Abandoned oil tank costs Dover $40,000

DOVER — The plan to expand Chestnut Street by the new Orpheum Apartments building under construction hit a $40,000 snag last year when contractors uncovered an abandoned 500-gallon tank buried in the soil.

The removal of the tank in September and subsequent remediation of the soil has already been completed. But at its meeting Wednesday, the Dover City Council authorized the payment of that bill by repurposing unexpended money from a previously completed public works project.

According to StoneHill Environmental that documented the removal and remediation of the tank, it was located on the edge of Chestnut Street within the city-owned right of way. The container that held heating oil was found during the installation of underground utilities for the new construction project undertaken by Cathartes.

To authorize the payment, the council voted unanimously to amend their previous contract with Fulcrum Associates for the realignment of the southern portion of Chestnut Street at the intersection of Washington Street. The council approved the original agreement with Fulcrum last year for $778,508 for the realignment. Fulcrum is also the general contractor for the new Orpheum building.

Part of the redevelopment of the former Robbins block site included a land swap between Cathartes and the city to allow the city to widen Chestnut Street that would somewhat straighten the intersection. Because of how narrow Chestnut Street was and currently is, no left turns are permitted. When the realignment occurs, a new right turning lane would be added, and the lane to go straight through the intersection would be revamped to allow a left-hand turn as well.

Assistant City Manager Christopher Parker said in an interview the Chestnut Street intersection would not be a mirror image, which was the plan from the outset when it was proposed to the council in the summer of 2017. There still will be a bit of a weave traversing through the intersection, but Parker contends it will operate more efficiently. The utility poles have to be relocated as part of the project and new, smart traffic lights that can be reprogrammed on the fly, will also be installed. The project is anticipated to begin later this spring, Parker said.

In other council news, the board also established its expectation for the city manager this year. The six-point list includes:

• Ensure overall municipal service delivery remains responsive to needs of community and that response time to citizen concerns is reasonable.

• Ensure overall municipal services meet and/or exceed the highest industry standards given the resources available.

• Effectively communicate with the community, and provide leadership in the implementation of the city’s master plan.

• Maintain and strengthen the financial stability of the municipality to include reporting on any financial concerns and addressing them as they may arise during the course of the fiscal year.

• Continue to recruit, retain and support training of employees and volunteers necessary to fulfill service delivery needs of the community.

• Develop strategies and implement programs that encourage the efficient use and preservation of natural resources by municipal services and throughout the community.