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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Minutes 11-13-2001 SpecialAdopted Minutes Special Council Meeting November 13, 2001 A Special Meeting of the Plymouth City Council was called to order by Mayor Tierney at 5:30 p.m. in the Lunch Room, 3400 Plymouth Boulevard, on November 13, 2001. COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Tierney, Councilmembers Johnson, Harstad, Hewitt, Stein, Black (arrived at 6:05 p.m.), and Slavik. ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Johnson, Assistant City Manager Ahrens, Police Chief Gerdes, Fire Chief Kline, Community Development Director Hurlburt, Lieutenant Franz, Public Works Director Faulkner, Park and Recreation Director Blank, and City Clerk Paulson. Train Whistle Ordinance Lieutenant Franz stated in 1993, the Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting the use of train whistles between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. at gated crossings. Since the passing of this ordinance, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has proposed new rules cities would be required to meet to keep whistle ban restrictions. The proposed rule has already been through a hearing process, but no action has been taken because the FRA is without an administrator at this time. Until a new administrator is selected and he/she has had an opportunity to review the information, no action is expected to occur. He stated the proposed new rule requires jurisdictions wishing to keep or enact continuous quite zones to have one of the following supplementary safety measures applied to each vehicle crossing: 1. Temporary closure of a public highway -rail grade crossing. This would include closing the crossing during specific hours each day (corresponds with the quite zone hours). 2. Four -quadrant gate system. Arms must be less than two feet apart when activated. This will require extra sensors and delays on the backside to prevent cars from being trapped between the gates. 3. Gates with medians or channelization devices. Opposing traffic lanes on both highway approaches to the crossing must be separated by either medians bounded by barrier curbs, or medians bounded by mountable curbs if equipped with channelization devices. 4. One-way street with gates. This would require all traffic from the approaching side to be blocked. This would only require arms on one side of the track. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of November 13, 2001 Page 2 of 3 He stated that after the rule would be adopted, there would be a one-year moratorium, and then cities would have three years to make the necessary changes. He noted that in reviewing the above options, the Canadian Pacific Railroad supports the gates with medians. He stated this would cost approximately $350,000 for all four crossings in the City. He stated currently there is $150,000 allocated in the Capital Improvements Program for 2004. He stated the Council has two options. The first option would be to adopt a complete whistle ban for 24 hours per day. The second option would be adjust the times of the current whistle ban. He stated that the Canadian Pacific Railroad is not willing to voluntarily honor any changes to quiet zones unless corrections are made to the intersections. He stated from a law enforcement prospective, staff would recommend that there not be different times for different days as that is very hard to enforce. Lastly, if the Council intends to maintain or increase the ban, there should be adequate funds to make the necessary improvements to the intersections. Councilmember Johnson asked if there are any issues with the crossings in the south part of the City, which is the Union Pacific line. Police Chief Gerdes replied there are very few complaints as the Union Pacific is primarily commercial and only operates during the day. The Canadian Pacific operates 15 to 20 trains per day during all hours of the day. Mayor Tierney asked if the train ordinance applies to both railroads. Police Chief Gerdes replied yes. Police Chief Gerdes explained that the railroads don't blow their whistles from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. unless they perceive a hazard, which is a Federal requirement. Therefore, if the ban would be extended, there could be the potential for more whistling. Councilinember Harstad asked if the majority of the complaints are at night. Police Chief Gerdes replied yes. Councilmember Johnson asked what the distance is from a crossing before the trains blow their whistles. Police Chief Gerdes replied one-eighth or one-quarter mile depending on the speed of the train. He then explained the whistle sequence that occurs. Police Chief Gerdes stated the City could take some actions to prepare for the new Federal regulations, but the Canadian Pacific Railroad wouldn't voluntarily comply. He suggested that the improvements to the crossings be done in sequence, from east to west. Adopted City Council Minutes Special Meeting of November 13, 2001 Page 3 of 3 David Kapsner, 5135 Norwood Lane. stated he understands the relationship between the Canadian Pacific Railroad and the City, but asked who has the authority. Police Chief Gerdes replied the regulatory authority for the railroad is the FRA. Therefore, the City cannot act independently. Jerry, who also resides on Norwood Lane, asked how the City of Minneapolis was able to receive authority to enact a full whistle ban. Police Chief Gerdes replied that ban has been in effect prior to Plymouth's ban, and he reiterated that the railroad has indicated that they won't voluntarily comply with any new City regulations. Terry Pedersen, 12605 62nd Avenue North, asked who is funding the new Cheshire bridge. Mayor Tierney replied the City. She stated Cheshire Lane would be carrying a large volume of traffic due to The Reserve development. Public Works Director Faulkner added that the developer of The Reserve development is paying for the extension of Cheshire Lane north of the bridge. Mr. Pedersen asked what determines the speed of train traffic. Police Chief Gerdes replied the speed is based on the type of trackage. Amy Swanson stated she has noticed an inconsistency during the day when the whistles are blown. Mayor Tierney stated that the Council would be addressing this item during the discussion of the City's Capital Improvements Program. Motion was made by Councilmember Harstad, and seconded by Councilmember Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 6:40 p.m. With all members voting in favor, the motion carried. d1- Sandra R. Paulson, City Clerk