SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on January 24, 2006, at

5:08 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Lakeman, and Mr. Link Mr. Ritter was absent. Members of Council present were Mr. Ruane. Mayor Speed (arrived at 5:24 p.m.) was also present.

AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS

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

Briefing on DelDOT Projects (Gary Laing)

During the meeting of July 26, 2005, Mr. Hogan indicated that his intention was to request an update by DelDOT every other month on projects.

Mr. Laing, Municipal Liaisan for DelDOT, gave an update on DelDOT’s financial situation for FY2006. Mr. Laing noted that the General Assembly had not approved any new projects that were not on the list as of June 30, 2005. The Indian River Inlet Bridge has been scaled back also. The General Assembly also continues to talk about adding responsibilities, but with no mention of additional revenue sources that would be needed to make that possible. Mr. Laing stated that basic expenditures at DelDOT will be reexamined in order to find savings in the agencies operations, which was noted during Governor Minner’s State-of-State Address. During her State-of-State Address Governor Minner stated that she has directed her Administration to work with the Bond Bill Committee to identify projects that can be deferred or cut from the program, using the Trust Fund’s resources where they are most needed. After the review is completed, the Governor’s Office will look at shifting some of the Transportation Trust Fund costs to the General Fund, as well as exploring a public/private partnership, or other innovative financing, for those projects that are considered critical, such as the Route 301 project which was also mentioned during her

State-of-State Address.

Mr. Laing stated it is important to DelDOT to get those costs, that are not related to construction, shifted out of the Transportation Trust Fund and use that money for Capital improvement projects, not operating costs. He noted that the movement of the General Assembly, to put the operation costs into the Transportation Trust Fund, has lead, in large part, to the problems being faced today.

Responding to Mr. Carey, Mr. Laing noted that it is important for the City of Dover to make its needs and desires known to the Legislators representing the City of Dover and also important to send a list of these projects to the new Secretary of Transportation.

Mega-TIS on SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects

Mr. Laing noted that there is no new information on this project.

Crawford Carroll Drive

Mr. Laing stated that the Crawford Carroll Drive Project was completed in September 2005.

Mr. Carey questioned the signage on this project, which Mr. Laing will look into further.

West Dover Connector

Mr. Laing noted that there have been Public Workshops that have been held on the West Dover Connector Proect showing the five (5) options that will be designated for a detailed study. Once information is received from the study, a Public Workshop will be held to present the results. The progress of this project can be limited due to funding issues. Mr. Laing stated that there was no money appropriated for this project in the FY2006 budget and the project needs funding from the General Assembly, for the FY2007 budget, for design and construction. Design and construction costs are unknown at this time.

Traffic Signal at Greenway Lane and Kenton Road

Mr. Laing mentioned that there has been no progress on the Traffic Signal at Greenway Lane and Kenton Road Project and, due to the closeness to Route 8, a traffic light may not be installed. Other alternatives of controlling traffic are being discussed, such as eliminating the left turns out from the shopping center. Mr. Link noted that the bank on the corner has its only exit at that intersection and only having a right hand turn for an exit might be a concern. Mr. Laing also noted that it is DelDOT’s policy to not put crosswalk markings where there are no signals present.

Mr. Carey suggested that a no u-turn sign be installed, at the intersection of Kenton Road and Route 8, for lanes turning left onto Kenton Road. Mr. Link also recommended that it is also a good place for the installation of a red light camera.

South Governors Avenue Improvements

Mr. Laing stated that the South Governors Avenue Improvements Project is on hold due to the lack of funding. This project is just about ready to go to bid but it is the Bond Bill Committee that decides whether this project makes it on this years budget. The General Assembly did not include this project on last years budget.

Signalization Project

Mr. Laing noted that the funding is not available, at this time, to complete the Signalization Project. Mr. DePrima noted that there are approximately twenty (20) lights involved and to include Division Street, Governors Avenue, State Street, and Loockerman Street.

Wyoming Mill Road Project

Mr. Laing noted that there is nothing new with the Wyoming Mill Road Project and that it is still currently on hold due to the lack of funding.

Mr. DePrima stated that a developer donated the land to the City, as of December 31, 2005, and that the City will be contacting DelDOT for direction on this project. Mr. DePrima believes that the land could count towards the 20 percent match needed for Federal funding. Mr. Laing mentioned that Mr. DePrima should speak with Mr. Ralph Reeb, DelDOT Chief Planning Director, in regards to receiving direction for this project. Mr. Laing noted that if the land qualifies for the match, then Federal funds could be used to move ahead; however, State funds may be needed to complete the project.

Status of Transportation Projects Within City of Dover (Gary Laing)

Pedestrian Improvements on Route 13

Mr. Laing stated that the portion along K-Mart to Delaware State University has been surveyed and the next phase is for design and construction of the Pedestrian Improvements on Route 13. All other sidewalk locations are on hold due to the lack of funding.

Mr. Carey suggested the use of displaying digital time at crosswalks so that the pedestrians know how much time they have to cross safely.

Street Improvements at Forrest Avenue and Loockerman Street

Mr. Laing stated that the Street Improvements at Forrest Avenue and Loockerman Steet is on hold due to the lack of funding.

St. Johns River Greenway Improvement

Mr. Laing noted that this project has gone through the design phase and some rights-of-way have been acquired; however, further action is on hold due to the lack of funding.

Mr. DePrima noted that this project consists of a walking path along the St. Jones River from Legislative Hall to Route 10.

Mr. Hogan question whether the funding, that is going to be received this year, will be siphoned away to the Route 301 and Indian River Inlet Bridge projects. Mr. Laing stated that the Indian River Inlet Bridge project has been scaled back and will not use as much money, but at the same time, the delay in construction will also raise costs. Route 301 is a major situation and initially, by the end of 2005, a preferred option was to be chosen; however, that is being pushed back a few months due to the Bog Turtle environmental problem. The three (3) major projects that the General Assembly moved forward last year were the Route 301 Project, Indian River Inlet Project, and the I95 Project near the Christiana Mall.

Mr. Lakeman noted that he recently read in the paper that the motor vehicle fees have not been raised since 1966. Concurring, Mr. Laing also stated that last year, Secretary Hayward requested that the fees be raised. Since this request was not honored, it will be asked again this year. Responding to

Mr. Lakeman, Mr. Laing stated that moving the operating costs away from the Transportation Trust Fund, which is funded by tolls, fuel taxes, etc., will not deplete the fund because it is a continuing source of revenue.

Mr. Laing mentioned that projects are on hold until the General Assembly vote, for which projects receive funding, which should occur towards the end of the session.

Mr. Laing advised members that a new Secretary of Transportation has been named and the Senate will be voting on her confirmation on January 25, 2006. He assured members that he would help facilitate any meetings between the new Secretary and the City of Dover.

Prioritization of Transportation Projects

Mr. Hogan stated that he would like to hear the opinions of members in order to set up a priority list of transportation projects for the City. Mr. Link stated that the two (2) projects that are important to him are the Wyoming Mill Road Project and the South Governors Avenue Project. Mr. Hogan noted that he thought the three (3) most important projects are South Governors Avenue, Signalization, and Wyoming Mill Road. Mr.Ruane mentioned that the Forrest Street Gateway Project should also be included on the list.

Mr. Ruane suggested to members, for information purposes, that it is important to understand what DelDOT has accepted for the FY2007 list. The estimates for the Signalization Project is $2.8 million and the South Governors Project is $17.5 million, and these amounts are not all funded in one year. All projects are delayed indefinitely until the Legislators votes on which projects receive funding. The Loockerman Street/Forrest Street Project and most of the pedestrian improvements were to begin in FY2007. Mr. Ruane noted that the West Dover Connector Project had a cost of $49 million.

Mayor Speed noted that, in the past, the projects are prioritized based on the stage of the project. He also suggested that the transportation project list, including which projects have been the City’s priority in the past and the annual funding, be sent out to members for consideration.

Mr. Hogan stated one (1) project, Wyoming Mill Road, is funded and ready to move forward and two (2) other projects that are ready to go, but need funding, are South Governors Avenue and Signalization.

Mr. DePrima suggested that the number one (1) project for funding is the $2 million road

right-a-way for the South Governors Avenue project and the second priority, for next fiscal year, would be the Signalization Project which is estimated at $2.8 million.

Mr. Hogan stated that the other projects considered for the list are Kenton Road and the Kenton Road/Greenway Lane Traffic Signal, West Dover Connector, US Route 13 Pedestrian Improvements, and State College Road. The Forrest/Loockerman Street Gateway Project, which is estimated at

$4.2 million, will also be included.

Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. Ruane stated that the Kenton Road Project consists of the urbanization of that road from Route 8 to Chestnut Grove.

Mr. Ruane questioned the status of the Clarence Street Extension Project. Mr. DePrima noted that this project has funding designated from Senator Carper in the amount of $1 million and does require a match, which has not yet been solved. This project has been started as far as the design work and acquisition portion. Mr. Laing noted that the Clarence Street Extension Project is a City project and not a DelDOT related project.

Mr. DePrima questioned whether there is DelDOT staff available to do studies. Mr. Laing noted that it depends on the study and what is needed.

Mr. DePrima offered his services to Mr. Hogan to help work on the project list. Mr. Carey suggested that the members hold a special meeting prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting to finalize the project list.

Mr. Hogan stated that he will send a list of all the projects discussed tonight to the City Clerk so that a project prioritization packet can be developed and sent out to members to take into consideration during a special meeting to be held on February 7, 2006.

Mr. Hogan stated that a presentation regarding the Jeanne Clery Act will be given, by the local colleges, during their next regular meeting on February 28, 2006 and that a presentation on Housing/Crime is in the process of being scheduled.

Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Link and unanimously carried.

Meeting Adjourned at 6:15 P.M.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Kenneth L. Hogan

                                                                                    Chairman

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