SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on September 22, 2004, at 5:26 p.m. with Chairman Ritter presiding. Members present were Mr. Pitts, Mr. Lakeman, and Mr. Simmons. Mr. Carey was absent.

The invocation was given by Chairman Ritter, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Lakeman moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried.

Proposed Ordinance - Chapter 13, Motor Vehicles and Traffic - Section 13-17, Failure to Stop for Red Traffic Signal; Traffic Light Signal Violation Monitoring Program; Penalties

Members were provided a proposed ordinance which would amend Chapter 13, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, by adding a new subsection 13-17 - Failure to stop for a red traffic signal; traffic light signal violation monitoring program; penalties. Deputy City Solicitor Pepper advised members that the City is entitled to local options with regard to the red light photo enforcement system at Webbs Lane and US Route 13, including setting the civil or administrative monetary assessment for failing to stop at the red light, the process for payment of voluntary assessment, and the procedure to contest the violation. Mr. Pepper advised members that the proposed ordinance mirrors the State law with regard to fine amount, additional assessments, and length of time for payment. He also noted that unless local governments adopt an ordinance, they will forego the ability to assess additional fines for failure to pay on time.

Responding to Mr. Ritter, Mr. DePrima, City Manager, stated that the agreement between the State of Delaware and the City of Dover for the Operation and Administration of DelDOT’s Electronic Red Light Safety Program and the Administration and Application of Fine Recovery (Agreement #1297) stipulates that no less than 60% of all revenues received will be obligated toward the cause of Public and Traffic Safety on local roads and highways unless otherwise agreed to by the Department of Transportation in writing. Approved expenditures include items such as signing, pavement marking, signal improvements, road design and construction, utility installation and relocation, citation review, police services on roads to mitigate DUI, aggressive driving, speeding and seat belt violations, public education for safe driving, and support of emergency services that routinely respond to traffic accidents in City limits. Mr. DePrima noted that the other 40% of all revenues received is totally discretionary.

Mr. Ritter suggested using 40% of the revenue for the City’s Quality of Life Task Force and requested Chief Horvath to provide the committee with the estimated costs involved in running the task force. Mr. Pitts requested that the committee periodically review the map which charts incidents of crime throughout the City.

Mr. Pitts moved to recommend adoption of the proposed ordinance amending Chapter 13, Motor Vehicles and Traffic (Attachment #1), seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried.

Mr. Lakeman moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:13 P.M.

                                                                                           Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                           Robert G. Ritter, Jr.

                                                                                           Chairman

RGR/tm

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Attachments

Attachment #1 - Proposed Ordinance Amendment