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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1976/03/23 Item 10y CITY OF CHULA VISTA ITEM N0. ~ n . ~ COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT FOR MEETING OF: 3/23/76 ITEM TITLE: Resolution #8093: Approving Agreement Between City and San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway Company for Crossing at Woodlawn Avenue and "F" Street Mile Post 36B-7.65-X-N ' SUBMITTED BY~ Director of Public Works/City Engineer ~1 ITEM EXPLANATION This request for Council action is for approval of an agreement between the San Diego & Arizona Eastern Railway Company and the City for installation of warning devices on F Street immediately west of the intersection with Woodlawn Avenue. This crossing is for the spur track which runs easterly along the centerline of F Street, which terminates at Broadway. On May 15, 1972 the City received a letter from the Public Utilities Commission, State of California, concerning the crossing of F Street by the SD&AE Railway Company's spur track west of Woodlawn Avenue. The PUC in- formed the City that no authority was obtained under provisions of the PUC General Order #88 for the widening of F Street between I-5 Freeway and Broadway, which was constructed and completed by the City on September 7, 1971. The PUC also recommended that certain work be done to improve the crossing: 1. City install railroad crossing sign, paint RXR and clearance lines on pavement and paint that portion of curb red between the crc~~ing and Woodlawn Avenue to prevent vehicles parking and obstructing the view of the signal as well as the approaching train. 2. Railroad install one standard No. 8 flashing light signal, the in- stallation and maintenance cost to be equally divided between the City and the railroad. (continued on supplemental page 2) EXHIBITS ATTACHED Agreement x Resolution X Ordinance Plat X Other Environmental Document: Attached Submitted on STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 1. Council approve agreement. 2. City Council appropriate and authorize the expenditure of $8950 from the unappropriated balance of 2106 Gas Tax funds. BOARD/ COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION A P P R O V E D COUNCIL ACTION by the 0 ~' ~' ~ C::~ its crnia Dated ~' ~~• / `' ~~ Form A-113 (Rev 5-75) Supplemental page 2 Ager~a Ztem.No. 10 3. That the double yellow lines now painted between the rails on F Street be removed and properly painted outside the rails. On May 24, 1972, the City Attorney's office responded to the PUC's letter informing the PUC that the City did not feel that it should be required to comply with the PUC's requirements. On April 15, 1975, following contact from the PUC, staff representatives of the City, SD&AE Railway Company and the PUC met to discuss the crossing at Woodlawn and "F". As a result of that meeting a letter dated May 1, 1975 was received from the PUC recommending that automatic protection devices be installed at the crossing. The PUC letter is in fact a recommendation to install the devices and is not an order to accomplish that purpose. However, the City is indeed mandated to pursue the installation of adequate protection of such crossings within the City. The PUC staff has indicated that they would be willing to issue the construction order, if necessary. However, in order to save administrative costs they prefer to make a recommendation and have the City pursue the construction on a voluntary basis. This agency, as well as others, has experienced the futility of contesting similar PUC orders in the past. Therefore, in my opinion it is appropriate to proceed with the installation of this crossing even though it is very lightly used and also, to attempt to gain as much outside funding as possible for the construction of the necessary warning devices. The City Attorney now advises that contesting the installation of the warning devices would be futile and concurs with the installation of these devices. On February 10, 1976 the Director of Public Works received an agreement from the SD&AE Railway Compay for the installation ofwarning devices at the crossing of "F" Street, Mile Post 36B-7.65-X-N. Subsequent to receipt of the agreement, the railroad has furnished the City with an 8 point cost estimate for the crossing. Total estimated cost of the crossing is $17,900. The City's share of the cost is 500 of that amount, or $8900. Concurrent with this department's request for Council action in approving the agreement with the railroad is a request that City Council authorize the submission of an application to the PUC for Railroad Crossing Pro- tection funds. If the City's request for Railroad Crossing Protection funds is approved, then the City will be reimbursed from this fund for 50~ of its cost or $4475. It is also our understanding that there are federal funds available for installation of warning devices at railroad crossings. Accompanying the City's application for Railroad Crossing Protection funds will be a request that the PUC place the "F" Street crossing on District 11, CalTrans' eligible list for federal crossing protection funds. If the City is able to obtain funding from these two sources, then the City's entire cost for installation of the warning devices could be possibly 90~ refundable. Following in summary are the major provisions of the agreement: 1. The railroad will furnish all necessary labor, materials, tools and equipment to install one flashing light grade crossing signal X93 Supplemental page 3 Agenda.Item No. 10 with additional light unit mounted on cantilever arm and other appurtenances. 2. City agrees to reimburse the railroad for 50g of all costs and expenses incurred by the railroad. 3. Should the City be allotted federal funds, the railroad shall be reimbursed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 4. The City shall reimburse railroad promptly upon receipt of billing and shall inform railroad of any allotment of funds the City receives. 5. Upon execution of this agreement, the railroad will order the delivery of all materials and will submit to City a bill for 80~ of the City's share of estimated cost of materials. 6. The work to be performed by the railroad shall be commenced as soon as labor and materials are available following execution of the agreement and installation shall be completed within one year thereafter. 7. After installation of the warning devices the railroad will maintain. The City's liability for such maintenance cost shall be limited to funds set aside for allocation by the PUC pursuant to Section 1231.1 of the California PUC Code. A transparency is available for Council viewing. FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Total estimated cost for warning devices - $17,900 City's participation - 8,950 Possible reimbursement from PUC Crossing Pro- tection fund - 4,475 Possible federal funding up to - 4,475 Requested appropriation from 2106 Gas Tax fund Unappropriated Balance - $8950 )(3