SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on August 23, 2005, at 6:30 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Mr. Carey and Mr. Link were present. Mr. Ritter and Mr. Lakeman were absent. Councilman Ruane and Mayor Speed were also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Approval of Letter to Secretary Hayward - Delaware Department of Transportation
During their Regular Meeting of July 26, 2005, Mr. Gary Laing, DelDOT Municipal Liaison, advised members that Secretary Hayward sent letters to municipalities, counties, chambers of commerce, etc. regarding DelDOT’s current fiscal situation. He noted that Delaware’s rapid growth, along with construction costs escalating at a rate much higher than the consumer price index and traditional funding sources, has strained the State’s resources. Mr. Laing also advised members that DelDOT has not yet received anticipated federal highway funds, which is typically $125M. The committee recommended that City Council respond to the letter submitted by Secretary Hayward dated July 18, 2005, specifically by going on record acknowledging their financial dilemmas and providing a prioritization list of projects for the City of Dover. It was felt that the South Governors Avenue Improvements would be the City’s major concern at this time and that DelDOT should be encouraged to continue maintenance and repair on those State owned roadways located in the City limits.
As recommended, members were provided a draft letter to Secretary Hayward. Prior to consideration of the letter, Mr. Hogan requested that Mayor Speed summarize for members his recent meeting with Secretary Hayward. Mayor Speed stated that he explained to Secretary Hayward why the Governor’s Avenue improvements, the straightening of Wyoming Mill Road, and the Clarence Street Extension were important to the City of Dover and why he did not think it was right or fair that the City was excluded from the Capital Transportation Budget. He noted that the State had originally budgeted $2.2M for the Governor’s Avenue improvements and that all three projects are federal projects which would mean that the Federal government would pay 80% and the State or Local government would pay 20%. Mayor Speed advised members that Secretary Hayward suggested that if the City of Dover wanted to move forward with these projects before next year, it would be required to fund the 20% match. In exchange, Secretary Hayward would recommend to the Bond Bill Committee that these three projects take priority next year. Mayor Speed noted that Secretary Hayward is willing to talk to the Committee or Council any time to discuss any of these issues or other issues and is willing to put this promise in writing if requested to do so.
Mayor Speed suggested that staff investigate the possibility of having the acquisition of the Wyoming Mill Road right-of-way and the funds budgeted for the work on the South Governors Avenue project counted towards the 20% match. He stated that he has been advised not to spend funds towards the 20% match until legislation is passed guaranteeing reimbursement from the State. Mr. Carey reminded members that the City is contributing in-kind services in the amount of $1.3M toward the Governors Avenue improvements. Mr. DePrima stated that he felt the Wyoming Mill Road dedication had legitimate matching value, and it may be possible to claim donation of land for the Clarence Street project.
Mr. Ruane stated that the Eden Hill Farm project is contingent upon a flood management plan, which includes a new bridge at South Governors Avenue. He noted that a new bridge would also resolve the Water Street flooding issue.
Mayor Speed advised members that the State is prepared to transfer land from Eden Hill Farm to the City to be added to Schutte Park.
Members reviewed the draft letter and recommended amending it to invite Secretary Hayward instead of a representative of his department. Mr. Hogan advised members that Council had reviewed and approved the letter; therefore, it would be amended and sent.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the letter, as amended (Attachment #1), seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Briefing on DelDOT Projects - Gary Laing
Due to the absence of Mr. Laing, members were provided a written update on DelDOT projects (Attachment #2).
Members requested Mr. DePrima, City Manager, to determine the status of the special appropriation of Bond Bill money for the signalization project and to ascertain the requirements for the Federal funding 20% match.
Review for Endorsements of Projects - Fire Marshal’s Office
The Fire Marshal, Mr. David Truax, stated that he was interested in bringing the following issues forward for review:
Procedure for Adoption of Fire Codes
Currently, the City automatically adopts the National Fire Protection Association Code. Mr. Truax suggested reviewing the Code, especially the sections used frequently by the City, prior to its adoption.
Amendment to the Open Burning Ordinance
The current ordinance is vague and deals primarily with grills on balconies. Mr. Truax would like to amend the ordinance to deal with outdoor fireplaces and commercial grills.
Fines for Hitting Utility Lines
Mr. Truax advised members that approximately once a month, a gas line is hit by a contractor. He noted that Title 16 specifies steps that must be taken prior to digging, such as calling Miss Utility to locate buried lines; however, there is no provision for imposing fines when the proper steps are not taken. Mr. Truax also noted that jurisdiction issues are not addressed in Title 16.
Automatic External Defibulator (AED) Ordinance
Mr. Truax stated that he would like to require places of assembly, both existing and new construction, to have Automatic External Defibulators (AED’s) on the premises in the event that a patron suffers cardiac arrest. He suggested allowing ample time after the ordinance is adopted for businesses to comply.
Sprinkling of Townhouses
Mr. Truax advised members that he would like to require sprinklers in townhouses. He noted that a townhouse fire usually affects the initial unit, as well as the adjoining units. Mr. Truax stated that an ordinance of this nature would help reduce the time and expense related to the Robbins Hose Company’s response to fires.
Mr. Galvin, Director of Planning and Inspections, stated that some developers are considering the installation of sprinklers in townhouses and using that feature as a marketing tool for their properties. Mr. Truax noted that the City of Newark requires the sprinkling of one and two family residences, townhouses, and commercial properties. Mr. Link suggested mandatory hard-wiring of the sprinklers in townhouses.
It was the consensus of members that proposed ordinances could be brought forward for consideration. They requested staff to provide more specific information on the sprinkler issue, such as where sprinklers are currently required, etc.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:29 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
KLH/jcr
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20058-23-2005-SA&T.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Letter from Secretary Hayward, DelDOT, dated July 18, 2005.
Attachment #2 - DelDOT August Report from Mr. Gary Laing, dated August 23, 2005