JOINT MEETING
CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
Members of City Council and the City of Dover Planning Commission met jointly in a Special Meeting held at 7:00 p.m. on March 30, 1997 with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of City Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Leary, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters and Mr. Weller. Members of the Planning Commission present were Chairman Friedman, Mr. Gorman, Mrs. Ornauer, Mr. Sadusky, Mr. Outten, Mr. Holt and Mr. Hicks. Mrs. Horsey and Mr. DiMondi were absent. Staff members present were Mr. DePrima, Mr. O’Connor and Mrs. Boaman.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Lambert moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
REMARKS OF COUNCIL PRESIDENT CHRISTIANSEN
Appointment of Assistant City Clerk/Treasurer
Council President Christiansen reminded the public that the City Clerk, Debrah J. Boaman, has elected to retire, effective April 24, 1998. Mrs. Janice C. Green has been appointed to fill the position of City Clerk. A subsequent search was undertaken for the selection of an Assistant City Clerk/Treasurer to fill the vacancy created by Mrs. Green’s appointment. Mrs. Green has recommended the appointment of Mrs. Traci McDowell as the new Assistant City Clerk/Treasurer.
Mr. Leary moved to accept the recommendation of the appointment of Mrs. Traci McDowell to the position of Assistant City Clerk/Treasurer, effective April 25, 1998. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.
JOINT MEETING - CITY COUNCIL AND PLANNING COMMISSION
Council President Christiansen relayed his appreciation to the members of the City of Dover Planning Commission for joining with the members of City Council to address matters of mutual concern.
City Planner, Mr. Anthony DePrima, explained that the items on the agenda are transportation issues that are important to both the City of Dover Planning Commission and to members of City Council.
Bike and Pedestrian Plan - City of Dover Planning/RBA Group
A presentation was given by Ms. Bettina Zimny, lead planner for the RBA Group, and Mr. Mike Petit de Mange, former Assistant Planner/Director for the City of Dover and currently representing Landmark Engineering. Ms. Zimney explained that the RBA Group worked with the Technical Advisory Committee of the MPO and a group of sub-consultants that included Landmark Engineering, as well as other professional consultants.
Mr. Petit de Mange gave a brief overview of the purpose and background of a review of the Bike and Pedestrian Plan. Mr. Petit de Mange explained that the need for such a plan became apparent during workshops held on updating the Comprehensive Plan. Of the top ten items that people felt we need more of in Dover, the need for sidewalks was rated as #6 and the need for bike paths was rated as #8.
During a slide presentation, Mr. Petit de Mange depicted many problem areas in the City such as lack of sidewalks, sidewalks that abruptly end, lack of services for our special needs population, adequate and safe areas for bicycles to traverse to designations throughout the City and adequate crosswalks for pedestrians to safely cross the streets (including Route #13), etc.
An Advisory Committee, which consisted of people from many walks of life but with some special interest in pedestrian and bicycle activities, participated on a regular basis on this project and helped to develop some of the strategies and recommendations that should be included in the Plan. Public workshops were held throughout the City with participation by interested citizens. Special assistance was offered during the workshops by children. Their input was taken very seriously as the Planner’s felt that they have specific knowledge of some of the problem areas in the City.
A vote on an approved vision statement resulted in a tie vote. The statements are as follows:
“Dover is a place where people of all ages and abilities walk and bicycle conveniently, comfortably and safely for all purposes.”
“Bicycling and walking are safe, convenient and accepted ways to travel in and around Dover for people of all abilities and for all purposes.”
Ms. Zimny stated that often when people think of a bicycle plan they immediately think of off-road trails. She reminded the audience that bicycling is both transportation and recreation related so the Plan started as a comprehensive approach to defined road cycling, sidewalks (including gaps and inconsistencies), how to safely cross the streets and review of off-road systems. Most people are looking for off-road connections to recreational facilities and on-road bicycle routes where children and families can comfortably get to a desired location.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (on file with the Office of the City Clerk) is a very detailed Plan, consisting of:
• Section 1: Vision and Goals
• Section 2: Overview of the Planning Process
• Section 3: Existing Conditions: Bicycling and Walking in Dover
• Section 4: Needs Assessment
• Section 5: Recommendations
• Section 6: Implementation Strategy
• Section 7: Funding Sources
Also included in the Plan are several Appendices which could be adopted as design guidelines to be used along with other City design guidelines.
Ms. Zimny stated that the proper education and training on how to use any system is very important to its success. Ideas and suggestions on the needed education and training are also outlined in the report.
In closing, Ms. Zimny stated that the City needs to identify who will do what, such as who will begin the sidewalk inventory, who will initiate the transportation commercial corridor study, who will move forward with ordinance and policy amendments, etc. Ultimately, the City should adopt the Plan as a part of the City of Dover Comprehensive Plan.
Referring to the concerns outlined in the Plan related to West Walker Road, Mr. DePrima stated that an enhancement grant is already available for this project. He introduced Mr. Lowell Jacobs, of Landmark Engineering, and asked for an update on this subject. Mr. Jacobs stated that this portion of Walker Road is heavily used by pedestrians. There are discontinuous sidewalks, and the shoulders are in varying degrees of condition. This a very hazardous road for pedestrians. The Walker Road project has received grant funds through DelDOT for improvements. The advantage of DelDOT funds is that they have sources for grants, but the disadvantage is that the project must comply with their format and standards, which is very demanding. He stated that DelDOT is aware that their standards for projects of this nature are very demanding and they are attempting to make them less complicated. However, in the interim, their standards must be met. The project is on-going but may seem to be moving slowly. The proposal includes the connection of sidewalks from Walker Woods to the Hamlet Shopping Center, and then across the street to tie into sidewalks on the east side of Saulsbury Road. It consists of approximately 3,000 linear feet of sidewalk. Mr. Hicks asked if this work is being done at the expense of the adjacent property owners. Mr. Jacobs replied that the improvements will be funded by grant funds.
Prior to moving to the next presentation, Mr. DePrima stated that he intends to place the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan on the agendas of City Council and the Planning Commission for official action on the adoption of the Plan. Once the Plan has been adopted, the Planning staff will use the document when reviewing subdivisions and site plans and will ensure that as new subdivisions are developed, they are conforming with the recommendations of the Plan. Staff will continue to look for grants and other funding sources to begin funding for some of the proposals in the Plan. Some of the proposals could also be funded through the City’s capital budget.
The Planning staff will be preparing recommended amendments to ordinances which will be presented to the Planning Commission and Council in the near future.
Mr. Lambert stated that he was very impressed with the detail of the Plan and commended those involved in its creation.
Route #13 Corridor Plan - Dover/Kent Metropolitan Planning Organization
Mr. DePrima stated that this Plan has been worked on for over one year and that it is very near completion. When the Plan is completed, staff will draft overlay ordinances, similar to the Route #8 Corridor Overlay, so that the recommendations of the plan can be implemented.
Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Dover MPO Coordinator, stated that the goal was to develop a corridor concept for Route #13 and Route #113 to improve travel conditions for all modes and promote economic vitality.
She distributed copies of the Concept Plan for US 13 and 113 in Dover (on file with the Office of the City Clerk) and showed slides of specific problem areas. Ms. Wieczoreck stated that six teams were created with each team given a specific portion of the corridor to review. Local planners, architects and realtors participated in the concept plan. A summary of the team recommendations is outlined in the report.
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that not only is Route #13 visually unattractive, but it was rated high on the list of unsafe roadways. In order to begin the process for improvement, they first reviewed examples of the types of complaints that have been received such as excessive or cluttered signs, too many driveway openings, too much traffic and too much out of town traffic for a local corridor. Complaints of insufficient access have been received such as the northbound turn from Walmart, and lack of pedestrian facilities and crossings. Positive remarks include the use of service roads such as the one near Hechinger’s.
Council President Christiansen referred to a bus shelter located on Route #13 in front of Walmart, stating that the bus stop is located adjacent to the turn lane for vehicles turning into Walmart. He stated his opinion that this bus stop is very dangerous. Ms. Wieczoreck relayed that she believes that it had to be located in the right of way because Walmart would not allow it on their property. She will investigate this matter.
Ms. Wieczoreck reviewed in detail the recommendations of the six teams, noting that there are some conflicting recommendations from the various teams. The recommendations are fully outlined in the report.
A public workshop was held in October to receive public input on the recommendations of the six teams. One suggestion that received the most positive votes is the recommendation to “implement access management to reduce the number of driveway openings”. Ms. Wieczoreck outlined the results of the public input on various other recommendations from the six teams.
Their goal for the project is to make recommendations to the agencies and jurisdictions who have implementation jurisdiction. They plan to continue meeting with other public agencies that may be involved in funding or implementation. During this next fiscal year, they are planning to fund a project to prepare a National Access Plan for Route #13, which will identify where service roads should be located and the correct types of access roads, and a Sign Plan which will depict the correct types of signs and the best locations for signs that would prove most beneficial to motorists.
At this point, the MPO would like an indication from City Council as to their support for the project so that the MPO will know if there is adequate support to move forward.
Mr. DePrima stated that there are many instances where the older buildings along Route #13 have outlived their usefulness. Potential buyers are purchasing property and demolishing the existing structures to make way for the construction of new buildings. Adoption of a Concept Plan will allow an opportunity to implement any new changes.
Referring to possible funding sources for the projects, Mr. Leary asked if the MPO has considered specific funding sources. Ms. Wieczoreck stated that they currently have no specific funding sources targeted, but stated that funding will probably come from a variety of sources.
Mr. DePrima reminded members that the City has representation on the MPO and the City Manager is the Chairman. The MPO will be making recommendations to DelDOT for projects that should be included on their improvement project list and their pipeline committee. Many of the suggestions in the report may be future projects that the City wishes to endorse and advocate.
Mr. Holt stated that the Planning Commission often deals with requests for variation from the sidewalk standards, with many developers requesting that the requirement for sidewalks be waived. He suggested that the Planning Commission and City Council take a firm stand on the requirement for sidewalks so that it does not become a negotiable issue.
Agreeing with Mr. Holt, Mrs. Ornauer stated that in many instances, developers complain that they have to install sidewalks that do not connect to other existing sidewalks. She stated that if the City continues to insist on the installation of sidewalks, eventually the fragmentation will end.
Mr. Friedman stated that he is encouraged to see that the problems associated with sidewalks and pedestrian safety are being addressed, stating that the Planning Commission members sometimes find it hard to insist that a developer install sidewalks that do not connect to adjoining sidewalk.
Mr. Lambert applauded the efforts of the MPO and moved to encourage the MPO to continue in its efforts on the Concept Plan for US 13 and 113 in Dover. The motion was seconded by Mr. Leary and unanimously carried.
Suburban and Community Street Design Standard Project - Dover/Kent MPO
At the encouragement of City Council, the Planning staff has been reviewing our street standards to determine if they are meeting our needs. Mr. DePrima stated that his staff is working with the MPO and Kent County to look at community street standards for the City of Dover and Kent County. Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck stated that a contract has been signed with Landmark Engineering for the Suburban and Community Street Design Standard Project. The project team will review local codes and ordinances relative to subdivision design standards, open space and landscape requirements, sidewalk and bikeway requirements, special provisions for the incorporation of transit services and other adequate public facilities and performance standards already in place locally. Annexation policies and procedures will also be analyzed to determine the impact of annexation practices and the goals of achieving an efficient, effective and serviceable pattern of suburban land development. They will also review the permitting process of all agencies and traffic impact studies. The team will review subdivision plans that have already been submitted to determine what changes might have been made to make them more pedestrian/transit friendly or if any other changes may have had a positive impact on the plan.
The consultants will perform interviews with emergency fire rescue agencies, since street width is very important to these types of agencies, the school systems and all other agencies that they feel would be impacted by any changes. Review is expected to take approximately 10 months.
Mr. Lambert stated that sometimes problems are created by having too much regulation, which leaves very little room for flexibility. He suggested that some flexibility be built into the plan so that a common sense approach can be taken without having to consider variances on every issue.
Mr. DePrima conveyed his appreciation to members of City Council and the Planning Commission for attending this joint meeting. These are very important issues that require a significant amount of work, time and money and he felt it important to give the issues adequate review by both bodies.
Mr. Leary moved to adjourn, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:24 P.M.
DEBRAH J. BOAMAN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their special meeting of March 30, 1998, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
/DJB