SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on September 30, 2009, at 6:01 p.m. with Chairman Slavin presiding. Members present were Mrs. Russell, Mr. Harmon (arrived at 6:25 p.m.), and Mr. Davis. Mr. Hogan was absent. Councilman Ruane and Mayor Carey were also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mrs. Russell moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.

Forest Street/Loockerman Street Roundabout (This project was removed from the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP)

Members were provided a memorandum, dated August 11, 2009, from the Dover/Kent Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) regarding the 2010 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Amendments as a result of the adoption of the Bond Bill.

Mr. Koenig, Public Services Manager, advised members that at the last Technical Advisory Council (TAC) Meeting, there was discussion regarding the Capital Transportation Plan (CTP) and that one of the projects omitted from DelDOT’s CTP was the Forest Street/Loockerman Street Roundabout project. This project included the corner of Slaughter Street to Division Street, which was identified several years ago. Mr. Koenig stated that it is the City’s desire to have this project put back into the CTP since it was a gateway project for downtown and a part of the west side redevelopment. After corresponding with DelDOT, he stated that they have indicated a willingness to include the project in the 2014 CTP; however, there would be no funds associated. It was suggested that the City should send a letter to the Secretary of Transportation requesting that funding be transferred to this project either through additional funding sources, such as the Transportation Enhancement Program, or funds left over from another project.

Mrs. Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, advised members that the MPO Council approved the TIP amendments. She stated that when the Forest Street/Loockerman Street Roundabout Project was taken out of the CTP, the TIP could only list items included in the CTP. In theory, the TIP is to “drive” the CTP. The TAC, who reports to the MPO Council, remained silent regarding whether or not the Project should remain or be removed. She explained that if the TIP were not to be amended, then all funding would be delayed for all Kent County projects.

Mr. Ruane noted that members will be considering the Prioritization of Transportation Projects (agenda item #2) and suggested that members consider including a reference to this process and, as Mr. Koenig had suggested, including the City’s desire for the Forest Street/Loockerman Street Roundabout Project to be included in the TIP, with minimum funding if possible.

Prioritization of Transportation Projects

Members were reminded that each year, members of Council submit a prioritization list of transportation projects for the City of Dover to the Secretary of Transportation for the State of Delaware, as well as the Governor and other distinguished delegates, for their review and consideration. Although this list is typically submitted in March, due to State funding cuts, it is necessary to review the priorities again.

To aid in the initial review, members were provided the letter and list of projects submitted in 2009, as well as the Dover/Kent County MPO List of Funded Proposed Projects.

Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Executive Director of the Dover/Kent County MPO, explained that DelDOT takes into consideration those projects that are at a “ready to go” stage and explained the availability of funds and the requirements for its use. Rather than simply submitting a list, she suggested that the City include guidance by indicating the prioritization of one project by deferring another.

Mr. Koenig suggested that the City provide more specifics. Referring to Loockerman Street/Forest Street, he explained that the City wishes to prioritize and fund preliminary engineering, which is only a component of the project. However, if the City can get the project through the design phase to a “shovel ready” position, it may place the City in a better position for other additional federal funding. Mr. Koenig felt that the City would be better served by describing the phases of the priorities and not just listing the project.

After much discussion, Mr. Slavin noted that it is the desire for items #1- Intermodal Transportation Terminal (Bus Station) and #2 - West Dover Connector A. West Street Traffic Flow, remain as currently prioritized; that item #4 - Loockerman Street / Forrest Avenue Improvements be prioritized as item #3; that item #10 - Garrison Tract Connector Road be prioritized as item #4, that item #8 - US Route 13 Service Road Corridor Study be prioritized as item #5; that item #6 - U.S. 13 Sidewalk Construction remain as currently prioritized; that item #3 - Kenton Road Corridor Upgrades be prioritized as item #7; that item #9 - Route 8 Corridor Study be prioritized as item #8; that item #5 - College Road Corridor Upgrades be prioritized as item #9; and that item #7 - Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension be prioritized as item #10.

Mr. Slavin moved to recommend the establishment of new priorities for transportation projects, as discussed, and requested that staff prepare the additional language for the projects for the report to full Council and that this matter not be listed on the consent agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Davis.

Referring to item #2, West Dover Connector, Mr. DePrima requested the addition of item #2B, Light at Banning Street. Responding, Mr. Slavin stated that these types of corrections can be made by staff for presentation to Council.

Responding to Mr. Ruane’s suggestion that the Garrison Tract Connector Road be moved as item #3 and that the Loockerman Street/Forrest Avenue Improvement be moved as item #4, Mr. Slavin stated that the suggestion could be brought up when presented to Council.

The motion to recommend the establishment of new transportation prioritization list, as discussed and that staff prepare the additional language for the projects for the report to Council (Attachment #1), and that this matter not be listed on the consent agenda was unanimously carried.

Briefing on Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Projects - Gary Laing

Mr. Gary Laing, Community Relations Officer for DelDOT and Public Relations Liaison, provided a briefing on DelDOT Projects, as follows:

West Dover Connector

Mr. Laing stated that DelDOT just completed the alternatives analysis requested by the Federal Highways for the West Dover Connector. This information has been reviewed and the information has been forwarded to the Federal Highways. Once feedback is received from the Federal Highways, DelDOT will move forward with the public process by revealing the preferred alignment and conducting workshops to obtain public feedback.

South Governors Avenue Improvements

Mr. Laing reported that the improvements to South Governors Avenue continue to progress very well. He thanked the City for their participation in co-hosting the meeting the previous night for those that will be affected by Phase 2, primarily businesses from Wyoming Avenue to West Street. Based on some of the issues and concerns relayed at the meeting, he stated that DelDOT has taken appropriate action to correct some of the issues.

Water Street Railroad Crossover

Mr. Laing stated that the Water Street Railroad Crossover is being reviewed by DelDOT and, although slowly, the project is moving forward. He advised members that the crossing will be for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motor vehicles. The plan is for traffic flow to be one-way east out of Eden Hill and into the City but not going into Eden Hill from Water Street. He explained that the problem is that there is not much space between West Street and the Railroad tracks.

Mr. Laing advised members that Norfolk Southern has provided DelDOT with a list of the crossings they would like DelDOT to close and that no final decision has been made in this regard. He stated that this matter is a trade-off, explaining that if a crossing is going to be opened, one or more will need to be closed. Once the agreement is reached with Norfolk Southern, Mr. Laing indicated that DelDOT will need the concurrence of the General Assembly before a crossing can be closed anywhere in the State. At that time, he stated that DelDOT will need the City’s support in convincing the legislators that it needs to be accomplished. He has been advised by DelDOT’s Director of Planning that this work may be as long as a couple years away, since the railroad can take their time in making a final decision.

North State Street Pave and Rehab

Mr. Laing noted that this project is more of a “pave and rehab” rather than “rebuild” and requested that the title be changed accordingly. He explained that a “rebuild” includes much more than a “pave and rehab”. DelDOT would like to meet with City staff to discuss the alternatives being considered and the ramifications of each set of circumstances. Mr. Laing advised members that there is a time frame associated with this project, explaining that the contract was bid and awarded, and that in two (2) weeks, there will be a pre-construction meeting; therefore, the meeting with City staff should be held within the next couple of days.

Mr. DePrima noted that DelDOT had conducted a survey and, although the majority of the responses indicated that they did not object to night-time work, there were some that did indicate an objection. It was his feeling that the City would receive complaints, which would require the reconsideration of the matter, and that in fairness to the contractor and DelDOT, night-time work should not be considered an option. Responding, Mr. Laing explained that this is the type of concern that DelDOT wishes to discuss with the City, as well as the alternatives, so that both the City and DelDOT are in agreement.

Mr. Slavin noted that the survey conducted by DelDOT indicated that if the survey was not returned, it would be counted as a “yes” response to no objection to night work. In response to Mr. Slavin, Mr. Laing stated that there were a total of six (6) “yes” responses and 12 “no” responses actually received by DelDOT. Mr. Laing stated that DelDOT has utilized the same basic form letter which includes a statement, in very large, bold letters: “failure to return the survey will be taken by DelDOT as assent to night work”. He stated that this has been DelDOT’s policy for five (5) years and that if DelDOT had to consider only those surveys that were returned, which is always a small number, all projects would have been delayed.

Mr. Slavin relayed his objections to the policy and the consideration of those surveys not returned being counted as a “yes” response.

Mr. Davis moved to recommend that a meeting between DelDOT and City staff be scheduled, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.

Briefing on City of Dover Projects

Mr. Koenig, Public Services Manager, provided a briefing on City of Dover Projects, as follows:

Wyoming Mill Road Relocation Project

Mr. Koenig indicated that the Wyoming Mill Road Relocation Project is moving forward and that there was an engineering services amendment approved, at a cost of approximately $50,000, for the design phase. He stated that the amendment involved the additional requirements for a signal warrant analysis and easement work. Mr. Koenig stated that the DelDOT Real Estate Section has identified areas of permanent easements and some very small right-of-way purchases at the corner of the new alignment will be necessary.

Mr. Koenig advised members that the City will be setting up meetings with Mr. Stover and also with the Village of Westover Homeowner’s Association regarding the permanent easement issue since these easements involved some of the common open space of the two (2) developments. The engineering firm has submitted their semi-final plans for both DelDOT and the City. Mr. Koenig stated that the City is also working on the preliminary construction estimate and noted that the City has submitted a supplemental request to Senator Carper’s Office for approximately $750,000. Once the construction estimate has been finalized, he advised members that this request may be amended to approximately $850,000 or more.

Mr. Koenig noted that the project design is moving forward and that construction is anticipated to begin sometime in 2010.

Briefing on Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Projects - James Galvin

Mr. James Galvin, Principal Planner with Dover/Kent County MPO, explained that the Dover/Kent County MPO is currently in the process of finalizing the amendments to the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), with the Loockerman Street/Forest Street Project being the most significant. He stated that there were several items in the City of Dover that were included in the amendments, such as the Governors Avenue/Clara Street Intersection at North Street and Wyoming Mill Road, which were added to the TIP. In addition, he stated that there was an amendment to the Dover Transit Center, which was reduced from the original $15M to the amount necessary for just the horizontal work on the project, at an approximate cost of $5M.

Ms. Juanita Wiezoreck, Executive Director of the Dover/Kent County MPO, advised members that a part of the MPO’s Annual Work Program this year will include a Regional Bicycle Plan. They are trying to schedule the “kick-off” meeting and are hoping that the plan will include connections for the City of Dover to regional facilities. She reminded members that another project for the MPO this year is providing assistance for transportation studies, which would be available should the City determine that there is a need for such a study and require assistance.

Mr. Koenig, Public Services Director, referring to the North State Street Repave/Rehab Project, noted that Chesapeake Utilities began the replacement of the gas main from Loockerman Street to Division Street. He stated that there was a preconstruction meeting held earlier in the day and advised members that work is being done on the west side of State Street. This will be a “rolling” construction project over the next few weeks to replace a 4” gas main from Loockerman Street up to Reed Street and then a 2” gas main replacement from Reed Street to Division Street. He stated that there will be lane restrictions for those traveling State Street beginning on Monday. All businesses have been contacted in the area in an attempt to alleviate any concerns before full construction begins next week.

Mrs. Russell moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:51 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Timothy A. Slavin

Chairman

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Attachment

Attachment #1 - City of Dover Transportation Projects Prioritization List with Staff Comments