SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on June 26, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Lakeman, Mr. Link, and Mr. Slavin. Mayor Speed, Mr. DePrima, Councilman Ruane, and Councilman Salters were also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lakeman and unanimously carried.
Proposed Resolution - Maintenance and Safety Procedures for Rail Transport of Hazardous Materials
During their regular meeting of January 11, 2007, Mr. DePrima stated that Congressman Castle introduced House of Representatives Bill 4106 (HB 4106), Railroad Security and Public Awareness Act, which would increase funding for security on subway systems, commuter lines, freight rail cars, and Amtrak trains. This legislation would authorize funding for more canine units, communications systems, security technology, and more police officers. It would also authorize mandatory rail worker security training programs to prepare front-line employees for potential threat conditions. Mr. DePrima indicated that the committee may want to support this bill and suggested that it be reviewed by members and noted that the City of Wilmington has also developed a resolution expressing their concerns regarding hazardous materials being transported through the City.
Members reviewed the draft Maintenance and Safety Procedures for Rail Transport of Hazardous Materials Resolution. Mr. Carey suggested that members also review the HB 4106, “Railroad Security and Public Awareness Act”. He requested that an update on that bill be given during their next meeting. Mr. Ruane stated that it is imperative to invite Mr. Michael Kirkpatrick, DelDOT Representative, to attend their next meeting due to their on-going discussions with Norfolk Southern Corporation regarding the storage of railcars.
Mr. Hogan suggested that this item be deferred until the next meeting so that HB 4106 can be further researched.
Briefing on MPO Projects - Juanita Wieczoreck
Ms. Wieczoreck, Director of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), stated that DelDOT’s Transportation Program was approved by the Bond Bill Committee and will be fully funded; however, she noted that it appears that the FY2010 Transportation Program will be $100 million short in funding.
Mrs. Wieczoreck indicated that a public workshop was held on June 20, 2007 at the Delaware Technical & Community College to discuss transportation on US Route 13 in North Dover. Most of the attendees were from DuPont Manor. The next Project Advisory Committee Meeting for the Route 8 Study will be held on June 28, 2007. Mrs. Wieczoreck stated that she contacted DelDOT regarding the timing of the signal lights along Division Street; however, she has not yet received a response.
Briefing on DelDOT Projects
Due to the absence of Mr. Gary Laing, Municipal Liaisan for DelDOT, Mrs. Wieczoreck provided the following updates:
Traffic Signal at Greenway Lane and Kenton Road
The traffic signal at Greenway Lane and Kenton Road is not funded and further discussion of this project will be included in the Kenton Road Study.
DelDOT Mega Traffic Study (SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects)
The DelDOT Mega Traffic Study (SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects) has been completed and the Lexington Glen project has moved forward with the developer being tapped to make the improvements to the intersection of Route 8 and Route 13. The status of the other two (2) projects that are also a part of the TIS are unknown at this time. Responding to Mr. Link, Mrs. Wieczoreck stated that the analysis of the Route 8 area is also taking into consideration the new Dover High School.
West Dover Connector
Nothing new to report on this issue.
South Governor's Avenue Improvements
Mr. DePrima indicated that the South Governor’s Avenue Improvements project construction is expected to begin the Spring of 2008.
Wyoming Road Project
Mr. DePrima indicated that a meeting has been scheduled between DelDOT and the City of Dover regarding this project.
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mrs. Wieczoreck stated that the Transit Hub Concept on Water Street is slowly moving forward and that the design has been revised. The new revision is to be presented to the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization Council in August or September of this year.
Mr. DePrima stated that Trailways Bus Service and Greyhound Lines have relocated to the City Cab, Inc. location on South Governors Avenue and that no complaints have been received. He also indicated that City Cab, Inc. would also like to be included in the new Transit Hub facility.
Mr. Carey requested that all the turn lanes and through lanes be marked along Division Street.
Mr. Link moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
KLH/jcr
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