R2004-12 AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT - Laserfiche WebLink

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. �� • . COUNCIL COMMUNICATION FORM Engineering & Infrastructure Memorandum NO. 2004 - 09 January 27, 2004 TO: Honorable Mayor Osborne and City Council FROM: Steve Garman, City Manager /�`` '� Stephen P. Swanson, P.E., Director of Engineering & Infrastructure i�-� Matthew C. Newell, P.E., City Engineer�,vtr'� SUBJECT: Illinois Commerce Commission Stipulated Agreement No. 1072 Concerning Highway - Rail Grade Crossing Protection Improvements at the Woodford Street/Norfolk Southern Railway Company Main Track City Project 04-07 SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended by staff that the City Council approve the attached resolution authorizing Stipulated Agreement No. 1072 with the Illinois Commerce Commission regarding the installation of railroad grade crossing protection on Woodford Street at the Norfolk Southern track crossing (between 2440 and 2500 North Woodfard Street). The Agreement requires the City to pay 10% of the improvement costs, not to exceed $15,560. Staff further recommends that Council approve a second resolution authorizing the expenditure of Motor Fuel Tax Funds to pay for the City's portion of the proposed improvements. BACKGROUND: The Norfolk Southern grade crossing on Woodford Street is primarily used as a switching track for the railroad and dead ends at Jasper Street,just south of the City's Municipal Service Center. The crossing is not protected by an active warning system. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) proposes the installation of flashers and gates. Gates are being required at all protection improvements ordered by the ICC. The ICC has received complaints regarding the lack of crossing protection and the visibility of trains utilizing the track. The City made a request for crossing protection improvement in 1988. In keeping with Illinois State law, the Illinois Commerce Commission may order the railroad to install stop signs to regulate the crossing until the crossing protection improvements are completed. City staff indicated strong reservations with installing stop signs in the interim. It was stated that it was a State law and that the installation of signs would be delayed as long as possible. The order also requires the City to install and maintain pavement markings identifying the crossing.