CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: JANUARY 25, 2017
PREPARED BY: Leslie A. Little, Asst. City Manager/Community Development
APPROVED BY: Steve Rymer, City Manager
TITLE
AUTHORIZE CONTRACT WITH MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL FOR PREPARATION OF A RAILROAD CROSSING "QUIET ZONE" STUDY AND DEPOSITS FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF SERVICE TO UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
END
RECOMMENDATION(S)
RECOMMENDATION
1. Approve an amendment to the City's fiscal year 2016-2017 annual budget to appropriate $88,330 for the "quiet zone" assessment and funding of deposits ($44,165 Long Range Planning Fund 207 and $44,165 Public Facilities (Non-AB 1600) Fund 346);
2. Approve professional services contract with Michael Baker International for development of a "quiet zone" assessment and implementation risk report for an amount not to exceed $58,330; and
3. Authorize $30,000 in funding of deposits for reimbursement of time and services to Union Pacific Railroad for the review of three proposed "quiet zone" intersections.
BODY
COUNCIL PRIORITIES, GOALS & STRATEGIES:
Ongoing Priorities
Enhancing public safety
Protecting the environment
2016 Focus Areas
Planning Our Community
Developing Our Community
Enhancing Our Services
REPORT NARRATIVE:
On May 20, 2015, the Morgan Hill City Council discussed railroad safety and the establishment of "quiet zones" in Morgan Hill's Downtown. The City Council had many questions about the "quiet zone" approval process, including the criteria and procedures required of creating a quiet zone as well as the steps necessary and costs associated with implementation.
In reviewing the process of creating a "quiet zone," it appeared that zones may be most appropriate at Dunne Avenue, Main Avenue, and Tilton Avenue. Each of these crossings are located in noise sensitive areas where the reduction in train horn noise would be advantageous to the community, especially residentially sensitive neighborhoods. In 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration (...
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