SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on October 24, 2006, at 6:01 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. McGiffin, Mr. Lakeman, and Mr. Link (arrived at 6:48 p.m.). Councilman Ruane and Mayor Speed were also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lakeman and unanimously carried.
Presentation - G.I.S./NASCAR
Mr. David Truax, City Fire Marshal, provided a Powerpoint presentation depicting how G.I.S. (Geographic Information System) and G.P.S. (Global Positioning System) were utilized during the September NASCAR event (Attachment #1).
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Mark Nowak, G.I.S. Coordinator, indicated that G.I.S. Day will be held on November 15, 2006, and demonstrations will be held by various City Departments that utilize the City’s current G.I.S capabilities.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend acceptance of the presentation as given, seconded by Mr. Lakeman and unanimously carried.
Recommendation of RV Subcommittee - Proposed Ordinance Amendments
During the meeting of April 25, 2006, an RV Sub-committee was formed to make changes and recommendations to the current RV-Parking ordinances in order to make it clear, fair, and enforceable. The sub-committee, representing parties on all sides of the issue, met four (4) times and drafted an ordinance to meet this goal.
During the meeting of September 26, 2006, members were unable to reach a consensus on the subjects of grand fathering and waivers. Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, advised members that she would investigate the registering of personal water craft as a boat prior to adding it to the revised ordinance.
Mr. Hogan reviewed the draft amendments to the Recreational Vehicle Ordinance, as revised by Mrs. Townshend. He also noted that the original ordinance, dated 1970, stated that trailers, boats, and recreational vehicles had to be within twenty (20) feet of the rear property line but no closer than eight (8) feet from the side property line.
Mr. DePrima provided members with a proposed opaque fence option to be inserted as new Section D of the proposed amendments (Attachment #2).
Responding to Mr. Carey, Mr. DePrima noted that 6-1/2 feet is the maximum fence height allowed for backyard use, as indicated by City ordinance.
Responding to Mr. Link, Mr. Hogan indicated that there are approximately four hundred and four (404) recreational vehicles/boats within City limits.
Mr. Ruane stated that, according to historical records, the first ordinance pertaining to Recreational Vehicles was dated 1962. He also noted that the proposed waiver would take away the restrictions indicated in the ordinance.
Mrs. Townshend explained that a resident could apply for a waiver within the sixty (60) day grace period to continue parking their vehicle on an unimproved surface; however, they would still have to comply with the other requirements listed in the ordinance. She also noted that the Inspections Department would enforce the ordinance.
Mr. James L. Fogell, 360 Nimitz Road, advised members that he moved into the City in 1968 and specifically asked, prior to purchasing his home, if there were any restrictions for maintaining a camper or boat. At that time, he was advised that the only requirement was that they be kept back from the front of the house. Although it was not required, Mr. Fogell stated that he installed a slab on which to park his camper and boat and enclosed his yard with a fence. He felt that if boats and campers are maintained, insured, and tagged, like his are, then there should not be any restrictions.
Mr. John Fabryka, 311 Bradley Road, advised members that he has been a resident of the City for 43 years and has always stored his boat in his backyard. He noted that he maintains his boat, as well as his yard. Mr. Fabryka stated that he would like to see the waiver option initiated.
Mr. William H. Miller, 373 Nimitz Road, provided members with a handout indicating his concerns (Attachment #3). He reiterated that he felt the side yard setback, which was recommended by the RV Subcommittee, was discriminatory.
Mr. Lakeman moved to recommend approval of the opaque fence option, new subparagraph “d”, seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Mr. Hogan advised members that the addition of this new section would then renumber existing amendment sections accordingly, as listed within the draft ordinance.
Mr. McGiffin moved to recommend the inclusion of the Waiver Option with the recommended ordinance, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved to amend the motion approving the opaque fence option to include acceptance of new subparagraph “e”, which would limit the number of vehicles stored outside of the garage, as indicated in the proposed opaque fence option. The motion was seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend approval of the amendments to Appendix B - Zoning Ordinance, Article 6 – Off-Street Parking, Driveways and Loading Facilities, Section 1- Permitted Accessory Parking, Chapter 106, Article I, Section 106-123 – Vehicle Parking Time Limited Where Carrying Capacity Is In Excess Of One Ton, And Trailer And Motor Home Parking, Article 12 - Definitions (Attachment #4). The motion seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Mrs. Townshend indicated that she would supply a revised version of the proposed ordinance to the members of the RV Sub-committee.
Mr. Hogan noted that the proposed ordinance amendments would go before Council in November for the first reading and be referred to the Planning Commission for a recommendation to Council in January.
Discussion - Reichhold Report
During their special meeting of October 10, 2006, Mr. DePrima provided members with a report on the Reichhold Chemical incident and it was suggested that there be further discussion including scheduling of a possible public hearing.
Mr. Link suggested that a public hearing be held to inform the citizens of Dover on how this incident was handled and also requested that an invitation be sent to the appropriate State departments. Mr. Hogan stated that the public hearing should be held during a special meeting with the City Manager’s Reichhold Chemical Incident Report being presented again. Mr. DePrima noted that he would send invitations to Representatives from Reichhold, the railroad system, DNREC, and members of Legislative Hall.
Mr. Carey moved to recommend that a Special Meeting be scheduled to hold a public hearing on the Reichhold Chemical incident, seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lakeman and unanimously carried.
Mr. Hogan noted that the new Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting time will be 6:00 p.m.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:36 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
KLH/jcr
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes200610-24-2006 SA&T.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - G.I.S./NASCAR Presentation
Attachment #2 - Proposed RV Ordinance - Opaque Fence Option
Attachment #3 - Miller Comments
Attachment #4 - Revised Proposed Ordinance Amendments