SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on May 30, 2007, at 6:11 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey and Mr. Lakeman. Mr. Slavin and Mr. Link were absent. Mayor Speed was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Lakeman and unanimously carried.
Commuter Air Service From Dover (Dan Wolfensburger)
Mr. Daniel Wolfensberger, Executive Director of the Central Delaware Economic Development Office, advised members that they are working to attract a commercial airline to provide commuter air service from Dover to Salisbury and/or Philadelphia. He noted that the airline could utilize the civil air terminal at Dover Air Force Base through their joint use agreement. Mr. Wolfensberger stated that inquiries have been sent to Southwest Airlines and US Airways; however, no responses have been received. He believes this would be a good way to bring people and businesses to Dover.
Mr. Wolfensberger stated that NASCAR drivers and their teams currently use the civil air terminal and companies such as Citicorp would have an interest in commuter air service to bring clients and executives to Dover. He noted that the key to success would be providing several trips a day, year round, to make it economically feasible for the airline.
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Wolfensberger explained that the City could help in this effort by showing any interested parties the benefits of being located in Dover. Mr. Carey noted that the larger airlines, such as USAir and Southwest, could stop in Dover to pick up passengers on their way to local airports.
Briefing on DelDOT Projects - Gary Laing
Chairman Hogan read the following updates provided by Mr. Laing:
DelDOT Mega Traffic Study (SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects)
DelDOT has worked individually with developers to assure that their impacts in the area of SR1 and Route 8 are addressed and that, if necessary, they fund portions of improvements deemed to be necessary. This agenda item has been removed in the past because it dates back at least three years and there is nothing new to report on it.
West Dover Connector
As we have communicated to the working group, further progress on this project was first delayed by a lack of funding in the FY06 budget for it. The project received funding in the FY07 budget, and we have included it in the FY2008-2013 CTP. Projects in the CTP are pending funding by the General Assembly.
Traffic Signal Greenway Lane & Kenton Road
Nothing new to report on this issue.
South Governor's Avenue Improvements
Right-of-way acquisitions have begun. The project was delayed by funding issues, but should move ahead in the next fiscal year.
Signalization Project
Moving forward. Currently working at Governors Avenue. and Water Street. The schedule would call for us to move to Governors Avenue & Loockerman Street next, around June 11, and it is anticipated that intersection would be completed before the 4th of July.
Wyoming Mill Road
Included in the FY2008-2013 CTP for FY2008.
Briefing on MPO Projects - Juanita Wieczoreck
Ms. Wieczoreck, Director of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), stated that the 2007 Bond Bill authorized $375,000 in State funds and earmarked $1.5M in Federal funds for the Wyoming Mill Road project.
Ms. Wieczoreck noted that on June 6, 2007, the MPO Council will be acting on a proposed amendment to the Transportation Improvement Program, including the funding levels in the draft 2008/2013 Capital Transportation Program. The Public Advisory Committee will be holding a Workshop on June 26, 2007 to provide an orientation/overview of the work of the Committee and to obtain feedback on their outreach program. The next Project Advisory Committee Meeting for the Route 8 Study will be held on June 28, 2007. The North Dover Study meeting will be held on June 20, 2007 to discuss transportation issues with residents. The MPO Annual Workshop will be held on July 11, 2007.
Ms. Wieczoreck noted that traffic signal improvements and re-striping at Route 8 and Route 13 were planned, as recommended in the Mega Traffic Impact Study. She stated that the configuration of the traffic signal wires would be upgraded as well.
Mayor Speed requested that the traffic flow and the timing of the lights on Division Street be reviewed and adjusted as necessary to improve the traffic flow. Mr. Carey also requested that the turn lanes and through lanes be marked.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lakeman and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
KLH/tm
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20075-30-2007 SA&T.wpd