SPECIAL
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
A Special Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on December 7, 2009, at 5:30 p.m. with Councilman Hogan presiding in the absence of Chairman Slavin. Members present were Mrs. Russell, Mr. Davis, Mr. Harmon and Chairman Slavin (arrived at 5:41 p.m.). Councilman Ruane and Mayor Carey were also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Due to the unavailability of Mr. Laing, Mr. Hogan requested that Agenda Item #3, Briefing on Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Projects, be removed from the agenda.
Mrs. Russell moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Harmon and unanimously carried.
Presentation - Overview of New Emergency Operations Plan
Mr. Wayne Hutchison, Emergency Management Coordinator, reviewed a presentation entitled “ City of Dover Emergency Operations Plan” (Attachment #1).
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Hutchison stated that the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) passed the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006 to prepare nationally for NIMS compliancy.
In response to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Hutchison confirmed that the City of Dover has an evacuation plan.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Hutchison stated that the reverse 911 system has a defined area when making phone calls about emergencies and that any recorded messages left for residents will be specific. Mr. Hutchison further explained that the State of Delaware has an Emergency Notification System (DENS), where home, work, or cell phone numbers can be registered for notification in the event of an emergency in the area. (City Clerk’s Office Note: The phone number is 1-866-484-3264).
Mr. Slavin commented that he felt that the description that is displayed on caller ID should be more specific, since some people do not answer the phone if they do not know who is calling.
In response to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Hutchison stated that, should a warning need to be issued, it would be the responsibility of the Incident Commander. Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, explained that Mrs. Kay Dietz-Sass, Public Affairs Coordinator, has been involved in training, some at the national level, to become certified in Emergency Management.
Mr. DePrima recognized the efforts of Mr. Hutchison and Officer Paul Bernat regarding the new emergency operations plan.
Proposed Ordinance #2009-28 - Appendix B - Zoning, Article 6 - Off-street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 5 - Supplementary Regulations for Parking and Loading Facilities, Subsection 5.5 - Race Weekend Parking
Mr. Wayne Hutchison, Emergency Management Coordinator, advised members that NASCAR racing is a large sport that draws tens of thousands of people to Dover two weekends each year. Over the past five years, the City has worked hard to improve the crowd management associated with this influx of visitors, as many race patrons camp in Dover in campgrounds owned and managed by Dover International Speedway. Mr. Hutchison stated that in recent years, many non-traditional campgrounds have emerged, including shopping center parking lots and property owners who allow race patrons to park on their property. In order to properly manage the influx of people, cars, and recreational vehicles, staff has proposed that the section of the Zoning Ordinance that addresses parking associated with auto racing events be amended to ensure that passenger vehicle parking areas and campground areas are managed in a way that preserves public health, safety, and welfare. The proposed changes would allow for the Fire Marshal’s Office, Police Department, Code Enforcement Division, and Fire Department to more effectively manage the influx of people and vehicles in the time surrounding the race events.
Mr. Hutchison noted that, currently, property owners wishing to park passenger and/or recreational vehicles are not obligated to notify the City of their intention and, while there has been voluntary cooperation from many property owners, City emergency responders could potentially have no knowledge of a parking or camping location until after the fact or if an emergency occurs. Mr. Hutchison stated that having an ordinance that would require the property owner to obtain a permit from the City prior to parking passenger or recreational vehicles for race events would enable a review of the location and arrangement of such parking areas by the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Emergency Management Coordinator to ensure that means of egress, proper spacing between vehicles, emergency contact numbers, and site identification are provided.
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Hutchison confirmed that all parking areas owned by Dover International Speedway have been mapped; however, there are several “mom and pop” parking areas that need to be mapped out as well to ensure access for emergency apparatus.
In response to Mr. Harmon, Mr. Hutchison explained that there is a fee structure associated with the ordinance; however, there are no penalties at this time.
Responding to Mr. Davis, Mr. Hutchison stated that Home Depot subcontracts the management of their parking lot to another party and that the City has a working relationship with that party.
Mr. Mike Windows from the American Legion Walter L. Fox Post #2, 835 Bay Road, expressed concern about the cost to install crusher run in his parking lot to accommodate campers. Responding, Mr. David Truax, Fire Marshal, stated that weather conditions could impact the surface of the camping area and could create access issues for fire and emergency apparatus. He further stated that he would work with the owners of the parking areas on a case by case basis.
In response to Mr. William Hare, 23 Woodburn Circle, Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, stated that the fee structure includes only RV’s, not cars; however, the ordinance addresses parking locations of vehicles.
Mr. Hogan moved to recommend adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2009-28 with SA#1 (Attachment #2), seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.
Briefing on City of Dover Projects
Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Services Manager, provided a briefing on City of Dover Projects, as follows:
Wyoming Mill Road Project
Mr. Koenig indicated that the design engineering phase of the project continues and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has identified a number of areas where they would like to secure permanent easements. He noted that they would be meeting with property owners for discussion.
Mr. Koenig advised members that DelDOT is working through requirements with the National Preservation Act with regards to federal funding on highway projects. He noted that there is a funding gap and advised members that he has asked Senator Thomas Carper to earmark $700,000 to $800,000, in addition to the $1,500,000 already earmarked for this project. The additional funds are needed due to increased construction costs and more federal requirements. Mr. Koenig stated that he assumes that the additional earmarked funds will be approved and the project should begin during the construction season of 2010.
Mr. Koenig stated that several constituents have talked to State Representatives regarding safety corridor concerns, including traffic volumes. He further noted that the Wyoming Mill Road Project is the number one transportation priority for City staff.
Briefing on Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Projects
Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Executive Director of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), stated that her organization will be working with the City Planning Staff regarding the City of Dover bicycle/pedestrian plan.
Ms. Wieczoreck advised members that the MPO is working on a preliminary investigation of the feasibility of extending the service road from Scarborough Road to Leipsic Road down to White Oak Road to create more southern access to Route 1.
Mr. Davis moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Hogan and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy A. Slavin
Chairman
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - City of Dover Emergency Operations Plan
Attachment #2 - Proposed Ordinance #2009-28