07251988 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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175 Regular Meeting July 25, 1988 Page 2 of Highways and Transportation stated they would also signalize the railroad crossing and place crossgates at the crossing. Russell Scott stated a traffic signal is needed at Aquarena Springs Drive at Loop 82. Mr. Menendez stated there would be a protective left turn at the signal light (with a long green to clear traffic). Shirley Wickersham asked if the land is being donated for the new street, and Mr. Gonzalez responded that the railroad company and University would be donating the land, but that the City will be responsible for acquiring the right-of-way. Mable Vaughn who lives on Post Road expressed a concern that when a train blocks the crossing, they are unable to get to town. Mr. Gonzalez stated they are required to break the train if they stay longer than five minutes, but this is hard to enforce in a timely manner. The Council directed Staff to look into a means of enforcing this provision. Mr. Moore stated it would be expensive real estate to build an underpass or overpass, and Mr. Gonzalez sta~ed the area also lies in the floodway. Ted Breihan stated he is concerned about emergency vehicles not being able to get through when the trains are stopped. Nolan Bragg expressed concern with the school buses having to cross the train tracks in two places and that the trains are stopped a lot blocking traffic. Russell Scott stated he has lived 38 years above Aquarena and the traffic is backed up in the mornings, at noon and in the evenings and does not think the State's plan will alleviate the problem at Aquarena Springs entrance at Loop 82. He stated his golf cart business is located in the area of the new roadway and that he intends to reopen his business in August, 1988. Mr. Menendez stated the State has done a feasibility study and that the present plan seems to be the best solution. He stated the funding will be lost if it is not moved on soon. Larry Dupont stated a different option (liT" option) was discussed a year ago, and Mr. Menendez stated that was no longer a viable option. Edna Walker of Spring lake Hills stated the citiøens and tourists need access in and out of Aquarena, and that this has to give a bad impression to tourists as they are trying to leave the Aquarena area. Mr. Dupont stated he does not think the State's plan addresses the flow of traffic in both directions, to which Mr. Menendez stated he believes that it does with two lanes going out, two lanes coming in and one center turn lane. Richard Rylander stated he was concerned with someone possibly getting stuck on the tracks, and Mr. Menendez stated the signalization would be timed to keep this from happening, but that he was concerned with no access when trains are stopped. Mr. Menendez stated the project timing would be to authorize the contract next Spring (1989) and to complete the project by 1990. Mr. Rick Hernandez stated he thinks this option will give some relief, and that other options considered have not been satisfactory, and is an attempt to alleviate a danger hazard. Mr. Moore concurred with Mr. hernandez. The Council directed Staff to work out enforcement of trains stopping on the tracks too long, as they need to comply and to work with the State to signalize and have signage at this intersection. Arlan Torres asked who was funding the project, and was advised the State will pay for all the project with the exception of the right-of-way. Mr. Gonzalez stated he would advise the Council with information regarding this project as it becomes available. Mayor Morris introduced for consideration approval of an Ordinance on first reading, the caption which was read as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS, TEXAS, EXTENDING THE CONSENT OF THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS TO THE CREATION OF A LOWMAN RANCH MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT, AND DECLARING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.