SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
A Special Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on February 10, 2009, at 4:30 p.m. with Chairman Leary presiding. Mrs. Russell, Mr. Link, and Mr. Davis were present. Mr. Slavin was absent. Mayor Carey and Mr. Ruane were also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mrs. Russell moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.
Presentation - Traffic Calming Devices (Mike Sommers-DelDOT)
Mr. Koenig, Public Services Director, introduced Mr. Mike Sommers, State of Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), and Mr. Todd Peterson, Parsons Brinkerhoff, who reviewed a presentation of Traffic Calming Treatments (Attachment #1).
Responding to Mr. Leary, Mr. Sommers stated that the new speed bumps take into consideration the concerns of emergency responders.
Proposed Resolution No. 2009-04 Calling for an Improved National Rail Policy
Members were provided a proposed Resolution (No. 2009-04) that calls upon the Congressional delegation and the entire United States Congress to support the Railroad Competition and Service Improvement Act of 2007 (H.R.2125/S. 772) which would strengthen the freight rail system for the next century.
Mr. Phillip Bell with Go21 reviewed a Presentation regarding the Growth Options for the 21st Century (Go21) (Attachment #2) and explained how deregulation has been good for both businesses and the public. He advised members that the Go21 mission is to promote freight transportation alternatives and supports legislation to expand rail capacity.
Mrs. Russell moved to recommend adoption of Resolution No. 2009-04, seconded by Mr. Davis.
Mr. Ruane relayed concern regarding the wording in line 18, which indicates “support The Railroad Competition and Service Improvement Act of 2007”, since he is not aware of what the Act contains. He questioned if the National League of Cities has indicated their position regarding this matter. He noted that the League may not support the legislation, explaining that there is a conflict between the providers and users. The railroads have created a situation whereby those that need the railroad are not able to negotiate a different price.
Mr. Link moved to table the matter to allow further review, seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.
Proposed Resolution No. 2009-05 - Proposing the Continuance of Existing Limits on Truck Size and Weight - Delaware Alliance for Safe Roads - Truck Weight
Members were provided a proposed Resolution (No. 2009-05) proposing the continuance of existing limits on truck size and weight, as well as letters to Senator Thomas R. Carper and Congressman Michael Castle. At the request of the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks, members considered a draft proposed Resolution in support of S.3021 Safe Truck and Operations and Preservations Act, which aims to maintain the current limit of 80,000 pounds for tractor trailer trucks on Interstate highways in place and establish a maximum length of 53 feet for trucks, both of which will improve safety and prevent excessive strain on the nations’s roads, tunnels, and bridges and extend that to the National Highway System.
Discussion and approval of such a Resolution would eliminate the dangerously large and heavy tractor trailer trucks from our roads while protecting our infrastructure and improving safety on our roads.
Ms. Kristen Siegel, representing the Delaware Alliance for Safe Roads, presented members with information regarding the safety and financial impacts of larger, heavier trucks. She advised members that the main objective of the Alliance is to keep trucks from getting any heavier and/or longer and have been successful since 1994. She informed members that the large trucking companies are pushing for an increase in the truck size and weight from 80,000 lbs. to 97,000 lbs., which equates to an 8½ ton increase per the single tractor-trailer trucks. These companies also have been pushing for longer combination vehicles, such as the double and triple trucks.
Ms. Siegel advised members that the Alliance is concerned about these issues due to two (2) public policies issues, as follows: 1) infrastructure damage caused by heavier trucks, particularly bridge deterioration; and 2) trucks paying their fair share for the damages they are causing. She advised members that one (1) 80,000 lb. truck causes as much damage as 8,860 automobiles.
Ms. Siegel urged members to approve the proposed Resolution and request their members of Congress to oppose any of these efforts to increase these truck sizes. She stated that Congressman McGovern is introducing legislation known as “SHIPA” (Safe Highway Infrastructure Preservation Act) and a similar legislation is being submitted to the Senate known as “STOP” (Safe Trucking Operation Preservation Act).
Responding to Mr. Davis, Ms. Siegel indicated that if the trucking companies agreed to pay their fair share for the use of the roadway, it would affect the concerns of the Alliance. She advised members that, based on an in-house study, an extra $5 per mile would be required. To her knowledge, the companies have agreed to pay an extra .10¢ per mile, which is not near enough.
Mr. Link indicated a need to review the material further before taking a position or developing a recommendation for City Council
Since there was no motion, Mr. Leary indicated that this matter would be reconsidered by members during their next meeting (March 24, 2009).
Discussion - Dover Transit Center
Mr. James Galvin, Dover/Kent County MPO, reviewed a site plan map of the proposed Transit Center for Dover (Attachment #3) to be located on the property located at Water, Queen, and West Streets, which is known as the former George and Lynch property. He stated that there are seven (7) residential properties in this area necessary for the Center and that DelDOT has acquired four (4) or five (5) of the properties and are currently negotiating the purchase of the remaining properties. It is the desire to acquire the entire block for the Intermodal Center. He noted that the facility will be located next to the railroad; therefore, if rail passenger service is extended to Dover, a facility will be available to serve passenger rail service.
Mr. Galvin advised members that the proposed facility will consist of a 3-story building. He stated that the first floor of the facility will serve busing services, including ticket offices, restrooms, waiting areas, etc. He noted that there is discussion for the building to also house taxi service, as well as ambulatory services. It is planned for the Dover/Kent County MPO to be located on the third floor of the building. There is also the idea for the E-Z Pass offices, currently located on Webbs Lane, to be located in this facility.
Mr. Galvin stated that DelDOT has acquired an environmental consultant who is currently working on this project. The plan is for DelDOT to bring this project forward as a designed building, which is part of the stimulus fund. The stimulus fund has a time limit for allocation/commitment of the funds (180 days). With regards to the schedule for this project, he stated that it is anticipated that a contractor would be selected by early/mid-summer and contracting for the project by early/mid-fall, which would be within the 180 days.
Mr. Ruane relayed concern with the entrance of the facility being located on West Street, due to the current traffic congestion on this street. Responding, Mr. Galvin indicated that this matter is being reviewed and that there may be a need for improvements to West Street.
Briefing on DelDOT Projects - Gary Laing
Due to the absence of Mr. Laing, there was no briefing on DelDOT Projects provided.
Briefing on MPO Projects - Juanita Wieczorek
On behalf of the Dover/Kent MPO, Mr. Galvin reminded members of a proposal to install a traffic signal on Route 13 at Lepore Road, south of State Street and Route 13 and stated that there is a plan to move this project forward. He also advised members that there are plans to make improvements to the intersection of Route 10 and Sorghum Hill Road, which would eliminate some of the turning movements for the purpose of increasing safety at this intersection. There is also a proposal to repave Route 1 from Milford Neck Road down to the north split, which is located at Route 1 and Route 13 north of Milford.
Briefing on City of Dover Projects - Wyoming Mill Road Projects
Mr. Koenig, Public Services Director, reminded members that the Wyoming Mill Road Project was a request of the City as a part of the 2006 Federal Transportation Budget Reauthorization of the Highway Bills and that Senator Carper earmarked $1.5M for the Wyoming Mill Road Realignment Project. He advised members that the design engineer is McCormick Taylor and that the City of Dover is essentially the project owner and sponsor, although it is being managed by DelDOT.
Mr. Koenig also reminded members that as a federal earmarked project, there is an 80/20 split (80% federal funds and 20% local government funds) requirement. In this case, because the City of Dover is the project sponsor, the 20% funding requirement is the City’s responsibility. Thus far, the City’s match has included approximately $80,000 worth of right-of-way dedication associated with the new alignment. The City recently authorized $12,328 worth of soil boring expenses. Therefore, the City has met the criteria for the match through the design phase. It is hoped that the design phase will be completed later this calendar year (2009) and at that point, the City will have firm construction amounts and will be able to determine if more or less funding will be necessary. Mr. Koenig anticipates the target for construction would be calendar year 2010.
Responding to Mr. Leary, Mr. Koenig stated that the original land donation was approximately 15 acres and, with 2.8-3 acres of right-of-way, there would be a net gain of 12 acres for Schutte Park. The realignment of Wyoming Mill Road will also realign bike route 1 to the intersection, create some additional opportunities to connect pedestrian paths, and improve the drainage and safety functionality of Hazlettville Road intersection.
Mr. Link moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Davis and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 5:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Thomas J. Leary
Chairman
TJL/RMR/tam/jg
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20092-10-2009 SA&T.wpd
Attachments (Attached to original and file copy)
Attachment #1 - Presentation of Traffic Calming Treatments
Attachment #2 - Presentation regarding the Growth Options for the 21st Century (Go21)
Attachment #3 - Site Plan Map of the Proposed Transit Center for Dover