SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on September 26, 2006, at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. McGiffin,
Mr. Lakeman, and Mr. Link (departed at 6:00 p.m). Councilman Ruane was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Briefing on DelDOT Projects
Due to the absence of Mr. Gary Laing, no update was given. Mr. DePrima suggested that
Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck of the Dover/Kent County MPO be requested to provide future updates.
MPO - Request for Legislative Support - State Health Insurance Program Participation
At the request of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) members considered support of a Bill that would allow the Delaware MPO employees to participate as paying members of the State health care program.
Mr. DePrima, City Manager and Chairman of the Dover/Kent County MPO, advised members that MPO’s are required by federal law in various areas throughout the country and state to perform coordinated planning of state, county and local government in order to facilitate sensible transportation planning. Employees of such organizations are, for all intents and purposes, government employees. The passing of this bill will help the MPO reduce administrative costs so that their limited planning funds can be put to better use.
Staff recommended support of the proposed Bill allowing MPO employees to participate as paying members of the State health care program.
Mr. McGiffin moved to recommend endorsement of the draft Bill (Attachment #1) allowing Dover/ Kent County MPO employees to participate in the State health care program. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried with (4) four yes and one (1) abstention
(Mr. Lakeman).
Radio Paging System
During the Committee meeting of July 26, 2005, Mr. Carey advised members of a radio paging system used for emergency situations and civil defense. Mr. Carey noted that the radios could be used to provide immediate notification and that the receivers would be located in schools, nursing homes, and other public buildings. It was his feeling that the City would benefit from the use of such a system and noted that there are grant funds that could assist with the costs. Members were advised that the paging units cost approximately $600 each, which includes a four (4) year warranty.
In light of the recent chemical spill at the Reichhold plant in Cheswold, Mr. Carey requested the Committee reconsider the purchase of the radio paging system. The system could be used to inform local businesses and schools of important notices that would otherwise not be relayed by television or radio. Mr. Carey proposed that these systems be placed in City buildings as a test, at cost of approximately $5,400. He also proposed seeking federal funding or grants to cover any associated costs. Mr. Hogan noted that the City has not budgeted funds for this purpose this fiscal year.
Mr. Carey stated that the calls to initiate this system can originate from either Police, Fire or the Kent 911 Emergency Center. There are no “black out” areas and the system range covers the entire City of Dover.
Police Chief Horvath expressed his support for the radio paging system; however, he stated that he would prefer that the calls originate from the Fire Department or Electric Dispatch, since the Police dispatchers answer in excess of 500 calls per day. Chief Horvath stated that the use of the reverse 911 system during the chemical spill in Cheswold was considered a success and the Reverse 911 system currently on order for the Dover Police Department will work in a similar fashion in a smaller geographic area. A public report on the Reichhold chemical spill will be presented by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) on September 26, 2006 during a public meeting.
Mr. Ruane felt the exploration of a radio paging system was out of context until the final report from the Reichhold incident has been presented to Council. Mr. Hogan stated that he would request the City Manager to provide the committee with a formal report of the findings from the Reichhold incident.
Mr. McGiffin moved to recommend forwarding this project to the City Manager for review as a tool to use in the future for emergency preparedness. The motion was seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Recommendations of Recreational Vehicle Subcommittee
In response to concerns about the parking of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers in residential neighborhoods, during the meeting of April 25, 2006 a sub-committee was developed to make changes and recommendations to the current ordinance in order to make it clear, fair and enforceable. The sub-committee, representing interests on all sides of the issue, met four times and drafted an ordinance to meet this goal.
Mr. Hogan introduced members of the sub-committee and reviewed the proposed ordinance amendments. He stated that the proposed ordinance was a result of the hard work and compromise of all the sub-committee members.
Mr. Hogan informed members that the sub-committee could not reach a consensus on the subjects of grand fathering and waivers. Members also discussed personal water craft and their inclusion in the ordinance. Mrs. Townshend advised members that she would investigate the registering of personal water craft as a boat prior to adding it to the revised ordinance.
Mr. John Fabryka, 311 Bradley Road, requested that the committee consider adding a grand father clause to the current ordinance. Mr. Tony Hummel, 476 Fiddlers Green, applauded the sub-committee’s efforts and offered to forward language regarding grand fathering to Mrs. Townshend.
Mr. Hogan stated that several members of Council have indicated that they will be looking for a grand fathering clause to be added to the proposed ordinance. Staff has begun to consider and draft a clause that will be easy to enforce without causing additional work for staff. Sub-committee members addressed the committee regarding their feelings on grand fathering and expressed their thanks to Mr. Hogan for his efforts. Mr. McGiffin stated that he would like the committee to explore grand fathering before the ordinance is forwarded to Council.
Mr. Hogan provided members with the time line for approval of the proposed ordinance.
Mr. McGiffin moved to table the proposed amendments (Attachment #2) until the next meeting in order to address the grand fathering issue, seconded by Mr. Carey and carried with three (3) yes and one (1) no (Mr. Hogan) (Mr. Link absent).
Mr. McGiffin moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:22 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
KLH/hf
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Draft State Health Insurance Program Legislation
Attachment #2 - Proposed Ordinance Amendments