1997-01-28 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I Council Meeting Minutes January 28, 1997 Page 4 Council Business. continued Williams asked if the proposed turning radius would accommodate longer coal cars. McKensie confirmed that the railroad industry prefers heavier cars with different interior design and materials rather than longer cars. Williams asked if the length of the train could be limited to provide clearance at the 10th St. intersection. McKensie is unsure whether the railroad could be convinced into limiting the train length. - Police Chief John Kelley stated that the police have issued tags when the train has violated State law, and it appears that the railroad is attempting to address the problem. State Statute provides a $200 maximum fine for violation of the intersection blocking standard. The Police feel that the complete blockage of 10th St. and 8th St. present serious response concerns for the police and fire response. Benke asked if there are documented cases which reflect the delayed response time. Kel1ey is unaware of any police response difficulties, but cannot speak to the issue of fire service. The Police use the 6th St. bridge overpass to avoid the train, however, these delays are of concern. Samuelson asked how often have the trains been tagged. Kelley said tagging has seldom occurred because as soon as timing begins, the train comes into compliance. Railroad employees have attempted to break up the trains so that the delay is reduced. Barry Kolberg, Wisconsin Central train master and engineer, said the railroad is uncomfortable with the delays created by the coal trains. If construction is warranted and funding is available, the railroad would build a safe and efficient connection to handle these trains. Locating alternative routes is difficult being that the other tracks are owned by the Soo Line Railroad. Soo Line lost the contract to deliver coal which Wisconsin Central now has, and most likely would not be agreeable to negotiate use of their tracks. The crews are fully aware of the inconveniences and are trying to correct the situation to the best of their ability. Benke asked if switching to the north/south line would provide cost savings. Kolberg does not believe there would be cost savings due to the need to switch crews and power shutdown. Benke strongly feels that in terms of the railroad's 20 year contract, it is not logical for the City to deal with these impacts for such a lengthy time. Samuelson asked if track construction costs have been determined. Kolberg estimates about $250,000 for track construction, but this does not include property acquisition. The railroad is very interested in working with the City to resolve the issue. Gunderman asked if the Long Lake Park tracks could be modified to accommodate the coal trains. Kolberg feels that providing heavier rails in the park would mostly likely cost the same as a turnaround track, and there could be issue with operational power at the Park location. Samuelson feels public safety concerns and the 20-year contract justify research to determine the best alternative. Fulton asked if providing scheduled times would lessen the impact. Kolberg said that scheduling is not a possibility, but they do attempt to avoid rush hours. Council Business Railroad Crossing Issues Report 97-019