SPECIAL SAFETY ADVISORY ANDTRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

A Special Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on February 7, 2006, at 5:06 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey,

Mr. Lakeman (arrived at 5:13 p.m.), and Mr. Link. Mr. Ritter was absent. Members of Council present were Mr. Ruane, Mr. Sadusky, and Mr. Salters. Mayor Speed was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.

Prioritization of Transportation Projects

During their meeting of January 24, 2006, Mr. Hogan suggested that a list of all the City transportation projects that were discussed during the meeting be sent to the City Clerks Office so that a project prioritization packet could be developed and sent out to members for further consideration during a special meeting to be held on February 7, 2006.

Mr. DePrima provided members with support documentation for prioritizing City transportation projects that included project ranking, estimated costs, and staff recommendations.

Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Koenig stated that the City submitted a Transportation Improvement Project for the Kenton Road Corridor Upgrade Project to DelDOT last year and it was not included on the Capital Plan; however, DelDOT has secured money under the general planning funds to identify a scope of work for this project.

Mr. DePrima stated that he had a discussion with Mr. Ralph Reeb regarding the Wyoming Mill Road Realignment Project. He noted that a DelDOT appraiser will evaluate the donated land to see if the value qualifies for the 20% match needed to meet the requirements of the Federal Transportation Grant. Mr. Koenig noted that the DelDOT appraiser will have to follow the Federal Acquisition Guidelines when appraising the land. He noted that three (3) to four (4) acres out of the fourteen (14) acres donated to the City will make up the right-of-way. Mr. DePrima stated that a letter has been sent to a New Jersey National Guard Unit that specializes in grading and landscaping. He suggested that they consider using the balance of the acreage as a training exercise on leveling.

Mr. Ruane suggested that a distinction be made on the prioritization list of those projects being reviewed by the General Assembly.

Mr. DePrima suggested that the staff recommendation for the West Dover Connector Study Project should read “staff recommends proceeding with the project with available funding. No additional funding should be earmarked until all other listed projects are completed”.

Mr. Hogan recommended that a letter be sent to Secretary Wicks and each of the local Legislators requesting to meet with them to discuss the City transportation projects.

Mr. Lakeman suggested that the letter also be sent out to the Co-Chairs of the Bond Bill Committee. Mr. Carey suggested that City Council approve the letter prior to sending.

Mr. Hogan stated that the Wyoming Mill Road Realignment Project should be separated out and indicated as Federally Funded with earmarked funds. He also stated that the College Road Corridor Upgrades Project, U.S. 13 Sidewalk Construction Project, and the Crawford Carroll Avenue Extension Project should have a statement indicating that funding is not being recommended at this time; however, the City would still like to see these projects indicated on the five (5) year plan.

Responding to Mr. Ruane, Mr. Koenig stated that the Clarence Street Extension Project is not considered a State project even though there are Federal Funds involved.

Mr. Link moved to recommend approval of the Transportation Project Prioritization List, as amended (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.

Mr. Carey stated that the timeline for receiving Federal Funds should be noted along side each project. Ms. Juanita Wieczoreck, Director of the Dover/Kent County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), stated that the only issue with Federal Funds is that the Federal Legislation has an authorization level, an appropriation level, and an obligation ceiling. When earmarked funds are being used, it impacts that obligation ceiling. Ms. Wieczoreck noted that the lower the appropriation is, the lower the obligation ceiling is.

There being no further business, Mr. Hogan declared the meeting adjourned.

Meeting Adjourned at 5:52 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Kenneth L. Hogan

                                                                                    Chairman

RGR/jcr

S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20062-07-2006 SA&T Special.wpd

Attachments

Attachment #1 - Transportation Project Prioritization List