SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory Committee Meeting was held on August 25, 2004, at 7:05 p.m. with Chairman Ritter presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Lakeman, and Mr. Simmons. Mr. Pitts was absent. Councilmen Ruane and Slavin and Mayor Speed were also present.
The Invocation was given by Mr. Simmons, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lakeman and unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Street Width Waiver Requests for New Developments - Fire Chief Bashista and James Galvin, Director of Planning and Inspections (Continuation from Committee Meeting of July 14, 2004 - City Inspector Report - Student Housing)
Mr. Galvin, Director of Planning and Inspections, provided members with Proposed Amendments to Appendix A - Land Subdivision Regulations, Article VI (Attachment #1). He advised members that the amendments would be reviewed by the Planning Commission, the Development Advisory Committee (DAC), and other departments for a recommendation to the Safety Advisory Committee.
Mr. Ritter suggested that consideration be given to the possibility of assessing an impact fee to support the additional burden that narrower streets would place on the Fire Department. Mr. Galvin noted that the Fire Department is capable of operating its apparatus within the proposed street widths noted in table 13.1. Responding to Mr. Simmons, Mr. Galvin stated that the turning radii would be addressed elsewhere in the ordinance and that the required lengths and widths of driveways, as noted in Section 13.3, could be more specific or could be left to the discretion of the Planning Commission.
Responding to Mayor Speed, Mr. Galvin stated that the reference to “the discretion of the City Manager” in section 13.4 is specified in the City of Dover Code. Mr. Koenig, Director of Public Works, stated that the City Manager is given discretion since he represents the Department of Public Works. Members were also provided a video presentation of “Walkable Communities and Emergency Services”.
It was the consensus of the Committee that the City Planner should move forward with the review of the amendment.
Legal Opinion - Underage Consumption/Unlawful Leases/Student Housing - Proposed Amendment to Section 10-41, Unlawful Leases - Inclusion of Consumption or Possession of Alcoholic Liquor (Continuation from Committee Meeting of July 14, 2004 - City Inspector Report - Student Housing)
During the Regular Meeting of July 28, 2004, members reviewed possible amendments to Section 10-41, Unlawful leases. Due to concerns of members, a legal opinion was requested regarding the possibility of having to evict an entire family when one (1) family member is convicted a second time of underage consumption, as well as the possibility that targeting student housing could be interpreted as discrimination.
Deputy City Solicitor Pepper stated in his opinion that he does not believe that underage consumption should be added to Section 10-41 since it is currently covered under Section 14.6, which addresses intoxication. He also stated that if the committee felt that Section 10-41 needed to be amended, the ordinance, as currently drafted, only applies to the person convicted. Thus a roommate(s), housemate(s), and family would not be evicted.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Chief Horvath stated that the Police Department would begin notifying the Planning and Inspections Department when a citizen is arrested for underage consumption. The Planning and Inspections Department would then notify the landlord that a second conviction would result in eviction.
Legal Opinion - Procedure for Towing Illegally Parked Cars
Chairman Ritter noted that a legal opinion was received regarding the City’s ability to tow illegally parked cars. According to Sec. 13-56 of the Dover Code, the City has the right to have an enforcement officer, being the health inspector or any member of the police department, remove from public or private property any illegally parked or abandoned vehicle, or to cause the same to be done. Chief Horvath stated that there are instances when a ticket would be issued if a car is parked illegally, rather than towing it. If the car is causing a hazzard or parked in a fire lane, then it would be towed. Currently, if the Planning and Inspections Department requires that a vehicle be towed, they contact the Police department. Responding to Mr. Ritter, Chief Horvath stated that he would look in to the possibility of authorizing the Parking Attendants to have cars towed.
Safety Issues - New Complex at Delaware State University (Report by Police Chief)
At the request of Chairman Ritter, Chief Horvath provided an update on security issues at the University Courtyard Apartments and suggestions for increasing safety. Chief Horvath stated that the apartments are within the jurisdiction of the City of Dover Police Department. The dormitories which were recently built on campus are under the jurisdiction of the Delaware State University Police. He stated that, currently, the City of Dover Police Department responds to the campus for any felonies or serious crimes. It was the Chief’s understanding that the University is very close to retaining ten sworn officers.
Chief Horvath noted that the University Courtyard Apartments are owned by a private corporation and managed by another corporation; however, the land is owned by Delaware State University. After 25 years, ownership of the property will be turned over to Delaware State University. Chief Horvath stated that the complex was initially built to house graduate students and their families; however, they were not successful in filling it in that capacity and it was opened to undergraduates and freshmen. He expressed concern that some of the tenants have associations with gang members.
Chief Horvath reported that City Officials have worked with the Public Safety Officers at Delaware State University to install security cameras, closing gates, traffic spikes, and improved parking arrangements to increase security. He noted that security officers had also been retained.
Chief Horvath advised members that Delaware State University was considering stricter entrance requirements which will attract better quality students, resulting in less crime.
Updates on Transportation Issues
Eden Hill Farm
Mr. Gary Laing, DelDOT Municipal Liaison, reported that DelDOT has formed a working group consisting of approximately 36 elected and appointed officials, business members, and citizens associated with civic associations. To date, two meetings have been held, the first being an informational meeting and the second being interactive. Mr. Laing noted that the next meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2004 and will be a bus tour of the study area which will provide a “passenger’s” perspective. He stated that a public workshop to present the information gathered will probably be scheduled for November.
Mr. Laing noted that this project should be referred to as the Westover Connector or Extension in the future.
Traffic Studies - SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects
Mr. Laing stated that a traffic study had been completed; however, in the interim, proposals for three large housing projects came forward. The City requested DelDOT to perform a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) which would include the proposed projects. Mr. Laing noted that the report has been completed and the consultants report is expected to be complete by November of 2004. Responding to Chairman Ritter, Mr. Laing stated that funds had been set aside for traffic mitigation related to the opening of Route 1.
Mr. Galvin advised members that one development project has completed the preliminary phase, one is at the conceptual phase, and one will not move forward until the Traffic Impact Study is complete. Mr. Ruane suggested that there be correspondence between the City and DelDOT regarding the impact that the length of time for TIS review is having on development. Chairman Ritter stated that no action should be taken until the Transportation Review Committee is officially assumed by the Safety Advisory Committee.
Division Street Railroad Track Removal
Mr. Laing reported that the Division Street railroad track had been removed. Mr. Carey expressed concern that railroad ties were still lying by the North Street tracks. Although they are not on the street, he would like to see them removed.
Clarence Street
Mr. Galvin stated that he would be meeting with the Federal Highway Administration regarding the Westside Plan, which includes Clarence Street. He noted that more information would be available in a few weeks.
College Road
Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), reported that College Road improvements are a part of the 2006 Capital Transportation Program. She noted that the concept of sidewalks and shoulders between Dover Kenton Road and Saulsbury Road are a part of the program.
Ms. Wieczoreck noted that the Capital Transportation Program will be on display at the DelDOT Administration Building September 8, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m, with testimony starting at 7:00 p.m..
Parking Study Results
Mr. Galvin reported that the only amendment being considered at this time is for North of Division Street and the parking for Wesley College.
Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan
Mr. Galvin stated that the City mandates bicycle and pedestrian access and they are in the process of connecting segments to make more routes viable.
Mr. Chris Asay expressed concern that there are several gaps in the bike lanes between Saulsbury Road and North Street. He noted that people tend not to use the bike paths if breaks occur. Mr. Koenig noted that most of the major roads through Dover belong to DelDOT and they, therefore, determine what is to be constructed and if sidewalks are required. Mr. Galvin reported that a crossover to connect New Burton Road with Schutte Park is still included in the Capital Improvements Projects. Mr. Ritter requested Mr. Asay to provide a report on the broken segments and the most critical areas for consideration.
Mr. Laing reported that a Public Workshop would be held at W. Riley Brown on September 23, 2004 from 4:00 p.m. to - 7:00 p.m. to discuss South Governors Avenue between Webbs Lane and Water Street.
Responding to Mr. Carey, Ms. Wieczoreck stated that she would determine the status of the request for a signal study at Greenway Lane and Kenton Road.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that a Plan Update and public review of the Strategies and Core Plan Model would be presented at the Public Advisory Committee meeting on October 26, 2004.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Simmons and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:16 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert G. Ritter, Jr.
Chairman
RGR/rfm
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