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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.29.96 Special Council Minutes MINUTES COUNCIL MEETING SPECIAL JANUARY 29, 1996 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Acting Mayor Galler. Members Present: Galler, Fitch, Ristow, Gamer. Members Absent: Kuchera Also Present: Finance Director Henneke. 2. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss railroad issues. 3. Jim Bell, Parks & Recreation Director, gave Council a handout covering the issues that were discussed with the railroad. Council did not present additional issues other than those covered in the handout. The following is a summary of those issues: Elm Street Crossing The installation of traffic control arms on the Elm Street Crossing was discussed. The City will request arms across the tracks. The railroad's criteria for placing arms at a crossing are train/traffic counts and speed of trains. This process will take about 1 1/2 years. Turnback funds could possibly be used to improve the Elm Street crossing. Highway 3 Crossing Council discussed the Highway 3 crossing. Dakota County Lumber and Wausau want the spur to remain. The crossing will keep its exempt status because of the frequency with which Wausau would use the spur. Highway 3 has a rough crossing and MnDOT wants it to remain a rough crossing after the Highway 3 Overlay project, however, the City and Railroad want a smooth crossing. MnDOT will be talking to the Railroad about this issue. Council discussed making the Highway 3 crossing a rubberized crossing. Construction cost of this type of crossing was noted as a drawback. Federal Railroad Agency Rule - Whistles Bob Decheine, Communications Director for Congressman Bill Luther, stated that a FRA rule states that beginning in November, 1996, all trains must sound their whistles at each crossing regardless of whether or not a community has a whistle ban ordinance. A waiver to this rule can be granted if the City's crossings were upgraded to FRA regulations. The FRA is determining what safety improvements would be needed for the waiver to be granted. The implementation. of gated crossings at Ash, Spruce and Elm Streets were discussed as a method to comply with FRA waiver regulations. Train Numbers & Speed Tom Kaldunski, Public Works Director, stated the City currently has 4 trains per day. After the installation of the ribbon rail, that number will increase to between 12 and 16 trains per day. The ribbon rail to be used for the project is on site in Northfield, as well as on the curves north and south of the City currently have ribbon rail. The projec~ should be completed this summer. Dan Siebenaler, Police Chief, stated the Railroad wants a speed limit through the City of 40+ miles per hour. The speed the City allows and the Main Street Project are bargaining chips that can be used with the railroad. Councilmember Galler stated the City has no control of what cargo a train is carrying. Is there any way the City can be notified if hazardous items are being shipped? Possibly, trains carrying hazardous cargo could have a different speed limit. Spruce Street Crossing The Council discussed eliminating the tracks between Elm Street and Oak Street which are not used. The Railroad stated they had probably forgotten about the track and removal sounds promising. The rubberized crossing at Spruce Street which would no longer be needed could be used at a different site, possibly Ash Street. 208th Street Crossing Part of the Railroad Siding is at 208th Street. The Railroad would be willing to work with the City to bridge the tracks. It also has programs for grade separation improvements. Councilmember Fitch stated the City would need to acquire property for the 195th and 208th Street crossings. The City should get input from the townships and approach the School District for financial and political support. Police Chief Siebenaler stated the Railroad considers 195th Street as a done deal. They are saying the City can have only one crossing, at either Main Street or 208th Street. Bob Decheine stated the City should work through Congressman Luther's Office to get federal funding for an off grade crossing. He noted that the City has speed issues and the Main Street Crossing with which to bargain for funding. It was recommended to look at the zoning around the 195th and 208th Street crossings for potential commercial/industrial uses. Main Street Crossing Councilmember Fitch stated that giving up the Main Street crossing would limit the traffic pattern for commercial growth downtown. The Council further discussed downtown traffic patterns. Miscellaneous Railroad Issues . The Railroad Maintenance Crew Building will be needed in Farmington for the next 10 years. . The City will be requesting the Railroad move the rail cars out of residential areas. . The Railroad will study at the hydraulics of the railroad bridge so that tracks will not wash out again. . The City will investigate methods to alleviate noise and check with cities that have ribbon rail and increased speeds. Easement Acquisition - Bri99s & Mor9an The Council appointed Finance Director Henneke to be the City's contact regarding easement acquisitions while Interim Administrator Finstuen is on vacation. The Council discussed easement acquisitions. 4. MOTION by Fitch, second by Ristow to adjourn at 8:50 P.M.: APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Submitted by, . Wayne Henneke Finance Director \, I, I