchell explained that the impact on operations that staff considered included significantly less
fleet maintenance, a reduction in administrative and clerical functions and long-term capital costs,
and the potential to bring police vehicle maintenance in-house or reduce fleet staff. She stated that
the City would have to contract out for picking up animal carcasses, as well as code enforcement
debris and the related charges to property owners. Mrs. Mitchell noted that some of the concerns
were customer expectations and service levels. She stated that outright sale may create model
providers and route confusion. She explained that could be avoided with a franchise agreement
because a contractor would be expected to understand the City street and alley network.
Mrs. Mitchell advised that the Delaware Solid Waste Disposal agreement and the recycling contract
are tied together and both expire in 2021.
Mrs. Mitchell reviewed a presentation entitled “City of Dover, Budget Workshop, Fiscal Year 2018-
2019, Sanitation Cost of Service Recommendation,” budget pages 33-38.
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW MAY 29, 2018 PAGE 3
STORMWATER UTILITY RECOMMENDATION
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, noted that copies of the “City of Dover, Stormwater Utility
Feasibility Study,” the Council Committee of the Whole/Utility Committee minutes of July 12, 2018,
as well as the “Annual Expenditures Summary and Budget Projections, Stormwater Utility” were
included in the back of members draft 2018/2019 budget binders (Exhibit #5).
Mrs. Mitchell reviewed a presentation entitled “City of Dover, Budget Workshop, Fiscal Year 2018-
2019, Sanitation Cost of Service Recommendation,” budget pages 39-45.
CLOSING REMARKS - PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Mrs. Donna Mitchell, City Manager, referring to page 46 of the budget, advised that the demands
on resources attributed to growth and aging infrastructure continue to create serious challenges for
the City’s citizens and staff. She stated that the City’s current revenue levels do not support the
funding needs for long-term improvements, and the staffing levels needed to complete the required
vegetation maintenance each year for City property, right away maintenance, sidewalks, alleys, and
City buildings are insufficient. Mrs. Mitchell informed members that asset maintenance plans and
replacement schedules are nonexistent for City assets in several areas, including parks, substations,
stormwater, etc. She stated that a greater focus on police and code enforcement activities has been
emphasized by the past and present Council members. Mrs. Mitchell reminded members that the
Garrison Oak Technical Park was improved with an investment of $14.5M of infrastructure;
however, the City has not yet received a positive return on that investment. She noted that the City
currently budgets $201,000 for mowing and ditch maintenance. Mrs. Mitchell stated that while she
understands the need to continue to improve City amenities, the City needs to first catch up on all
the deferred maintenance that has resulted from tight budgets over the past 10 years.
Mrs. Mitchell advised members that there is a need to address staffing in area in which maintenance
has fallen behind. She indicated that practices and staff need to be addressed to ensure that there are
enough resources for operations to continue on a daily basis. Mrs. Mitchell explained, for example,
that there are 10 employees in the Sanitation division, all 10 of which are needed to run all of the
bulk, automated, and handheld trucks every day, so if someone takes leave, the supervisor steps in
to run the truck. She advised that when that happens, two (2) people are off and things do not get
done.
Mrs. Mitchell explained that the City needs to transition from being reactive to being proactive and
anticipating future needs. She stated that the proposed budget takes one step toward achieving that
objective with the Parks and Recreation maintenance crew and shoring up the Central Services
Department. Mrs. Mitchell noted that, after filling vacant positions and a review of all operations,
she will be meeting with department heads to discuss where there are deficiencies as a result of
staffing or where the City can shift operations or staff if practical to do so.
By unanimous consent, the meeting recessed at 6:44 p.m. and reconvened at 6:51 p.m.
OPERATING DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION SUMMARIES, FUND SUMMARIES AND
RESERVE ACCOUNTS, AND REVIEW OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN SUMMARIES
Operating Department and Division Summaries, Fund Summaries and Reserve Accounts
information, and Capital Investment Plan Summaries were provided to members.
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW MAY 29, 2018 PAGE 4
Mr. Slavin advised members that this would be an appropriate time for them to ask any questions
regarding the budget summary and overall highlights provided by Mrs. Mitchell.
Mr. Hare asked if the business retention rate for electric included the deal that the City made with
Kraft. Responding, Mrs. Mitchell explained that the business retention rate had expired in 2016 and
Council would need to decide whether the City was going to continue it or leave it expired.
In response to Mr. Hare regarding funding for streets, Mrs. Mitchell clarified that the Community
Transportation Fund (CTF) is a separate fund. Referring to page 314 of the budget, she explained
that there was $500,000 budgeted in the current fiscal year, as well as the CTF money from both
Senator Bonini and Representative Lynn for the former library. Mrs. Mitchell stated that next fiscal
year there is another $500,000 budgeted in the CTF, noting that this is the typical amount earmarked
each year. She noted that Senator Bonini has two (2) additional $500,000 increments in the next
two (2) fiscal years as well. Referring to the Street Program, Mrs. Mitchell advised that the General
Fund money had been deferred for the current fiscal year, explaining that staff was just now getting
the bids out because they were dealing with whether or not to use prevailing wage.
As requested by Mayor Christiansen, Mrs. Mitchell reminded members that the decision on the
Davis-Bacon prevailing wage is that the City is moving forward with the bidding with prevailing
wage. She explained that to do it without prevailing wage, staff would have to manage each street
as a separate contract for the CTF money and the City money because you cannot co-mingle, and that
would cause too much of an administrative issue. Mrs. Mitchell stated that last year projects were
bid out as both prevailing and non-prevailing wage and the prevailing wage created an approximate
14% increase in the projects; however, it was decided to bid them all as prevailing wage in the
future, to prevent the administrative hardship it would create on staff.
Responding to Mayor Christiansen, Mrs. Mitchell advised that she wants quality work whether or
not the City pays Davis-Bacon wages. She confirmed that, with the projected increase, the City
would be guaranteed that the contractors would do excellent, or better than excellent, work and City
inspectors would follow up on performance.
Mr. Neil noted that, in reviewing the departmental budgets, it appeared that the City was upgrading
the telephone systems in several offices and also adding GPS or updating radio systems in the field
offices. He commended staff for making these updates and asked Mrs. Mitchell to provide an
overview since it would be impacting many departments. In response, Mrs. Mitchell stated that she
was proposing adding GPS to all City vehicles, except police vehicles because she wanted to find
out what technology was already in those vehicles. In regard to the telephones, she explained that
there are increased telephone expenses, as well as an update regarding the allocation of all of the
telephone equipment. Mrs. Mitchell stated that the allocation of the telephone equipment was
maintained by the Finance Department and due to staff turnover, the allocation sheet did not get
updated. She advised that staff performed an audit of all of the allocations and revised budgets
accordingly, so the budget reflects the change in accounting rather than new equipment.
Mr. Hare moved for approval of Fiscal Year 2018/2019 budget, as presented, seconded by Mr. Polce.
Paj 5
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW MAY 29, 2018 PAGE 5
Mr. Anderson moved to suspend the rules to allow for public comment from
Mr. Les Blakeman, seconded by Mr. Lindell and unanimously carried.
Mr. Les Blakeman stated that he was a little disappointed that the original agenda had a discussion
of retiree benefits, however, it was not included on the revised agenda. He noted that he had been
advised that if there is any kind of increase for the pensioners, it should be discussed during the
budget review, so they know how to budget for it. Mr. Blakeman stated that he was concerned that
it didn’t take place, explaining that whether they get an increase or not is an issue that he would at
least like to have a discussion about at some point. Responding, Mr. Slavin asked that this item be
placed on a Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee agenda to determine if the City can
do something midyear.
Mr. Neil, referring to page 227 of the budget, noted that the City was replacing Windows XP with
Windows 7, which was another outdated version of Windows. He noted that Microsoft was not
supporting Windows 7 anymore and asked why the City was not updating to Windows 10. In
response, Mrs. Mitchell explained that she thought that the narrative was not updated, however, she
would check with the IT Director to make sure.
Mr. Lindell stated that he noticed that the City was running a deficit in the General Fund this fiscal
year and explained that he did not want to repeat the same situation that happened a few years ago,
when there was a delay in looking at taxes and then a crisis hit and nothing else could be cut from
the budget, so taxes had to be raised all at once. Mr. Slavin stated that it was his understanding that
the City was not running at a deficit, that the revenues are more than the expenditures, however, it
does not include the carry forward budget. Responding, Mrs. Mitchell stated that the City’s
expenditures exceed its revenues. She advised that the biggest part of that exceedance is that the
capital asset transfer from the general fund for capital projects is more than last year. Mrs. Mitchell
stated that she plans to address that issue with the storm water utility, by pulling the Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) out of the General Fund, so it does not continue long term.
She explained that otherwise, the City would be looking at a seven (7) to nine (9) cent tax increase.
The motion for approval of the Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Budget, as presented, was carried by a
roll call vote of seven (7) yes (Neil, Lewis, Cole, Polce, Hare, Lindell, and Slavin), one (1) no
(Anderson), and one (1) absent (Sudler).
Mr. Slavin reminded everyone that the First Reading of the 2018/2019 City of Dover Budget
Ordinances was scheduled for June 11, 2018, and the Final Reading and Council action would take
place on June 25, 2018.
Mr. Neil moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hare and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
TRACI A. McDOWELL
CITY CLERK
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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING - BUDGET REVIEW MAY 29, 2018 PAGE 6
All ordinances, resolutions, motions, and orders adopted by City Council during their Special
Meeting of May 29, 2018, are hereby approved.
ROBIN R. CHRISTIANSEN
MAYOR
/TM
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Exhibits
Exhibit #1 - Poster depicting the “D.O.V.E.R.” acronym
Exhibit #2 - Poster of the City’s mission statement
Exhibit #3 - Handout entitled “City of Dover, Draft Budget - Fiscal Year 2018/2019, Challenges Going Forward”
Exhibit #4 - Handout entitled “City of Dover, Comparative Personnel Table”
Exhibit #5 - Copies of the “City of Dover, Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study,” the Council Committee of the
Whole/Utility Committee minutes of July 12, 2018, as well as the “Annual Expenditures Summary and
Budget Projections, Stormwater Utility”
Paj 7
EXHIBIT #1
Special Council Meeting - Budget Review of 05/29/2018
DOVER Employees providing
COMMUNITY SERVICE,
PUBLIC SAFETY and PUBLIC UTILITIES
D
O
V
E
R
Paj 8
EXHIBIT #2
Special Council Meeting - Budget Review of 05/29/2018
The City of Dover is a place where
people want to live! Through the
team effort of its elected officials,
employees and citizens, Dover is a
clean and safe community, with a
future of balanced growth and
opportunity where all citizens are
heard, enjoy a high quality of life,
and diversity is valued.
Paj 9
EXHIBIT #3
Special Council Meeting - Budget Review of 05/29/2018
City of Dover
Draft Budget - Fiscal Year 2018/2019
Challenges Going Forward
Statistics
2000 2009 2019
Square Acres 14,379 14,905 15,192
+150 Garrison Oak Technical Park
+12 Shutte Park
Facilities unavailable 115,940 166,102
+ New Library, less old library
+ Pitts Center, less Dover Park
Parks
Major 3 3 3
Minor 22 22 25
Streets (miles) 148 159 169
Water Utility
Wells 21 22 21
Water Towers 6 6 7
Mains (linear miles) 157 216 225
Meters 11,004 unavailable 12,556
Wastewater
Pump Stations 33 42 44
Mains (linear miles) 140 185 191
Electric
Substations 14 14 14
Service area (sq. miles) unavailable 68 68
O/H Distribution lines (linear miles) unavailable 217 179
U/G Distribution lines (linear miles) unavailable 262 287
Paj 10
EXHIBIT #4
FY 2019 DRAFT ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET - DOVER, DELAWARE
Special Council Meeting -
Budget Review of 05/29/2018
City of Dover
Comparative
Personnel Table
2001-2000 2009-2010 2018-2019 FY00 vs. FY19 FY10 vs. FY19
DEPT/DIVISION
BUDGET BUDGET PROPOSED CHANGE CHANGE
CITY CLERK 3.0 4.0 4.0 1.0 0.0
CITY MANAGER 2.0 5.0 5.0 3.0 0.0
CUSTOMER SERVICES 16.0 15.0 16.0 0.0 1.0
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 (3.0)
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT 9.0 12.0 5.0 (4.0) (7.0)
FINANCE 6.0 8.0 8.0 2.0 0.0
FIRE DEPARTMENT 6.0 6.0 5.0 (1.0) (1.0)
FLEET MAINTENANCE 4.0 6.0 6.0 2.0 0.0
GROUNDS 12.0 16.0 13.0 1.0 (3.0)
HUMAN RESOURCES 3.0 4.0 3.0 0.0 (1.0)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 7.0 8.0 4.0 (3.0) (4.0)
CODE ENFORCEMENT 0.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 0.0
INSPECTIONS 11.0 7.0 6.0 (5.0) (1.0)
LIFE SAFETY 0.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 (1.0)
LIBRARY 13.0 17.5 13.0 0.0 (4.5)
MAYOR 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0
PARKS AND RECREATION 6.0 5.0 9.0 3.0 4.0
PLANNING & CDBG 3.0 7.0 6.0 3.0 (1.0)
POLICE - CIVILIAN 29.0 29.0 33.0 4.0 4.0
POLICE - LAW ENFORCEMENT 81.0 90.0 101.0 20.0 11.0
PROCUREMENT AND INVENTORY 7.0 8.0 5.0 (2.0) (3.0)
PUBLIC WORKS - ADMINISTRATION 3.0 4.0 6.0 3.0 2.0
PUBLIC WORKS - ENGINEERING 2.0 3.0 3.0 1.0 0.0
PUBLIC WORKS - CONSTRUCTION & INSPECTION 14.5 0.0 3.0 (11.5) 3.0
SANITATION 13.0 13.0 10.0 (3.0) (3.0)
STREETS 12.0 11.0 8.0 (4.0) (3.0)
TAX ASSESSOR 2.0 4.5 3.0 1.0 (1.5)
GENERAL FUND AND CDBG TOTAL 265.5 296.0 284.0 30.5 (12.0)
ELECTRIC ADMINISTRATION 3.0 4.0 3.0 0.0 (1.0)
ELECTRIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS 4.0 5.0 5.0 1.0 0.0
ELECTRIC ENGINEERING 15.0 12.5 10.0 (5.0) (2.5)
ELECTRIC T & D 34.5 27.0 24.0 (10.5) (3.0)
ELECTRIC TREE TRIMMING 5.0 0.0 0.0 (5.0) 0.0
METER READING - CUSTOMER SERVICE 5.0 4.0 4.0 (1.0) 0.0
ELECTRIC FUND TOTAL 66.5 52.5 46.0 (14.0) (6.5)
WATER/WASTEWATER ENGINEERING 0.0 8.0 5.0 5.0 (3.0)
WATER CONSTRUCTION 0.0 7.0 0.0 0.0 (7.0)
WATER MANAGEMENT 8.5 5.0 7.0 (1.5) 2.0
WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT 8.5 11.0 10.0 1.5 (1.0)
WATER TREATMENT PLANT 4.0 10.0 13.0 9.0 3.0
METER READING - CUSTOMER SERVICE 2.0 0.0 0.0 (2.0) 0.0
WATER/WASTEWATER FUND TOTAL 23.0 41.0 35.0 18.0 (6.0)
TOTAL FULL-TIME PERSONNEL 355.0 389.5 365.0 34.5 (24.5)
*101 Officers; 33 Civilians - 134 Total Employees
2009-2010 2009-2010 2018-2019
DEPT/DIVISION
BUDGET BUDGET PROPOSED CHANGE CHANGE
PART-TIME PERSONNEL
CITY CLERK 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES 17.0 17.0 17.0 0.0 0.0
CITY MANAGER 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
PLANNING COMMISSION 14.0 14.0 14.0 0.0 0.0
FIRE (5 On Call Dispatchers) 0.0 0.0 5.0 0.0 5.0
PARKS AND RECREATION 14.0 14.0 14.0 0.0 0.0
LIBRARY (w/ 3 CADETS) 12.0 12.0 22.0 0.0 10.0
POLICE CADET PROGRAM 0.0 0.0 6.0 0.0 6.0
PROCUREMENT AND INVENTORY 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 1.0
CUSTOMER SERVICES 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
METER READING - CUSTOMER SERVICE 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 1.0
HUMAN RESOURCES 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 2.0
SUBSTANCE ABUSE GRANT 10.0 10.0 10.0 0.0 0.0
TOTAL PART-TIME PERSONNEL 67.0 67.0 92.0 0.0 25.0
TOTAL PERSONNEL 422.0 456.5 457.0 34.5 0.5
Paj 11
EXHIBIT #5
Special Council Meeting - Budget Review of 05/29/2018
City of Dover
Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study
Council Committee of the Whole
Slide 1
Paj 12
This Evening’s Presentation
Answer the Following Questions:
What is a stormwater utility?
Where are they being used?
Why is the City considering one?
What steps have been taken so far?
Describe the Existing Situation
Enterprise funds and rate determinations
Property characteristics
Levels of service
Provide Potential Stormwater Utility Structure
Preliminary rates and credits
Assumptions
Fee examples
Slide 2
Paj 13
Rain is natural….
Slide 3
Paj 14
Stormwater is manmade….
Slide 4
Paj 15
Unmanaged Stormwater
Overtaxes built drainage infrastructure
Causes drainage problems and flooding
Damages public and private property
Erodes streambanks and pollutes waterways
Increases water treatment costs
Slide 5
Paj 16
A Stormwater Utility Fund Is…
Stable – Funding does not fluctuate year to year based
on prior years’ occurrences.
Adequate – Determined by actual expenditures plus
projected future needs.
Flexible – Rates can be adjusted as conditions warrant.
Equitable – Cost is borne by the user based on demand
placed on the drainage system.
Utilities were recommended by Governor
Minner’s Task Force in 2006 as funding vehicle
for a comprehensive approach to drainage.
Slide 6
Paj 17
Where Are Stormwater Utilities
Being Used?
Nearly 1,500 exist in U.S. and Canada
Forty states have at least one
Six states have 100 or more
Average and mean populations – 73,900 and 19,200
Source: 2014 Stormwater Utility Survey – Western Kentucky University
Slide 7
Paj 18
Where Are Stormwater Utilities
Being Used?
Stormwater utility activities in Delaware
Wilmington and Lewes BPW in place (2006 and 2010)
Newark currently investigating
New Castle County initiated but did not complete
Slide 8
Paj 19
Why Is the City Considering a
Stormwater Utility?
Address increasing NPDES compliance costs
City needs a compliance-based utility
Provide resources for under-funded programs
Downtown development / watershed-level evaluations
Capital program / system optimization
Comprehensive O&M program / proactive approach
Decrease reliance on General Fund appropriations
No longer adequate to support programs
Results in competing with dissimilar services
Equitable approach fairer to all
Slide 9
Paj 20
Why Is the City Considering a
Stormwater Utility
Recommendation 6 from Part III – Plan Goals: Utilities
from 2008 Comprehensive Plan
“Determine the Feasibility of Implementing a
Stormwater Utility within the City of Dover”
Nutrient Reducing Recommendation 9 – Stormwater
Utility from St. Jones River Pollution Control Strategy
“A stormwater utility should be implemented to
generate a stable source of funding for stormwater
management within the watershed”
Slide 10
Paj 21
What Steps Have Been Taken to
Date?
Obtained Grant from DNREC to Offset ½ of Study Costs
Assessed City Programs and Expenditures
Evaluated Property and System Mapping
Developed Spreadsheet Model
Calculation of potential rates
Evaluation of various credit opportunities
Sensitivity analysis of options
Slide 11
Paj 22
What Steps Have Been Taken to
Date?
Public outreach
Citizen survey (continuous since August 12, 2015)
Fact sheets (placed on website August 6, 2015)
Stormwater 101 presentation (placed on website August 6, 2015)
Improved website information based on recommendations
Slide 12
Paj 23
Enterprise Funds and Rates
Water and Wastewater Fund
Meter flows and divide total into costs to establish rates
Assess resulting fees on thousand gallon basis
Electric Fund
Meter usage and divide total into costs to establish rates
Assess resulting fees on per kilowatt basis
Stormwater Fund
Cannot meter – need different approach
Assess fees on surrogate basis
Slide 13
Paj 24
Stormwater Utility Rates
Primary Foundation
Direct correlation exists between imperviousness and impact
Must Be Equitable
Property owners’ fee proportional to impact on system
Not Administratively Burdensome
Time consuming to determine impact for every lot
Use tiers for single-family lots (80% of total parcels in Dover)
Use square footage for others (83% of total impervious area
in Dover)
Slide 14
Paj 25
Stormwater Utility Rates
= 1 ERU
(Equivalent Runoff Unit)
2,200 square feet in Dover
Residential
= 40 ERUs (less credit)
Commercial
Slide 15
Paj 26
Existing Property Characteristics
Single-family Lots
Tier 1
RG-1, RG-2, RG-3, and RM-1 zoning districts
Average imperviousness = 2,164 square feet
Rounded to 2,200 square feet = 1.0 ERU
Tier 2
RM-2, R-7, and R-8 zoning districts
Average imperviousness = 3,060 square feet or 1.4 ERUs
Tier 3
R-10, R-15, and R-20 zoning districts
Average imperviousness = 4,850 square feet or 2.2 ERUs
Slide 16
Paj 27
Existing Property Characteristics
All Lots
Commercial 36,385,000 ft2 or 25%
Dover Air Force Base 34,611,000 ft2 or 23%
Office / Institutional 23,855,000 ft2 or 16%
Single-family residential lots 23,844,000 ft2 or 16%
Industrial / Manufacturing 13,971,000 ft2 or 9%
Multi-family and other R Districts 10,783,000 ft2 or 7%
Mobile Home Parks 2,803,000 ft2 or 2%
Agricultural / Open Space 2,204,000 ft2 or 2%
Slide 17
Paj 28
Existing Property Characteristics
Tax-Exempt Parcels
Dover AFB 34,611,000 sq. ft.
State-owned 6,711,000 sq. ft.
College / University 4,966,000 sq. ft.
Primary or Secondary Education 3,268,000 sq. ft.
City-owned 3,045,000 sq. ft.
Miscellaneous / Unknown 2,727,000 sq. ft.
Religious Organization 2,359,000 sq. ft.
Dover Housing Authority 768,000 sq. ft.
Federally-owned 521,000 sq. ft.
County-owned 475,000 sq. ft.
Health Care Facilities 261,000 sq. ft.
Private / HOAs 228,000 sq. ft.
Slide 18
Paj 29
Levels of Service
Existing Services
27 employees with varying percentages of dedicated time
Public Works (Streets Division / GIS / Engineering / Administration)
Planning and Inspections
53 vehicles or pieces of equipment
About $375,000 in value
Over $1 million on capital projects per year
Tar Ditch project major undertaking
Slide 19
Paj 30
Levels of Service
Existing Asset Information
INFRASTRUCTURE QTY ACTIVITY (2015) QTY
Inspected .79 mi
Stormwater Pipe 90 mi
Cleaned .62 mi
Repaired 19
Stormwater Structures 5,842
Cleaned 496
Stormwater Outfalls 653 Inspected 33
Stormwater Open Channels 9.3 mi Cleaned 1.2 mi
Stormwater Management
19 Rehabilitated 6
Facilities
Stormwater Management
19 Maintained* 14
Facilities
* - Stormwater Management Facilities which are maintained by City staff.
Slide 20
Paj 31
Levels of Service
“Compliance” Services
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS EXISTING (2015) COMPLIANCE 2016 - 2020
City-wide Storm System Asset Not required 20% per year of stormwater structures
Management and Inspection
Public Outreach Website, Flyers Pre- and Post-Surveys and education
campaign; website enhancements
Employee Training 1 Training/Year Multiple training sessions; specialized
training based on job class; enhanced
record keeping
Wet Weather Monitoring 2 Industrial Sites (semi- 2 Industrial Sites and 5 Outfalls (semi-
annual) annually)
Stormwater Management Not required New for 2016 - 2020
Performance Monitoring Plan
Outfall Monitoring 5% of Infrastructure 20% of Infrastructure
Construction of Stormwater Not required Reduce pollutants (nitrogen,
Management Facilities to address phosphorus, bacteria) per permit
pollutants
Slide 21
Paj 32
Levels of Service
“Optimum” Services
Maintenance of Privately-owned SWM Basins
Residential only / in conjunction with credits program
Relieve lay people from responsibility
Better assure water quantity and quality control
Slide 22
Paj 33
Levels of Service
“Optimum” Services
Future Capital Projects
Additional Street, Concrete & Alley Program
City Hall/Dover Library Conveyance System
Drainage Ditch System- Fox Hall, Puncheon Run,
White Oak Road
Water Street, Reed Street, and State Street Flooding
The Greens of Dover / Lamplighter Lane
Police Station Basin Retrofit
Persimmon Park Place
Lynnhaven Drive
Slide 23
Paj 34
Preliminary Rates and Credits
Existing Program $2.75 / ERU / month
Compliance Level of Service $3.25 / ERU / month
Optimum Level of Service $8.50 / ERU / month
Paying into HOA with SWM Facility 33% Credit
On-site SWM Facility (Non-residential) 33% Credit
Pollution Prevention Plan (Non-residential) 25% Credit
Others to be determined (not included in calculations)
Slide 24
Paj 35
Variables That Affect Rates
Exemptions None other than Dover AFB
Impervious cover cap 2,000,000 sq. ft. assumed
Inflation / escalation rates 2% assumed
Allowances for mapping discrepancies
“Filters” for single-family uses in multi-family zones
Slide 25
Paj 36
Fee Examples
Layout Legend
ERU base rate Compliance Level Rate
ERU tier rate Compliance Level Rate (based on Tier Group 1, 2, or 3)
ERUs Equivalent Residential Units for Commercial, Office, and
Industrial Examples
Credit 1 Paying into HOA with SWM Facility (33%)
Credit 2 Non Residential On-site SWM Facility (33%)
Credit 3 Non Residential Pollution Prevention Plan (25%)
Final fee* $2.75 / month Existing Level of Service Fee
$3.25 / month Compliance Level of Service Fee
$8.50 / month Optimum Level of Service Fee
* - To reference the costs breakdown, see slide 24
Slide 26
Paj 37
Fee Examples
Single-Family Residential Lot
Tier 1
ERU factor 1.0
ERU base rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
ERU tier rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
Credit 1 $0.92 / month*
$1.08 / month*
$2.83 / month*
Final fee $1.84 / month
$2.17 / month
$5.67 / month
* If paying into HOA with SWM basin
Slide 27
Paj 38
Fee Examples
Single Family Residential Lot
Tier 2
ERU factor 1.4
ERU base rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
ERU tier rate $3.85 / month
$4.55 / month
$11.90 / month
Credit 1 $1.28 / month*
$1.52 / month*
$3.96 / month*
Final fee $2.57 / month
$3.03 / month
$7.93 / month
* If paying into HOA with SWM basin
Slide 28
Paj 39
Fee Examples
Single Family Residential Lot
Tier 3
ERU factor 2.2
ERU base rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
ERU tier rate $6.05 / month
$7.15 / month
$18.70 / month
Credit 1 $2.02 / month*
$2.38 / month*
$6.23 / month*
Final fee $4.03 / month
$4.77 / month
$12.47 / month
* If paying into HOA with SWM basin
Slide 29
Paj 40
Fee Examples
Commercial
ERUs 1,419
ERU rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
Subtotal $3,902 / month
$4,612 / month
$12,062 / month
Credit $1,301 / month**
$1,537 / month**
$4,020 / month**
Imp. area 6,668,869 ft2 * Final fee $2,601 / month
$3,075 / month
Capped imp area 3,122,510 ft2 *
$8,042 / month
ERU size 2,200 ft2
* Two parcels ** Maintaining SWM basin
Slide 30
Paj 41
Fee Examples
Office/Institutional
ERUs 47
ERU rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
Subtotal $129.25 / month
$152.75 / month
$399.50 / month
Credit $0.00 / month
$0.00 / month
$0.00 / month
Imp. area 103,942 ft2 Final fee $129.25 / month
$152.75 / month
ERU size 2,200 ft2
$399.50 / month
Slide 31
Paj 42
Fee Examples
Office/Institutional
ERUs 329
ERU rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
Subtotal $905 / month
$1,069 / month
$2,797 / month
Credit $302 / month
$356 / month
$932 / month
Imp. area 722,972 ft2 Final fee $603 / month
$713 / month
ERU size 2,200 ft2
$1,865 / month
* Maintaining SWM basin
Slide 32
Paj 43
Fee Examples
Office/Institutional
ERUs 53
ERU rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
Subtotal $145.75 / month
$172.25 / month
$450.50 / month
Credit $0.00 / month
$0.00 / month
$0.00 / month
Imp. area 116,525 ft2 Final fee $145.75 / month
$172.25 / month
ERU size 2,200 ft2
$450.50 / month
Slide 33
Paj 44
Fee Examples
Industrial/Manufacturing
ERUs 576
ERU rate $2.75 / month
$3.25 / month
$8.50 / month
Subtotal $1,584 / month
$1,872 / month
$4,896 / month
Credit $528 / month*
$624 / month*
$1,632 / month*
Imp. area 1,267,590 ft2 Final fee $1,056 / month
$1,248 / month
ERU size 2,200 ft2
$3,264 / month
* Maintaining SWM basin
Slide 34
Paj 45
Thank You!
Slide 35
Paj 46
Contact Information
David Athey
URS Corporation / AECOM
302-781-5900
david.athey@aecom.com
Jason Lyon
Dover Department of Public Works
302-736-7025
jlyon@dover.de.us
Slide 36
Paj 57
City of Dover, Delawre
Annual Expenditures Summary and Budget Projections
Stormwater Utility
Description FY19 FY20 FY21 FY22 FY23
Public Works Department
Director $7,693 $7,924 $8,161 $8,406 $8,658
Public Works Operations Manager $6,646 $6,846 $7,051 $7,263 $7,480
Admin. Assistant $1,955 $2,014 $2,075 $2,137 $2,201
Admin. Assistant $1,795 $1,849 $1,905 $1,962 $2,021
GIS Manager $2,024 $2,084 $2,147 $2,211 $2,277
GIS Technician $1,328 $1,368 $1,409 $1,452 $1,495
Engineer I $20,296 $20,905 $21,532 $22,178 $22,843
DPW Inspector $19,993 $20,593 $21,210 $21,847 $22,502
Environmental Scientist $80,545 $82,961 $85,450 $88,014 $90,654
Water / Wastewater Manager $29,491 $30,376 $31,287 $32,226 $33,193
Construction Manager $11,838 $12,193 $12,559 $12,936 $13,324
Subtotal $183,604 $189,112 $194,786 $200,629 $206,648
Streets Division
Street Supervisor $25,840 $26,615 $27,414 $28,236 $29,083
Crew Leader $30,802 $31,726 $32,678 $33,658 $34,668
Lead Laborer $18,980 $19,550 $20,136 $20,740 $21,363
MEO II (Street Sweeper) $71,362 $73,503 $75,708 $77,979 $80,318
MEO II (Street Sweeper) $58,352 $60,103 $61,906 $63,763 $65,676
Sign / Street Painter $17,840 $18,376 $18,927 $19,495 $20,080
MEO I $13,894 $14,311 $14,741 $15,183 $15,638
MEO I $13,894 $14,311 $14,741 $15,183 $15,638
Subtotal $250,966 $258,495 $266,250 $274,237 $282,464
Material / Services
Street Sweeping Debris $51,200 $52,736 $54,318 $55,948 $57,626
Leaf Mulch $142,000 $146,260 $150,648 $155,167 $159,822
NPDES Element #1 $13,000 $13,390 $13,792 $14,205 $14,632
NPDES Element #2 $75,000 $77,250 $79,568 $81,955 $84,413
NPDES Element #3 $1,000 $1,030 $1,061 $1,093 $1,126
NPDES Element #4 $10,000 $10,300 $10,609 $10,927 $11,255
NPDES Element #5 $6,000 $6,180 $6,365 $6,556 $6,753
Misc. Street Cleaning Supplies $3,000 $3,090 $3,183 $3,278 $3,377
Storm Sewer Supplies $7,500 $7,725 $7,957 $8,195 $8,441
Ditch Maintenance $80,300 $82,709 $85,190 $87,746 $90,378
Industrial Stormwater NPDES Permit Testing $1,500 $1,545 $1,591 $1,639 $1,688
Sweeper Debris Testing $2,000 $2,060 $2,122 $2,185 $2,251
Leaf Collection Temporary Help $20,000 $20,600 $21,218 $21,855 $22,510
NPDES Training - Environmental Scientist $800 $824 $849 $874 $900
Industrial Stormwater NPDES Permit NOI - William St. $200 $206 $212 $219 $225
Industrial Stormwater NPDES Permit NOI - PWII $200 $206 $212 $219 $225
Subtotal $413,700 $426,111 $438,894 $452,061 $465,623
CURRENT OPERATIONS GRAND TOTAL $848,270 $873,718 $899,930 $926,928 $954,735
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Misc. Emergency SW Repairs $73,000 $76,000 $79,000 $82,000 $85,000
Meeting House Branch Improvements $1,100,000
Mirror Lake Drainage Basin Improvements $10,000 $50,000 $350,000
Water Street Flooding Improvements $12,000 $55,000 $500,000
West Street Flooding Improvements $14,000 $60,000
The Greens of Dover / Lamplighter Ln SW Improvements $16,000 $65,000
Reed Street Flooding $18,000
#361 Leaf Vac $70,000
#357 Street Sweeper $200,000
#350 Vac Truck $300,000
Total Capital Projects $1,183,000 $408,000 $148,000 $808,000 $668,000
TOTAL OPERATIONS & CIP COSTS $2,031,270 $1,281,718 $1,047,930 $1,734,928 $1,622,735
5/15/2018 Concept Level Page 1 of 1