SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING

A Special Council Meeting was held on May 21, 1992 at 6:45 p.m. with Council President Christiansen presiding. Members present were Councilmen Lambert, Leary, Pitts, Salters, Levitt, Daisey and Hare.

The Special Council Meeting was held specifically to consider the recommendation of the Safety Advisory Committee on the closing of E. Loockerman Street.

SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT

The Safety Advisory Committee met on May 21, 1992 at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Salters presiding.

Closing of E. Loockerman Street

The committee reviewed the recommendations of the City Police Department and the DelDOT relative to the temporary closing of E. Loockerman Street. Residents have complained about the pedestrian and vehicular dangers due to the high volume of traffic, speeding, a dangerous curve, the narrow width of the street, and no sidewalks and curbs.

Chief Hutchison stated that this street was not constructed to handle the high volume of traffic currently being experienced. However, there are many other streets in the City that are experiencing the same problem. The following alternatives were offered:

1.Remove the barricades and allow strict enforcement to take place for a three month trial period (to determine if this would address the safety concerns that have been raised).

2.Recommend the closing of E. Loockerman Street east-bound lane only, from the alleyway east on Loockerman Street to Edgehill Avenue, allowing west-bound traffic to flow freely.

It was the recommendation of the Police Department that alternative #1 be selected on a trial basis before taking further action as suggested in alternative #2.

After discussing the matter in detail, the committee recommended that, for a three month trial period, the barricade at the western end of E. Loockerman Street be removed with the Police Department utilizing strict enforcement for traffic violations, and if legally possible, the speed limit be set at 15 mph. It was stipulated, however, that if it appears that this action was not successful after the three month trial period, then the committee will move forward with the second alternative presented by Chief Hutchison to make East Loockerman Street one-way only for west-bound traffic.

Mr. Daisey stated that he favors the concept of strict enforcement, but he does not feel that the motion is strong enough to achieve the necessary solution.

Mr. Salters moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, effective 8:00 a.m. on May 26, 1992. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lambert and carried by a unanimous roll call vote.

Mr. Lambert moved to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Levitt and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 7:00 P.M.

                                  DEBRAH J. BOAMAN

                                  CITY CLERK

All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their Regular Meeting of May 21, 1992, are hereby approved.

                                  AARON O. KNOPF

                                  MAYOR

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