SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

 

The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on September 25, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. with Mr. Slavin presiding in the absence of Chairman Hogan. Members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Slavin, and Mr. Link. Mr. Lakeman was absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.

There being no objections, Mr. Slavin requested that item #3 - Kent County Grant Funding Money be considered as item #1 and that item #4 - Update and Assignment of Recommendations of Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee be considered as item #2.

Kent County Grant Funding Money

Chief Horvath, Dover Police Department, advised members that Kent County Levy Court has awarded $250,000 to Law Enforcement Agencies within Kent County Delaware, which is indicated as a one time grant funding source. The portion of the money allocated to the Dover Police Department is $24,500. The Department plans to utilize the money to purchase equipment and to fund two-man foot patrol assignments in three (3) targeted areas of the downtown area.

Staff recommended approval of the disbursement of the one time grant money in the following manner:

Members were advised that upon approval and secured funding, the Police Department will expend the money according to the City’s purchasing policy.

Responding to Mr. Link, Chief Horvath stated that the foot patrol assignments will be provided by officers on police extra duty assignment.

Mr. Link moved to recommend approval of staff’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Update and Assignment of Recommendations of Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee

During the Regular Council Meeting of April 23, 2007, the Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee presented its Final Report and Recommendations. Members were provided the recommendations of the Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee for their review and referral to the appropriate departments for implementation.

Members were provided with an update on the recommendations, as follows:

1.         Sex Crimes Unit. It is recommended that a Sex Crimes Unit be established in the Dover Police Department. This would require adding two Detectives to the Dover Police Department and implementing the unit within the Criminal Investigations section.

Chief Horvath advised members that two (2) additional officers were approved and it is anticipated that they will be hired in March 2008. These officers will be assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit. He indicated that the officers may not necessarily be detectives or assigned, at this time, to the Sex Crimes Unit; however, this may change as this whole unit evolves.

2.         Homeless Ordinance. The City of Dover is encouraged to adopt a “homeless sex offender” ordinance. This ordinance would require that any sex offender registering him- or herself as homeless be required to confirm that registration on a frequent basis at the Dover Police Department.

Chief Horvath advised members that the State of Delaware recently adopted legislation that requires homeless sex offenders to report, as follows: 1) Tier I - every 90 days; 2) Tier II - every 30 days; and 3) Tier III - every 7 days. Therefore, it will not be necessary for the City to adopt a homeless ordinance.

3.         Homeless registration loophole. It is recommended that the General Assembly address the current loophole in state law which allows sex offenders to register as homeless.

Chief Horvath advised members that the State of Delaware recently adopted legislation that requires homeless sex offenders to report, as follows: 1) Tier I - every 90 days; 2) Tier II - every 30 days; and 3) Tier III - every 7 days, which addresses this recommendation.

4.         Longer probation for Tier III. It is recommended that the State of Delaware mandate that all Tier III sex offenders be placed on life time probation, or at least a significantly longer probation period.

Mr. Slavin suggested that this recommendation be forwarded to the State legislators and, as Chairman of the Committee, he requested that the City Clerk prepare an appropriate letter.

5.         Failure to re-register. It is recommended that the State of Delaware implement penalties for failure to re-register as a sex offender be stiffened from the current Class G Felony status.

Mr. Slavin requested that the City Clerk include this recommendation, along with recommendation #4, in the letter to the State legislators.

6.         Driver’s License and Registration. It is recommended that the driver’s license and vehicle registration for all sex offenders be noted on the documentation issued by the State of Delaware.

Currently, Chief Horvath indicated that drivers license provides a “y” under restrictions for sex offenders; however, there is nothing included on the registration card. Mr. Slavin requested that the City Clerk include this recommendation in the letter to the State legislators.

7.         Sex Offender Registry. It is recommended that the State of Delaware include the ability to search the Sex Offender Registry by place of employment, school, and school district.

Chief Horvath stated that all information is available on the registry (www.sexoffender.dsp.delaware.gov) with the exception of the school district; however, there is the ability to search by city which would give an indication of the appropriate school district.

8.         Clearer Pictures for Schools. It is recommended that clear pictures of sex offenders be sent to schools by the Dover Police Department for placement in their notification binders. In order to improve quality of image, it is suggested that e-mail be utilized.

Chief Horvath stated that the Dover Police Department sends school districts a colored photograph of the person via the e-mail.

9.         Notify our Parks. It is recommended that the Dover Police Department notify all city parks and the City Library for all Tier III and Tier II sex offenders in the City.

Chief Horvath assured members that the City Parks and Library are provided all sex offender information.

10.       Notify Bus Drivers. It is recommended that the Dover Police Department develop a strategy to educate school bus drivers on the issue of sex offenders in the community.

Lt. Bernat is currently working on developing a strategy on the way to teach and disseminate information to the public, including bus drivers.

11.       Private Schools. It is recommended that all private schools in the City of Dover maintain a sex offender notification binder at their front desks, similar to those maintained by public schools. It is also recommended that the State of Delaware require private schools to maintain such notification binders.

Chief Horvath stated that private and charter schools located in the City of Dover are now receiving sex offender notifications and were provided an up-to-date binder that included all sex offenders.

12.       Youth Activities Volunteers. It is recommended that all providers of activities for youth in Dover conduct background checks on employees and volunteers. It is also recommended that all educators conduct background checks.

Mr. Slavin requested that Chief Horvath provide details as to what is involved in conducting a background check. He suggested that the City Manager provide assistance by requesting that the Public Information Officer conduct a public information campaign, issue press release, follow-up story, etc.

Chief Horvath suggested the possibility of the City requiring those organizations that utilize City athletic fields and facilities to conduct background checks. Mr. Slavin suggested that the City Manager work with the Parks and Recreation Director in development of a Memorandum of Understanding.

13.       Public Forum. A public forum should be held at the conclusion of the Committee’s work to review the recommendations.

Mr. Slavin requested that the City Clerk schedule a public forum sometime during the latter part of October or during November 2007.

14.       5-in-5 Communication Strategy. The Committee recommends that a “5 in 5” communication strategy be adopted, utilizing five different methods of communicating important issues relative to the issues of sex offenders in our community. Such strategies might include the following:

a.Printed copies of the report will be available, as well as posted on the City’s web site.

Mr. Slavin noted that this has been accomplished.

b.The City of Dover utility bill “stuffers” should be utilized to promulgate important information to citizens on how to become more knowledgeable about the issue of sex offenders in our community.

Mr. Slavin advised members that he has had discussions with the City Manager regarding this recommendation and that it should be accomplished during late October/early November 2007.

c.An email subscription service should be offered by the City and used to communicate information about this issue to citizens.

Mr. Slavin indicated that this has been accomplished through the following Website: www.crimeweb.org

d.The Committee will ask Comcast to sponsor a short message about the Committee’s work, as well as to broadcast the “Safe Side” video.

Mr. Slavin stated that according to discussions with Comcast, they are very much interested in serving as a sponsor and indicated that this recommendation is underway.

e.The Committee will ask school districts to design and use a special “red envelope” approach to sending information home to parents when notification is warranted.

Mr. Slavin requested the City Clerk to include this item on the agenda when the School District/City Council Liaison Committee is appointed.

15.       Police Seminars. The Dover Police Department should hold bi-annual public seminars on the issue of sex offenders, to include enforcement and notification.

Chief Horvath advised members that he held a “Chat with the Chief” during June 2007, and although not advertised as such, the first 20 minutes was an explanation of the Sex Offender Laws.

Mr. Slavin suggested that this recommendation be coupled with the open forum (see recommendation #13).

16.       Curriculum. The Delaware Department of Education is encouraged to develop curriculum which addresses the issue of sex offenders, and is also encouraged to require an annual awareness day on this issue in all schools in Delaware.

Mr. Slavin requested the City Clerk to include this item on the agenda when the School District/City Council Liaison Committee is appointed.

17.       Establish a Go Ahead and Ask Program. The development of a “Go Ahead and Ask” program is recommended for all consumers who do business with contractors for services rendered in their home. The program encourages the consumer to ask two questions:

a.“Have you checked the criminal background of all employees who will do work in my home?

b.“Can I have their names in order to run my own check against the sex offenders registry?”

Mr. Slavin requested the opportunity to meet with the City Manager and the Public Information Officer to develop a means of disseminating this information. Chief Horvath also suggested that this recommendation be included during any seminar and open forum.

18.       Safe Side Videos. The Dover Public Library is encouraged to buy multiple copies of the “Safe Side” video and make it available for borrowing by all library card holders. In addition, it is recommended that Comcast be asked to broadcast these videos as a benefit to the community.

Mr. Slavin stated that he would submit a request for the purchase of the videos (which may be free of charge) and noted that Comcast has indicated their concurrence to broadcast these videos.

Chief Horvath relayed appreciation for the additional officers approved by Council and as justification, he advised members that the number of sex offenders is increasing in the City (Tier I - 80%, 15 to 27; Tier II - 23%, 99 to122; and Tier III - 61%, 18 to 29). He stated that, as of September 2007, there are a total of 196 sex offenders registered in the City. Chief Horvath stated that the Dover Police Department leads the State in checking business and residence requirements, explaining that although the check is required at least once a year, at the suggestion of Lt. Bernat, Dover Police Department conducts the check four (4) times a year. He reviewed the daily duties and responsibilities for these new officers.

Mr. Carey moved to recommend acceptance of the recommendations of the Sex Offender Legislation Review Committee and enactment of those that are not already covered by the State. The motion was seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.

Briefing on DelDOT Projects (Gary Laing)

Mr. Gary Laing, Municipal Liaison for DelDOT, gave members the following updates:

DelDOT Mega Traffic Study (SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects)

Mr. Laing advised members that DelDOT has identified five (5) requirements, although none of them could be assigned to a particular developer, as follows:

1)Construction of an eastbound Kings Highway right turn lane; and extending the eastbound left turn lane, at the Route 13/Whiteoak Road/Kings Highway intersection.

2)Traffic signal timing modification at the Route 13 and Route 8 intersection.

3)Construction of an eastbound left-turn and westbound right-turn lane at the Route 8 and Willis Road intersection.

4)Construction of a right-hand turn lane on eastbound Whiteoak Road and Upland Avenue.

5)Construction of an east-bound, left-turn and a west-bound, right-turn lane at Route 8 and Mitchner Road/Loockerman Street.

Mr. Laing indicated that DelDOT has adjusted signal timings at Route 13 and Route 8 and through the DelTrac System, they are monitoring the traffic signals at all time and making adjustments when and if necessary. In addition, on west-bound Route 8 at the Route 13 signal, the left-turn green light has been lengthened.

There is a proposal for development of land located in the Kings Highway, Route 13, and Maple Parkway area. If this comes to fruition, Mr. Laing stated that it may provide the opportunity to have some of these improvements accomplished.

Mr. Laing stated that as a result of the above, there will be no further updates provided for the DelDOT Mega Traffic Study.

Mr. DePrima stated that since these necessary improvements have not been assigned to developers, the City, with the assistance of the Dover/Kent MPO, can prioritize the projects in order that they may be included for consideration by DelDOT.

Mr. Link moved to recommend that staff review the projects (Attachment #1) to determine those that are and are not considered a priority for a report back to the committee, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

West Dover Connector

DelDOT is currently waiting to determine what the developer plans are with the Kesselring property since many of the alternatives involve this property. Mr. Laing stated that the developer is aware of the proposed alternatives developed by DelDOT.

Traffic Signal at Greenway Lane and Kenton Road

Mr. Laing explained that there is reluctance for installing a traffic signal at Greenway Lane and Kenton Road due to the close proximity of the traffic signal at the intersection of Route 8 and Kenton Road. However, he stated that there have been discussions regarding other means of traffic control by restricting left-turn lanes from the apartments and the shopping center.

In response to Mr. Carey, Mr. Laing stated that DelDOT would only install a pedestrian cross-walk at the intersection of Route 8 and Kenton Road. Mr. Carey reiterated his feeling that a pedestrian cross-walk at Greenway Lane and Kenton Road would provide an earmark of where they should travel and assist the motoring public. He noted that there are other areas within the City that have cross-walks where there is no traffic signal.

South Governors Avenue Improvements

Mr. Laing stated that the South Governors Avenue Improvement project is moving along and that the construction is scheduled to begin this fiscal year. There have been plans to have a public information session to remind citizens of the details regarding this project, not for comment or changes, but to make the public aware of what they can expect.

Responding to Mr. DePrima with regards to a request made during the Utility Committee meeting of September 24, 2007, Mr. Laing suggested the possibility of DelDOT conducting some type of outreach in addition to the meeting.

Noting that the attendance at such meetings is minimal, Mr. Link suggested the possibility of placing a notice in the Dover Post. Responding, Mr. Laing stated that DelDOT intends to contact the media and expects they will include information. In addition, he stated that DelDOT will provide visual materials that can be included and that there will be press releases as well as other outreach means.

Signalization Project

Mr. Laing advised members that the signalization project continues to progress just a little behind schedule.

Wyoming Mill Road Project

Mr. Laing stated that the Wyoming Mill Road Project is currently in DelDOT’s Planning Department and is expected to be designed in the near future.

Mr. DePrima advised members that this project will actually be a City construction project.

Briefing on MPO Projects (Juanita Wieczorek)

Ms. Wieczorek, Director of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), stated that the final meeting Project Advisory Committee for the Route 8 Study will be held tomorrow night, and that it is anticipated that final recommendations will be developed for distribution to the public. She requested that members allow for a Power Point Presentation on this project at their next committee meeting .

With regards to the North Dover Study, Ms. Wieczorek advised members that the consultant has been developing a traffic signalization model. She has been working with the City Manager for assistance in conducting a traffic impact study for the proposed Civic Center.

Mrs. Wieczoreck stated that she contacted DelDOT regarding the signal timing for turn lanes on State Street and has not yet received a response. However, in discussions with the Traffic Management Center, they plan to review the whole corridor in terms of signal timing. When the signals at Division and State Streets were upgraded, it added additional signal phases to the cycle which has made it difficult to give more “green” time to the turning movements since it delays the other signals.

The new public participation plan has been developed and is available on the Dover/Kent County MPO Website.

Mr. Link moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:58 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Timothy A. Slavin

                                                                                    Acting Chairman

TAS/TM/jg

S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20079-25-2007 SA&T.wpd

Attachment to Original and File Copy

Attachment #1 -   SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects