SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING
A Special Council Meeting was held on November 5, 2001 at 9:00 a.m. with Council President McGlumphy presiding (arrived at 9:13 a.m.). Council members present were Mr. Ritter, Mr. Pitts, Mr. Gorman, Mr. Truitt, Mr. Carey, Mr. Speed (arrived at 9:12 a.m.), Mr. Salters (arrived at 9:48 a.m.), and Mr. Ruane.
Council staff members present were Chief Horvath, Mr. Cooper, Mr. DePrima, Mrs. Mitchell, Mr. Petit de Mange, and Mrs. Green. Also present was Mayor Hutchison, Gary Patterson (President of DDDC), Mr. Richard Ornauer (member of City Transportation Committee and PAC of MPO), and Mr. Scott Koenig (Director of Public Works).
Representatives from the State of Delaware, Department of Transportation that were also present were Mr. Nathan Hayward (Secretary, Department of Transportation), Mr. John Gilbert (Director of Highway Operations), Mr. Ralph Reeb (Director of Planning), Mr. Jim Johnson (Chief Engineer), Mr. Ray Miller (Director of DART), Mr. Chao Hu (Director of Preconstruction), Mr. Gary Laing (Municipal Liaison), Ms. Terry Gorlich (Director of External Affairs), Mr. Reza Moghissi (Chief Traffic Engineer), Ms. Christina Bell (Director of Finance, Management and Budget), Mr. Al Guckes (Executive Assistant to the Secretary), Ms. Christine Pochomis (Director of Administration), Mr. Dave Mills (Central District Construction Engineer), and Mr. Terry Pepper (Governor’s Liaison to Local Governments).
This special meeting was held to discuss transportation issues that involve the City of Dover.
Secretary Hayward thanked members of City Council for this opportunity and explained that DelDOT has begun meeting with and listening to the communities in which they serve. He stated that DelDOT has a new role of being more accessible, responsible, and efficient. Since becoming Secretary, he stated that the goal for DelDOT is to assure that the messages being relayed are being put to work in intelligent, common sense improvements in the many transportation systems and, at the same time, providing for intelligently planned economic growth, preservation of important open space, historic, cultural, and other valuable assets that are a part of every community. Secretary Hayward assured City Council that DelDOT is available to listen and work cooperatively with them to help make Dover a better place to live, which can only be accomplished by communicating and cooperating with one another.
Proposed Route 1/Partial Interchange at Route 8
Mr. Ruane noted that the proposed Route 1/Partial Interchange at Route 8 has been a familiar DelDOT project, which is included in the DelDOT CIP for FY2003. He also noted that there have been several meetings between DelDOT and the residents of the area regarding their concerns. Mr. Ruane referred to the “purchase of development rights” and requested an explanation.
Secretary Hayward explained that DelDOT has been legislatively mandated to acquire development rights in lands adjacent to the Route 1/Route 8 Interchange, to the east and to the north, to ensure that valuable open space is maintained. He stated that areas for designated growth have been mapped out by each of the municipalities and counties.
Mr. DePrima relayed concern regarding the impact the interchange would have on Division Street and the central downtown area. He reminded members that the MPO had recommended that the improvements be accomplished in sync with the opening of the partial interchange. He stated that the recommended improvements to Division Street have been a part of DelDOT’s plans for several years and were included in the 1990 Study. These improvements were recommended prior to consideration of the Route 8 Interchange, which he felt would only escalate problems.
Responding, Secretary Hayward questioned if there would be a substantial amount of traffic in this area as a result of the interchange or if the traffic would continue to use Scarborough Road and enter the downtown area from the west. Mr. Reeb stated that experience has proven that there is no sure indication as to what route people will use and that, many times, the actual results are realized only after a project is complete.
Secretary Hayward suggested that representatives of DelDOT review the 1990 Study, along with Mr. DePrima and Mr. Ruane, to determine what needs are warranted and to discuss the possibility of having them accomplished.
For the record, Mr. Ruane noted that there was a letter on file from Mr. James Clatcher of DelDOT that is the result of several complaints received by the City regarding difficulty making left turns onto Governors Avenue or State Street from Division Street. The letter from Mr. Clatcher indicates that, in accordance with a location traffic count study, the data reflects the need for left turn phasing at both locations; however, the current equipment and wiring will not support the additional signal operations. There will be an impact on the whole signal network and on the responsibility for City traffic signals.
Secretary Hayward stated that the signalization and equipment in many metropolitan areas are antiquated and need to be addressed. He assured members that DelDOT can make dramatic improvements in the traffic flow within the existing rights-of-way. If there is room for growth for “protected left turns” it would not be difficult to design the signal system and have it correspond with other signal systems in the same area. What needs to be decided is what will be required in situations where there is no room for the “protected left turns”, such as the elimination of parking spaces. Since Route 8 (Division Street) is a State maintained roadway, Secretary Hayward stated that City representatives must indicate what traffic improvements are desired, then it will be DelDOT’s obligation to work with the City to bring them to fruition. Considering that any changes to one area can effect other areas, he suggested that City and DelDOT representatives review the 1990 Plan and develop a new plan for the City.
Responding to Mr. Ornauer, Mr. Reeb indicated that, as a result of concerns relayed by residents of the neighborhood, the plans for Division Street east of Route 13 consist of some traffic calming devices to alleviate “cut through” traffic.
In response to Mr. Truitt, Secretary Hayward explained that the City must decide what is critical. If the installation of sidewalks along Division Street will be a project request of the City, DelDOT will follow through accordingly.
Mayor Hutchison suggested that the City allow the completion of the Route 1 Interchange at Route 8 to occur prior to making any other traffic related changes in the area to determine its impact and the types of traffic and pedestrian problems that may occur as a result of the interchange. It was his feeling that if changes are made prior to the interchange, then those improvements may need to be altered.
Concurring, Secretary Hayward suggested that if the City were to take this approach, the community must be assured that they have not been forgotten and that if time proves there is a legitimate need for additional improvements, attempts will be made to address them.
As a resident of Edgehill, Mr. Ritter indicated that he knows of no resident that is in favor of the proposed interchange. He stated that residents whose homes face Division Street are concerned with losing property to allow for the installation of sidewalks. His concern is that these residents will sell their property and that this area will ultimately become commercialized. Mr. Ritter did not feel that it would be fair to have the residents wait until after the opening of the interchange for any necessary improvements to be made since there is already a problem with “through traffic” and, due to the fact that the interchange will only cause this problem to escalate.
Mr. Ruane alluded to the scheduling of several community meetings with DelDOT regarding this issue and encouraged members of Council to attend.
Secretary Hayward explained that although change is uncomfortable for everyone involved, as the City continues to grow, change is inevitable. He assured members that DelDOT will make every attempt to help make the change work towards the betterment of the community.
Responding to Mr. McGlumphy, Mr. Reeb stated that the public is involved substantially with a project of this magnitude at two (2) levels. He explained that there are individuals who are vocal and then there are elected officials; the elected officials are relied upon for relaying the feelings of the non-vocal citizens whom they represent. The procedure of priorities change every year and once a project is selected and work has begun, it is difficult to make a change at that point. Mr. Reeb stated that concern is not with what has happened in the past, but rather what is happening now. He indicated that the neighborhood in the area of the Route 1 Interchange at Route 8 has been involved with the project and that DelDOT recognizes that there are traffic concerns that should be addressed. The traffic issue on Upland Avenue is a current problem that should probably continue to be addressed with a traffic calming study. Considering the City’s opposition to speed deterrents for emergency reasons, Mr. Reeb indicated that there are specific geometries involved that can be created to allow for emergency apparatus to travel safely and at the same time make it difficult for speeders. He also felt that there are other alternatives that could be considered to alleviate the traffic concerns of the neighborhood.
In reference to the Mayor’s comments, Mr. Reeb felt that certain traffic issues, such as pedestrian issues, would not be known until after the interchange is complete. Therefore, he felt that there were some specific improvements along Route 8 that should be deferred until after the interchange is complete. With respect to the traffic calming issues for the neighborhood, he felt that improvements could be accomplished earlier since it is a current problem.
Mr. Ritter noted that previous consideration was given to having the interchange located off of Leipsic Road and with all the changes that have occurred during the past several years, there are not as many residential properties in the location. He questioned if Leipsic Road should be selected for the interchange rather than Route 8.
Secretary Hayward reiterated that DelDOT relies on the community for their judgement, guidance, and direction in determining what the priorities are and where the focus should be for particular projects. Until DelDOT is given a different direction, their budgets and plans are based on the current plans. He assured members that the residents of Edgehill have an important role in shaping the details of how the project is actually implemented; however, in terms of the overall project, DelDOT’s obligation is to proceed as directed and begin the federal process which involves environmental issues, social issues, etc.
Improvements to Dover Traffic Signal System (focus on Route 13/113 and Downtown Area); Status of DelDOT’s “Intelligent Highway” Plans
Mr. Moghissi provided members an update on what has been accomplished to date on the ITS (known now as Deltrac). He advised members that the development of the ITS was motivated by the difficulty in expanding capacity of surface transportation through conventional infrastructure building. There have been scheduled investments made in ITS in an attempt to maintain and improve the quality of life as well as economic viability of communities within the State. ITS utilizes new technology to improve service transportation on many levels. Traffic congestion has been relieved through controlled monitoring of traffic flow utilizing cameras and area surveillance to adjust signal timing as needed to meet the demands. ITS enhances safety and mitigates the environmental impacts of several transportation related issues. In Dover, this project has been focused on Route 13, Route 113, Route 10, and Division Street, with the installation of 10 cameras strategically located at key intersections to provide continuous views of the areas.
Mr. Moghissi stated that Phase I of this project cost approximately $1.3 million and Phase II is estimated to cost approximately $1.2 million. Phase II will consist of the replacement of cabinets and controllers, installation of an additional 10 miles of fiber optics, and installation of additional cameras. They also plan to install message signs that will provide the traveling public with details of expected delays associated with incidents, construction, or special events.
Mr. DePrima stated that the entire Dover signalization needs improvements and was previously included in DelDOT’s CIP. Nothing has been accomplished in this regard and no longer is this project depicted in the CIP. He felt that the improvements should be included in Phase II of DelDOT’s project because the traffic in the area is all integrated. The traffic flow in the downtown area affects the traffic flow on the highway. He indicated that the City currently owns and operates 17 traffic signals, and that the ultimate goal would be for the central Dover system included in the ITS system to be operated by the State in order for the system to work properly. He urged DelDOT to consider the possibility of including Dover’s signalization in DelDOT’s plans.
Responding, Secretary Hayward suggested that the City, along with DelDOT, write the problem statement for Dover which indicates priority areas. Noting that the ITS system can be added to, and that in terms of people power and dollars, he suggested that the statement be one that could be realistically accomplished by attempting to solve problems one at a time.
Governors Avenue Project (Water Street to Webbs Lane)
Secretary Hayward stated that previously, culverts were not maintained as they should have been and they are now a continued priority for DelDOT. He has requested that DelDOT establish a regular culvert cleaning schedule. Also, in regards to the culvert located on Governors Avenue, he is not convinced that making the culvert larger would improve the drainage problem and felt that other alternatives should be considered.
Mr. Hu stated that over the years, there have been many improvements made to alleviate flooding problems throughout Dover, with the exception of the South Governors Avenue bridge. The problem with the Puncheon Run today is the capacity of the channel, which does not have the ability to move the water through at the desired water elevation. Mr. Hu referred to a study being conducted for South Governors Avenue and noted that if it concludes that a center lane is needed, the bridge will be too narrow and will need to be widened. He advised members that the existing bridge was built in 1929 and an additional span made in 1961. If the study indicates the need to widen the bridge, an additional span will be necessary due to the age of the original section. He reiterated that no conclusions have been made at this time.
Mr. Ruane questioned the status of the Tar Ditch problem on Water Street.
Responding, Mr. DePrima noted that there is a solid group working on program development that recently received the many Tar Ditch studies to review. He requested that the City be allowed to provide input on configuration issues and work closely with the business community on this project. The group is looking very closely at the issue of stormwater management.
Mr. Ruane relayed appreciation to Mr. Paul Welch of DelDOT, who has been very responsive to the residents and the City regarding these issues.
Loockerman Street/Forest Street Intersection Improvements (Traffic Circle and Street Enhancements)
Mr. Patterson advised members that over the past several years, DDDC has focused on the core of Dover and established a list of critical projects. Several of these projects have come to fruition. He stated that the focus of the DDDC has recently shifted to the west side of the City of Dover and he relayed to members the projects that have been identified for the area, including residential improvements, cleanup of the old Capital Scrap Yard, creation of new office space, and street improvements, including a traffic circle in front of the old railroad station. To accomplish these goals, Mr. Patterson indicated the need for assistance from DelDOT for the improvements on West Loockerman Street and the traffic circle.
Secretary Hayward stated that projects that restore and rebuild in order to become functional, as desired, are appreciated. It was his recollection that DelDOT’s CIP includes an estimate of $2.5 million for this particular project, unfortunately, it is not foreseeable in the near future. How this project can be completed sooner is a matter of solving as many problems as possible as quickly as possible without expending the allocated funds. In order to have this project accelerated, it would be necessary to defer other projects.
Mr. DePrima relayed appreciation to DelDOT for providing funds to help redevelop the old Capital Scrap Yard. It was his feeling that the improvements to West Street should be considered a priority since it is actually the connector street between Forest Street and Division Street. He stated that DDDC was successful in acquiring $500,000 in federal grant funds from the Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the environmental cleanup of the old Capital Scrap Yard. He suggested that the West Street improvements project be accomplished in conjunction with the redevelopment of the area.
Considering that the project will cost less than $200,000, Secretary Hayward assured members that DelDOT would move the project to be completed as requested. He also indicated the possibility of completing the remainder of the project around the old train station sooner than anticipated by piecemeal or other means.
North Street, Mifflin Road to West Street Improvements
Secretary Hayward advised members that the project to improve North Street from Mifflin Road to West Street was halted after it was determined that it would not solve the problems of open water management and congestion. This project has been redesigned to include a protected turn at the railroad tracks, improvements to the drainage system, and the installation of sidewalks. He stated that the project is expected to begin in May 2002 and thanked the City for their patience regarding this matter.
Responding to Mr. Ornauer, Secretary Hayward indicated that a right-only turn east of the railroad is included in the project, as noted in the original JHK Study.
Scarborough Access Road (Crawford Carroll Drive)
Mr. Hu advised members that the alignment for the Scarborough Access Road has been determined; however, the design has not been completed. The design package should be completed in April 2002 and construction should begin shortly thereafter.
Mr. Ruane indicated the need for the connection to Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Lowes, etc., which will alleviate a tremendous amount of traffic on the highway.
Responding to Mr. Ornauer, Mr. Hu indicated that DelDOT is currently working to resolve concerns involving Cedar Chase Apartments and environmental issues.
DelDOT Bike/Pedestrian Projects in Dover
Secretary Hayward advised members that additional funds were included in the FY2002 budget and proposed for the FY2003 budget for off-road improvements related to bikes, pedestrians, and facilities. He assured members that money is in the budget, there is a commitment to complete the projects, and there is legislative support.
Transit System Improvements, including Evening and Weekend availability and Intercity Transportation
Mr. Miller stated that federal funds have been received to begin evening and weekend service; however, it is not adequate to provide the same level of transportation service as is provided during the week. Although the funds will provide assistance to welfare-to-work programs, it will not provide service to the general public at this time. DelDOT has upgraded the fleet to include bicycle racks and has invested in an AVO satellite system which tracks the location of the vehicles at all times. Mr. Miller explained that the goal is to combine and integrate the fixed route service with the para-transit service using technology.
Council President McGlumphy stated that as the capital City of the State of Delaware, Dover should have a public transportation system that is effective during weekends and evenings.
Responding, Mr. Miller stated that DelDOT has been attempting to determine what efficiencies can be gained by integrating fixed routes and para-transit service. The goal is to have improved services within two (2) years.
Mr. Ornauer indicated that when the MPO was established, evening and weekend public transportation service was requested. He noted that the malls are opened during evening hours and that there has been a redevelopment of the downtown area that includes an arts center. Mr. Ornauer stated that there is no available transit for individuals to shop or participate in theater activities during the weekends or evening hours, thus making the dependence on personal vehicles necessary. He suggested that there should be a means available to inaugurate this concept on the basis of the fine arts programs and the need for shopping in the evening.
Secretary Hayward stated that although everyone feels that there is a dire need for improved public transportation, the problem is the exorbitant costs involved - the capital investment, operating costs, etc. He questioned how much of a need there really is by comparing it to that of a high school. Although public transportation is provided for students, the majority of those that can drive do so rather than utilizing the public transportation provided.
Mr. Ruane suggested that a follow-up meeting be held between DelDOT and the City’s Transportation Committee to formulate a plan for Dover in regards to public transportation.
Referring to the DelDOT CIP for FY2005, Mr. DePrima noted that alternative fuels are referenced and questioned if electric vehicles would be considered.
Responding, Mr. Reeb stated that although several tests have been and are continuing to be performed regarding the use of alternative fueled vehicles, the reliability of pure electric battery type technology has not been proven successful. He noted that tests are in their early stages in this regard and he is hopeful that additional information will be forthcoming.
In response to Mr. Pitts regarding the possibility of providing a bus station in downtown Dover, Mr. Reeb stated that on-going discussions are occurring between DelDOT and Greyhound representatives to provide a facility in the downtown Dover area. Recently, an offer was made by DelDOT to provide the property for such a site to Greyhound. Unfortunately, they were not able to provide the necessary funds to construct a facility for ticket sales. It was suggested that the City, through the Mayor, send a letter to Greyhound encouraging them to consider the possibility of a bus station in downtown Dover.
Mr. Ruane referred to the Resolution adopted by City Council in support of a train station in Dover and questioned the status of the project. Secretary Hayward indicated that funds were budgeted for a study to determine the costs involved. He explained the various signal, safety, and traffic improvements that would be required and necessary agreements with Amtrak and Norfolk Southern. He stated that there are on-going negotiations with property owners to obtain lands for a commuter rail station.
McKee/Walker Road Traffic Problems - NW Dover Heights
Mr. Pitts received citizen complaints regarding the traffic at the intersection of McKee and Walker Roads. He stated that residents of Northwest Dover Heights are having difficulty attempting to exit their neighborhood.
Mr. Hu indicated that DelDOT recently made improvements to the turn-lanes that should help alleviate the problems. He noted; however, that there are additional traffic issues that need to be addressed such as islands and road design.
Mr. Ruane stated that as members of Council, several complaints are received from citizens regarding traffic related issues that require the attention of DelDOT and questioned how they would prefer the City to handle them and who these concerns should be referred to.
Responding, Secretary Hayward suggested that referrals be submitted to Ms. Terry Gorlich, External Affairs, who will distribute the concerns to the appropriate department for response. He indicated that if the appropriate department is known, the City may refer the concerns directly to the specific department or may refer the matter to his attention.
Members of City Council relayed appreciation to Secretary Hayward and all other DelDOT representatives for this opportunity to meet and stated that he looks forward to continuing the dialogue.
Secretary Hayward reminded members that the essence of good public policy is to keep the lines of communication open, to stay flexible, to keep an open mind, and to be responsive.
Mr. Ruane moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Salters and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 11:50 A.M.
JANICE C. GREEN
CITY CLERK
All orders, ordinances and resolutions adopted by City Council during their meeting of November 5, 2001, are hereby approved.
JAMES L. HUTCHISON
MAYOR
/JG
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