SA&T (revised 02-23-2018 to correct meeting date on Page 2)
Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee. 27 de abril de 2015.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on April 27, 2015 at
4:00 p.m. with Chairman Hutchison presiding. Members present were Mr. Keller and Mr. Truax.
Mr. Dixon and Mr. Perza were absent. Councilman Anderson (arrived at 4:10 p.m.) and
Mayor Christiansen (departed at 4:15 p.m. and returned at 4:21 p.m.) were also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Hutchison advised members that, at the request of Mr. Ronald J. Brown, Jr., Item #1,
Presentation - Cure Violence Health Approach, would be removed from the agenda.
Mr. Keller moved for approval of the agenda, as amended, seconded by Mr. Truax and
unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance #2015-07 Amending Chapter 46 - Fire Prevention and Protection,
Article IV - Public Occupancies, Section 46-162 - Sprinkler Requirements and Section 46-171 -
Fire Alarm in Place of Assembly
Mr. Timothy Mullaney, Fire Marshal, reviewed the proposed ordinance. He indicated that changes
were proposed in Section 46-162, Sprinkler Requirements, to incorporate National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) 13 and other requirements regarding the location and type of fire department
connections. He explained that including this information in the Code would make it easier to obtain
this information from a single source.
Mayor Christiansen stated that the Dover Fire Department currently uses a five (5) inch supply line
and uses the building connections on all newly constructed buildings. Noting that some buildings
have 2½-inch national standard connections, he inquired if replacing these connections would be
required or if this would occur only if they are damaged. Responding, Mr. Mullaney stated that an
upgrade would be required for new construction projects for greater than 50% renovations, when
a fire alarm connection would have to be physically relocated because of construction, or if a
sprinkler company informed him that there was a physical problem with the connection that
prevented it from working.
Mayor Christiansen questioned if the Dover Fire Department has the ability to hook up to 2½-inch
connections. Responding, Mr. Mullaney stated that he was aware of only 30 locations using this
type of connection since most buildings had upgraded. He indicated that this was not a problem
because the necessary equipment is available on the trucks and only a little more time and pre-
planning is required. Mr. Mullaney stated that he would not recommend requiring a City-wide
upgrade since this could be a big project that some would be unable to afford.
Mr. Mullaney advised members that the proposed change to Section 46-171, Fire Alarm in Place of
Assembly, would address public mode audible requirements related to shunt trip relays/switches.
He advised members that this is already established in NFPA 72, and this amendment would allow
users to access this information through City Code. Mr. Mullaney stated that the requirement is that
the power source used to amplify live music will shut down at the activation of a fire alarm system.
Mr. Keller moved to recommend approval of Proposed Ordinance #2015-07, seconded by
Mr. Truax and unanimously carried.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF APRIL 27, 2015 PAGE 2
Evaluation of Proposals - Ambulance Service Contract
During the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting held on March 23, 2015,
members considered the Evaluation of Proposals - Ambulance Service Contract and tabled the
matter until the next meeting of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee.
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, referred to his memorandum dated April 22, 2015, regarding
Evaluation of Proposals - Ambulance Service Contract, explaining that the attachments included
answers to members’ questions that were submitted by PrimeCare Medical Transport, LLC, as well
as additional information provided by PrimeCare Medical Transport, LLC and Heartline Ambulance
Service, LLC. Mr. Koenig reminded members that three (3) proposals were received and that
members had agreed that the proposal from Hart to Heart Transportation, LLC was not in
compliance with the Request for Proposals (RFP), and the only proposals that complied were from
PrimeCare and Heartline. He noted that Heartline was an entity that had yet to be created.
Mr. Koenig informed members that, as requested during the Committee meeting of March 23, 2015,
representation from PrimeCare was present.
Mr. Koenig explained that the City had a longstanding contract with PrimeCare to deliver ambulance
services. For a time, the City had received complaints from both Cheswold and Camden-Wyoming
ambulance services for overflow responses that they were making into the City’s service area. He
stated that, at that time, the City had two (2) options, one (1) of which was to pay PrimeCare for
additional ambulance coverage. It was Mr. Koenig’s recollection that the cost would have been
approximately $10,000 per month for PrimeCare to add another shift, and staff was unable to
identify an eight (8) or 12-hour shift with consistent overflow numbers that would address all of the
concerns. The second option was to make donations to Cheswold and Camden-Wyoming
ambulance services to compensate them for the time and effort they were putting into service calls
within the City’s service territory. The City issued donations in FY 13 and FY 14 to these
ambulance providers for their calls inside the City service territory, which amounted to
approximately $15,000 annually.
In regard to the proposal received from Heartline in response to the current RFP, Mr. Koenig
advised members that Heartline would be the creation of a private, for-profit company out of the
existing Camden-Wyoming volunteer fire service and expressed his belief that the ambulance
service that Camden-Wyoming currently provides is a component of their volunteer fire service.
He stated that in the original RFP issued several years ago, responders were asked for five (5) years
of operating experience as a for-profit company, since it was desired that companies demonstrate
the ability to start a service and continue business operation for a five (5) year horizon. Mr. Koenig
noted that typically the expectation is that if a business is going to fail, it will do so within the first
five (5) years. He stated that if members wished to relax this requirement, they could recommend
this to Council; however, it must be understood that there would be a transition period for this new
service and they would have to purchase equipment, create schedules and service components, and
hire staff. Mr. Koenig indicated that Mr. Chris Clough, Employee Supervisor and EMS
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Administrator, Heartline Ambulance Service/Camden-Wyoming Fire Company, had indicated that
they could have their service up and running comfortably by August 1, 2015.
Mr. Koenig advised members that he had not changed his original recommendation to enter into a
contract with PrimeCare Medical Transport, LLC in the amount of $230,000 to provide ambulance
services for a three (3) year period, with a negotiated ending date of June 30, 2018. It was his belief
that there was an option for two (2), one (1) year extensions without having to rebid.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Koenig stated his belief that PrimeCare had been the City’s
provider for approximately 11 years.
Mr. Keller stated that there had been minimal complaints against PrimeCare, noting that there are
always a few complaints with any service, and he expressed his preference for PrimeCare.
Mr. Truax advised members that he had no issue with any of the providers or staff’s
recommendation; however, he expressed concern regarding the process. He felt that the RFP did
not ask some of the proper questions, noting that some of the questions were seven (7) to eight (8)
years old, and suggested that it needed to be reviewed. Mr. Truax did not feel comfortable
recommending a three (3) year contract with a two (2) year extension. He suggested that the
agreement go forward with a recommendation for two (2) years and, within that two (2) year period,
forming a Basic Life Support (BLS) Needs committee to determine exactly what is needed to deliver
the best service to the constituency, every person in the City of Dover, and those passing through
it who will use the ambulance service regardless of who is providing it.
Mr. Truax reiterated that he would like to see a contract go forward with PrimeCare, based on staff’s
recommendation; however, he was concerned about forwarding a recommendation for a five (5) year
contract and not looking at the process. He felt that the process should be evaluated so that the
provider is asked the appropriate questions regarding what the City wants rather than simply
describing what they can provide. Mr. Truax advised members that there is no one on staff who can
develop the proper questions for the City’s RFP. He suggested that someone could be hired to study
this, or that this be done by members of a BLS committee made up of individuals with backgrounds
in dispatch, field care, or hospital care.
Mr. Hutchison stated that the proposal before members was for a three (3) year contract and
reminded members that PrimeCare had already been providing this service for 11 years. He stated
that Mr. Truax had made some valid points in regard to evaluating operations in the future, and
Mr. Hutchison did not have a problem with working with the City Manager and staff to create an
evaluation system. However, he did not feel that this was the issue before members tonight.
Mr. Hutchison did not see the difference between supporting a two (2) year proposal versus a
three (3) year proposal, noting that the City Manager and staff had clearly recommended a three (3)
year proposal.
Mr. Truax stated his belief that the process is tied into the overall bid package. He indicated that
if the agreement were approved for three (3) years, there is no way to know that this matter would
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be reviewed or that the agreement would work. He felt that it would be proper to make a motion in
favor of a two (2) year agreement with a component that a BLS committee would be formed to
review this matter. Mr. Truax stated that this was his opinion and each Committee member should
develop their own opinion.
Mr. Hutchison requested Mr. Koenig’s opinion on the concept of developing an evaluation system
and establishing a board to address Mr. Truax’s concerns. Responding, Mr. Koenig stated that he
had no concerns with appointing a future BLS committee. He advised members that he had already
included a study related to police staffing, fire dispatch, and ambulance service in an FY 16 draft
budget for Council’s consideration in a few weeks. Although this study currently did not include
the fine details of BLS, he felt that this could be the starting point for discussing whether the City
should pursue additional BLS services. Mr. Koenig stated that former Councilman Eugene Ruane
had asked staff to create an annexation model, and much time was spent talking about the services
that would be impacted by annexation and development, including police, fire, and streets.
Ambulance calls were not discussed; however, Mr. Koenig noted that the 10-year trend of
ambulance calls had crept up significantly, and the last three (3) years had leveled off.
Mr. Truax questioned who would sit on that committee, how it would be formed, and whether it
would be a subcommittee to the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee.
Responding, Mr. Hutchison stated that it could be made a priority to move forward with this matter
and that the details could be worked out.
Mr. Truax suggested that the Committee recommend a three (3) year agreement and that, in that
three (3) year period, a BLS needs committee would be formed as a subcommittee to the Safety
Advisory and Transportation Committee. This would place the intent for a review of this matter on
the record and would allow enough time to review, study, and come up with a reasonable overview
of BLS needs.
In response to Mr. Hutchison regarding the recommended composition of the subcommittee,
Mr. Truax suggested that it be made up representatives from dispatch; field care, including EMTs;
and someone from hospital care, including a nurse or doctor, and stated that determining who would
sit on the subcommittee would be part of the overall process.
In response to Mr. Hutchison regarding whether this is being done elsewhere in Delaware, Mr.
Truax stated that he was unsure. To his knowledge, there are only two (2) jurisdictions using private
carriers for 911 transport, the City of Wilmington, which uses St. Francis, and the City of Dover.
Mr. Koenig reminded members that the RFP was for a three (3) year contract with two (2), one (1)
year extensions if the City so chooses.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Koenig confirmed that the City would continue to have the same
agreement with the Camden-Wyoming and Cheswold fire services for reimbursement.
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Responding to Mr. Keller, Mr. Koenig confirmed that the questions previously asked by members
were answered in PrimeCare’s letter of response. Mr. Koenig explained that some of the more
detailed questions that Mr. Truax had identified were not in the RFP, either because they are new
things or because they are service levels that Mr. Truax would like to see enacted. The RFP was to
provide the current minimum level of service that is required.
Mr. Keller moved to recommend authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with
PrimeCare Medical Transport, LLC in the amount of $230,000 to provide ambulance services
to the City of Dover for a three (3) year period, with a negotiated ending date of June 30, 2018,
as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Truax and carried by a vote of
two (2) yes (Keller and Hutchison) and one (1) no (Truax).
Mr. Truax moved to recommend placing a discussion of the feasibility of creating a committee
to study the Basic Life Safety (BLS) needs for the City of Dover on the agenda for the next
Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee meeting, seconded by Mr. Keller and
unanimously carried.
Briefing on Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Projects
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members
that updates were requested from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) for projects
that were put forward as transportation priorities in regard to the Capital Transportation Plan (CTP).
She provided updates on these projects, as follows:
Garrison Oak Connector Road
The Garrison Oak Connector Road was listed as one (1) of the top priorities for the City of Dover;
however, no funding for design or construction is included in DelDOT's current CTP. It was
Mrs. Townshend’s belief that the right-of-way was already in place.
College Road Corridor Upgrades
This project is not funded in the current Capital Transportation Plan.
Construction of Sidewalks Within the Walk Zone of the New Dover High School
Mrs. Townshend stated that DelDOT had indicated that the sidewalk project at this location is
complete; however, she noted that members of both the Safety Advisory and Transportation
Committee and the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) had recognized
that, although there are sidewalks on the north side of Route 8, there is a large gap on the south side.
Quite a few students had been seen walking in the travel lane or shoulder in that area, or on
residents’ grass, and the City and MPO were discussing this. Mrs. Townshend explained that a
meeting had been scheduled regarding the Kenton Road project with the intent to have some of this
sidewalk area included in an expanded scope for that project. She expressed her belief that sidewalk
construction needs to be prioritized and funded, noting that she and Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager,
had also discussed this with the Secretary of Transportation.
Route 8/Hazlettville Road Connector
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Mrs. Townshend stated that the Route 8/Hazlettville Road connector is the road located at the west
entrance of Dover High School. She advised members that there is currently no funding for this
project in the CTP.
US Route 13 Sidewalk Construction
There is a small amount of funding in FY 19 for sidewalk design for a portion of US Route 13 from
South Court Street to Loockerman Street. No other money is shown in the CTP.
Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension
Funding for preliminary engineering and design in FY 16 and FY 17 is included in the current CTP.
Funding for right-of-way acquisition is shown in FY 19 and FY 20. There is no funding for
construction in the current CTP. Mrs. Townshend advised members that Delaware State University
(DSU) had acquired the former Sheraton Inn in this area, and currently the only way of travel
between DSU and this new portion of the campus is on Route 13. She explained that from a
pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle standpoint this project has become more important in the network
in that area.
Kenton Road Corridor Upgrades
Funding for preliminary engineering and design in FY 16 and FY 17 is shown in the current CTP;
therefore, preliminary engineering was expected to begin after July 1, 2015. Mrs. Townshend stated
that she would be attending a meeting to discuss the scope of the project in the next couple of weeks.
Kings Highway/Route 13 Intersection Improvements
This project is not listed in the current CTP.
Loockerman Street/Forest Street Improvements (Roundabout)
Mrs. Townshend stated that this project involves the construction of a roundabout in front of the
Duncan Center in the area where the clock is currently located, noting that five (5) streets converge
in that area. She stated her recollection that this project dates back to the West Side Redevelopment
Plan that was done in 2001, stating that it was previously included in the CTP and then was shelved.
Mrs. Townshend indicated that the project is included in the CTP for preliminary engineering and
design in FY 17 and FY 18. Funding for right-of-way acquisition is shown in FY 19, with funding
for construction shown in FY 20 and FY 21.
Mrs. Townshend stated that staff had discussed looking at the ranking of this streetscape and safety
project in connection with Downtown Development District investments. She indicated that this
project has money associated with it; whereas, most of the other projects on the list do not. She felt
that it is a doable project that ties in well with the Downtown Development District.
Mayor Christiansen questioned where the Loockerman Street/Forest Street roundabout would be
placed. Responding, Mr. Koenig stated that the concept drawings take the small triangle where the
clock is presently located and carve out a small portion of the southeastern corner of the intersection
where there is vacant land. He explained that this may impact some of the land to the north as a
circular right-of-way is carved out. Mr. Koenig stated his recollection that there is a concept plan
that shows that the roundabout can be constructed without removing any buildings, and it would be
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located in the area of the Duncan Center and the George V. Massey Station. He advised members
that the City owns a small piece of property on the other side of Jerusalem Way, formerly Slaughter
Street. Mr. Koenig indicated that the roundabout would be tight but would fit. He explained that
Loockerman Street would then extend out to Route 8 as a kind of parkway with a center median and
landscaping. The proposed Lincoln Park Center/Clarence Street extension road project would be
tied into the roundabout project, as well as the underground installation of all of the overhead
utilities in that area, so there would be both transportation and aesthetic improvements to that
component of Loockerman Street.
In response to Mayor Christiansen, Mr. Koenig confirmed that this project would be part of the
gateway into the City from the west.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Koenig agreed to make concept drawings of this project available
to the members.
Mr. Hutchison requested that this item be included on the agenda for the next meeting of the Safety
Advisory and Transportation Committee.
US Route 13 Service Road Corridor
This project has no associated funding in the CTP.
Transportation Improvement District
Mrs. Townshend stated that this large project is not listed in the CTP; however, staff is meeting
monthly with DelDOT in this regard. She advised that staff is working on obtaining numbers to
model various growth scenarios which will allow the development of a fee formula based on
building square footage, rather than each developer having to do a transportation study.
Mrs. Townshend noted that the Transportation Improvement District identifies upgrades throughout
the corridor area to be funded through fees received, which would be more efficient, fair, and a
better use of funds.
In response to Mr. Hutchison regarding the High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk Beacon (HAWK)
signal near Dover High School, Mrs. Townshend stated that the signal was currently functioning and
being used by students. She indicated that it would be a while before another study could be done
to see if the intersection meets warrants for a full traffic light. She explained that the high school
does not keep the east entrance open and that staff tried to articulate to the Capital School District
that as long as there is no traffic going to that entrance, the location will never meet the warrants
because counts are based on traffic coming from different points. Mrs. Townshend indicated that
she had observed cars coming out of Heatherfield and speeding through the intersection when the
pedestrians have the walk sign, which was concerning because they were taking advantage of the
signal in a way that it was not intended. She stated the need to watch the intersection closely
because, at this point, there was no indication from DelDOT that the signal would be changed.
In response to Mr. Hutchison regarding the status of the West Dover Bypass, Mrs. Townshend stated
that it is under construction and on schedule.
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In response to Mr. Keller regarding the construction of sidewalks in the walk zone of Dover High
School, Mrs. Townshend stated that this project was third on the City’s list of transportation
priorities. In regard to right-of-way acquisition, Mrs. Townshend stated it was unknown if there was
enough right-of-way. She advised that this was not in DelDOT’s queue to look at because they
consider this project to be complete since they are looking only at the north side of Route 8.
Mrs. Townshend stated that she had been pushing this project hard through the MPO Technical
Advisory Committee process, and Mr. Rich Vetter, Executive Director of the MPO, proposed the
idea of tying this matter into the Kenton Road project so that it would be on DelDOT’s radar screen.
Mrs. Townshend stated that there was some funding available for the Kenton Road project.
Mr. Keller commented that he had seen kids walking in the road. Mrs. Townshend stated that most
of these students are eligible for bus transportation but are present after school for activities or
sports. She indicated that some districts have a late bus for kids involved in activities; however, the
Capital School District does not. She felt that is a big problem that should be addressed before there
is an injury.
Mr. Truax moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Keller and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 4:42 p.m.
James L. Hutchison, Sr.
Chairman
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