Delaware Parking and Safety Committee Meeting - October 27, 2026

The City of Delaware Parking and Safety Committee met at 6:00 p.m. on October 27, 2026, in Council Chambers. Chair Ryder presided with Dr. Bogan and Vice Chair Frazier. The committee approved the prior motion summary, heard public testimony, reviewed traffic calming and parking items, and received an update on Fire Station 305. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• The committee unanimously approved the motion summary from the August 25, 2026, Parking and Safety Committee meeting as recorded and transcribed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Michael W. Short (53 Carriage Drive, Delaware, OH 43015) testified about ongoing street parking problems on Carriage Drive, including utility trucks and trailers associated with nearby apartment residents, blocked driveways, and junk storage. He said neighbors have called police and tickets have been issued, but the situation has worsened. Committee members advised him to submit photos and documentation to the Council Clerk, Ms. Gebber, for follow-up.
• Heather Bridingham (332 Chelsea Street) asked about the Firestone Drive speed study during the discussion, questioning whether 24-hour data masked peak-time speeding and whether the speed feedback signs could be tested before removing speed humps. Staff responded that data was collected over a full 24-hour period and was broken down by time for police enforcement targeting.

Discussion Items

• Four Seasons at Addison Farms Petition: The committee acknowledged receipt of a petition from Gregory Jarrell (transcribed in the audio as Gerrell) requesting alternative traffic calming on Heritage Boulevard and infrastructure reassessment within the Four Seasons Active 55+ Senior Community. Staff confirmed it was received from Council and referred to the committee; parts were addressed under the Heritage Boulevard/Rutherford Avenue item.
• Pedal Delaware Pedal Bar: Representatives Bo Karski (24 Walter Gone Drive), Mitchell Brown (237 Saddlebrook Court), and Ron Brown (591 East County 16, Tiffin) presented a follow-up on their proposed pedal bar. They said they are not seeking approval but want city buy-in, plan a spring 2027 launch, and will return in six to eight months for feedback. Dr. Bogan noted staff had a prior meeting with them about routes avoiding busy roadways. Committee members encouraged continued communication and identified the Police Department, primarily Chief Moore, as the contact point for complaints.
• Codified Ordinance Chapter 305 and Council Ratification under 305.08: Staff explained that Chapter 305 gives the Safety Director authority for routine parking and traffic decisions under 305.04(A-R), while 305.08's 60-day council ratification requirement was intended for broad, citywide rule changes. The committee agreed that routine items do not need to come to Council as resolutions. The City Manager said code updates are underway and the language will be revised to clarify intent.
• Firestone Drive Traffic Calming: Assistant City Engineer Nancy Sager proposed removing three speed humps installed in 2005 as part of the 2027 resurfacing project funded by the Ohio Public Works Commission, replacing them with two solar-powered speed feedback signs. Letters were sent to residents on October 16. Traffic studies from March and April showed 85% of vehicles traveling below 30 mph; a count of 1,770 vehicles showed only 12 above 35 mph. Staff argued the speed humps delay emergency vehicles and snowplows and that speed feedback signs are an effective alternative. The committee asked about sign locations and enforcement data use.
• Heritage Boulevard/Rutherford Avenue Intersection: Staff recommended converting the intersection to an all-way stop. Although traffic volumes alone did not meet typical warrants, Heritage Boulevard is the higher-volume/class street, and simply moving stop signs to Rutherford would create confusion and crash risk. The proposal includes LED flashing stop signs for one year plus advanced warning signs. The committee approved the recommendation.
• Pennsylvania Avenue/Euclid Avenue Intersection: Staff recommended an interim all-way stop at this school-adjacent intersection due to severe peak-hour congestion, pedestrian crossing demand on the north-side path, and a significant crash history. A mini-roundabout may be a future option but costs about $2 million; signage costs under $100. The committee approved moving forward, with installation likely before the end of the year and coordinated around the school calendar.
• Rockmill and Pagoda Loop No Parking Zones: Staff presented parking restriction guidance for narrow streets and tight-radius curves. For the Rockmill loop, staff recommended extending the existing no-parking restriction to close a small gap that appeared to be an oversight. The committee agreed that minor, administrative sign changes can be handled by staff with a notification, while substantive new restrictions should come to the committee.
• Traffic Complaints Update: Staff introduced an updated list of traffic complaints reviewed internally, with determinations and case documentation available. The committee praised the transparency and asked that the practice continue.

Staff Comments

• Station 305 Update: Demolition of the former Fire Station 305 building began in November 2025. Crews found legacy issues from prior uses, including a concrete antenna base and intact hydraulic tanks from a former car dealership. New water, storm, and sanitary lines were installed; masonry is nearing completion; the apparatus bay concrete floor was poured the previous week; metal siding and roofing are about 75% complete; and interior work will continue through the winter. The new Mill Run Drive public roadway is also under construction. Project completion remains on schedule for June 2027.
• Staff reminded the public about Beggars Night on Saturday and the Veterans Parade on Sunday, urging pedestrian safety.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the August 25, 2026, motion summary unanimously.
• Approved the Firestone Drive proposal by a 3-0 roll call vote (Dr. Bogan, Vice Chair Frazier, Chair Ryder) to remove the speed humps and install two solar-powered speed feedback signs.
• Endorsed the all-way stop recommendation for Heritage Boulevard/Rutherford Avenue with LED flashing signs for one year.
• Endorsed the interim all-way stop recommendation for Pennsylvania Avenue/Euclid Avenue.
• Directed Rockmill/Pagoda parking restriction extension to proceed as a staff-level administrative change.
• Directed Michael W. Short to provide documentation to the Council Clerk for follow-up on the Carriage Drive parking complaint.
• Fire Station 305 remains on schedule for completion in June 2027.