City Council Minutes 2015 05 05 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

City Council Meeting Minutes May 5, 2015 Page 11 of 33 the City, but constructed by the railroad. The initial budgeting two years ago estimated a total project cost of $2.7 Million Dollars, with the bridge structure costing $600,000. The current agreement puts the total cost of the bridge to be $1 Million Dollars ($800,000 for construction and $150,000 for flagging and other construction aspects). Staff will prepare a budget amendment to provide full funding for the entire project. He stated there was enough money in the City's 2015 budget. Staff will present options to address this issue for Council to consider in the 2016 -2020 Capital Improvements Program. COUNCIL COMNMENTS Council member Stolzmann asked what this means in terms of timeframe for executing items later on this year City Manager explained the City has an agreement, which requires more work from the railroad. It does not commit the railroad to any specific timeframe for the construction. The City, along with other communities is trying to determine when construction may happen. There is some chance the construction may begin this year, but there are no assurances. Council member Stolzmann inquired about the easement from the center of the track, in response to an email from Erik Hartronft and Randy Caranci. The question was how far out from the middle of the track would the fence be placed. She asked if the City has to fence south of Pine Street if the easement is only 25' instead of 18'. City Manager Fleming reported meeting with Erik Hartronft and Randy Caranci this aftemoon to address the issue of fencing along the project. Everyone agreed on minimizing the amount of land fenced off from parking. BNSF has agreed from Griffith to Pine Street would be 18' from the center of the rails to the fence. They have proposed the fence be located 25' from the centerline south of Pine Street. Everyone involved has tried to get the railroad to agree to an 18' or smaller right -of -way fence location. Staff intends to continue to work with the railroad to scale the fencing back to 18' south of Pine Street. He explained it is very difficult to negotiate with the railroad and it takes months to get a response. He urged Council to consider the agreement and allow what can get in place. Council member Stolzmann asked if the agreement required a fence south of Pine Street. Planning and Building Safety Director Russ explained the agreement does not require the fence. The original cost of the bridge was reduced by $1 Million Dollars when the City agreed to a fence between Griffith and Pine. There was a shed to protect pedestrians from flying ballast and there was a different bridge structure. When the fence was proposed, the cost was lowered. Subsequently, with desire to get downtown parking, staff tried to get the fencing south of Pine Street. Because of the steepness of slope south of Pine Street, the railroad requires a standard 25' vehicle access to maintain the track. The railroad has three divisions: Real Estate, Engineering and Operations and all three must approve the right -of -way.