04-23-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL APRIL 23, 2014 product by rail than it is to transport over the road. He also noted that cities, counties, and states have almost no say in how the railroads use their lines. The only thing that the City can do is establish a Quiet Zone and then upgrade the crossings to meet Quiet Zone standards. Blesener indicated that it has become a frustrating problem. He also noted that it is not just a Little Canada problem, but an area problem. The Administrator reported that the City of Roseville has been getting complaints from its residents about the train noise in Little Canada. Roseville may he willing to discuss participating in the cost of upgrading crossings. McGraw asked if there was any concern about more noise from trains if a Quiet Zone is established. The Administrator reported that if crossings are upgraded, the railroad may have the ability to increase train speeds. The Administrator indicated that the concern is that Little Canada would pay for upgraded crossings which, in turn, would subsidize the railroads in allowing them to increase train speeds. Blesener indicated that it appears an increase in speed will not be possible as trains are coming from St. Paul, and it is an uphill climb from that direction. Also, there is a curve in Shoreview that would prevent a higher speed. The Administrator noted that the problem starts in St. Paul and extends to North Dakota and all the communities along the way are dealing with the issue of noise and blocked crossings. He also noted that the increased train traffic is also putting Amtrak trains off schedule. McGraw asked about the hauling of hazardous materials. The Administrator reported that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has extensive regulations in this regard, and noted that Senator Frankin is pushing for additional dollars for train car inspections. The Administrator indicated that the City has no authority over what is transported by train, and due to issues of homeland security is not privy to this information. The railroads have indicated that they would work with local emergency response personnel to ensure that they are properly trained. One resident commented on the inconsistency in the way train whistles are sounded. Blesener indicated that the way the whistles are blown is regulated by law. This resident commented that while she lived in Washington County there was almost no noise from train whistles. The Administrator reported that some communities established Quiet Zones before Quiet Zone standards were established requiring upgraded crossings. This was not done in Little Canada as the indication was that the City would have liability if an accident were to occur. The Administrator also noted that at the time there was only one train through the City per day. He indicated that the new Quiet Zone standards are somewhat vague as to liability. 13