City Council Agenda and Packet 2015 05 19

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes May 5, 2015 Page 13 of 33 Mayor Muckle addressed Ms. Summer's question and explained the underpass placement was intended to serve as many residents as possible. It has been a long- time plan to connect the east side of the railroad tracks to the west side. City Manager Fleming addressed Mr. MacKenzie's question and explained there are still a lot of uncertainties. BNSF will do the work and then bill the City for the work. It could be $1 Million Dollars or less. The City will also have to bid out the remainder of the project. He estimated a range of $3.2 Million to $3.7 Million, with the Louisville Revitalization Commission paying half through TIF revenue. Mayor Muckle addressed Mr. Caranci's concern and noted the City does not want to decrease the amount of available parking south of Pine Street. City Manager Fleming explained he has asked any staff members involved with any written communications relative to the railroad fencing south of Pine Street to copy Mr. Caranci and Mr. Hartronft and advise them after phone conversations with the railroad and if it is an actual meeting, check to see their availability. Council member Stolzmann stressed the importance to work with all the surrounding property owners. If the railroad only agrees to 25', she did not believe the area should be fenced, which would reduce the existing parking. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ explained the fencing is not the City's choosing. The railroad is legally allowed to fence their right -of -way. City Attorney Light explained the BNSF contract includes a maintenance agreement for the underpass, which states the City shall cause to be constructed a fence along a particular distance. It does not mean there cannot be a dialogue to get the fence moved to a more advantageous position. BNSF has required the City to construct the fence. When the lease is finalized it will provide the opportunity to discuss the maximum benefit for parking. Mayor Pro Tem Dalton stating his understanding the agreement runs from Griffith Street to South of Pine. He asked if the railroad is requiring a fence south of Pine Street. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ explained it is required in the agreement. Council member Stolzmann stated her understanding the agreement was related to the underpass and the City added to it to get additional parking. She inquired whether the City needs the additional parking to get the underpass. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ stated the fencing from Griffith Street to Pine is part of the underpass agreement. City Attorney Light stated one of the obligations put on the City by the railroad is the fencing from Griffith to 600' south of Pine Street. A separate document provides for leasing areas within the right -of -way for parking. The BNSF railroad is tying the fencing obligation to their authorization for the underpass. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ explained north of Mr. 44