05-14-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL May 14, 2014 other chemical or oil products. Denise Valento asked about train noise exceeding decibel levels. McKenzie indicated that the rules are set up to regulate noise, but this was a difficult thing to monitor. McKenzie then reviewed an analysis of the City's 6 crossings comparing the current risk index on each with the new index after SSMs have been implemented. McKenzie reported that the resulting risk index after SSMs is relative low. McKenzie then reviewed a diagram of each crossing which highlighted any obstacles to implementing SSMs, specifically raised medians given the existence of driveways or street intersections at less than 60 feet from the crossing. McKenzie reported that in developing SSMs for each intersection, in some instances the FRA standards may not be able to be met, and the City will have to inform the FRA that the improvements proposed are the best that can be accomplished. McKenzie then reviewed cost estimates proposed for each intersection noting that the total estimated cost for all three crossings is between $1,300,000 and $1,600,000. Possible funding sources could be MN DOT's Federal Railroad Crossing Safety Fund, state, railroad, local, or other dollars. McKenzie indicated that MN DOT's has $4 to $5 million for railroad safety projects each year, and does not fund Quite Zones through this fund. However, given the proposed improvements would be safety- related, they may fund new railroad signals with gates, with the City funding the medians. MN DOT is considering projects for the 2017 funding cycle at this time. The City Administrator reported that the City has already submitted a funding request to MN DOT as has Shoreview. McKenzie indicated that the State has some money for upgrading old signal systems. However, there are many signals that are 40 to 50 years and in need of upgrades. Therefore, there is a lot of pressure to help fund these improvements. With regard to cost participation by the railroad, McKenzie indicated that their first answer will be no. McKenzie felt that the railroad had some responsibility in managing their traffic. He also noted that improvements would be necessary before the railroad could increase train speeds. Montour noted that the study indicates that if gate improvements are made, the railroad may have the ability to increase train speeds to 40 mph. McKenzie stated that the question was how good the rest of the track is. McKenzie felt the track was in a condition that it was not capable of handling speeds of 40 mph. Montour asked if the City could say that train speed could not increase as a result of the signal and gate improvements. McKenzie stated that the City could try to negotiate this with the railroad. McKenzie indicated that the FRA regulates train speeds based on the 4