07172006 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Regular Meeting July 17, 2006 Page 7 Mayor Narvaiz introduced receiving presentation by Railroad Controls, LP, on City of San Marcos Quiet Zone Evaluation and direction to Staff. Mr. O'Leary stated Council asked Staff to investigate the implementation of a Quiet Zone. He stated Railroad Controls Limited (RCL) conducted an evaluation of selected grade crossings within the City to determine appropriate treatments to create a new Quiet Zone. He stated RCL has also provided budgetary costs and a suggested phasing plan. Kurt Anderson, RCL, provided a powerpoint presentation regarding San Marcos Quiet Zone Evaluation. He provided the evaluation of twenty-two railroad crossings on both Austin and Bastrop rail lines, and the Federal rules identifying specific criteria that must be met in order to create a Quiet Zone. Mr. Anderson stated the cost would be $1.15 million for the improvements of the 22 crossings, which could be done in phases. Mr. O'Leary stated this project could be included in the CIP during the budget process. The Council agreed by consensus to discuss this project in the budget process. Mayor Narvaiz introduced a discussion regarding construction of parking and landscaping within City ROW on Guadalupe and LBJ Streets and direction to Staff. Mr. Mihalkanin stated this discussion involves his employer, so he will be abstaining from the discussion and left the Council Chambers (Mr. Mihalkanin filed a Disclosure Affidavit-Business Entity with City Clerk). Laurie Anderson, Director of Engineering, introduced Nancy Nusbaum and Bill Tomlinson with Texas State University. She stated Texas State University has requested the City allow the construction of angle parking and landscaped peninsulas within the City right-of-way on Guadalupe and LBJ Street west of University Drive. She stated the improvements were identified in the University's Master Plan and are scheduled for construction with the Concho Street Project beginning in 2007. She stated the exhibits provided by the University in the Council packets show parking improvements on both sides of the street. The projects proposed by the University will only consist of improvements adjacent to the University property. She stated Staff has recommended the projects move forward, but to include three items; 1. a minimum of 66 feet of pavement is required for two traffic lanes and 45 degree angle parking on both sides of the street, 2. Guadalupe Street improvements, the new back of curb should be moved 2 feet toward the property line from the existing curb location. When improvements are made to install angle parking on the other side of the street the curb will also need to be moved 2 feet inside its current location, and 3. on LBJ Street, since 56 feet of existing pavement and proximity of existing buildings to the right-of-way will not support angle parking on both sides of the street. With parallel parking remaining on the west side of LBJ, the angle parking proposed by the University could occur with the curb remaining at the existing location. Mr. Thomaides inquired who will be responsible for the trash and maintaining the peninsulas. Ms. Nusbaum stated the University will be placing trash receptacles every 100 feet, and they will be responsible for picking up the trash and maintaining the peninsulas. Mayor Narvaiz inquired to whether