SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Special Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on March 24, 2009, at 6:05 p.m. with Chairman Leary presiding. Mrs. Russell, Mr. Slavin, and Mr. Davis were present. Mr. Link was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Davis moved to place agenda item #3 - Follow-up to Discussion of Dangerous/Vacant Building Standards/Process as the last item on the agenda. Mr. Slavin moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.
Presentation - Delaware Bike Summit
Mrs. Kate Layton, Planner for the Dover/Kent MPO, announced that the Dover/Kent MPO, along with the Delaware Department of Transportation, the Wilmington Area Planning Council, and the Delaware Bike Council have planned the Delaware Bike Summit to be held on Friday, April 24, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at DelTech Terry Campus, lunch will be provided. There is no cost for the summit and it is open to everyone, not just bicyclists. The forum will include experts from around the country discussing ways to make the State of Delaware more bicycle friendly and to fit bicycles into the transportation plan. Any interested parties can register (required) by calling 302-760-2453 or online at www.bike.deldot.gov.
Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Layton stated there will be no bicycle demonstrations.
Stimulus Funding for the Police Department
Members were provided information regarding the Recovery Act: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program (Attachment #1). Funds from this grant may be used for state and local initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, information systems for criminal justice, and criminal justice-related research and evaluation activities that will improve or enhance Law Enforcement programs.
Major Ray Taraila, Jr., Deputy Chief of Police, stated that the Police Department was notified of the grant on February 14, 2009 and had thirty (30) days to submit the application. Of the $390,329 awarded to Kent County, $294,831 was designated for the Dover Police Department. The funds will be used to replace and outfit eight (8) patrol cars, equipment for unforeseen purchases, and foot and saturation control.
Major Taraila stated that the application for the Cops Grant is due in mid April; however, Chief Horvath has not decided whether or not to apply since the Police Department is currently fully staffed. He noted that there is the potential to lose three (3) to four (4) people to retirement by June 30, 2009.
Mr. Davis moved to recommend authorizing the Police Department to move forward with the Recovery Act: Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program: Local Solicitation, seconded by Mr. Slavin and unanimously carried.
Responding to Mr. Slavin, Major Taraila stated that the allocation of funds was determined by population and crime data.
Authorization to Apply for One (1) Dispatcher Position Through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program
On March 23, 2009, the Police Department was made aware of another aspect of the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, which includes funds for non sworn personnel.
In 1998, after construction and remodeling, Dover Police Dispatchers moved into their new 911 dispatch center and became a primary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). The PSAP was staffed 24/7 by dispatchers on four different shifts in order to provide around the clock service. Three of the four shifts were staffed with three dispatchers; however, the 4th shift was staffed with only two dispatchers. The minimum staffing of the PSAP requires two dispatchers working in order to handle the volume of calls, which causes a hardship for the two person shift each time one of the two dispatchers is scheduled off, away at training, or ill. Each time this happens, a dispatcher from another shift needs to be called in and, subsequently, either rescheduled time off or paid overtime. With the approval and hiring of the 12th dispatcher, the City will realize a savings from the reduction in required overtime compensation.
Dispatchers are required to work rotating shift work which can be stressful. The constant changing of schedules in order to accommodate the short shift contributes to the stress and burnout of personnel. The workload for dispatch has increased proportionally with the growth of the City of Dover and calls for service and, yet, the authorized strength has remained at 11 since 1998. Dispatchers are also responsible for the Police Department Mobile command post and work additional duties outside the Department, such as the Delaware State University homecoming weekend events, Dover Downs Race Weekends, and emergency events requiring S.O.R.T. and C.N.T.
Effective this spring, with the available new technology, the Dover Police PSAP will start receiving the cellular 911 calls that were previously received by Kent County Communications. This will be an increase in the workload for our PSAP. Funding for cellular 911 calls goes to the State of Delaware E-911 Board. Dover Police does not receive these funds directly; however the board has provided funding for our Computer Aided Dispatch system, and other operating expenses.
Dover Police have regularly requested the addition of a 12th dispatcher through the budget process; however the request has regularly been denied due to budget constraints. The hiring of civilian staff in Law Enforcement and Public Safety-related Agencies is provided by the Recovery Act Byrne Grant Funding with application due on or before April 27, 2009. Specifically, we may request for up to two years funding with no match, and there is no retention requirement. If approved and awarded, we would obviously like to retain this position, however if we were to lose it after the grant period, we would ask that the position be eliminated through normal attrition.
The dispatcher’s job is stressful and the average dispatcher usually works several years and then transfers to other positions within the City or finds outside employment. Currently, there are two dispatchers actively seeking other employment.
Staff requested support or approval in order to proceed with preparing this competitive grant to be submitted for consideration.
Responding to Mr. Davis, Major Taraila stated that funds from the $294,831 could be used for increased policing during public events and that funds could not overlap with the Cops Program.
Since this information was just presented this evening, Mr. Slavin suggested that it be referred to the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee on April 13, 2009, with no recommendation, and then directly to Council the same evening.
Mr. Slavin moved to refer the Request for Authorization to Apply for One (1) Dispatcher Position Through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program to the Legislative, Finance, and Administration Committee on April 13, 2009 with no recommendation, and that it be forwarded to Council the same evening. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.
Proposed Resolution No. 2009-04 Calling for an Improved National Rail Policy
During their meeting of February 10, 2009, members reviewed Proposed Resolution No. 2009-04 that calls upon the Congressional delegation and the entire United States Congress to support the Railroad Competition and Service Improvement Act of 2007 (H.R.2125/S. 772) which would strengthen the freight rail system for the next century. Due to concerns regarding the reference to supporting The Railroad Competition and Service Improvement Act of 2007 and being unaware of the National League of Cities position regarding this matter, the item was tabled to allow further review.
Mr. Slavin moved to remove the item from the table, seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.
Mr. Slavin moved that proposed Resolution No. 2009-04 (Attachment #2) be forwarded to Council with no recommendation, seconded by Ms. Russell and unanimously carried.
Responding to concerns expressed by Mrs. Russell and Mr. Davis, Mr. Leary stated that the matter would be discussed with Mr. Wright of the Delaware League of Local Governments (City Clerk’s Office Note, Mr. Wright stated he had no prior knowledge of this item; however, he would address it at the April League Meeting).
Proposed Resolution No. 2009-05 - Delaware Alliance for Safe Roads - Truck Weight
During their meeting of February 10, 2009, members reviewed proposed Resolution No. 2009-05 - Delaware Alliance for Safe Roads - Truck Weight, proposing the continuance of existing limits on truck size and weight, as well as letters to Senator Thomas R. Carper and Congressman Michael Castle. At the request of the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks, members considered a draft proposed Resolution in support of S.3021 Safe Truck and Operations and Preservations Act, which aims to maintain the current limit of 80,000 pounds for tractor trailer trucks on Interstate highways in place and establish a maximum length of 53 feet for trucks, both of which will improve safety and prevent excessive strain on the nations's roads, tunnels, and bridges and extend that to the National Highway System.
In order to review the material further before taking a position or developing a recommendation for City Council, the item was deferred until March 24, 2009.
Mr. Slavin moved to table the item, seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.
Mr. Leary stated that this item should be discussed with Mr. Wright from the Delaware League of Local Governments (City Clerk’s Office Note, Mr. Wright stated he had no prior knowledge of this item; however, he would address it at the April League Meeting).
Briefing on DelDOT Projects - Gary Laing
Mr. Gary Laing, Community Relations Officer for DelDOT and Public Relations Liaison, provided members a briefing on DelDOT Projects, as follows:
The West Dover Connector
This project was dormant for two years and is about to pick up again. They are at the point of going to regulatory agencies with five preferred alternatives. DelDOT is not reconvening the working groups because there are public officials, etc. that are no longer in office, it would take too much time and money to retrain new members of the working group. There will be public workshops with the preferred alternatives.
South Governors Avenue Improvements
Mr. Laing stated this item is moving forward due to a mild winter and the lack of lost days. New beams have been set in place at the bridge. Work is being performed on the retaining walls. The channel bed fill in puncheon stream has been placed and the stream is back at full flow. Tie ins at Webbs Lane for drainage should be complete this week, all drainage south of the bridge should be completed within two weeks. Water service tie in south of the bridge is pending final bacteria testing. Ties in for underground utilities south of bridge will occur after old main is abandoned. Completion and reopening of South Governors avenue is anticipated for late spring, early summer (pending weather conditions). Mr. Laing complemented the contractor crews for working in cold temperatures, they did a good job and kept the project on track. The working group is still meeting 2nd Tuesday of each month in cafeteria of hospital. These working groups are for businesses with issues regarding DelDot projects.
Signalization Project
Mr. Laing commented that this should be removed from future agendas as it was completed last June. In response to Mr. Slavin, Mr. Laing stated that the signalization has been turned off and has gone back to original configuration, it has not been abandoned, but is complex. When there are not parallel one ways, there is blockage with traffic flow. Responding to Mr. Slavin, downtown merchants should be told that there was a bit of improvement in flow of traffic, all of the intersections are in compliant with ADA Regulations. Mr. Slavin went on to state that for years signalization was a number one priority, and now we have a system were are not using. Responding, Mr. Laing states that we are trying to retrofit a traffic signal system in a downtown area that was put on paper 200-300 years ago. There is not a whole lot of space to work with and have to work within that context. Would be a lot easier to go with parallel one way streets, but Loockerman Street would be very difficult as well as Division Street. Vehicle speeds will increase as there would not be turn lanes. Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mr. Laing stated that countdowns at Loockerman and State were not installed because of increased cost, each individual one is hundreds of dollars more. They have been installed at some locations in the State but because of cost there has to be a very audible need, i.e. visually impaired and very wide street. Will be a gradual process. Responding to Mrs Russell, the intersection is not a standard intersection which makes it tough on pedestrians and there is no safety island for pedestrians. DelDot has a section on their website were you can nominate a place for installation of countdowns.
Water Street Railroad Crossover
Mr. Laing does not anticipate this happening anytime soon. Railroad wants to eliminate at grade crossing as with the amount of traffic there is potential for a collision between a vehicle and the train.
Briefing on MPO Projects
Mrs. Kate Layton, Planner for the Dover/Kent County MPO explained that the Transit Center has a section that is not strictly for transportation, as there is a complex set of federal rules on how stimulus money is spent. DelDot might have to find other funding for the building part of the Transit Center. The money could be used for bus lanes, ground work, circulation system for all of the buses, move bus depot from water street to George and Lynch. Responding to Mr. Davis, Ms. Layton stated that along with the Ambulance Center, there is a small amount of retail space that is not transportation related.
Ms. Layton went on to mention the TIP Tour on to April 4, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a light lunch provided. The tour will start, break for lunch and end at Del-Tech. The tour will include Smyrna, Dover, and sections into Milford and consist of Carter Road, Duck Creek Road, Grade separations along sections of Route 1, Wyoming Mill Road, Eden Hill, Clarence Street Extension and the West Dover Connector. Responding to Mrs. Russell, participants will be transported by Charter Bus that is handicap accessible.
Ms. Layton inquired about the Dover/Kent County MPO and the City of Dover partnering to have a Walkable Communities Workshop. The last one was held in Dover in April 2005 at the Archives Building and consisted of discussion of sidewalk improvements, handicap accessibility, pavement restriping at crosswalks, landscape projects, parking lots, subdivision annexations and street improvements. Responding to Mr. Leary, Ann Marie stated she would work with the Dover/Kent County MPO on this project and report back to the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee on the progress.
Follow-up to Discussion of Dangerous/Vacant Building Standards/Process
During their meeting of September 23, 2008, members reviewed the dangerous building standards/process and the vacant building standards/process. Due to the lack of a quorum, members requested that the item be brought back at a later date for further discussion.
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, City Planner presented a map (Attachment #3) notating parcels (in red) that are registered vacant buildings. Since 2006 when the Dangerous/Vacant Building Ordinance was adopted, there have been 120 properties registered. Of those 120, 58 have either been demolished or re-occupied with something else. The Planning and Inspections office become more proactive with placing a bill along with the renewals that are sent out and if the property owner has claimed exemption, placing the burden of proof on them. 47 renewal notices were mailed the first week of March , 25 were billed for a one year renewal fee of $250.00 and 22 were billed for $500 which is for more than one year, less than two years. The renewals are due March 31, 2009 and 7 have been received so far. Staff is also working with Customer Service and Donna Mitchell to place unpaid fees on the tax bills of property owners so that lien may be placed on the property with unpaid renewal fees. All of the inspectors have been given goals of how many vacant buildings have to be inspected, Mrs. Townshend expects 15 - 20 inspections during this fiscal year. Once the inspections have taken place, an update will be given. Responding to Ms. Slavin, Mrs. Townshend stated that property owners have registered agent to make sure property is maintained so that they don’t become a blithe to the neighborhood. Responding to Mr. Leary, Mrs. Townshend stated there were detailed meetings on how to go about the amount of vacant buildings that are to be inspected and how it is going to be done. In the past couple of years there has been in increase of inspections from 200-200 to over 900. Responding to Mrs. Russell, this is the first year that unpaid fee is on tax bills, hoping this will be incentive to register the properties, she went on to say that she visited a round table discussion in Wilmington and was amazed at how many staff that Wilmington has. They have dedicated inspectors and office staff just for dangerous/vacant buildings. The City of Dover Inspectors do the inspections and then come back to the office and do their own correspondence/follow up.
Mrs. Townshend went on to say that at the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee’s meeting of September 23, 2008, during a discussion pertaining to implementation of the Dangerous Building (Chapter 22, Article XI) and Vacant Building (Chapter 22, Article XII) sections of Dover Code, questions were asked regarding inspections of commercial buildings. These properties are inspected every year. Based on Dover Code, Chapter 46 Fire Prevention and Protection, Article IV Public Occupancies, the Fire Marshal is charged with inspecting public occupancy structures as follows:
Are fire lanes visible?
Is Fire Department Connection accessible and marked?
Does it have the proper Knox Box keys?
If the building has fixed fire protection, is it operational, and has it had an annual inspection?
Is the means of egress free of obstructions?
Are exit signs working?
Is emergency lighting working?
General maintenance of the property
Although the Fire Marshal’s inspection is based on fire/life safety items, they will look at the general maintenance of the property and if they see something plainly obvious, such as trash, etc. it will be referred to the Planning and Inspections Department. Responding to Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Townshend stated that fire hydrants within the right of way are property and responsibility of the City of Dover, if there is a fire hydrant not working, it should be brought to the attention of the Utility Department. Briefing on City of Dover Projects - Wyoming Mill Road Projects
Mr. Koenig, Public Services Manager, advised members that he has responded to a request from the congressional delegation on projects that may be eligible for funding for the next Presidential Budget. Supplemental funding was requested for Wyoming Mill Road related to grading issues of the stranded land once the road was realigned, removal of old road bed, and restoration of right of way. A response to this request has not been received. Preliminary survey work has been received from the consulting firm and design plans are expected in the next four to six weeks, with construction tentatively scheduled for early spring of next year.
Mr. Gary Laing of DelDOT announced that DelDOT, in and effort to save money, DelDOT began in house virtual workshops, which cost a few hundred dollars versus a public workshop that costs thousands of dollars.
Mr. Laing also stated that the month of April is Work Zone Safety Month and on April 8th there will be a memorial service at the Smyrna Rest Stop in memory of the 32 transportation workers who passed away in the line of duty.
Mr. Davis moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Slavin and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas J. Leary
Chairman
TJL/rmr/tam
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Edward Bryne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Jag) Information
Attachment #2 - Proposed Resolution No. 2009-04 Calling for an Improved National Rail Policy
Attachment #3 - Vacant Building Registration & License History Map