COUNCIL COMMITTEES

The Council Committees Meeting was held on August 23, 1999, at 6:30 p.m., with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members of Council present were Mr. Lambert, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mrs. Malone, Mr. Salters, Mr. Weller, and Mayor Hutchison. Mr. Leary was absent.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Malone and unanimously carried.

LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Legislative and Finance Committee met with Chairman Salters presiding. Members present were Councilwoman Malone and Mr. Merritt. Councilmen Lambert and Weller were deputized to serve in the absence of Councilman Leary and Mr. Gorman.

Proposed E-Mail Policy - City of Dover

The City of Dover has established an electronic mail system (e-mail) that consists of equipment and software that is networked across numerous City buildings and is linked to the Internet. Mr. O’Connor explained that although e-mail has many advantages as a form of communication, there are those who might knowingly or otherwise misuse the service. Due to the growing concern and the costs associated with legal battles, legal experts are recommending that each business offering e-mail also have a written policy outlining both the usage and privacy issues. Many also recommend the inclusion of a consent form to be signed by each employee who will be using the e-mail service.

In order to protect employees and the City from misuse of e-mail, staff has developed an E-Mail Policy. Mr. O’Connor explained that as technology advances, policies on the use of systems that help in job performance and efficiency become very important for all concerned. He advised members that the proposed policy provides guidelines and that each employee will be required to read and sign a consent form acknowledging their understanding and willingness to comply with the policy. He stated that having a clear policy in place will provide protection against claims of invasion of privacy and also serves to avoid any misunderstandings some employees may have about their e-mail communications.

Mr. Lambert noted that e-mail is a relatively new technology and suggested that there be a one (1) year review of the policy by staff and the city solicitor for possible updating.

Mrs. Malone moved to recommend approval of the City of Dover E-Mail Policy and that it be resubmitted for review in one (1) year. The motion was seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.

Mrs. Malone moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Weller and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:45 P.M.

UTILITY COMMITTEE

The Utility Committee met with Chairman Lambert presiding. Members present were Councilmen Carey and Weller, and Mr. Nichols. Councilman Truitt was deputized to serve as a member in the absence of Mr. Kramedas.

Transportation Review Committee Report

The Transportation Review Committee met on August 9, 1999, with Chairman Weller presiding.

Discussion - Results of Survey - East Loockerman Street

During their Regular Meeting of June 28, 1999, members of Council considered the DelDOT Traffic Study Report with regards to the proposed partial closing of East Loockerman Street one-way, eastbound. After discussing the matter at length, Council referred the matter to the Transportation Review Committee for further review. In the meantime, it was suggested that a more recent survey of the residents of East Loockerman Street be conducted.

Results of the survey of residents of East Loockerman Street, conducted regarding their desires for the partial closing of East Loockerman Street one-way, eastbound, were provided to members as follows:

            20 - In Favor Of          2 - Against            1 - No Opinion           14 - No Response

When the Transportation Review Committee previously considered this matter, they supported the recommendations of staff and the Planning Commission to downgrade that portion of East Loockerman Street between South Edgehill Avenue and the Edgehill Avenue Alley to an 11 to 12 foot wide, one-way, eastbound alley, with appropriate warning signs. The Transportation Review Committee also recommended that the construction be of a temporary nature until further monitoring proved that there would be no discernable adverse impact on Division Street.

The Transportation Review Committee recommended reaffirmation of the approval of the partial closing of East Loockerman Street, one-way, eastbound. Mr. Weller indicated that it was also recommended that the closure be accomplished in a temporary, aesthetically pleasing fashion.

Mr. Weller explained that by constructing the closure in a temporary manner, should it cause traffic problems in other areas or prove to be an ineffective solution for the traffic problems in the area, it could be easily re-opened.

Council President Christiansen stated that he participated in the survey and was able to observe damaging results of the erratic traffic on this street. He felt that this area is unique since the streets are not built to City standards, which should eliminate concerns of setting a precedence, and that the temporary, partial closure is the solution today. He reminded members that when there are changes of any kind, there will be complaints. He requested that members not react to initial complaints and allow the partial closure to remain for one year, then review the matter further at that time.

Mr. Pitts stated that although the survey indicates that a majority desires the partial closure, he was not completely satisfied and could not support the recommendation.

Mr. Lambert stated that he continues to feel that enforcement would resolve the traffic problems and relayed concerns of setting a precedence. However, he stated that he would not oppose the partial closure if it is done on a temporary basis. He suggested that it be accomplished with signage at this time and that it be reviewed in the next two (2) months to determine if a more permanent design should be instituted.

Mr. O’Connor stated that, if approved for a partial closure, it will be accomplished by erecting a wooden fence to encompass the entire area and installing appropriate signs. The fence will require post holes in the street. He explained that the temporary structure must be done in a permanent manner so that there is no way motorists can avoid the change.

Responding to Mr. Salters, Council President Christiansen stated that if the recommendation of a partial closure is approved by the committee and ultimately by Council, in accordance with the City Charter, there is a process that must be followed for the alteration, closure, etc. of streets which includes a requirement for a public hearing to be held by Council.

With regards to Mr. Pitts’ concerns, Mr. DePrima alluded to the petition received in support of the recommendation for a partial closing and noted that many of the “no responses” from the survey did sign the petition. He reminded members that the Police Department originally had concerns with the proposed partial closure. Mr. DePrima stated that he met with Chief Faulkner and Major Mays at the site to provide a better idea of how the partial closure would be accomplished. He assured members that the Police Department is now receptive to the proposed partial closure. He also indicated that if the partial closure is approved, it is important that it be accomplished by actually narrowing the roadway, not merely by erecting signs.

Mr. Truitt suggested that a stop sign be erected on East Loockerman Street at S. Edgehill Avenue for those traveling west so that they are required to stop, assuring that the one-way signs are noticed. They would then need to make a right-hand turn onto S. Edgehill Avenue to get to Division Street. Regarding the concerns of setting a precedence, Mr. Truitt felt that the situation on East Loockerman Street is different in that there are narrow streets and no sidewalks on a street that has a substantial amount of traffic on a daily basis.

Responding, Mr. Lambert noted that the erection of signs requires review by the Police Department.

In response to concerns of setting a precedence, Mr. DePrima stated that the proposed partial closure would be precedent setting in that the City is willing to study problems as they are presented. Any street experiencing problems similar to those experienced on East Loockerman Street deserve studying. In an attempt to alleviate concerns of members, Mr. DePrima suggested that if the partial closure is approved, in three (3) months staff be required to submit a progress report. The report would include a count of the number of complaints received, as well as compliments, a traffic count (especially during peak times), speeding survey, etc. Then in six (6) months, the issue can be presented to the committee for further review.

Ms. Florence Granan, 41 S. Edgehill Avenue, questioned the location of the partial closure on East Loockerman Street. Mr. Lambert stated that the proposal is to make the section of East Loockerman Street one-way, eastbound, between the alley east of “Where Pigs Fly” and Edgehill Avenue.

Mr. Bill Murray, 745 Loockerman Street, thanked members for taking the time on a weekend to conduct the door-to-door survey. He advised members that, in accordance with the recent petition, 91% of the residents on Edgehill Avenue and 87% of the residents on Loockerman Street support the partial closure as recommended by the Planning Commission, for a total of 88% of the residents in the area in support of the recommendation.

Mr. Adolf Weissenfluh, 23 S. Edgehill Avenue, felt that the partial closure will create a “speedway” and will require additional police enforcement in the area. He stated that currently, during lunch time and evening hours, there are a few individuals that travel at a very high rate of speed on S. Edgehill Avenue, from Loockerman to Division Streets, and requested police enforcement at this time.

Mayor Hutchison, feeling that the proposed partial closure would only be a partial solution, stated that continued enforcement would also be necessary to resolve the traffic concerns in this area.

Mr. Mike von Reider, E. Division Street, felt that the partial closure should appear to be permanent and must feel permanent in order for the change to be accepted. He stated that since he lives on East Division Street, the partial closure will inconvenience him; however, he supports the recommendation.

Mr. Ellis Rath, 797 E. Loockerman Street, felt that the proposed partial closure should be in effect for at least six (6) months before the matter is reconsidered.

Mr. Weller moved to recommend acceptance of the Transportation Review Committee’s recommendation to make that portion of East Loockerman Street, between South Edgehill Avenue and the Edgehill Avenue Alley, one-way, eastbound for a period of one (1) year. The partial closure is to be accomplished in a temporary manner that is aesthetically pleasing (as directed, staff prepared a diagram of the proposed closure - Attachment #1 for Council’s review), with a three (3) month progress report to be provided and that the matter be submitted for reconsideration in six (6) months. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried (Attachment #2 - Resolution).

Installation of Traffic Signal at Mifflin Road and Route #8

During the Open Forum Segment of the Regular Council Meeting on July 26, 1999, Mr. Richard Ornauer advised members that in planning for the future, DelDOT envisions changes in the intersection of Kenton Road and Route #8. He reminded members that the City previously requested DelDOT to install a traffic signal at Route #8 and Mifflin Road. Unfortunately, DelDOT has repeatedly denied the request. Taking into consideration the close proximity of Mifflin Road to Kenton Road, Mr. Ornauer suggested that the City request that, when considering the improvements on Route #8 at Kenton Road, DelDOT also consider the installation of a traffic signal at Mifflin Road and Route #8.

The Transportation Review Committee recommended that the City submit a letter to DelDOT requesting them to consider the installation of a traffic signal at Mifflin Road and Route #8 during their review of improvements to the intersection of Kenton Road and Route #8.

Mr. Weller moved to recommend approval of the Transportation Review Committee’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Truitt.

Mr. Lambert referred to previous discussions with DelDOT regarding traffic in this area and reminded members that it was suggested that the installation of a traffic signal at the entrance of Heatherfield and Route #8 would better resolve the traffic situation in the area than the installation of a traffic signal at Mifflin Road.

Responding, Mr. Weller stated that it was discussed during the Transportation Review Committee; however, Mr. Ornauer still felt that there would be a need for a traffic signal at Mifflin Road.

Mr. Truitt suggested that the letter include that the traffic concerns at Mifflin Road be considered in conjunction with their review of improvements to the intersection of Kenton Road and Route #8.

Council President Christiansen concurred with Mr. Lambert and indicated that the backup of traffic that would be generated from a light at Route #8 and Mifflin Road could hinder the response of firefighters and cause massive traffic jams. He also felt that the installation of a traffic signal on Route #8 at Heatherfield would be the better solution since it would provide breaks in traffic and provide the opportunity for traffic to feed from Mifflin Road.

After discussing the matter at length, the motioner and seconder agreed that the Chairmen of the Utility Committee and Transportation Review Committee (Mr. Lambert and Mr. Weller) will formulate a draft letter to DelDOT requesting that the traffic problems at Route #8 and Mifflin Road and Heatherfield be considered in their review of improvements to the intersection of Kenton Road and Route #8.

On a call for the question by Mr. Lambert, the motion was unanimously carried (draft letter to DelDOT - Attachment #3).

Mr. Weller moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:36 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Robin R. Christiansen

                                                                                    Council President

RRC/jg