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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on August 25, 2014 at
4:00 p.m. with Chairman Hutchison presiding. Members present were Mr. Dixon, Mr. Keller, and
Mr. Truax. Mr. Perza was absent. Councilman Anderson was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Dixon moved for approval of the agenda as presented, seconded by Mr. Keller and
unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance #2014-21 Amending Chapter 46 - Fire Prevention and Protection,
Article I - In General, Section 46-4 - Impact Protection of Natural Gas and LP Gas Devices
Mr. Timothy Mullaney, Fire Marshal, advised members that the purpose of the proposed ordinance
was to clarify the standards for impact protection surrounding natural gas and liquid propane gas
devices and that, currently, the code does not specify the standards, specifically dimensions and
color, for bollards installed to protect natural gas and liquid propane gas devices. Mr. Mullaney
indicated that formally codifying the standards would reduce the potential for confusion about the
requirements.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Mullaney confirmed that the purpose of the amendment was
basically “housekeeping” and to provide a clear reference in the Code for those who inquire.
Mr. Dixon moved to recommend adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2014-21, seconded by
Mr. Keller and unanimously carried.
Prioritization of City of Dover State Capital Transportation Program (CTP) Projects
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, reminded
members that City Council develops a list of transportation priorities each year and shares these
priorities with the Secretary of Transportation for consideration when the Delaware Department of
Transportation (DelDOT) develops the State’s Capital Transportation Plan (CTP). She, along with
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, reviewed the priorities approved by City Council in
September 2013 and recommended that the prior year’s ranking be maintained for the coming year,
as follows:
1. Garrison Oak Connector Road
2. Construction of Sidewalks within the Walk Zone of the New Dover High School
a. Mifflin Road
b. South Side of Route 8 West of Mifflin Road
c. Kenton Road (must be coupled with Kenton Road Corridor Upgrades)
3. Route 8/Hazlettville Road Connector
4. US Route 13 Sidewalk Construction
5. Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension
6. Kenton Road Corridor Upgrades
7. Loockerman Street/Forest Street Improvements
8. Kings Highway/Route 13 Intersection Improvements
9. US Route 13 Service Road Corridor
10. College Road Corridor Upgrades
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2014 PAGE 2
Mrs. Townshend advised members that the City was also supportive of projects to improve
pedestrian and bicycle friendliness. She stated that The Capital City Trail project was currently
under construction, noting that Phase 2 of the project, which is located behind Delaware Public
Archives, was being finished and Park Drive would be next. She stated that the Dover/Kent County
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) was leading the development of bicycle and pedestrian
plans for the City of Dover and that, once these projects were complete, other bicycle and pedestrian
priorities would be developed.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison regarding the results of the priority list submitted by the City to
DelDOT during the previous year, Mrs. Townshend indicated that the projects recommended by the
City for the CTP had not fared well, which is why it would be important to continue to submit them
in hopes that they would get the attention needed.
Mr. Dixon moved to recommend approval of the prioritization of City of Dover State Capital
Transportation Program (CTP) projects, as presented. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Truax and unanimously carried.
Debriefing/Post-Mortem on Firefly Music Festival
Police Chief Paul Bernat reviewed a presentation entitled, “Special Preparation Instructions &
Debriefing/Post-Mortem on Firefly Music Festival” and explained that the Police Department meets
monthly throughout the year to prepare for this event, anticipating an estimated attendance of 80,000
people. Referring to the grid map, Chief Bernat explained that the festival area had been divided into
four (4) zones and the Dover Police Department was responsible for Zones 1, 2, and 4, while the
Delaware State Police had jurisdiction over Zone 3.
Chief Bernat stated that the 2013 festival was a three (3) day event and most attendees arrived on
Friday, the first day, which created a traffic problem. In 2014, the site opened on Wednesday
afternoon to those who had special tickets; however, there was a traffic problem on Thursday until
approximately 11:00 a.m. because the officers did not report until 5:00 a.m. and, unexpectedly,
attendees began to arrive at 3:00 a.m. Chief Bernat stated that they plan to remedy this problem for
the 2015 festival by having traffic control around the clock on the first day.
Chief Bernat informed members that there were 3,378 man hours used throughout the six (6) day
period of the festival and that this expense would be paid by Red Frog Events. He reviewed the
complaints received pertaining to the festival as well as several issues which will be addressed prior
to the 2015 festival. He noted that there was a non-ticketed event held on Saturday night outside the
venue, by Miles the Monster, and a fight started which resulted in a couple of arrests. The Police
Department suggested that all events be held inside the festival in the future, noting that people who
do not purchased tickets “have nothing to lose,” whereas people who buy tickets are aware that they
could lose the next few days if they are arrested.
Responding to Mr. Keller, Chief Bernat stated that there were approximately six (6) arrests last year,
when approximately 55,000 people attended, compared to 80,000 this year, and that the larger
population this year contributed to more arrests. Overall, he stated that it was a very successful
event.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2014 PAGE 3
Responding to Mr. Dixon regarding noise complaints, Chief Bernat noted that some complaints were
received; however, he felt that the amount of money that was brought into the City and State
economy was “phenomenal.”
At Mr. Hutchison’s request, Mr. James Hosfelt, Dover International Speedway Security Manager,
(and former City of Dover Police Chief), stated that the event could not be held without the help of
14 - 17 law enforcement agencies. Noting the small number of arrests, he stated that Dover Downs
considered the festival a success. Mr. Hosfelt advised members that the traffic plan was coordinated
by Dover Downs, the Dover Police Department, the State Police, and the Delaware Department of
Transportation (DelDOT) to bring cars and campers in from Route 9 and Leipsic Road to park in Lot
18 on Wednesday, which worked very well. He reiterated Chief Bernat’s comments about the traffic
back-up on Thursday and indicated that, going forward, it had been decided to start 24-hour vehicle
parking on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Hosfelt stated that campers who stay in the campgrounds in
that area will be required to stay throughout their visit; there will be no coming and going from the
campgrounds.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Chief Hosfelt stated that next year’s event would also be a four (4) day
event.
Responding to Mr. Keller about the upcoming “World Championship Punkin Chunkin” at Dover
International Speedway, Chief Hosfelt confirmed that the Dover Police Department would be
involved in the event and that 20,000 - 25,000 people attended in Sussex County last year. He noted
that the event was scheduled for October 24 - 26, 2014.
Councilman Anderson stated that the complaints he received regarding noise from the Firefly Music
Festival were related to after-hours events on week nights, and he suggested terminating outdoor
events held after midnight on week nights. He indicated that most people had been surprised by how
wonderful and unobtrusive the crowds had been and felt that the event had been a big benefit.
Mr. Anderson questioned the possibility of bringing the Country Music Festival to Dover
International Speedway from Sussex County. Responding, Chief Hosfelt stated that this had not
been discussed but expressed his understanding that, unless it were a Red Frog event, the
organization that manages the Firefly Music Festival, he did not think that it would happen at Dover
Downs.
Mr. Hutchison stated his opinion that no other location in Delaware could handle this type of crowd
in this manner and that the success of the event reflected the partnership between the City of Dover
and Dover Downs. He expressed his pride that the City of Dover had the confidence to put on such
an event and his thanks to all involved.
Update - Dover High School Construction
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members
that Dover High School was open and had a temporary Certificate of Occupancy. Occupancy was
staged to initially allow only teachers to enter and subsequently to allow students who were attending
orientation nights. An additional inspection was done to extend the occupancy to include the
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2014 PAGE 4
Jumpstart Academy for freshman students from August 11 - 12, 2014. Mrs. Townshend stated that
on August 20, 2014, staff performed a full site inspection and extended the temporary Certificate of
Occupancy to include use of the school. She explained that the athletic facilities had a separate
permit, and a temporary Certificate of Occupancy was issued to allow use of the grass multi-purpose
fields and the turf competition field, but not the stadium. Mrs. Townshend indicated that the Capital
School District had requested an inspection of the stadium for August 27, 2014 and would like to
begin using it on August 28, 2014. She stated that the school passed all life safety and building
inspections and only the completion of site items remained, including the baseball and softball fields
on the east side of the site, as well as clean-up and grading. For the most part, she felt that
everything was functioning well.
Mrs. Townshend advised members that on first day of school, August 21, 2014, traffic was “a mess”
from approximately 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. and was backed up beyond Mifflin Road. She stated that
she met Mayor Robin Christiansen, Capital School District (CSD) Board members and staff, and
Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) employees at the site on August 22, 2014 and
there was significant improvement in traffic flow. Mrs. Townshend expressed a need to educate the
public, including students and drivers, about the High-Intensity Activated crossWalk (HAWK)
signal, as there was some confusion. She indicated that many of the projects that staff had been
concerned about, including extension of the sidewalk from Dover High School to Tribbett Street,
pedestrian connections to the south, and the east entrance were all complete and the small projects
that remained were coming together nicely.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison regarding the reason for the traffic improvements between the first and
second days of school, Mrs. Townshend stated her belief that more people drove their children to
school on the first so there was larger volume. In addition, she felt that traffic would continue to
improve as everyone learns the routine. Mrs. Townshend noted that four (4) motorcycle officers
were present on the first day to assist with traffic exiting nearby developments, but it will be difficult
to fully assess this traffic situation until after the sidewalk construction is complete. She indicated
that safety staff from DelDOT expected to perform traffic counts during the third week of school to
see if a full signal was warranted.
In response to Mr. Hutchison regarding the status of traffic earlier in the day, Mrs. Townshend stated
that no complaints had been received. She noted that it is difficult to exit from the school’s east
entrance because vehicles coming out of the west entrance create a steady volume of traffic and that
the CSD did not want buses to use the east entrance if they could not enter and exit easily.
Mr. Keller stated that the difficulty with using the east entrance indicated a good reason to have a
full-fledged traffic signal at that location.
Mr. Truax asked if the HAWK signal allowed Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services
staff to change the light remotely. Mrs. Townshend stated that it did not have that ability because
DelDOT indicated that the signal turns red only when there is a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Their
concern was that if this were changed remotely and the light changed suddenly, the pedestrian could
not safely cross the street. Mr. Truax stated that this would be a concern for emergency vehicles
coming from the west toward Bayhealth Kent General and the Dover Fire Department.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
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Mrs. Townshend expressed her opinion that the HAWK signal was probably less of a concern for
emergency vehicles coming from the west than the traffic back-up that may be encountered. She
indicated that there would be steady, heavy traffic on Route 8 in this area from approximately
7:05 a.m. until 7:25 a.m., and sporadic use of the HAWK signal from approximately 7:00 a.m. until
7:15 a.m., with similar use in the afternoon. Mrs. Townshend stated that the CSD had discussed
having school personnel monitor the area to ensure that all students crossing Route 8 at the HAWK
signal were complying.
Mr. Hutchison requested that Mrs. Townshend consult with DelDOT to determine if the HAWK
signal could be controlled remotely. He stated that this matter could be discussed further based on
that determination.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Chief Bernat confirmed that the Police Department was continuing
to monitor traffic conditions at the new school. Mr. Hutchison requested that Police Department
personnel contact Mrs. Townshend with an update on the morning and afternoon traffic pattern.
Briefing on Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Projects
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, provided updates
on DelDOT projects, as follows:
Garrison Oak Connector Road
Mrs. Townshend informed members that the Garrison Oak Connector Road was the City’s top
transportation priority; however, it was not listed in the State of Delaware Capital Transportation
Plan (CTP).
Construction of Sidewalks within the Walk Zone of the New Dover High School
Mrs. Townshend indicated that sidewalks in the vicinity of Dover High School were being
completed; however, there was no report from DelDOT regarding sidewalk construction on Mifflin
Road or the south side of Route 8.
Route 8/Hazlettville Road Connector
Mrs. Townshend advised members that no funding was shown for this project in the current CTP.
US Route 13 Sidewalk Construction
Mrs. Townshend stated that DelDOT does not currently have any projects in this area, although
several sidewalk segments were installed by developers as part of their site plan approval. She
advised members that a sidewalk was constructed in front of the former Sheraton Hotel as part of
its conversion to dormitories and the charter school at Delaware State University (DSU), and this
was extended to the DSU campus through funding from State legislators. She noted that a sidewalk
was also being constructed on Route 13 in front of TGI Fridays.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
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Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension
Mrs. Townshend stated that DelDOT indicated that this project was currently funded for preliminary
engineering in FY16 and FY17, although there was no right-of-way or construction funding in the
current CTP spending plan.
Kenton Road Corridor Upgrades
Mrs. Townshend stated that this project was currently funded by DelDOT for preliminary
engineering in FY16 and FY17, right-of-way acquisition in FY18, and construction in FY19 and
FY20.
Kings Highway/Route 13 Intersection Improvements
Mrs. Townshend indicated that DelDOT did not have a project planned in this area; however,
developers of the former Playtex site at this location would make improvements as part of their
development. Mrs. Townshend explained that the City was working with DelDOT on a
Transportation Improvement District (TID) study and that this area would also be addressed in the
study.
US Route 13 Service Road Corridor
Mrs. Townshend advised members that DelDOT had no information to report at this time regarding
this project; however, it was noted that representatives of The Dover Mall were in discussion with
Dover International Speedway regarding the concept of a service road between Rt. 13 and Rt. 1.
Transportation Improvement District
Mrs. Townshend reported that development of a Transportation Improvement District was an
ongoing project and that a progress meeting had been scheduled with DelDOT.
Mrs. Townshend indicated that DelDOT provided information on additional projects, as follows:
< Construction for the West Dover Connector would be advertised in September, with
construction scheduled to begin around the first of the year.
< Safety improvements were planned for the intersection of Route 8 and Saulsbury Road
and would include the addition of through and left-turn lanes on northbound and
southbound Saulsbury Road at the intersection, with preliminary engineering to begin
early in FY15.
< Improvements were planned for the intersection of Loockerman and Forest Streets,
with preliminary engineering in FY17 and FY18, right of way acquisition in FY19, and
construction in FY20.
Mrs. Townshend noted that DelDOT was also working on adding a third lane of traffic on US 13
from Lochmeath Way to the Puncheon Run Connector, with preliminary engineering in early FY 15.
She noted that this project was outside the City limits but would affect the City.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
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Responding to Mr. Dixon regarding his concern that Delaware State University (DSU) students were
crossing Route 13 through traffic, Mrs. Townshend stated that it was her understanding that there
were plans to extend the brick wall in front of DSU to prevent students from accessing the highway
in areas where they are not supposed to cross.
Mr. Keller moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Dixon and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 4:49 p.m.
James L. Hutchison, Sr.
Chairman
JLH/JS/dd/tm
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