SPECIAL SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
A Special Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on February 5, 2008, at 6:04 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Mr. Leary was also present. Mr. Slavin, Mr. Lakeman, and Mr. Link were absent.
Noting that there was not a quorum, Mr. Hogan stated members cannot take action; however, should members arrive during the meeting, their recommendations would be forwarded to City Council. City Clerk’s Office Note: Since no additional members arrived for the meeting, no official recommendations were made to forward to Council.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
There being no objections, Mr. Hogan requested that item #2 - Resolution in Support of Weekend Bus Service be considered prior to item #1.
Resolution in Support of Weekend Bus Service (Dover Human Relations Commission)
During their meeting of November 28, 2007, the Dover Human Relations Commission (DHRC) recommended adoption of a proposed Resolution in support of weekend bus service in Dover. Members were provided with correspondence from the DHRC, as well as the proposed Resolution for their consideration.
Dr. Hoff, Chairman of the DHRC, advised members that the commission believes that there is a need for weekend bus service, such service is a critical quality of life issue, and payments for such services should be provided by the state, county, and local government if possible. The DHRC recommended approval of the proposed Resolution and that it be forwarded to the Governor and General Assembly of the State of Delaware for consideration.
Based on previous discussions, Mr. Hogan indicated his belief that the committee members would support the proposed Resolution; however, since there was not a quorum, no official action could be taken. He noted that it may be necessary to revise some of the language to coincide with Resolutions considered by Council. Mr. Hogan stated that during the next committee meeting of February 26, 2008, members will take action regarding the proposed Resolution to be forwarded to Council for action.
DART Presentation on Funding of Weekend and Late Night Bus Service in Kent County
Members reviewed a letter from Mr. Stephen Kingsberry, Executive Director of the Delaware Transit Corporation, requesting the City Manager for the opportunity to discuss the City’s ability to help fund weekend bus services for Kent County residents and businesses. Members were provided a response from Mr. DePrima, City Manager, suggesting that a presentation be given to the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee and that if it is their desire for the City to consider funding for this service in fiscal year 2008-2009 budget year, then a specific request should be included in the presentation. It was noted that the Delaware Authority for Regional Transit (DART) is managed and operated by the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC).
Ms. Catherine Smith, Planning Manager for the DTC, provided background information regarding the services provided by DTC. Ms. Lisa Collins, Planner for DTC, reviewed the map depicting the fixed route service area for Kent County and the Spring 2008 Saturday Proposal, as well as information regarding the Weekend Bus Service Pilot Program (Attachment #1).
Ms. Smith advised members that the cost for the four (4) fixed routes to operate on Saturday would be approximately $360,000 annually (funded by the State of Delaware); the cost to extend the existing fixed route from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. during the weekday would be approximately $400,000 to $500,000 annually; and the cost to add Saturday and Sunday services, full complement of the fixed routes ran during the weekday, would be approximately $750,000 to $800,000 annually.
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Ms. Collins stated that last year, there were 185,000 users of the service. With regards to the largest ridership for the fixed routes, Ms. Smith indicated that last year there were 20,000 on Route 101; 23,000 on Routes 104 and 109; and 15,000 on Route 114. For each of these routes, there are approximately 160-170 riders per day. Ms. Collins advised members that weekend services has been the biggest request amongst users for the past several years.
Ms. Smith noted that public hearings have been scheduled to be held during the first week in April. She also advised members of the partnerships that have been developed with businesses and it was her feeling that there is an opportunity to expand these partnerships to the downstate area.
Mr. Hogan suggested that the City be provided information regarding the public hearings in order for the information to be included on the City’s Website.
Initial Discussion - Prioritization of Transportation Projects
There being no objections, Mr. Hogan requested that the briefing on DelDOT and MPO Projects occur prior to the committee’s discussion regarding the Prioritization of Transportation Projects since these briefings may provide information that will effect the discussion regarding this matter.
Briefing on DelDOT Projects (Gary Laing)
Mr. Gary Laing, Municipal Liaison for DelDOT, gave members the following updates:
Signalization Project
Mr. Laing advised members that the signalization project continues to progress, although there has been a slight delay due to weather conditions. He stated that the work at the intersection of Loockerman and New Streets should be completed this week, at which time work will begin at the intersection of Loockerman Street and Legislative Avenue. Although Loockerman Street will be closed, the north side of Legislative Avenue must remain open as it serves as an access and exiting point for the Post Office, State offices, and Treadway Towers.
Mr. Laing indicated that upon completion of the Loockerman Street and Legislative Avenue intersection, there will be three (3) more intersections to complete for this project as follows: 1) New and North Streets; 2) Queen and North Streets; and 3) Queen and Water Streets.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Laing stated that the Dover Police Department would have accident data for those intersections that have been completed; however, he stated that DelDOT has received positive feedback as a result of this project, particularly from users of Division Street, which has been totally completed.
South Governors Avenue Improvements
Mr. Laing advised members that the original intent was to begin the South Governors Avenue Improvement project in March. In reviewing this schedule, he stated that it was discovered that the detour route, as a result of the closure of South Governors Avenue, would cause traffic to utilize New Burton Road, which could possibly bring traffic onto Queen Street. He explained that this would not be acceptable since Queen Street may be closed due to the Signalization Project; therefore, DelDOT will be delaying the South Governors Avenue Improvements Project until the Signalization Project is complete. It is anticipated that this project will begin in May, no later than June.
Mr. Laing stated that DelDOT has requested the opportunity for the Project Manager for the South Governors Avenue Improvements Project to provide a presentation to City Council during their meeting of February 25, 2008. He advised members that a public workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at Reilly Brown Elementary School in order to remind the public and provide details as to what the project entails.
Briefing on MPO Projects (Juanita Wieczorek)
Ms. Wieczorek, Director of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), briefed members on the Planning Studies of the MPO. She advised members that the Route 8 Study was not adopted at the last MPO Council meeting, which will delay how soon those recommendations are forwarded to DelDOT for funding. She stated that there were some issues regarding the manner in which the cultural resource survey was accomplished and reported, which she felt have been resolved. Ms. Wieczorek stated that there was also an issue regarding maintenance of plantings in the median, explaining that the study recommended grass or some sort of plantings in the median between Mifflin Road and Saulsbury Road and that DelDOT has indicated that they would not be responsible for the maintenance. She plans to meet with the City Manager to determine if this would be an issue for the City.
With regards to the North Dover Study, Ms. Wieczorek advised members that meetings will be scheduled with businesses and homeowners in this area to share with them the consultant’s (RK&K) traffic analysis. She indicated that the plan is for this project to be completed by the end of this fiscal year.
Ms. Wieczorek reviewed the draft list of projects approved by the MPO for transportation improvement program projects (Attachment #1). Regarding the US Route 13/Division Street Intersection Improvement and Pedestrian Crossing Project, Ms. Wieczorek stated her understanding is that DelDOT is conducting an analysis of the safety issues and that Highway Safety Improvement money will be made available for this project upon its completion. She suggested that the City of Dover also identify this location as a safety issue that requires resolution.
Ms. Wieczorek noted that although it was not included on the Unfunded Projects List, the Chairman of the MPO is submitting a request to DelDOT to review the intersection of West and North Streets regarding concerns of the traffic in the area of Saulsbury Road and West and North Streets. DelDOT is being requested to conduct a study of this area and to incorporate any improvements in the West Dover Connector and/or the Eden Hill Property improvements.
Responding, Mr. Hogan noted that the West Dover Connector will not be accomplished for several years and that there is a problem in this area that requires immediate attention. He suggested the possibility of making West Street one-way southbound as a temporary solution until the West Dover Connector is completed. Ms. Wieczorek advised members that discussions were held with DelDOT several years ago regarding the possibility of making West Street one-way south, and Queen Street one-way north; however, this was not specified by the MPO at their last meeting. The approach DelDOT has requested of the MPO is not to define the solution, but rather to simply provide the problem. Responding to Mr. Hogan, Ms. Wieczorek suggested that this issue be a separate project from the West Dover Connector in order to improve assurance of consideration by DelDOT.
Initial Discussion - Prioritization of Transportation Projects
During their meeting of December 13, 2007, Mr. Hogan requested that members begin to give consideration to prioritizing transportation projects for further discussion. 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 the Department of Transportation, as well as the Governor and other distinguished delegates, for their review and consideration. To aid in the initial review, members were provided the letter and the list of projects submitted in 2007.
In addition to the projects mentioned, Mr. Ruane suggested that members also consider the issue regarding Railroad Cars and the relocation of the switching and storage along New Burton Road. There has also been reference to the Kent County Aeropark having an apron installed and suggested that members include this as a project on their list. He encouraged members to continue to support the passenger rail service. He questioned if the Water Street Railroad Crossing has been considered and whether it should also be included on a prioritization list.
Responding, Mr. Hogan requested that Mr. Ruane as well as all members of Council and the committee provide a list with a brief explanation of any items that they wish to be included in the transportation prioritization list for consideration during the next committee meeting on February 26, 2008.
There being no further business, Mr. Hogan declared the meeting adjourned.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:24 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
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S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20082-05-2008 SPECIAL SA&T.wpd
Attachment to Original Minutes and File Copy
Attachment #1 - Draft List of Projects, Approved by the MPO, for Transportation Improvement Program Projects (Funded and Unfunded)