HomeMy WebLinkAboutReso - CC - 056-2017RESOLUTION NO. %2017
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURLINGAME
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SEND A LETTER TO THE UNION PACIFIC
RAILROAD REGARDING STUDYING FEASIBILITY OPTIONS FOR INCREASING
THE GRADE REQUIREMENT ALONG THE CALTRAIN CORRIDOR FOR UNION
PACIFIC'S SHORT -LINE OPERATOR
WHEREAS, Councilmember Beach represents the City on the Caltrain Modernization
Program's Local Policy Makers Group (LPMG); and
WHEREAS, the LPMG is tasked with providing feedback to the Caltrain Joint Powers
Board and staff on issues related to electrification and the High Speed Rail/Caltrain Blended
System Program; and
WHEREAS, recently, the members of the LPMG have discussed Caltrain's agreement
with UP to explore the potential for a short -line operator to assume responsibility for conducting
freight operations along the Peninsula rail corridor; and
WHEREAS, Union Pacific is expected to initiate and lead the competitive solicitation
process to select a new short -line operator; and
WHEREAS, members of the LPMG have discussed encouraging UP to study and
consider the impact of increasing the grade requirement along the Caltrain corridor; and
WHEREAS, higher grades may help reduce the cost of future grade separation
infrastructure projects and could reduce the footprint of these projects within local
neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, selecting a new short -line operator may provide a new opportunity to re-
evaluate freight horn standards along the Caltrain corridor and reduce noise impacts on
neighboring communities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Burlingame
authorizes the Mayor to send the attached letter, drafted by Councilmember Beach and
reviewed by City staff, encouraging Union Pacific to consider both of these issues during its
Request for Proposals process.
I, Meaghan Hassel -Shearer, City Clerk of the City of Burlingame, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council held on the 5th day
of June, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBERS: BEACH, BROWNRIGG, COLSON, KEIGHRAN, ORTIZ
COUNCILMEMBERS:NONE
COUNCILMEMBERS:NONE