Evening star., 1953-06-23
City Heads Approve
Divided Setup for
D. T.. Traffic Control

D. {. Traffic Control
The Commissioners have de-
cided on a clear line of demar-
cation" between the Districts
Traffic and Highway Depart
ments. which have been involved
in controversial reorganization
plans.
Engineer Commissioner Louis
w. Prentiss outlined his proposal
by his fellow city heads
on last nights your Commits
Sioners' Report" program, tele-
vised by The Stars station
WMAL-TV.
Gen. Prentiss said the new
setup would divide responsibility
between the two departments or
the basis of use of the existing
streets and highways and the
planning Of future layouts.
Talked to Officials.
The city head said he already
has talked about the plan tc
Traffic Director George Keneipr
and Highway Director j. N. Rob-
District reorganizers had urged
that the fuctions of the Traffic
be absorbed by the
Highway Department and a new
department Of licenses and in
spectionS. This plan met strong
opposition, and was rejected by
the Commissioners.
It was decided, however, tc
make q study looking toward
elimination % duplication in
planning and engineering func-
tions between the two depart
Details of Plan.
In outlining his plan last night
Gen. Prentiss included these de-
tails:
. Mr.. Keneipp's Office will de-
eide where traffic lights and signs
are to be erected, and Mr.. Rob
department will put
them up.
The Highway Department will
be in charge of planning future
and highways, and will
use the Traffic Department in
an advisory capacity.
Two groups of electrical crews
will be worked into a single unit
as will two sign-painting and
crews. These units will
come under the Highway Depart
rather than being split
between the two departments.
Gen. Prentiss said that Mr.,
Keneipp and Mr.. Robinson had
indicated they felt the plan
would work.
DOnOhue Asks Support.
Meanwhile, former Commits
sioner F. Joseph Donohue last
night in his weekly commentary
on District affairs over Radio
Station WWDC called for en-
phatic public support for the
out of the city govern
ment reorganization.
ITO be effective" he said,
reorganization must have
the same wide citizen support
as did the basic law authorizing
a reorganization"
He regretted that major re-
proposals had not
been presented at public hear
ings. SO as to bring out public
reaction in advance of final de-
ciSionS.
Doesn't Fear Deadline.
Mr. Donohue said he did not
view the July ! deadline on re-
as a finality. He
urged that the power to reor-
ganize be continued for at least
year
The Citizens Advisory Coun-
Gil has sent the Commissioners
its report on the reorganization
Of the Office of Secretary to the
Commissioners. Department of
Insurance. Department of Build
ings and Grounds. the Rent
Control Office and the Health
Department.
The report will be announced
by the Commissioners later this
week. The council met yester-
day.
Expires Next Month.
The Rent Control Act goes out
OF existence July 81, but a re-
organization order was set up to
take care Of the Office until then,
The reorganization of the
Board of Public Welfare and the
Department of Public Welfare
will be considered by the coun-
Gil at 10 am. Thursday.
It is believed that a plan to
set up q Board Of Public Health
advocated by a citizens commit
tee headed by William E. Leahy,
will be turned down by the
council. The board proposal is
not part of the Commissioners
reorganization plan.
At Thursdays meeting the
council also will act on re-or-
ganization plans for the dog
pound, civil defense. the corpo-
ration Counsel. and the police
and police trial boards.