REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The Regular Council Meeting was held on February 13, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. with Council President Williams presiding. Council members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Sadusky, Mrs. Russell, Mr. Slavin, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Hogan, and Mr. Ruane. Mr. Salters was absent.
Council staff members present were Police Chief Horvath, Mr. Howie, Fire Chief Bashista, Mr. DePrima, City Solicitor Rodriguez, Mrs. Green, and Mayor Speed.
OPEN FORUM
The Open Forum was held at 7:15 p.m., prior to commencement of the Official Council Meeting. Council President Williams declared the Open Forum in session and reminded those present that Council is not in official session and cannot take formal action.
Mr. Cecil Wilson, 130 Brandywine Drive, stated that there is a need to address the homeless crisis in Dover. He requested that the City host a homeless coalition conference to discuss openly the homeless problems or concerns with various agencies and organizations that have worked to combat this problem. Mr. Wilson suggested inviting The Delaware Interagency Council on Homelessness, City and area builders, developers, and housing providers, financial institutions, faith organizations, non-profit organizations, and City Departments, including but not limited to the Police and Fire Departments. He suggested that City and State elected officials could participate by providing valuable discussions and information. Mr. Wilson felt the homeless citizens need to know their rights on the street, as well as in the shelters.
The invocation was given by Chaplain Dixon, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the Consent Agenda, seconded by Mrs. Russell and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - COUNCIL RETREAT OF JANUARY 27, 2006
The Minutes of the Council Retreat of January 27, 2006 were approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mrs. Russell and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
ADOPTION OF MINUTES - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 23, 2006
The Minutes of the Regular Council Meeting of January 23, 2006 were unanimously approved by motion of Mr. Carey, seconded by Mrs. Russell and bore the written approval of Mayor Speed.
ANNEXATION/REZONING PUBLIC HEARING/FINAL READING - PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE INTERSECTION OF COLLEGE ROAD (ON THE NORTHERLY SIDE) AND MCKEE ROAD (ON THE EASTERLY SIDE), (OWNED BY ANTOINE ASHBURN, ROBERT W. AND KAREN E.S. CHRISLER, AND JNK, LLC.)
An annexation referendum was held on February 8, 2006 for property located at the intersection of College Road (on the northerly side) and McKee Road (on the easterly side), owned by Antoine Ashburn, Robert W. and Karen E.S. Chrisler, and JNK, LLC.
Referendum Results
The City Clerk reported that the referendum was held with four (4) votes cast in favor of the annexation and zero votes cast against.
Mr. Slavin moved to accept the referendum results, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
Annexation
By motion of Mr. Hogan, seconded by Mr. Sadusky, Council adopted the following Resolution by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent):
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER.
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deem it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include an area contiguous to the present City limits, and hereinafter more particularly described within the limits of the City of Dover, and
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover provides that if a majority of the Votes cast in an election held in a territory proposed to be annexed shall be in favor of inclusion of that territory within the limits of the City of Dover, the Council may thereupon adopt a resolution annexing said territory and including same within the limits of the City of Dover.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That the following described area, situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware, shall be annexed to and included within the limits of the City of Dover:
All that certain tract, piece or parcel of land situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County and State of Delaware lying on the Northerly side of College Road and the Easterly side of McKee Road and being bounded as follows:
On the North by land now or formerly of G&B Partners, LLC - deed record D-346-90;
On the East by land now or formerly of Capitol School District - deed record D-107-313;
On the South by College Road (also known as County Road 95);
On the West by McKee Road (also known as County Road 156);
Being more particularly described according to a plan prepared by Braun Engineering & Surveying November 2, 2005 reference drawing 0515ANNEX, said plan being an integral part hereof as follows:
Beginning at a found pin in the Easterly line of McKee Road at the Westerly end of a daylight corner connecting the Northerly line of College Road with the Easterly line of McKee Road. Thence from said beginning point and continuing with said line of McKee Road the following two (2) courses and distances:
1. By an arc of a circle curving to the right with a radius of 3412.70 feet a distance of 75.00 feet (its chord being N 35°57'57" W a distance of 75.00 feet) to a found pin;
2. By an arc of a circle curving to the right with a radius of 3412.70 feet a distance of 143.92 feet (its chord being N 34°07'41" W a distance of 143.91 feet) to a point in said line of McKee Road at a corner for land of the aforementioned G&B Partners. Thence with said land of G&B Partners, LLC the following two (2) courses and distances:
3. N 56°42'13" E a distance of 154.77 feet to a found pipe;
4. N 57°48'51" E, passing over a found pipe at a distance of 277.40 feet, a total distance of 293.32 feet to a point at a corner for said land of G&B Partners, LLC in line of land of the aforementioned Capitol School District. Thence with said land of Capitol School District the following three (3) courses and distances:
5. S 49°34'10" E a distance of 99.33 feet to a point;
6. S 30°38'57" E a distance of 182.96 feet to a point;
7. S 25°23'28" E a distance of 36.36 feet to a set pipe at a corner for said land of Capitol School District in the Northerly line of College Road. Thence with said line of College Road the following two (2) courses and distances:
8. S 53°57'20" W a distance of 304.66 feet to a found pin;
9. S 53°57'20" W a distance of 120.18 feet to a point in said line of College Road at the Easterly end of the aforementioned daylight corner. Thence with said daylight corner:
10. N 81°12'37" W a distance of 44.39 feet to the point and place of beginning.
Containing within the above described courses and distances an area of 3.5107 +/- acres.
The above described property is subject to any rights-of-way, easements or restrictions as may be shown in any public records, or any regulation or requirement of any public agency.
2. The above described property shall be annexed into the City of Dover with a zoning classification as set by City Council and in accordance with the zoning map and environs, then in force, effective upon such lands being included within the limits of the City of Dover.
3. That the certified copy of the resolution of annexation, together with a plot of the area annexed, shall be filed for record with the Recorder of Deeds of Kent County.
4. That the effective date of this resolution shall be the 14th day of February, 2006 at 12:01 a.m. o'clock.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 13, 2006
Public Hearing - Zoning Classification
Mr. Anthony DePrima, City Manager, reviewed the Petition to Annex and Zone property, the Cost/Revenue Analysis, and the Plan of Services Report (Exhibit #1).
Mr. DePrima advised members that the 2005 Update to the 2003 Comprehensive Plan designates the four (4) properties for residential use; therefore, the proposed zone is not compatible with the city-wide plan map. He noted that the Comprehensive Plan text provides criteria for considering zoning requests not compatible with the planning map, including the following: 1) Cost/Revenue Analysis; 2) Character and Compatibility of the Surrounding Land Uses; 3) Street Type and Capacity Serving the Property; 4) Environmental Concerns and Conditions; 5) Market Conditions and Concerns; and, 6) Compatibility with the Overall Comprehensive Plan. Mr. DePrima stated that this parcel meets the Comprehensive Plan requirements for Medium and High Density Residential, as well as Commercial/Professional Office. Since the small size of the property makes it difficult to create a buffer from the roads and non-residential areas, staff recommended that the property be zoned C/PO and COZ-1. Mr. DePrima advised members that the Planning Commission recommended that the zoning classification of this property be approved as C/PO (Commercial/Professional Office) and COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone) upon annexation.
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Mr. DePrima stated that, if the parcel is annexed, DelDOT would participate in the site plan review and set any necessary conditions, as well as the locations of the entrances and exits.
Council President Williams declared the public hearing open.
Mr. David Braun of Braun Engineering and Surveying, representing Ashburn Homes, stated that they were in agreement with the C/PO and COZ-1 designation since it is compatible with the surrounding land uses and, due to its small size and close proximity to the intersection, it would not be appropriate for residential development.
Council President Williams declared the public hearing closed.
Mr. Ritter moved that the property be zoned C/PO (Commercial/Professional Office) and COZ-1 (Corridor Overlay Zone) as recommended by the Planning Commission, seconded by Mr. Carey.
Mr. Ruane expressed concern that, although there were opportunities for the property owners to object to the residential designation during the Comprehensive Plan review, no one came forward at that time. It was his belief that the public and the property owners of record at the time of the Comprehensive Plan review were led to believe that the annexations would be generally along the line that they were designated. If they believed that the parcels were subject to change within the next five (5) or so years, they may have come forward. He noted that the whole purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to give people notice of zoning designations at a given point in time based upon an analysis of the zoning designations. Based on this instance and similar zoning proposals coming forward, Mr. Ruane suggested that the Planning staff review the Comprehensive Plan and make plan amendments for parcels in similar situations.
By a roll call vote of seven (7) yes, one (1) no (Mr. Ruane), and one (1) absent (Mr. Salters), Council adopted the following ordinance (The First Reading of the proposed ordinance was accomplished during the Council Meeting of January 9, 2006):
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF DOVER BY CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF PROPERTIES LOCATED AT COLLEGE AND MCKEE ROADS
WHEREAS, the City of Dover has enacted a zoning ordinance regulating the use of property within the limits of the City of Dover; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of zoning and planning to change the permitted use of properties described below from RS-1 - Single Family Residential (Kent County zoning classification) to C/PO and COZ-1 - Commercial/Professional Office and Corridor Overlay Zone (City of Dover zoning classification).
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That from and after the passage and approval of this ordinance the Zoning Map and Zoning Ordinance of the City of Dover has been amended by changing the zoning designation from RS-1 (Kent County zoning classification) to C/PO and COZ-1 (City of Dover zoning classification) on properties located at College and McKee Roads, owned by Robert W. and Karen E. S. Chrisler; Antoine Ashburn, and JNK, LLC.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 13, 2006
PRESENTATION - UPDATE ON RECYCLING PROGRAM (TERRY TIEMAN)
Mrs. Terry Tieman, Administrative Services Director, provided a Power Point Presentation update on the recycling program (Exhibit #2). She noted that 312 customers have signed up for curbside recycling and only 188 more customers are necessary to meet the goal of 500 customers by September 30, 2006 to continue the program. Mrs. Tieman advised members that the City is saving approximately $998 per month in reduced landfill charges.
Mr. Slavin moved to waive the rules to allow citizen participation, seconded by Mrs. Russell and unanimously carried. (City Clerk’s Office Note: Mr. Greenfield was present during the open forum segment of the meeting to discuss recycling; however, since it was an agenda item, the issue could not be discussed at that time.)
Mr. Bernhard Greenfield, 901 Wilson Drive, asked if the recycling program would be mandatory in the future. Mr. DePrima stated that the City had no intention of making the program mandatory. He also noted that the Delaware Solid Waste Authority has assured him that as long as it is a voluntary program they will continue to provide recycling igloos at various locations.
Responding to Mayor Speed, Mr. DePrima advised members that rebates or discounts for residents participating in the curbside recycling program have not been considered; however, Council may wish to consider it in the future since the landfill charges have been reduced.
Mr. Ruane asked if any thought had been given to allowing partner participation in the program. He noted that since the recycling is collected weekly, few people have enough to fill a bag each week. He felt that participation could be increased if neighbors were permitted to join in groups of two.
UTILITY COMMITTEE REPORT - JANUARY 23, 2006
The Utility Committee met on January 23, 2006 with Chairman Carey presiding.
Presentation - Connectivity Study from Virchow Krause
Members reviewed a Connectivity Needs Assessment conducted by Virchow Krause & Company, which contained several recommendations. Mr. DePrima reminded members that discussion occurred about one year ago regarding the City’s fiber optics infrastructure. As a result, the City contracted with Virchow Krause & Company to conduct a Connectivity Needs Assessment for the City of Dover.
Mr. DePrima advised members that portions of the recommendations contained in the Study will be appearing in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), Annual Budget, and Information Technology Plan, which will provide members further opportunity to review the recommendations.
The committee recommended acceptance of the Report as presented.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Russell and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Annexation Request - 1542 and 1554 South Little Creek Road (owned by Joyce Bordley and Rojan Meadows, LLC)
Members were provided the Petition to Annex and Zone Property and a Cost/Revenue Analysis Summary for property located at 1542 South Little Creek Road, owned by Joyce Bordley, and 1554 South Little Creek Road, owned by Rojan Meadows, LLC. Members were advised that the request for annexation includes a rezoning classification of RMH - Residential Manufactured Home (Kent County zoning classification) to RG-1 - General Residence (City of Dover zoning classification) upon annexation.
During the committee meeting, Mr. DePrima, City Manager, advised members that City electric and water and sewer are available to the site. According to the cost/revenue analysis, he indicated that the annexation would have a net impact in the amount of $29,332; however, this does not include the water/wastewater impact fee, which would increase the amount an additional $5,200. Mr. DePrima also advised members that annexation is in conformance with the current Comprehensive Plan.
The committee recommended adoption of a resolution setting the date for an annexation referendum to be held on March 16, 2006, for property located at 1542 and 1554 North Little Creek Road, as recommended by staff.
Mrs. Green, City Clerk, advised members that there has been a recent initiative to contact property owners adjacent to the property requesting annexation to determine if they also have an interest in annexation. As a result, two additional property owners would like to be annexed. Mrs. Green recommended that the Resolution attached to the Utility Committee Report be amended to include the two (2) additional properties.
Mr. Carey moved for adoption of a resolution setting the date for an annexation referendum to be held on March 16, 2006, for property located at 1542 and 1554 North Little Creek Road, as amended by the City Clerk to include two (2) additional properties located at 1566 and 1572 North Little Creek Road. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hogan and by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent), Council adopted the following Resolution:
A RESOLUTION PROPOSING THE INCLUSION OF AN AREA WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF DOVER AND CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE SAID AREA.
WHEREAS, the Charter of the City of Dover authorizes Council to extend the boundaries of the said City after a special election of the qualified voters and real estate owners of the territory proposed to be annexed, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City of Dover deem it in the best interest of the City of Dover to include an area located at 1542, 1554, 1566, and 1572 North Little Creek Road, which is contiguous to the present City limits, into the limits of the City of Dover and within a zoning classification as recommended by the City of Dover Planning Commission.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOVER, IN COUNCIL MET:
1. That a special election be held for an area located at 1542, 1554, 1566, and 1572 North Little Creek Road situated in East Dover Hundred, Kent County, State of Delaware.
2. That the election be held on the 16th day of March, 2006 commencing at the hours of 11:00 a.m. in the City Hall Annex, 15 E. Loockerman Street, Dover, Delaware, for the purpose of submitting the question of annexation of the above area to those persons entitled to vote thereon.
3. That the election be held and conducted pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the City of Dover as amended.
4. That this resolution be published in accordance with the City of Dover Charter.
ADOPTED: FEBRUARY 13, 2006
Dedication of Rights-of-Way and Public Infrastructure - Dover Crossing
The developer of Dover Crossing, Trout, Segall & Doyle Development Company, L.L.C. has requested that all public infrastructure improvements related to this subdivision be dedicated to the City of Dover for permanent ownership and maintenance. Members were provided a map depicting the general location and configuration of the subject rights-of-way.
Mr. Scott Koenig, Public Works Director, assured members that the developer has constructed all of the improvements in accordance with City standards and specifications. Staff recommended acceptance of the dedication of rights-of-way and public infrastructure in Dover Crossing, with the dedication to include all of the referenced public improvements, as follows:
Sewer Utility Infrastructure (construction value = $48,000.00):
12" PVC Sanitary Sewer Main - 775 l.f.
8” PVC Sanitary Sewer Main - 120 l.f.
4' Diameter Sanitary Sewer Manholes - 4 ea. (29.6 v.f.)
Water Utility Infrastructure (construction value = $224,000.00):
10" Ductile Iron Water Main - 2,624 l.f.
8” Ductile Iron Water Main - 120 l.f.
6” Ductile Iron Water Main - 240 l.f.
10” Gate Valves - 5 ea.
8” Gate Valves - 3 ea.
6” Hydrant Valves - 5 ea.
Fire Hydrants - 5 ea.
Storm Water Infrastructure (construction value = $304,575.00)
Catch Basins - 16 ea.
42” Type III Reinforced Concrete Pipe - 660 l.f.
36” Type III Reinforced Concrete Pipe - 130 l.f.
24” Type III Reinforced Concrete Pipe - 425 l.f.
18” Type III Reinforced Concrete Pipe - 395 l.f.
15” Type III Reinforced Concrete Pipe - 355 l.f.
5’ Diameter Manholes (4 ea.) - 25.5 v.f.
Street Infrastructure: (0.49 miles) (construction value = $960,000.00)
John Hunn Brown Road Station 0+00 to Station 17+87 1,786 l.f.
Babb Drive Station 0+00 to Station 08+03 803 l.f.
2,589 l.f.
The committee recommended acceptance of dedication of rights-of-way and public infrastructure in the area known as Dover Crossing, with such dedication to include all referenced public improvements.
By consent agenda, Mr. Carey moved for approval of the committee's recommendation, seconded by Mrs. Russell and carried by a unanimous roll call vote (Mr. Salters absent).
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the Utility Committee Report, seconded by Mr. Sadusky and unanimously carried.
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE REPORT - JANUARY 24, 2006
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee met on January 24, 2006, with Chairman Hogan presiding.
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.
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 to send a list of those 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. Mr. Laing stated that Secretary Hayward requested that the fees be raised last year. 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 votes for which projects will 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, 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 rea