SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on September 27, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. with Chairman Hogan presiding. Members present were Mr. Carey, Mr. Ritter, Mr. Link, and Mr. Lakeman (arrived at 5:08 p.m.). Members of Council present were Council President Williams (arrived at 5:11 p.m.), and Councilman Slavin. Mayor Speed (arrived at 5:11 p.m.) was also present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Carey moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Ritter and unanimously carried.
Discussions with Secretary Hayward - City of Dover Transportation Projects
During their Regular Meeting of August 23, 2005, members approved a letter inviting Secretary Hayward to attend the September 27, 2005 Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting to discuss the City’s prioritization projects, their status, timetable, and how the City may assist in achieving results.
Secretary Hayward provided an in-depth explanation of the financial situation that the Department of Transportation now finds itself in, as provided in his July 18, 2005 letter to municipalities. He advised members that Delaware's rapid growth, along with construction costs escalating at a rate much higher than the consumer price index and traditional funding sources, has strained the State's resources. Secretary Hayward also advised members that DelDOT has not yet received anticipated federal highway funds, which is typically $125M.
Secretary Hayward stated that he advised the General Assembly of the need to replenish the Transportation Trust Fund, which is funded through gas taxes, tolls, motor vehicle fees, and federal grants, in order to continue transportation projects. The Administration and the General Assembly compiled a list of projects that were affordable this year with the existing revenue and a one-time General Fund appropriation. They then added construction based on increases in various sources of revenue, including a toll increase on I-95, which was approved by the General Assembly.
The task force created by the Governor to look into DelDOT’s financial situation has concluded that, at a minimum, the department will need approximately $150M in new revenue beginning next fiscal year and the revenue will have to increase over time to recognize the diminished value of the purchasing dollar. DelDOT has temporarily delayed over $280M in projects due to lack of funding.
Responding to Mr. Hogan, Secretary Hayward stated that safety is his primary concern when determining which projects should move forward. He noted that the decision is ultimately made by the General Assembly.
Mr. Link noted that the operating cost of $211M has ballooned in the past few years. Secretary Hayward stated that the Paratransit costs for the current year is approximately $74M. The balance goes towards personnel, maintenance and fuel, and $100M of debt service.
Responding to Council President Williams, Secretary Hayward stated that the Bond Bill Committee appropriated funds for the purchase of the Garrison Golf Course property and also directed DelDOT to form a working group of citizens and officials to examine the options for the property and make recommendations.
Mr. Ruane requested a project list specific to the City of Dover, including projects which were originally appropriated, what had been encumbered, and the status of that specific project. He noted that, although the signalization project was authorized in June 2004 for FY05 and materials have been purchased, it has been delayed until FY07. Secretary Hayward noted that the signalization project was delayed since it was still in the design phase. If a contract had been signed, the work would have proceeded. He noted that the Governor’s Avenue project and the signalization project would be on the list for recommendation to the General Assembly. Secretary Hayward stated that the re-alignment of Wyoming Avenue will include a right-of-way donation by the project developer, as well as cash, which will hopefully qualify for matching Federal funds and enable completion of the project.
Mr. Hogan requested suggestions for ways the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee could assist in having the City’s priorities addressed. Secretary Hayward suggested reviewing the City of Dover project list to determine the authorization amounts, amount encumbered, and determine a new estimated cost of completion. Once that is done, the list should be prioritized. He also suggested that members impress upon the members of the General Assembly the importance of the problem and the need for action. Mr. Hogan stated that he would work with Mr. Laing on the project list.
Representative Nancy Wagner agreed that DelDOT is in financial trouble. She noted that the General Assembly was not made aware of the situation until the end of the session. Representative Wagner advised members that, had they known the seriousness of the problem, they may not have voted for a reduction of gross receipts tax. She also stated that she relies upon the Department of Transportation for guidance on what needs to be done and the General Assembly needs clear cut information in a timely manner in order to make decisions.
Representative Wagner stated that The Indian River Bridge is a safety concern for all; however, many members of the House of Representatives would like the project scaled back. She noted that the three (3) counties were not given equal funding due to the safety perspective of each project. Representative Wagner stated that she discovered a week before the end of the General Assembly that Kent County would not receive funding for any projects and she was not made aware of the signalization project delay. She advised members that she would do whatever she could to work with the City and relay its concerns to the General Assembly.
Mr. Hogan stated that it would be the goal of the Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee to make the State aware of the City’s transportation concerns and priorities in a timely manner.
Proposed Ordinance Amending Chapter 106 - Traffic and Vehicles, Section 106-17-Truck Routes
In conjunction with the July 12, 2004 adoption of an ordinance prohibiting trucks from utilizing engine compression brakes in the limits of the City of Dover, the City Manager, Mr. DePrima, requested the Police Department to begin the process of posting advisory signs on those truck routes entering the City and appropriately advising the public, particularly trucking firms located in Dover.
Staff worked with DelDOT, who offered two (2) options, as follows: 1) Order and purchase signs at expense to the City and subsequently have Dover Public Works place the signs and be responsible for maintaining them; or 2) Follow the lead of Smyrna and Seaford and have an Engineering Study done by DelDOT, followed by enacting a City of Dover ordinance establishing truck routes in Dover, followed by a State Resolution. This would enable DelDOT to purchase the signs, and erect them just outside the City at the designated truck routes. DelDOT would also be responsible for maintaining the signs.
Members reviewed a proposed ordinance, prepared by Deputy City Solicitor, William Pepper, amending Chapter 106 - Traffic and Vehicles - by adding a new section 106-17 - Truck Routes. Staff recommended adoption of the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Ritter expressed concern that State Street was a proposed designated truck route since parts of the street are brick-faced. It was his feeling that truck traffic would damage the bricks. Mr. Ritter also noted that Governors Avenue could serve as the truck route with State Street being for local delivery only. He suggested striking (b)(8) State Street. Mr. Koenig advised members that State Street was included on the list since it is designated as State Alternate Route 113.
Mr. Ritter moved to recommend adoption of the ordinance amending Chapter 106 - Traffic and Vehicles - by adding a new section 106-17 - Truck Routes, as amended by striking “State Street”, (Attachment #1), noting that State Street could be added to the list if staff finds it to be necessary. The motion was seconded by Mr. Carey and unanimously carried.
Mr. Carey moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Lakeman and unanimously carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:43 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Kenneth L. Hogan
Chairman
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S:ClerksOfficeAgendas&MinutesCommittee-Minutes20059-27-2005-SA&T.wpd
Attachments to Original Minutes and File Copy:
Attachment #1 - Chapter 106 - Traffic and Vehicles, Section 106-17 - Truck Routes