SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on June 24, 2008, at 6:03 p.m. with Chairman Leary presiding. Members present were Mrs. Russell (arrived at 6:06 p.m.) and Mr. Link. Mr. Slavin and Mr. Davis were absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Leary noted that there currently was not a quorum and, if there were no objections, he requested the deletion of item #2 - Briefing on MPO Projects, due to the absence of Ms. Wieczoreck. He also requested the addition of item #3 - Comments by Wayne Hutchison, Emergency Management Coordinator.

2008 Comprehensive Plan Review: Transportation Chapter

Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Inspections, provided members with Chapter 9 - Transportation of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update for their review.

Mr. Ruane referred to the various recommendations included in Chapter 9 and suggested that the reasons for the improvements be included to assist in obtaining support, as well as solutions. He also suggested that the objective of the recommendation, as well as a time line, be included in the Plan. He felt that another missing element was a traffic impact analysis and the adverse impacts of traffic and the connection between development and traffic, mitigation, and concurrence. He explained his feeling that there should be a recommendation for the City to review its use of traffic impact analysis and examine the code requirements to determine if they should be strengthened to come closer to adequate facility requirements, such as those adopted by New Castle and Kent Counties.

Mrs. Townshend relayed her fear of making it burdensome for development in Dover, explaining that those who may be interested in Dover would move to other surrounding communities, such as Camden and Smyrna.

Referring to the West Dover Connection Section, Mr. Ruane suggested that there be an indication that City Council has taken a position and that the recommendation include the specific position taken (option #5.c) and the reasons. He commended staff on the comments included regarding Air Quality; however, he suggested that global warming be a topic that should be included in the Plan. It was his feeling that the City of Dover has an obligation and opportunity to lessen the carbon created by transportation in its own vehicles (Cool Cities Program).

Mr. Ruane noted that there were no recommendations regarding the switching yard problems referenced in the Rail Transportation Section. He suggested that staff include a previous recommendation of the committee that was adopted by City Council for the City to work with DelDOT, DNREC, the chemical companies, and the railroad to secure locations. Responding to Mrs. Townshend regarding the recommendations being included in the Emergency Services Section of the Plan, Mr. Ruane felt that redundancy throughout the Plan would not be a problem.

Responding to Mr. Leary, Mrs. Townshend suggested that a revised draft of the Transportation Chapter could be presented to members during their meeting of July 29^th. In addition, she stated that the Community Services Chapter, which includes a section on public safety, could be presented to members during that time as well.

Comments by Wayne Hutchison, Emergency Management Coordinator

Mr. Wayne Hutchison, Emergency Management Coordinator, advised members of the role and responsibilities of his position with the City of Dover, serving as liaison between emergency services and the City. He explained his association with various outside agencies such as DEMA, Kent County Emergency Operations, etc. He indicated that a revised Emergency Operations Plan should be completed within the next six (6) months.

Members suggested that Mr. Hutchison review those chapters of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan regarding safety issues in order to provide comments.

Mr. Hutchison requested the opportunity to meet with the Chairman of the committee, as well as the Mayor, City Manager, Director of Public Services, and the Fire Chief to clarify what circumstances would activate the Emergency Management Coordinator position in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

Mr. Link moved for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:03 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Thomas J. Leary

                                                                                    Chairman

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