City of Dover
Delaware
Delaware
TRANSPORTATION REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Transportation Review Committee met on December 9, 2003 at 12:00 noon, with Chairman Ruane presiding. Members present were Mr. Asay and Mr. Ornauer. Councilmen Pitts and Ritter were absent.
Chairman Ruane welcomed students attending the meeting for observation: Ms. Joann Brooks (DelTech) and Mr. Feli Sulimun (Delaware State University).
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Ornauer requested the addition of item #7(b-3) - Division Street Track Removal.
Mr. Ornauer moved for approval of the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
DEVELOPMENT OF THREE PRIORITY PROJECTS FOR THE CITY OF DOVER FOR NEXT YEAR’S STATE CIP
Members reviewed the Priority List of City Transportation Projects, both Scope and Study, that was approved during their meeting of July 22, 2003. Mr. Ruane suggested that members develop a recommendation of three (3) priority projects for the City of Dover for seeking support of the General Assembly to be included in next year’s State Capital Improvement Projects (CIP).
Members noted that the projects ranked #1 and #2 on the Scoped listing have been prioritized by DelDOT and are in process. Mr. Ruane indicated that the Signalization Project has been scoped and funded; therefore, the City should not have to include it in the new request.
For clarification, Mr. Ornauer suggested that a third list be developed to consist of those projects that have been specifically delineated. This list would be titled “Prioritized by DelDOT”. However, the new list would still retain the ranking that was assigned by the City.
Responding to Mr. DePrima, Mr. Ruane explained that the purpose of this discussion was to submit a recommendation to Council for authorizing a letter to the General Assembly advising them of the City of Dover’s priorities for securing potential bond bill monies.
Mr. Ornauer moved to recommend that a third list be developed to include those projects currently listed on the City’s Scoped and Study lists that have been prioritized by DelDOT and have received funding (Attachment #1). The motion was seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
Mr. Ornauer advised members that the 4th ranked project on the studies list, Studies to Support the Dover Air Force Base, should also be included in the third list.
Mr. DePrima, City Manager, recommended that the project ranked #3 (Scoped List), Clarence Street Extension as per West Side Study and Clarence Street Extension, Dover - Extend Clarence Street in Dover to Connect with Forrest Avenue, be the #1 priority for the City of Dover for presentation to the General Assembly. Because of the nature of this project, he stated that he will be presenting this matter before the Downtown Dover Development Corporation for their support as well.
Mr. Ornauer moved to recommend approval of the City Manager’s recommendation, seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
Members discussed the status of the 11th ranked project on the scoped list, Extension of Crawford Carroll Avenue from West Rustic Lane to Office Max. It was noted that the committee previously added the item as a concept and that the project had not been specifically scoped.
Mr. Ornauer moved to recommend that the project ranked #3 (Scoped List), College Road Corridor Upgrade, Dover - Upgrade the College Road corridor from Kent Road to Saulsbury Road to an urban road standard; Improvements to include new pavement section, sidewalks, shoulders, closed drainage system, bicycle lane, lighting and other improvements, be the #2 priority for the City of Dover for presentation to the General Assembly and that the project ranked #1 (Scoped List), Extension of Crawford Carroll Avenue from West Rustic Lane to Delaware State University, be the #3 priority for the City of Dover for presentation to the General Assembly. The motion was seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
Note: As a result of the committee’s recommendations, City Council will be considering the approval of a letter to the General Assembly (Attachment #2).
CONCERNS - TRUCK BRAKE NOISE
Members were provided an e-mail received from Ms. Jayne Dick, 1588 N. Little Creek Road, regarding concerns of noise pollution and trespassing caused by trucks using the exit ramp off of Route 1 Bypass (Exit 98). In addition, Mr. Ruane provided information from the State of Maine’s website, Division of Planning for the Department of Transportation.
Mr. Mike von Reider, 740 E. Division Street, stated his familiarity with this issue and the violators he has observed on his street. He explained that the terminology of “Jake Brake” is incorrect and that the noise is actually caused by modifications to the muffler system. Since the late 1970's, there have been laws established by the federal government that require muffler systems that reduce truck noise. It was his feeling that there may be an enforcement issue and suggested that to resolve the problem, police officers increase enforcement for muffler violations. This could be accomplished simply by having officers situated in areas that the noise is being heard so that the truckers can be cited for the muffler violation.
Members discussed various alternatives that could be used for controlling noise within the City. Some felt that the location of the off-ramp warning sign could be moved to alert truckers sooner. It was also suggested that the Delaware Motor Transport Association be contacted to provide notification to their membership of the City’s concerns and to allow truckers the opportunity to assure their exhaust systems are in proper compliance with federal regulations.
Mr. Asay questioned if reducing the speed limit further outside the City limits would assist in reducing the noise emanating from the trucks.
Mr. Ornauer moved to recommend that the City request the Delaware Motor Transport Association to alert its membership and truckers to the need for greater noise abatement and advise the truck drivers to assure that their exhaust systems are in proper compliance with federal regulation (Attachment #3). The motion was seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
Mr. Ruane requested that Mr. VonReider identify those trucking companies that he has observed violating the requirements in order for letters to be sent directly to them advising of the City’s concerns and request that they too assure that the exhaust systems are in proper compliance with federal regulations.
Mr. DePrima offered to contact Smyrna and Seaford municipalities to determine the results of their ordinance prohibiting the use of “Jake Brakes”.
Mr. Ruane indicated that the letters to specific companies, that will be identified by Mr. VonReider, and a report from the City Manager determining if the City should institute an ordinance similar to Smyrna and Seaford will be considered by members at a future meeting.
TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDIES AND THE REVIEW PROCESS FOR THE CITY OF DOVER
During their November 11, 2003 meeting, members were requested to review material provided by Mr. Brockenbrough, DelDOT, to determine if there were any suggestions for improvements and, if so, that they provide them for the next meeting. Mr. Ruane provided members with copies of the Traffic Impact Study Requirements for New Castle County and suggested that this matter be deferred to allow members the opportunity to review the additional material for consideration at their next meeting.
REVIEW OF TEA-21 RE-AUTHORIZATION FOR RECOMMENDATION - POSITION BY CITY (MPO’S POSITION STATEMENT)
During their meeting of November 11, 2003, members were advised members that the MPO is drafting a letter to take a position on the TEA-21 Re-authorization. Ms. Wieczoreck was requested to provide information on the TEA-21 Re-authorization to assist the committee in taking a position on the matter.
As a result, members were provided a draft Resolution being considered by the MPO during their meeting in January 2004 to support the Re-authorization of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century.
Mr. Ruane relayed concern that the draft Resolution did not include the Intermodal Bus Terminal and the importance of attempting to obtain federal funding for this project. He suggested the possibility of the City adopting a Resolution similar to that proposed by the MPO with the inclusion of the Intermodal Bus Terminal for funding.
Mr. Ornauer suggested endorsement of the draft Resolution proposed by the MPO and that the City adopt a Resolution with the inclusion of item #10 under Funding, specifying “Intermodal Bus Terminal”. Responding, Mr. Ruane felt that more emphasis should be placed on the request for funding an Intermodal Bus Terminal. He questioned if the MPO would consider the addition to the draft Resolution.
Mr. DePrima offered to present the matter to the MPO for their consideration. He concurred with Mr. Ruane’s feeling that if the request was simply placed on a list, that it would not receive the attention desired by the City. He suggested that a separate letter be written to Senator Carper requesting funding for an Intermodal Bus Terminal.
Mr. Ruane moved to recommend support of a letter being sent to the City’s congressional delegation indicating that the City of Dover considers this an important opportunity for addressing one of the serious needs in the City, which is for Intermodal Bus Terminal. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ornauer and unanimously carried.
Mr. Ornauer moved to recommend the adoption of a Resolution, as proposed by the MPO, with the addition of item #10 under funding, Intermodal Bus Terminal. The motion was seconded by Mr. Asay.
Mr. DePrima noted that there were issues in the draft Resolution that are being disputed and relayed concern with taking action on the draft MPO Resolution since it has not been finalized.
Mr. Ornauer moved to defer action on this matter until the Transportation Review Committee meeting in January, seconded by Mr. Asay.
Mr. Ruane indicated reluctance in sending the letter to the City’s congressional delegation prior to the approval of the Resolution. At the request of Mr. Ruane, the Committee concurred with delaying action on both the letter and Resolution until the committee meeting in January.
MPO/PAC/TAC REPORT
There was no report given on the MPO/PAC/TAC Report.
UPDATES
Members were provided the following updates:
Eden Hill Farm
Mr. DePrima advised members that representatives of the City had been notified that DelDOT was initiating the planning and conceptual design phase of the Saulsbury Road Extension Project by conducting interviews with citizens of the local community in December and holding a public workshop in January. These events are being held to allow for a better understanding of the issues and concerns and to invite members to participate in this process.
Traffic Studies
SR1/Route 8 and East Dover Housing Development Projects
Mr. Laing advised members that a workshop was held by DelDOT regarding the SR1/Route 8 Traffic Study and that few attended. At the workshop, there was a comparison of the 2001 and 2003 traffic studies. There were no major problems recognized; however, comment sheets were received which are currently being reviewed. He explained that because of the attendance and since the reaction was small, DelDOT concluded that there was no need for traffic calming devices.
Relaying concern, Mr. Ruane felt that the lack of attendance could have been the location of the workshop and suggested that DelDOT attend an Edgehill Civic Association meeting to obtain comments. He also indicated that he participated in the workshop and questioned the intent of providing suggestions and responding to the survey if no action would be taken.
Responding, Mr. Laing stated that DelDOT attended an Edgehill Civic Association meeting prior to the workshop and the same information was provided. He explained that the survey results indicated that there was not a tremendous need for traffic mitigation; however, had there been a strong turnout at the workshop and a strong push for any of the ideas of traffic mitigation, that would have reactivated the issue. The results, to his knowledge from comments of the consultants as well as DelDOT officials, is that the impact of the traffic does not warrant traffic mitigation.
Mr. DePrima questioned if the consultant would be available to attend a future committee meeting to provide members with the status of this matter.
Mr. Ruane indicated that there was an Edgehill Civic Association meeting this evening and that he would be relaying this information.
Division Street Track Removal
Mr. Ornauer noted that the removal of the railroad tracks on Division Street was to occur in October 2003 and questioned the status of the project.
Mr. Laing assured members that he would look into whether or not the removal of the railroad tracks would be accomplished during the street re-paving.
Miscellaneous
Mr. DePrima advised members that new signs had been erected on Mifflin Road to prohibit truck traffic. Mr. Ornauer noted that the new signs are very similar and are in the same location as the previous signs. In order for drivers to be made aware of the prohibition, he suggested that DelDOT install the balloons, which are used to bring attention to the sign changes.
Mr. Ruane requested that the bicycle representative of DelDOT be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss bicycle issue in the City of Dover.
Mr. Ornauer moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Asay and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 1:43 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Eugene B. Ruane
Chairman
EBR/jg
S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes200312-09-2003-Transportation.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Prioritized List of Scoped and Studied Projects
Attachment #2 - Letter to General Assembly
Attachment #3 - Letter to Delaware Motor Transport Association