SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
The Safety Advisory Committee met on November 12, 2003 at 9:30 a.m., with Councilman Truitt presiding. Members present were Mrs. Williams, Mr. Salters, Mr. Wolfe (Arrived at 9:55), and Mr. Tolbert (Arrived at 10:38). Members of Council present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Pitts, and Mr. Ruane.
Others present were Mr. DePrima, Chief Horvath, Major Harding, Mr. Cooper, Mr. Colburn, Ms. Sophia Russell, and Mr. Eric O’Brien (Arrived at 9:56).
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mrs. Williams moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
POLICE DEPARTMENT COMPLAINTS/CODE ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
North New Street (Eric O’Brien)
During the Open Forum Segment of the Regular Council Meeting of October 27, 2003, Mr. Eric O’Brien, 30 North New Street, reiterated his concerns regarding the quality of life surrounding his residence. He noted that the problem of loitering, prostitution, and criminal activity has been on-going for ten (10) years and requested the City to address these concerns. Mr. O’Brien provided correspondence outlining his concerns (Attachment #1).
Ms. Sophia Russell (President of the New Street Civic Association) 208 N. New Street, stated that she tried on several occasions to contact Mr. O’Brien; however, he has not responded. She felt it would be helpful for him to attend the Civic Association meetings. Ms. Russell stated, although she lives two (2) blocks north of Mr. O’Brien, she had not witnessed many of the conditions that Mr. O’Brien referred to. She did, however, confirm the allegations that there was a great deal of activity outside of the Fulton Street Deli. Mr. Salters suggested that Mr. O’Brien could become involved in solving the problems by obtaining the license numbers of the offenders.
Mr. Pitts, noting the improvements made to the situation at Kent Apartments several years ago, stated that the Police Department needed help in resolving these issues and urged the citizens to take strong action to reclaim their neighborhood. He stated that the situation has developed over 40 years and systemic changes need to be implemented.
Mr. Pitts noted that he is the only homeowner on his Queen Street block and suggested that home ownership would improve the neighborhood. Chief Horvath indicated that 99% of the warrants issued are for tenants of rental properties.
Mrs. Williams noted that Section 8 landlords receive their income from the housing authorities, which have criteria for the landlords. She suggested working with the housing authorities to stiffen the criteria for Section 8 landlords. Mrs. Williams was confident that they would comply in order to maintain their income. Mr. Salters suggested that the City could also increase inspections of the Section 8 housing units. Mrs. Williams requested a report of the latest housing inspections performed in the area.
Mr. Pitts reminded members that he tried to institute a loitering law ten (10) years ago; however, it did not pass. Chief Horvath stated that if a person is blocking free passage (loitering) and they comply when asked to move, a violation has not occurred. If they refuse to move, they can be arrested. He noted that loitering and curfew laws are very difficult to enforce.
Chief Horvath stated that when the Police Department responds to a complaint, they have to work within the Constitution of the United States and the State of Delaware. When they make an arrest, the burden falls upon the Police and the State prosecuting office to prove that a crime was actually committed. He noted that they have performed prostitution stings and have made several arrests; however, when they receive a phone call that two prostitutes are standing on the corner there has to be probable cause that they are committing a crime. Chief Horvath indicated that unless witnesses are willing to sign a warrant, their hands are tied. Mrs. Williams requested Chief Horvath to prepare a fact sheet on the information necessary when a resident calls in a complaint to the Police Department. Mr. Ruane stated that College Park has their building inspectors patrol neighborhoods in the evening and suggested that could be a solution for Dover as well.
Ms. Russell suggested some type of rehabilitation or mentoring program for the prostitutes in order to get them off the street, as well as education for their customers. Mr. Ruane suggested that there may be Weed and Seed funds available for such programs.
Chief Horvath advised members that all of Mr. O’Brien’s complaints are investigated. He noted that some complaints are legitimate and others are not. When Mr. O’Brien advises them that drugs are being sold from a neighbor’s house, that information is recorded and passed on to the drug unit. He stated that the drug unit is proactive and drug arrests are up 185% above last year.
Chief Horvath stated that some of the dispatchers and desk personnel have gotten short with Mr. O’Brien and he is fighting that battle on a daily basis. It is not their position to lose their tempers with him. Responding to Mr. Wolfe, Chief Horvath stated that he had not received complaints from any of Mr. O’Brien’s neighbors.
Mr. DePrima expressed his concern with the fact that the people congregating on New Street are very unintimidated. He questioned what kind of environment was being created that they would be bold enough to practice their trade in the street. Mr. DePrima suggested that civic associations, neighborhood watch groups, signs, and more police presence could change the environment and make the offenders uncomfortable by letting them know they are being watched.
Mr. Pitts noted that the Towns of Camden and Smyrna have loitering and curfew laws that were put in place using the City of Dover study that was never implemented by Dover.
Mr. O’Brien provided an updated list of offenses that he had witnessed (Attachment #2).
After a lengthy discussion regarding the situation, Chairman Truitt requested that members provide him with a prioritized list of the concerns discussed by December 1, 2003. After the first of the year, once the lists are received, they will meet to considered possible solutions.
Governors Avenue (Mrs. Fran Savin)
Correspondence was received from Mrs. Fran Savin, 226 N. Governors Avenue, regarding parking enforcement issues in her neighborhood (Attachment #3).
Mr. DePrima advised members that Mrs. Savin was unavailable to attend the meeting.
Mr. DePrima stated that he had reviewed the Student Housing ordinance and it appeared that an inventory of Student Housing had not been developed for parking enforcement purposes. Mr. DePrima stated that they were currently in the processing of re-licensing rental units and would be identifying all rental units in the RG-1 and RG-2 zones. Those property owners will receive a questionnaire pertaining to Student Housing in order to develop an inventory. He noted that the Inspections Department also performs door-to-door inspections to find unlicensed Student Housing.
Mr. DePrima noted that approximately three (3) weeks ago, the Inspections Department began screening new rental unit applications for Student Housing use. A map has also been developed which depicts current Student Housing in order to enforce the limit on the number of Student Housing units permitted in proximity to each other.
Responding to Mr. Pitts, Mr. DePrima stated that Mrs. Savin’s concerns were related to parking compliance and ordinance enforcement and did not pertain to the Parking Authority. He noted that the Parking Authority was seeking estimates for conducting a parking study to address public parking in the area of Wesley College.
Mr. DePrima advised members that the Code requires that all permanent parking areas and access drives shall be properly drained and all such areas shall be provided with paved asphalt, concrete or other hard, paved, dust-free surface. He cautioned that the ordinance was designed for commercial parking lots. Mr. Ron Colburn of the Inspections Department stated that it was decided to allow the property owners to install stone parking areas due to a conflict in the Code. He noted that some properties currently exceed their lot coverage and the City cannot legally require them to become more non-conforming by requiring additional paved surfaces. Mr. DePrima stated that the property owners had been advised that they may be required to pave their parking spaces in the future.
Mr. Salters suggested implementing designated parking for the residents or parking restrictions along N. Governors Avenue. Mr. DePrima agreed that it was a possible solution; however, he would prefer to have the support of the neighborhood before instituting a residential parking permit system, along with a two-hour parking restriction for non-resident vehicles.
Mr. DePrima stated that Mrs. Savin had Code enforcement issues which needed to be addressed and suggested scheduling another meeting at a time when she would be able to attend.
No further action was taken.
Mr. Salters moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Williams and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 11:00 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
William P. Truitt
Chairman
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Attachments on File in the City Clerk’s Office
Attachment #1 - Correspondence Dated 10/21/03 - Eric O’Brien
Attachment #2 - Correspondence Dated 11/07/03 - Eric O’Brien
Attachment #3 - Correspondence Dated 10/06/03 - Fran Savin