TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Transportation Review Committee met on February 10, 2004 at 12:00 noon, with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Councilman Pitts, Mr. Asay and Mr. Ornauer. Councilman Ritter was absent.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Asay requested the addition of item #4-B - Bicycle Facility Continuity.
Mr. Ornauer moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
DART SERVICES
Mr. Ray Miller, Director of Delaware Transit Administration, reviewed the results of coordinating Fixed Routes and Paratransit Services in Kent County (Attachment #1). He introduced Mr. Wayne Henderson who was the architect in terms of putting the service together based on the August and September 2003 discussions. Mr. Miller reminded members that a few years back, members of City Council met with Secretary Hayward and representatives of DelDOT, at which time the notion of night service was introduced.
Mr. Miller advised members that a unique approach was taken to determine the community’s transportation needs. DelDOT considered the existing resources, such as the paratransit system and fixed route system; the tools and technology already available, such as AVL (A Vehicle Locator)/GPS System, as well as the mobile data terminals which allow for communications with the vehicles; and other features such as safety, video, etc. that are a part of the system.
Mr. Miller stated that the major change was to allow the general public use of the paratransit service. The result of these efforts is an increase in the average number of passengers from 1.6 to 3.4 per hour. One of the most frequent complaints received is the accuracy of times for pickup. He reviewed the paratransit transfer results, explaining that improvement has been made with the on-time performance. Transferees have a more direct trip and are on the bus for a shorter period of time. Mr. Miller also reviewed productivity improvements. He explained DelDOT’s future plans to improve access to the fixed route, which are scheduled to begin in May 2004.
Responding to Mr. DePrima, Mr. Miller stated that the new technology of the AVL/GPS system has played a major role in the success of this project. He explained that dispatchers are now knowledgeable of the bus locations, which allows for improved dispatching of the busses. He concurred that the new technology was critical and indicated that the magnitude of what is done and how it is accomplished on a daily basis is amazing.
In response to Mr. Ornauer, Mr. Miller advised members that this service has been accomplished as a “pilot” program in Kent County and they are beginning to implement the program in Sussex County. He also advised members that other jurisdictions are interested in how this project has become so successful.
Mr. Ruane indicated that a member of Council was questioning the ability of providing transit service to the new Wal-Mart facility, located in Smyrna, in an effort to assist the citizens of Dover to acquire employment. Mr. Miller stated that DelDOT has met with representatives of the Department of Labor and Health and Social Services. Unfortunately, Wal-Mart is not interested in assisting their employees in this regard. Additionally, the working shifts are scheduled in such a way that transit service would not be attractive.
Referring to a proposed Resolution to be considered by members later in the meeting, Mr. Ruane noted that the City would support the creation of a program to support intermodal passenger facilities. Mr. Miller indicated the department’s support and stated that he would keep members abreast of this matter.
In response to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Miller suggested that a presentation be made to City Council once the project is complete, which should be this summer. Mr. Ruane requested that Mr. Miller contact the City Clerk’s Office to schedule the presentation.
To accept Mr. Miller’s offer for members to visit the facility to observe the system operations, Mr. Ornauer suggested that the next meeting be held at the Administration Building of the Delaware Transit Corporation and that a tour of the facility be on the agenda.
Mr. Ornauer moved to recommend that the next committee meeting, scheduled for March 9, 2004, be held at the Administration Building of the Delaware Transit Corporation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
PROPOSED RESOLUTION - SUPPORT FOR THE RE-AUTHORIZATION OF THE TRANSPORTATION EQUITY ACT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY (TEA-21)
As directed during their meeting of January 13, 2004, Mr. DePrima presented a proposed resolution for the support of the re-authorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). He advised members that the proposed resolution is similar to the one passed by the MPO; however, it includes funding to sub-allocate Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) funds to MPO’s in air quality non-attainment and maintenance areas.
Mr. Ornauer moved to recommend adoption of the proposed Resolution (Attachment #2), seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
TRUCK BRAKE NOISE
During their December 9, 2003 meeting, members discussed concerns regarding truck brake noise. As directed, Mr. DePrima investigated the success of other jurisdictions that have prohibited the use of “jake brakes” in their city or town. He provided members with the ordinances adopted in the Towns of Seaford and Smyrna.
Mr. DePrima advised members that the ordinance adopted by the Town of Seaford has been effective and enforceable. He was advised that the community was educated on the restrictions and officials attribute the success of the program to meeting with the truckers to solve the matter through education. Mr. DePrima stated that the Town of Smyrna also recently adopted an ordinance and that there have been no problems with enforcement. He was advised that residents are no longer complaining, which indicates resolution.
Mr. DePrima suggested that the Police Department be the lead in this matter and that he and the Chairman meet with representatives to develop a proposal for further consideration.
Mr. Pitts moved to recommend approval of the concept of adoption of an ordinance and authorize the City Manager and Chairman of the Transportation Review Committee to meet with representatives of the Police Department to formulate a recommendation. The motion was seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
MPO - TAC/PAC REPORT
Ms. Wieczoreck stated that the MPO worked on housecleaning items and that a bus tour was taken to TIP project sites with very positive feedback received.
BICYCLE FACILITY CONTINUITY
Mr. Asay advised members that he has been developing ideas to facilitate bicycle use in the community. It is apparent that there are areas in the community that provide for bicycle traffic. Unfortunately, there are sections within these areas that are barriers, making it difficult for bicycle traffic continuity. In the past, the priority was connecting Schutte Park with the community on the east side of the railroad tracks. Due to the Saulsbury Road Extension, this project has been deferred. As a result of the project being deferred, it was his feeling that the next priority would be to address the intersection of Saulsbury Road and Route 8. Mr. Asay explained that in this area, there are bicycle lanes extending long distances and then suddenly ending. The shopping center at this intersection provides no crosswalks, lights, striping, etc. The concern is that bicyclists and pedestrians will not use facilities that have sections that are not safe. He recommended that that concentration be placed on assuring these facilities are continuous and safe, which will result in additional bicycle use and less vehicular use.
Mr. Asay advised members that DelDOT is in the process of planning for islands/dividers in the roadway; however, there was no mention of improvement of pedestrian facilities. He recommended that DelDOT consider these improvements to the intersection of Saulsbury Road and Route 8.
Mr. Galvin advised members that there is a rezoning proposed for the northwest corner property of this intersection. There will be an opportunity to consider pedestrian amenities for the northwest corner during the development of this property.
Mr. Laing, Municipal Liaison with DelDOT, advised members that a public workshop will be held on the Delaware Bicycle Master Plan at 4:00 p.m. this afternoon at Dover High School. He suggested that Mr. Asay attend the workshop and present the issue during the workshop to allow for consideration.
Ms. Wieczoreck suggested that a letter be sent to Secretary Hayward requesting that a Transportation Enhancement Project be developed to complete these connections, feeling that it would be the most likely source of funding for implementation of the improvements.
Mr. Ornauer moved to recommend that Mr. Asay and a representative of the Planning Department, if available, be authorized to meet with representatives of DelDOT to determine the manner in which the City should acquire funding for this project for a report back to the committee for formulating a recommendation to City Council. The motion was seconded by Mr. Pitts and unanimously carried.
UPDATES
Members were provided the following updates:
Eden Hill Farm
Members were provided data regarding the trends in area traffic as it relates to the West Dover Connector. Mr. Ruane suggested that members review the data to be discussed at a future meeting to determine if there are possible gaps in the data. He reminded members that the committee has offered to assist the planner as a resource and to allow members to be involved with this process and include citizens.
Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Galvin stated that the City will take the initiative in the development of an ordinance for a new Traditional Neighborhood Design (TND) zoning classification.
Signalization
Mr. DePrima advised members that DelDOT is in the process of completing a supplemental contract with Urban Partners, who serves as a consultant with DelDOT. An order to proceed should be given in March which will allow Urban Partners to begin survey and design work. He reminded members that this project entails a 3-year process.
Ms. Wieczoreck reminded members of a project included in the TIP for the Division Street signalization and roadway intersection improvements. DelDOT has eliminated this project; therefore, it is no longer officially recognized by DelDOT. She noted that the committee had previously suggested that these improvements be accomplished in conjunction with the signalization project. Mr. DePrima recollected that it was determined that the issue of removing parking on Division Street be delayed pending the results of the signalization project. As a result, Ms. Wieczoreck advised members that if the City wants the length of the turn lanes and geometry of the intersection calculated when the signalization project is complete, a letter should be sent to DelDOT for this inclusion. A letter to this effect has been sent to the City Manager.
College Road and Extension of Crawford Carroll Road
Mr. Ruane advised members that Council adopted the Resolution and that the Council President has been requested to schedule meetings with the local legislators to obtain support and funding for the projects.
Noting the possibility of the proposed Civic Center being a part of this project, Mr. Ornauer suggested that Mr. Outten, Chairman of the Civic Center, and Dr. Sessoms, President of Delaware State University, be contacted to request their support in this endeavor. Concurring, Mr. Ruane stated that Dr. Johnson, Vice President and Campus Director of DelTech, should also be included in this matter.
Traffic Studies
SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects
Mr. Laing advised members that DelDOT has received survey forms from the Edgehill Community and that they are being reviewed to determine if there is a general consensus. DelDOT will be responding to the Edgehill Community.
East Dover Housing Development Projects
Mr. Laing advised members that there has been a delay in the receipt of the preliminary draft of the recommendations from the consultants. Once the draft is received by DelDOT, comments will be made and returned to the consultants for a final recommendation, at which time DelDOT will submit their final statement.
Mr. Ruane reiterated his concern with the sequencing and usefulness of traffic studies when the City is moving forward in considering the development of the projects. Mr. Ornauer questioned if the Planning Commission could be requested to delay any action until receipt of the TIS. Responding, Mr. Ruane stated that if the committee were to make a recommendation, it would be submitted to Council for approval. Due to the timing of this matter, he noted that the City Planner is aware of the concerns and could relay the suggestion to the members of the Planning Commission.
Mr. Koenig explained that the results of the study will be implemented in the entrance permits for the developments as a condition. Whether the developers have received preliminary approval or final approval, the developers are obligated to perform whatever improvements may be required as indicated by the study, as a condition for the entrance approval.
Responding to Mr. Ornauer, Mr. Koenig explained that the developments are in City limits and the City has zoned the property in anticipation of its development. They are now waiting for DelDOT to determine the improvements that will be required on DelDOT infrastructure as a condition of the development. These are not improvements on City roadways, they are DelDOT’s roadways. It was his opinion that the project could move forward until final approval. Mr. Koenig noted that the reality is that there are several plans completely engineered by the time the development is reviewed by the Planning Commission. He questioned how a delay could occur, considering the amount of funds spent to get to the review by the Planning Commission. He felt that there would be support for the final subdivision action not to occur until DelDOT has identified the improvements necessary with that subdivision.
Red Light Safety Program - Webbs Lane at Route 13
Mr. Ruane alluded to comments received that the Red Light Safety Program is simply a money making scheme and suggested that DelDOT better inform the public of the program’s purpose.
Responding, Mr. Laing stated that anytime action is taken involving law enforcement, it is the public’s perception that the idea is to raise money because people are fined for breaking the law. In all discussions that have been held, it has been clear that this is a safety issue relative to the number of collisions, lives that are lost, injuries, etc. In most cases, accidents resulting from running a red light are side impact collisions, which are the most dangerous.
Mr. DePrima advised members that there are restrictions on the use of the funds received resulting from this program, which are clearly related to public safety. He reminded members that the City has been designated for six (6) lights for this program and that it is anticipated the entire program should be implemented by the end of the year.
Mr. Ornauer moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 2:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
EBR/jg
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Attachments
Attachment #1 - Fixed Routes and Paratransit Services in Kent County
Attachment #2 - Support of the Re-authorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century