06-22-2015 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES CITY COUNCIL JUNE 22, 2015 RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION, THE CITY PLANNER AS OUTLINED IN HIS MAY 8, 2015 AND JUNE 5, 2015 REPORTS, AND THE CITY ENGINEER AS OUTLINED IN HIS JUNE 5, 2015 REPORT The foregoing resolution was duly seconded by Torkelson. Ayes (4). Nays (0). Resolution declared adopted. QUIET Dave McKenzie of SEH appeared before the Council to provide Quiet ZONE Zone update. McKenzie reported that the City now has executed UPDATE agreements Canadian Pacific Rail, so the six signal systems are in the railroad's queue for improvement. While the Little Canada project near the top of the railroad's list, the timing for when the improvements will begin is still undetermined and dependent on the ordering and delivery of materials. McKenzie stated that given these are standard signal systems, he did not believe there would be any issues with the project. McKenzie reported that he is currently trying to finalize the bond agreement with the State. He indicated that the next step would be to finalize the road work that needs to be done to make the crossing improvements. McKenzie indicated that staff is recommending that a four -gated signal be installed at Woodlyn Avenue because medians would not work at that crossing. He indicated that medians would be necessary at one of the City's six crossings, however, to meet safety requirements. After analyzing the impact that medians would have at each of the crossings, staff is proposing medians be installed at the County Road B-2 crossing. McKenzie reported that he and City staff spent a day with MN DOT and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) looking at the crossings, and they felt that medians should be installed at all. However, this is the City's decision. McKenzie pointed out that if safety ratings change at the crossings in the future, the City could then install medians to bring the ratings within acceptable levels. McKenzie indicated that the next step would be to send a formal letter to Canadian Pacific, MN DOT, the FRA, and the County requesting comments on the quiet zone. These agencies have a 60 -day period to comment on the crossing designs. After that period, the work would be done and the City would then send notice to the railroad and FRA that compliance has been achieved and the trains should stop blowing their horns. McKenzie indicated that the decision for the Council this evening is to determine the level of work at each crossing. Again, staff is 3