SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE SUB- COMMITTEE

The Recreational Vehicle Sub-Committee Meeting was held on August 16, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mrs. Hettinger, Mrs. Kinkus, Mr. Miller, Mrs. Sibbald, and Mrs. Townshend. Mr. Link and Colonel Welsh were absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Hogan requested that agenda item #1 - Review of Draft Ordinance, be moved to item #5.

Mr. Miller moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mrs. Hettinger and unanimously carried.

Mrs. Sibbald read the following correspondence received from Mr. Joe Caputo of the North Dover Neighborhood Watch:

“Dear Councilman Hogan,

 

Your committee will be considering changes to the current ordinances governing the parking of boats/rv/trailer within the city. I believe the current ordinances reflect the wishes of most Dover citizens in that they protect the residential nature of our neighborhoods. Lax enforcement of these ordinances undermines the quality of life in our city and leads to deterioration in the esthetics as well as the safety of neighborhoods.

 

Residents who buy boats, rvs, and trailers should be aware of the restrictions that apply to their parking, and make their purchasing decisions based on that information. We should not erode the protections of the current ordinances to satisfy the wants of a very small percentage of city residents - and the desire of a rv dealer from another town.

 

Please know that, though I can not be at tomorrow's meeting, I am concerned about this issue. What affects one neighborhood in Dover has the potential to affect our entire city. Please vote to retain strict restrictions on boat/rv/trailer parking in Dover.

 

Thank you,

 

Joe Caputo

North Dover Neighborhood Watch”

 

Parking Surfaces

Mrs. Townshend stated that concerns have arisen regarding standing water and improper draining when vehicles are parked on grass. She noted that the current ordinance (Article 6, Section 3.6) states that motor vehicles are required to be parked on a hard surface, such as concrete, asphalt, or pavers. Members agreed that the parking requirement should include recreation vehicles, trailers, boats, and water recreation vehicles. Impervious surfaces, such as gravel, cracked stone, etc. will also be included in the revised ordinance.

Mrs. Sibbald and Mrs. Kinkus expressed concern that there is no requirement that RV’s be anchored. Chairman Hogan requested staff to research the necessity of anchoring RV’s and report back to the Committee.

RV Length < 31 Feet

Members agreed to allow the setback requirement to restrict the length of the RV.

Number of Vehicles Allowed

Mr. Miller stated that if the setback requirement is met, the number of vehicles parked will not be an issue. Mrs. Townshend indicated that the draft ordinance states that no more than one such vehicle may be stored outside the garage on a residential property. Mrs. Sibbald referenced the New Castle County ordinance, which restricts the number of vehicles allowed by the size of the residential lot.

Members agreed to include in the revised ordinance, that all recreational vehicles, trailer and boats must have current and valid registrations/tags.

Mr. Hogan indicated that staff will conduct additional research on this issue.

Grand Fathering

Mrs. Townshend stated that it is difficult to enforce grand fathering on something that moves. She suggested giving residents a time frame to comply with the new ordinance instead of permitting grand fathering. In order to accept grand fathering, Mrs. Townshend suggested that residents be required to submit written requests to be placed in their permit file. This would require further review by the City Solicitor.

Mr. Hogan suggested that residents be given one year to conform with the ordinance. Any resident who is not in compliance after the time limit has expired will be in violation. The time limit issue will be discussed at a later time.

Mr. Hogan opened the meeting to public comments.

Mr. Tony Hummel, 476 Fiddlers Green, expressed his appreciation for the compromise he has seen during the meetings.

 

Review of Draft Ordinance

Mr. Hogan indicated that the draft ordinance will be revised to include the comments and suggestions that have been made, and presented at the next meeting.

Mrs. Kinkus raised the issue of PODS (portable on demand storage containers), and asked if the committee would consider including them in the revised ordinance. Mrs. Townshend stated that PODS should have time restrictions under other guidelines; however, she did not feel they should be included with RV’s or other parking restrictions.

Setting of Future Meeting Date

The next meeting of the RV Committee was been scheduled for Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Mr. Miller moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Townshend and unanimously carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Kenneth L. Hogan

                                                                                    Chairman

KLH/hf

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