05-14-2014 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL May 14, 2014 condition of the track and MN DOT regulates these speeds based on warning devices that are in place. One person present asked if the City of Roseville was involved in this issue. The City Administrator indicated that one of Roseville's Council Members has suggested that they participate in the cost of these improvements given the train whistles are negatively impacting Roseville residents. Blesener indicated that the City of Roseville has a committee that is contemplating holding a hearing on this issue. Allison Seaborn, Canabury Pond indicated that she appreciates all the work that the City is doing on this issue. Seaborn felt that train speed was a huge safety issue pointing out that both the tracks and the oil cars are old. She noted that derailments have occurred in other parts of the country and this is a concern for both individuals and the environment. Seaborn also felt that the City's property values in areas near the track would decline given both safety and noise issues. She noted that drowsy driving is the cause of 5,000 to 6,000 fatal traffic accidents each year. Seaborn was concerned that it appears the railroads were hardly regulated at all. Blesener noted that Federal Law regulates the railroads and that states and cities have little to say in the matter. Seaborn asked what individuals can do. The City Administrator suggested that people contact their Federal legislators both about the railroad issues as well as safety standards for oil cars. He also noted that most oil cars are not owned by the railroad, but rather shipping companies. McGraw asked if there are any Federal funds used for crossing improvements if that impacts the ability to regulate train speeds. McKenzie stated that he could find out. Blesener commented that he understands that the railroad do not participate in these types of improvements, but asked if there are situations where they have participated. McKenzie stated that the railroad will participate when a crossing is closed. McKenzie stated that when the railroads have a change in their operation, then the City has more leverage in asking the railroads to participate in the cost of crossing improvements. McKenzie indicated that other ways of funding the crossing improvements would be from a business contribution, local assessment, or participation by other cities or the county. There was additional discussion of SSMs, whether improvements should be phased in or all six done at once. McKenzie then reviewed the Quiet Zone process as well as the next steps and an estimated schedule to implement the Quiet Zone. It was noted that the duration from 5