SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on February 16, 2005, at 7:02 p.m. with Chairman Ritter presiding. Mr. Simmons (arrived at 7:05 p.m.) was present. Mr. Carey, Mr. Pitts, and Mr. Lakeman were absent. Mayor Speed and Mr. Ruane were also present. Due to the lack of a quorum, no official action was taken.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Ritter accepted the agenda as presented.

Update - DelDOT Projects (Gary Laing)

Mr. Gary Laing, DelDOT Municipal Liaison, provided the committee with the following updates:

Traffic Loop - Delaware State University/Dover Mall/Dover Downs

There have been discussions of a traffic loop for Delaware State University, Dover Mall, and Dover Downs, including expansion plans of the involved parties. Discussions have also begun on how to alleviate traffic conditions, especially on Route 13. DelDOT has requested the owners of the Dover Mall to provide a proposal on how their expansion will incorporate ways of alleviating traffic conditions on Route 13.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Galvin, Director of Planning and Inspections, stated that the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is regrouping and considering being the lead agency on the Delaware State University/Dover Mall/Dover Downs - Traffic Loop Project.

West Dover Connector Project

A West Dover Connector working group meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at the Modern Maturity Center. The group will discuss the information from the Workshop that was held in November 2004.

Rodney Village Civic Association

DelDOT will be represented at the meeting of the Rodney Village Civic Association being held next week. Leadership has changed within this organization and DelDOT is addressing the organization’s misconceptions of DelDOT projects and hopes to clarify matters at this meeting.

Traffic Signalization Projects

The Traffic Signalization Project is well underway.

Walker Road Project Construction

Construction on the Walker Road Project will resume in the spring.

Mr. Ritter requested Mr. Laing to provide members with an update on the Traffic Studies - SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects and South Governors Avenue at the March 16, 2005 meeting. Mr. Ruane requested that the committee also be given an update on the top three (3) transportation projects that were sent to Secretary Hayward on January 26, 2005.

Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Section 7-56 - Fire Prevention (Sprinklers)

During their meeting of January 12, 2005, the City’s Fire Marshal, Mr. Truax, provided a PowerPoint Presentation of recommended Code amendments related to fire suppression. As a result, Mr. Truax, presented proposed ordinance amendments to Section 7-56 - Fire Prevention (Sprinklers) and advised members that the State Fire Marshal’s Office has reviewed and supports the proposed ordinance amendments. Also, the Chamber of Commerce participated in the development of the ordinance and supports the amendments.

Responding to Mr. Ritter, Mr. Truax stated that an establishment that currently does not have a liquor licence must apply to the Alcohol Beverage Commission (ABC). The ABC would require a letter from the City of Dover stating they are permitted to sell alcohol within that zoning classification. At that time, the City would have to act on ensuring that the establishment meets the necessary codes.

Due to the lack of a quorum, Mr. Ritter explained that the ordinance will be forwarded to Council for consideration (Attachment #1).

Resident Concerns - Loud Car Bass Music, Loitering, Noise, and Suspicious Rentals (Eric O’Brien)

Mr. Eric O’Brien, 30 North New Street, discussed with members his concerns of the quality of life surrounding his residence. He noted problems of loitering, prostitution, and criminal activity that continues to go on after bringing this to the City’s attention for the past thirteen years.

Mr. O’Brien read a letter into the record (Attachment #2). He explained that on April 29, 2004, a ninety page report was submitted to the Human Relations Commission and they continue to ignore his request. Mr. O’Brien requested that Mr. Ritter forward a copy of his Human Relations Commission Intake Form, with attached notes, to Mr. John Kotzun, Chairman of the Human Relations Commission.

Mr. Ritter thanked Mr. O’Brien, and stated that the City of Dover is working diligently to make improvements; however, it does take time. He stated that a letter had been sent to the State of Delaware requesting that the General Assembly consider the passage of legislation to prohibit the installation of loud-sounding stereo systems and the committee recommended to Council that four new officers be hired for the Quality of Life Task Force.

There being no further business, Chairman Ritter declared the meeting adjourned.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:47 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Robert G. Ritter, Jr.

                                                                                    Chairman

RGR/rfm

S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-MinutesDrafts2-16-2005 SA&T Committe.wpd

Attachments

Attachment #1 - Proposed Ordinance Amendments - Section 7-56 - Fire Prevention (Sprinklers)

Attachment #2 - Eric O’Brien Letter