HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report PRESENTATION 10/03/2016Presentation
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DATE: October 3, 2016
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council through City Manage
FROM: Dan St. John, F.ASCE — Director, Public Works & Utilities
Curtis M. Bates, P.E., City Engineer
SUBJECT: Workshop: Presentation, Discussion, and Council Direction Regarding
Implementation of Quiet Zones in Petaluma
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council hold a workshop for a presentation, discussion, and to
hear public comment on Railroad Quiet Zones, and provide guidance on Railroad Quiet Zones in
Petaluma.
BACKGROUND
Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) and the North Coast Rail Authority (NCRA) in
conjunction with the North Western Pacific Railroad (NWPRR) are the current rail operators in
Petaluma. SMART is currently testing trains and rail system components in Petaluma and
throughout the rail corridor, and is expected to commence passenger service in December 2016.
The purpose of the workshop is to present information about Quiet Zones within a railroad
corridor and to determine City Council preferences regarding the establishment of Quiet Zones
in Petaluma.
Train Horn Final Rule: In 2005, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) established rules
regarding train horns, entitled, "Final Rule on Use of Locomotive Horns at Highway -Rail Grade
Crossings." Commonly known as the "Train Horn Final Rule ", train horns are now required to
sound at highway grade crossings, including City street railroad crossings. Contained in this rule,
is a provision for local jurisdictions to manage the use of train horns through the creation of
"Quiet Zones."
The train horn final rule standardized the use of locomotive horns and the quality of the horn
sound. Outside of quiet zones, railroad operators must sound the locomotive horn 15 to 20
seconds prior to a train's arrival at grade crossings, but not more than one - quarter mile in
advance of the crossing. The sounding pattern is two long, one short and one long blast repeated
or prolonged until the locomotive occupies the grade crossing. It is recommended that
locomotive engineers vary this pattern as necessary where grade crossings are closely spaced.
The rule prescribes a minimum and maximum volume level for the train horn of 96 dB and 110
dB, respectively, measured at 15 feet above the top of rail and 100 feet in front of the
locomotive. The rule addressed use of the train horn only with respect to grade crossings.
Railroads remain free to use train horns for other purposes as prescribed in FRA railroad
operating rules such as a person or animal walking on or crossing the tracks. Railroads must use
the train horn in support of rail or roadway worker safety and malfunctions of grade crossing
warning devices.
Quiet Zone Defined: h1 general, a quiet zone is defined as a section of rail line one -half mile in
length that contains one or more consecutive public crossings within which blowing of
locomotive horns is prohibited except in certain circumstances. Even in a designated quiet zone,
the locomotive engineer may sound the train horn to provide warning if he or she has determined
such action is warranted for safety purposes. Therefore, a quiet zone is not entirely quiet and
could be better defined as a "no regular use of train horn" zone. A quiet zone is specific to the
use of a train horn and does not include other railroad induced noises such as engine braking,
engine noise, grade crossing bells and lights, or noise and vibration from rail joints.
DISCUSSION
Quiet Zone Safety Requirements: The FRA has established that the absence of a train horn may
add some risk of incidents at grade crossings. To establish a Quiet Zone, the local jurisdiction
must evaluate the risk at each railroad crossing and identify additional safety measures required
to counter balance the risk that may be caused by the elimination of the train horn taking into
consideration grade crossing geometry, traffic volume and collision history. The FRA has
established a risk calculator to help local jurisdictions through this evaluation by calculation of a
Quiet Zone Risk Index (QZRI). The QZRI is a measure against the National Significant
Threshold (NSRT) and Risk Index with Horns (RIWH) to determine what level of additional
safety measures would be required to meet the minimum criteria for establishing a quiet zone.
The RIWH is the average risk level at a crossing in a proposed quiet zone that would exist if a
train was blowing its horn. In both cases, it is required that at least one of the crossings in the
quiet zone has supplemental safety measures. Not all quiet zone intersections require additional
safety measures above the minimal at -grade crossing standards established by the FRA. If the
QZRI is equal to or lower than the NSRT or RIWH, then no further safety measures are required.
Under the final rule guidelines, new quiet zones require crossings to be equipped with flashing
lights, bells and automatic gates; and to have modern signal features like power outage indicators
and constant warning time devices, a feature that ensures a consistent period of warning time for
both slower moving freight trains and faster commuter trains. SMART has constructed these
devices at all public grade crossings throughout the entire Sonoma -Marin rail corridor, including
the city limits of Petaluma.
SMART has installed a combination of supplemental safety measures (SSM's) and/or alternative
safety measures (ASM's) at each grade crossing. SSM's include four - quadrant gate systems,
medians or channelization devices that physically separate traffic, or one -way streets with gates.
These measures will help support an establishment of a quiet zone. Each measure is designed to
prevent vehicles, bikes and pedestrians from going around lowered gates at crossings, which is a
common cause of grade crossing incidents. ASM's typically include a median on one side of the
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crossing with a gate on the other side. These measures are often installed at grade crossings that
have specific constraints, such as a driveway or intersection on one side of the grade crossing,
which precludes the use of a median.
Construction and Maintenance of Affected Crossings: The City of Petaluma has eight public at-
grade railroad crossings and one private crossing at Cedar Grove. The private Cedar Grove
crossing is controlled by SMART with a locked gate and does not need to be considered in the
quiet zone per FRA requirements. The City public grade crossings, from north to south, are as
follows:
- Corona Road
- North McDowell Boulevard
- Southpoint Boulevard
- Payran Street
- Lakeville Street
- East Washington Street at Lakeville Street
- Lakeville Street at D Street
- Caulfield Lane
The City of Petaluma performed a final verification diagnostic audit with CPUC, FRA and
SMART staff on September 13, 2016 to verify installed SSM's and ASM's. The results of the
final verification visit concluded that three of the grade crossings, Corona Road, North
McDowell Boulevard, and Payran Street have sufficient supplemental safety measures installed.
The five other intersections have varying supplemental and alternate safety measures installed.
FRA and City staff used the FRA risk calculator to determine The City's eligibility for a quiet
zone. The risk calculator primarily considers type of warning devices, train speed, traffic
volumes and whether sufficient SSM's have been installed in order to calculate the associated
risk. The results of the calculator indicated that Petaluma's risk index is a total 44,634.88. The
Risk Index with Horns (RIWH) threshold is 77,971.64 and the Nationwide Significant Risk
Threshold (NSRT) threshold is 14,347. In order to be quiet zone eligible, the City's risk index
must be less than either the RIWH or NSRT thresholds. Based on the Quiet Zone Calculator, the
City of Petaluma is eligible for a quiet zone because the City's risk index for the improved,
existing grade crossings is less than the RIWH. It should also be noted that the calculated RIWH
for each of the eight grade crossings were determined to be below the RIWH threshold at each
crossing.
SMART will be the entity to maintain signal related safety measures such as railroad gates
within its right of way or operating area. The City of Petaluma is responsible for maintaining
centerline medians, advance signage and pavement markings within City right of way.
Process to Establish a Quiet Zone: The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is the
State oversight agency and works with the FRA to require a diagnostic review for every crossing
within a potential quiet zone to determine compliance. The diagnostic review is intended to assist
the local jurisdiction in devising the best plan for quiet zone implementation. The process of
establishing a quiet zone begins when a local agency files a Notice of Intent with the CPUC and
applicable rail entities. The notice describes the length of quiet zone, which crossings are to be
included, and existing and proposed safety measures. The CPUC and rail entities have sixty days
to comment on the Notice of Intent.
Once the CPUC has verified the information provided, the FRA has approved the quiet zone, and
the necessary safety measures have been installed at all grade crossings; the local agency can
issue a Notice of Establishment, which includes the following items:
- Diagnostic review conclusions
- Proposed time period of horn restriction could be 24 hours per day or partials
- List of public, private and pedestrian only crossings in quiet zone
- Specific regulatory citation for the basis of Quiet Zone establishment
- Complete inventory for each public, private and pedestrian crossing before and after the
necessary safety measures are installed
- Notice of Intent
The Notice of Establishment is sent to the FRA, all applicable railroads, Caltrans, any other local
governments affected, and any private property owners affected by private grade crossings. All
railroad trains will cease routinely sounding horns at grade crossings within 21 days except at
operator's discretion for safety purposes.
Additional information regarding quiet zones can be obtained at the following websites:
Guide to the Quiet Zone Establishment Process: https: / /www.fra.dot.g_ov /eLib /Details /L04781
Train Horn Rule and Quiet Zones: https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/PO889
SMART's Website: http : / /main.sonomamarintrain.org/
CPUC Website on Quiet Zones: http:// www.epuc.ca.gov /General.aspx ?id =2969
Liability Issues: The City Attorney is currently evaluating whether the creation of a Quiet Zone
may create increased risk of and/or liability for accidents. The results of the FRA risk calculator
analysis suggest, based on the models used, that the Petaluma crossings as a whole entail less
risk with the SSMs and ASMs that have been built and subject to a quiet zone than would be the
case without the SSMs and ASMs and without a quiet zone. The City Attorney is also reviewing
an agreement that SMART has proposed to address the respective obligations of SMART and
municipalities that are seeking quiet zones regarding such matters as responsibility for designing,
obtaining approval for, constructing, maintaining and funding rail safety improvements, and
allocation of liability. In addition, legal counsel representing the cities that are seeking or
considering seeking quiet zones have discussed the agreement SMART has proposed. It is
possible that the affected cities and SMART may be able to agree on an agreement framework all
along the SMART rail line to address the respective responsibilities of SMART and the local
jurisdictions consistently and equitably. At this time, it is not clear whether the agreement, which
is not required for the formation of a Quiet Zone, benefits the City in any way. An update on
these considerations will be provided at the workshop.
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Guidance Requested of the City Council:
The workshop is intended to solicit public input and should allow for the City Council to acquire
additional information relative to Quiet Zones. It is also intended that the City Council utilize the
workshop to provide additional guidance on the matter, so that the Council's preferences will be
known and so that any action required as a result of the Council's preferences can be completed
in a timely way. Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council discuss their preferences that
may include, but certainly are not limited to:
- The concept of one or more Quiet Zones in Petaluma;
- Additional analysis or information that the City Council would like before making any
decisions, including additional analysis with respect to liability;
- Any additional, extra or different public noticing that the City Council would like to see
with respect to any future action the City Council may consider;
- City Council preferences or concerns with staff evaluating the proposed operating
agreement with SMART, keeping in mind that such an agreement is not necessary or
related to the establishment of a Quiet Zone; and
- Whether or not the City Council would like a resolution to file a Notice of Intent to
Establish a Quiet Zone in Petaluma prepared for consideration at a future meeting.
Tentative SMART Train Schedule: SMART has released its tentative train - operating schedule
with the earliest weekday train arriving at Petaluma's downtown station at approximately 5:25
AM and the latest weekday train departing at 8:00 PM. On weekends, the earliest arrival is at
8:39 AM and the latest train departs at 9:11 PM. The full schedule is listed in Attachment 4.
Public Comment: The City has received several public comments on this subject, which is
referenced in Attachment 5, and is to be included in the public record.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
SMART has funded installation of additional safety measures required to make Petaluma's grade
crossings Quiet Zone eligible. Long -term signage, striping and pavement legend maintenance
will be budgeted in street maintenance enterprise funds. The proposed workshop discussion does
not have an impact on the existing City budget.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Presentation materials from Federal Railroad Administration
2. Map of Petaluma Grade Crossings
3. FRA Quiet Zone Calculator Exhibit
4. Tentative SMART Train Schedule
5. Public Comments
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Attachment 5
Hill, Denise
From: Andrea Smith <Iaadaisy @comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2016 4:47 PM
To: Bates, Curtis
Subject: Re: SMART Train noise -quiet zone request
Attachments: Smart Train—Quiet Zone.docx
Hi Curtis -
Thank you for your reply.
I am attaching a comment letter which I would like you to fi•oward to the City Council to be read at the workshop.
Thank you for your help -
Andrea Smith
> On Aug 22, 2016, at 4:08 PM, Bates, Curds <CBATES(4r ci.petalutna,ca.us> wrote:
> Hello Andrea,
> The Petaluma City Council will be holding a workshop on quiet zones starting at 5:30pm on October 3rd in the Petaluma City
Council chambers at City Hall. You can either come to the meeting and provide public comment, prepare a written comment letter
which will-be forwarded to the City Council or I'd be happy to forward your below e -mail to be included as public comment in the
official record for City Council consideration. Please let me know.
> Thanks, Curt
> Curtis M. Bates, P.E.
> City Engineer
> City of Petaluma
> Department of Public Works and Utilities
> I1 English Street
> Petaluma, CA 94952
> (707) 778 -4311
> ebates(�U;ei.petaluitia.ca.us
> - - - -- Original Message---- -
> From: Andrea Smith ( inailto :laadaisv(�i?comcast,netl
• Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2016 9 :45 AM
• To: Bates, Curtis
• Subject: SMART Train noise -quiet zone request
> Dear Curt -
> I live on Yarberry Drive in Petaluma which is near the N. McDowell crossing and am writing because of the loud and persistent
noise from the Smart Train test runs.
> I would to find out how I can go about requesting this area to become a quiet zone. As you probably lmow, this is neighborhood
near Meadow school with many families with young children as well as a retirement/assisted living home nearby, I sometimes work
from home and find the horns very disruptive and seemingly unnecessarily loud and long.
>
> Can you please let in know if there are any plans to make this area a quiet zone and if not, how I can go about requesting it,
24
> Thank you so much for your help -
> Andrea Smith
> City of Petaluma records, including emails, are subject to the California Public Records Act. Unless exemptions apply, this email,
any attachments and any replies are subject to disclosure on request, and neither the sender nor any recipients should have any
expectation of privacy regarding the contents of such communications.
25
Andrew and Andrea Smith
1524 Yarberry Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954
8/24/16
Curtis M. Bates, P.E.
City Engineer
City of Petaluma
Department of Public Works and Utilities
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
(707) 778 -4311
cbates @ci.petaluma.ca.us
To Curtis Bates and the Petaluma City Council Members -
We understand the Petaluma City Council will be holding a workshop on quiet zones starting at
on October 3rd in the Petaluma City Council chambers at City Hall. We are submitting this
comment letter to be submitted and read at this meeting.
We are writing this letter to strongly recommend that a quiet zone for the Smart Train be set up
near the Meadow View neighborhood in Petaluma off North McDowell and Southpoint Blvd.
As you probably know, this is a neighborhood near Meadow Elementary school and has many
families with young children as well as a retirement /assisted living home nearby. I sometimes
work from home and find the horns very disruptive and seemingly unnecessarily loud and long.
The horns have now become more frequent during this testing phase and we are very dismayed
that when the train actually does start running we will no longer be able to live in this
neighborhood that we have grown to love. In addition, the loud and long horns that are blown
past 9:00 pm at night have woken us up, and have disturbed young children as well on our
street. Unfortunately, we also believe that the noise from the horns will ultimately affect the
value of our home.
We understand that some areas are going to be designated as quiet zones and we strongly
request and recommend that our neighborhood becomes one of these quiet zones.
Can you please let me know if there are any further actions we can take to see that a Quiet
Zone is established for our neighborhood?
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to the results of your workshop.
Andrea and Andrew Smith
26
Hill, Denise
From: Cooper, Claire
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2016 8:48 AM
To: Crump, Katie; Duiven, Scott
Subject: FW: Quiet Zone for the SMART train
From: Sandra Baron [mailto:baron.sandraC ) rocketmail.coin]
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2016 3 :44 PM
To: - City Clerk; Sandra Baron
Subject: Quiet Zone for the SMART train
Please establish the QUIET ZONE for the train at all eight crossings in Petaluma.
My house is near the crossing and it is disturbingly LOUD.
Best regards,
Sandra Baron
City of Petaluma records, including emails, are subject to the California Public Records Act. Unless exemptions
apply, this email, any attachments and any replies are subject to disclosure on request, and neither the sender
nor any recipients should have any expectation of privacy regarding the contents of such communications.
27
Hill, Denise
From: Cooper, Claire
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2016 8:47 AM
To: Crump, Katie; Duiven, Scott
Subject: FW: Smart train
From: Christine Skarda [ mailto :2christineskarda@gmaii,com]
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 2 :20 PM
To: - City Clerk
Subject: Smart train
I am sitting in my living room and the walls are vibrating from activity on the tracks this afternoon. As if the
noise of the train horns wasn't bad enough!
I read in the paper that citizens are supposed to try to get accustomed to this and that the horns aren't louder than
a chain saw (doubtful unless it was meant that the chainsaw is in your room and not on the tracks a block
away!) but I have to say it isn't getting easier. I can't even hear my radio for the train horns and it is very
disturbing early and late at night. I work at home online and I can't be heard by my students while the trains
pass blowing horns on the Madison Street crossing and then a minute later on the E. Washington
crossings. Also I can't record my lectures because the recordings are punctuated by noise that blocks out my
voice.
I support public transport but require less disturbance in my home. I read that trains can be asked not to use
horns at crossings with barriers. I would like Petaluma city to request this courtesy for citizens like me who live
close to these tracks. If I have to put up with this 32 times a day my home is going to seem more like a torture
chamber and I may not be able to earn a living.
Please take action on our behalf to limit unnecessary noise pollution.
Dr Christine Skarda
154 Wilson Street
Petaluma
City of Petaluma records, including emails, are subject to the California Public Records Act. Unless exemptions
apply, this ernail, any attachments and any replies are subject to disclosure on request, and neither the sender
nor any recipients should have any expectation of privacy regarding the contents of such communications.
IT
From
Aaddhav M Krishna
C/O Mageshkumar Venkatesan
957 Hogwarts Circle,
Petaluma, CA -94954
To
The City Clerk,
The City of Petaluma,
11 English Street,
Petaluma, CA -94952
Subject: Train hooting noise disturbing my sleep.
Dear Aunt's and Uncle in the City office,
May 2, 2016
14 -Y 10 :1';
PuSuc XVAV, « <s
.___& UTILITIES
My name is Aadhhav Krishna and I am 15 months old. I play, eat and sleep most
of the time. My mom takes good care of me since she is at home with me all the
time and my dad works really hard to keep us all happy. I have a loving brother
who is 9 and he goes to school and plays with me in the evening. We have been
a resident of Petaluma for last 11 years and we all love the place so much that
my dad even compromised his high paying job to just be in Petaluma.
I really get excited seeing the choo choo train while I am awake and I make it a
point to go to my bedroom and wave at the train. It is -Great to see the SMART
transportation system coming to our county. I am going to traveling in that when
it starts the service.
While I am super excited about the train, there are times that I am not,
particularly when I am at sleep. The hooting of the train startles me aware crying
and I become cranky the whole day after that. My mom really works hard to
make me sleep. Sometime she holds me for an hour to make me sleep and in
next 5 minutes the train wakes me up. There are other buddies of mine in the
community who also have the same issue. Their Gradma's are having tough
time to cope up with this situation as well as I understand from my Mom. I am
sure you realize how important sleep is to the baby during the development
stage.
The two level crossing gates are very close to my house, one is just at our
backyard.
I believe my father talked to the city and they were asking him to write a letter to
you, Since he is traveling quite a bit, I decided to do it on my own. My request to
you would be to please not hoot and make it a quiet zone. There are safety
gates at those junction which should act as a reason for making it quiet zone.
t 4 29-
Would you be kind enough to do this change for me please. If there is anything
that my parents need to do in this regard, I will ensure that it is done.
If you wish to say Hi to me and play with me, you are more than welcome to visit
our place. My parents, my brother and myself would love to meet and host you
all. Attaching my picture here so you may see how cute I am !!! My father says -
just like him O
With loads of love .... Aadhhav
Since I can't sign, I will have my father sign this letter. See you soon.
Yours truly,
Mageshk mar Venkatesan
Father of Aadhhav Krishna
30
�9-Q�'?,
Crump, Katie
rom: Crump, Katie
Sent: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 4:57 PM
To: 'siobhan duff'
Subject: RE: noise pollution from SMART train
Dear Siobhan,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding railroad quiet zones. We do appreciate that train noise can be impactful and a
nuisance. In order to establish a quiet zone, the City must apply for one with the Federal Rail Administration as well as
work with the California Public Utilities Commission and local rail operators, and the application must receive the
approval of all of the regulatory agencies as well as rail operators. This matter has not been formally considered by the
Petaluma City Council but the subject of quiet zones has been informally discussed on at least two occasions during City
Council meetings. Concerns shared with the City Council included that when a City establishes a Quiet zone, it may be
assuming full responsibility for any liability arising from a train - vehicle /pedestrian accident that may occur within the
quiet zone. This is a risk that is very daunting for a self- insured agency like Petaluma, which must pay up to the first $1/2
million in costs from claims and /or awards. SMART itself has cautioned against quiet zones for this reason. Moreover, a
quiet zone does not guarantee the train horn will not be sounded. The train engineer may sound the horn at any time,
at their own discretion, if they believe safety dictates.
While this matter is not scheduled to return to City Council, if it does, City staff, Engineering, Emergency personnel, and
Administrative have recommended against installing a quiet zone because of the foregoing concerns.
/hile a limited amount of train traffic will carry freight, SMART trains will not run around the clock. The attached link
will take you to their schedule. Hopefully, this set of operating hours will not unduly disrupt the quiet in your
neighborhood during the day, and should not be a problem during the later evening hours.
http: / /www2 .sonomamarintrain.org /userfiles /file /TIMETABLE CONCEPTS 4 -6 -16 1.pdf
If you have further questions regarding SMART's schedule or operations, their number is 888 - 412 -3330.
Sincerely,
Katie Crump, Executive Assistant to the City Manager City of Petaluma 111 English Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 Tel. (707)
778 -4347 1 Fax (707) 778 -4419 1 kcrump @ci.petaluma.ca.us
Website: www.citVofpetaluma.net
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: siobhan duff [ mailto:siobhanduff @comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2016 2:29 PM
To: citymgr
Subject: noise pollution from SMART train
Hi my name is Siobhan Duff.
31
I am a southwest Petaluma resident for over 13 years. I spoke with Matt Stevens 707 - 794 -3074, at the SMART train
office to complain about the excessive horn from the train. Per Matt, only the city manager can apply to the FRA for a
quiet zone.
Per Matt, San Rafael has already done so and seemed to think that Novato may apply for quiet zone as well. The train
has to sound its horn (2 long, 1 short, 2 long) five times'within in 30 seconds of approaching railroad crossing. For the
span of approximately one mile there are five intersections, not including the green bridge, in which the incoming train
horn will sound. That is 25 train horn honks over the span of a couple of minutes!!!! Those intersections within my
proximity are Caulfield, D Street, Lakeville, Washington, and Payran.
Further compounding the noise is the fact that the train will be coming through every 30 minutes from 5 AM until 9 AM
during commuter hours and then per usual outside commuter hours. So that is at least 25 honks every 30 minutes from
early in the morning until 9 AM at least Monday - Friday, and then hourly. That is going to generate a lot of noise
pollution and greatly impact peace, quiet, sleep, etc.
Per Matt, the city only has to apply for a quiet zone which would restrict the engineers from using the horn unless there
was a problem and it became necessary to do so. V
If you haven't received any noise pollution complaints yet from residents I am quite certain that will change once the
SMART train is up and running. There are a ton of residents that will be impacted by the noise and the valley we live in
only amplifies it. I am a huge proponent for public transit and supported the-SMART train. However, the noise will be
unbearable.
Please let me know if you have considered a quiet zone application and if not if you will.
Respectfully,
iobhan Duff
707 - 318 -9604
1181 Brighton View Circle
Petaluma, CA 94952
32
Crump, Katie
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Jennifer Boss [mailto:ieboss(@s6cploba1.net]
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2016 1:03 PM
To: citymgr
Subject: SMART Quiet Zones
Hello, I am writing to inquire whether Petaluma has pursued Quiet Zones for SMART train? If not, how can we get this
started, so that we don't have too much of this noise throughout the City when the train begins its regular schedule? I
found information that San Rafael and Novato began pursuing quiet zones as early as 2012, so hopefully Petaluma did as
-veil. I live in McNear Landing, and the horns during the testing period are quite loud. I can't imagine how disturbing it
. ✓ill be at regular intervals, and to those closer to the intersections than I am.
Thank you,
Jennifer Boss
33
Crump, Katie
From: David Kratzmann [mailto:dkratzmannC@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, July 22, 2016 10:45 AM
To: publicworks
Cc: citymgr
Subject: Parking and traffic assessment - corner Wilson and Madison
i o whom this may concern,
My name is David Kratzmann, resident at 123 Wilson Street in Petaluma. I am following
up on a previous email (Dec 2015) and telephone conversation (Jan 2016) regarding a
request for a parking and traffic assessments at the corner of Madison and Wilson
streets in Petaluma.
I have previously submitted the traffic count request form and have spoken with several
people on the telephone regarding both the traffic count and an assessment of the red
no- parking zones on the Wilson- Madison intersection. Most unfortunately I do not recall
w-ho_I spoke with on either topic but was advised at the time (the wet season) that the
traffic count would be carried out in drier conditions. I have received no further
communication /information regarding either topic.
With 50+ vehicles. - mostly SUVs and pickup trucks - parking daily along the
intersection, making a turn onto Madison (from Wilson) is very difficult (I have
personally experienced 4 or 5 near- misses this year alone.) The red no- parking zones
need to be reassessed (for extension) to improve visibility at the intersection before a
crash occurs. I have attached a photo of this mornings parking efforts along Wilson
street to highlight the need for extended red zones along Wilson and Madison. I am
-pore than happy to meet with city employees onsite to discuss the problem.
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards,
David Kratzmann.
dkratzmann @qmail.com
Zell number is 401- 275 -3659
34
Crump, Katie
From:
Cooper, Claire
Sent:
Friday, August 12, 2016 2:34 PM
To:
Brown, John; St. John, Dan
Cc:
Crump, Katie
Subject:
FW: Quiet Zones
Claire Cooper, CMC
City Clerk
City of Petaluma, California
11 English Street
Petaluma, CA 94952
Phone: 707,778.4360
FAX: 707.778.4554
Email: cityclerk@ci.petaluma.ca.us
Web: cityofpetaluma.net
Hours: Monday — Thursday, 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Closed Fridays
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."
— Martin Luther Ding, Jr.
City of Petaluma records, including emails, are subject to the California Public Records Act. Unless exemptions apply, this email, any
attachments and any replies are subject to disclosure on request, and neither the sender nor any recipients should have any
expectation of privacy regarding the contents of such communications.
From: gretchen0250@att.net [mailto:gretchen0250('Oatt.net]
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2016 1:20 PM
To: - City Clerk
Subject: Quiet Zones
I can see the N. McDowell railroad crossing from my bedroom window. When trains cross, the traffic
arms are down; lights swinging and flashing, and bells are ringing. We DO NOT NEED the train horn
on top of that, especially at 5:20 in the morning!
Gretchen McEvoy
Wood Sorrel Drive
35
Crump, Katie
rom: Dave Robertson <newlab @comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, August 19, 2016 2:18 PM
To: Crump, Katie
Cc: kpetersonnau @aol.com; 'Betsy'
Subject: RE: Petaluma Train Horns
Attachments: IMG_1228 jpg
Importance: High
Katie,
Thank you for getting back to me about the quiet zones. Hopefully the City Council and your boss
are aware of the impact these horns will have on the quality of life here in Petaluma for all of us
living within earshot of them. My wife Betsy and I moved here in 1987 and yes we did have the
occasional freight trains mid - morning going north and returning late afternoon a couple time a week,
very tolerable. Then we had 10+ years of silence and we grew very accustomed to that too. We
both voted for the train because early on Smart Train's website had PDF's listing the three grade
crossing quiet zones in Petaluma that will affect us and were under the impression that they would
indeed be quiet zones. Now looking at the preliminary train schedule of 30 trips per weekday times
the 3 crossing we can hear times 4 blasts per crossing we are looking at 360 horn blasts between
5:30 am and 8 pm. Not our idea of a nice relaxing retirement. Betsy and I are in a couples club with
.aren and the train horns where a subject of a long discussion at our group's last meeting so we are
not alone in our quality of life and decreased property value thoughts on this issue.
This summer we were in Vancouver WA visiting our nephew and his wife who live by the Columbia
river and a freight train right of way. I asked them why I never heard any train horns and I was told
the city instituted the quiet zones to give their citizens some relief and a better quality of life. I asked
her to send me down a picture of the grade crossing by their home which I have attached. As you
can see they have the same safety crossover medians that were already installed by SMART on our
grade crossings. After reading the FAR requirements link you sent over, after Petaluma's paperwork
is filed and approved the city would only have to add the "No Train Horn" signage, am I correct in
that assumption ?
So in closing, what can we do as citizens of this fine city we love so much to help you make the quiet
zones happen ? I see the people in Marin that voted this train down have already secured Federal
funding to make the quiet zones happen in their city. Should we call and petition our Congressional
representatives to get the city some extra funding so these quiet zones can happen ?
Best Regards,
Dave
David G. Robertson
From: Crump, Katie [ mailto :KCRUMP @ci.petaluma.ca.us]
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2016 7:47 AM
To: newlab @comcast.net
36
Cc: kpetersonnau @aol.com
Subject: FW: Petaluma Train Horns
-)ear Mr. Robertson,
Thanks for your email and the concerns stated.
The City Council will receive a presentation at a Council workshop on October 3rd on Quiet Zones. The workshop is 6 -7
PM at the City Council Chambers at City Hall. If the Council chooses to move forward with the application process, they
will either give direction to staff or formally agendize that action at a following meeting. Please keep in mind, however,
that even if quiet zones are established, from what we've learned, the train engineer is under no obligation to observe
that quiet zone if he /she feels there is a safety concern and a need to sound the horn.
I'd suggest going to the City's website, www.cityofpetaluma.net, and on the home page, click on the little envelope at
the bottom of the page that says "join our email list" and sign up for City Council agendas. That way, you'll know be able
to receive notification of the agenda, and you are welcome to attend the meeting.
thanks,
Katie Crump, Executive Assistant to the City Manager
City of Petaluma 1 11 English Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
Tel. (707) 778 -4347 1 Fax (707) 778 -4419 1 kcrump ci.petaluma.ca.us
Website: www.cityofpetaluma.net
prom: Karen Nau [mailto:kpetersonnau @aol.com]
aent: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 1:14 PM
To: Crump, Katie
Cc: Brown, John
Subject: Fwd: Petaluma Train Horns
I didn't know how to answer this question.
Thanks,
Karen
Karen Nau
707 -529 -2487
Begin forwarded message:
From: Dave Robertson <newlab a,comcast.net>
Date: August 16, 2016 at 12:52:09 PM PDT
To: lkpetersonnau@aol.com
Subject: Petaluma Train Horns
Karen,
I know your always up on what's going on at city hall. I'm already tired of the danul train horns
and they haven't even started running yet. I was under the mistaken idea that the horns would
stop in Petaluma once the Smart Train was in full operation because on their website early on
they had a PDF with quiet zones.
37
Now Smart Train is telling me the city of Petaluma has to apply to and get approval from the
b'ed's for a quiet zone.
So do you know if Petaluma has any plans to make this happen ?
Thanks,
Dave
David G Robertson
Mobile
City of Petaluma records, including emails, are subject to the California Public Records Act. Unless exemptions
apply, this email, any attaclunents and any replies are subject to disclosure on request, and neither the sender
nor any recipients should have any expectation of privacy regarding the contents of such communications.
38
Crump, Katie
From: Crump, Katie
Sent: Monday, August 22, 2016 8:54 AM
To: 'Tytanium @comcast.net'
Subject: RE: Smart Train Quiet Zones
Dear Mr. Steeves,
Thank you for your email, which will be provided to the City Council.
Voters in both Marin and Sonoma Counties voted for the SMART train. It was not a decision made by individual councils
in each city.
The Petaluma City Council will be hosting a workshop on October 3, scheduled for 6 -7 PM, for discussion on the issue of
quiet zones. You are welcome to attend the meeting at City Hall or may also watch the meeting live on PCA's channel
28. If you would like to receive notification of upcoming Council agendas, for the workshop or subsequent meetings,
please visit the City's website at www.citvofpetaluma.net. On the home page, click on the little envelope at the bottom
of the page that says "join our email list ". You can choose to receive agenda notifications for Council meetings as well as
other commission or committee meetings.
Thank you for your comments.
Katie Crump, Executive Assistant to the City Manager City of Petaluma 111 English Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 Tel. (707)
778 -4347 1 Fax (707) 778 -4419 1 kcrump @ci.petaluma.ca.us
,,Vebsite: www.citvofpetaluma.net
--Original Message---- -
From: Tyson Steeves [mailto:Tytanium @comcast.net]
Sent: Sunday, August 21, 2016 9:56 PM
To: - City Clerk
Subject: Smart Train Quiet Zones
Dear City Council,
My name is Tyson Steeves. I am an elementary teacher in Petaluma, and live in the new Yarberry Lane development very
near the Smart Train North McDowel crossing. I am very interested in helping Petaluma move in the right direction
towards establishing Quiet Zones at each of the Smart Train rail crossings. The frequency and volume of the horns used
by the trains have been intolerable. They have significantly effected our quality of life. We were told by our realtor that
the train was going to start running soon after the purchase of our house, but I don't think anyone was prepared with
information regarding the frequent blaring of the horn all throughout the day and evening.
If a neighbor was playing music at that volume level, the police would be contacted, and the resident would be forced to
turn it off. Why should the much - louder noise from the train's horns be allowed to frequently disturb the peace that
taxpayers and homeowners deserve? IL infuriates me Lhat officials brush off complains and try to make residents feel
better by justifying that we "will get used to it."
understand that the Smart rail was voted for by Sonoma County residents, but how many were informed about the
serious environmental impact it would have to so many residents? Did the city council consider that there are several
drools nearby the track crossings as well. Hundreds of students will be affected during school hours because of the
iumerous distractions caused by the horns. It is a shame that so many voters were misled, and now it seems that
39
thousands in Petaluma will suffer because city officials believe they can defuse the problem by telling it's residents to
"get used to it."
Sincerely,
Tyson Steeves
40
Crump, Katie
From: bob ulmer [mailto:grhu►mer @gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2016 11:54 AM
To: Crump, Katie
Subject: SMART train information
Hi Katie,
Nice speaking with you last week. As promised, I've included some informative web links and attached some
documents. I have also made a few notes in red within the emails below my signature.
Frankly, I am completely baffled as to why city officials have not formally discussed quiet zones, formed a committee to
study the matter and solicited public comment. It is a disservice to the community for them not to act on a subject that
will adversely affect thousands of citizens. In my opinion, they have failed in their civic duty to serve the needs of their
community.
The major sticking point seems to be liability. I sure Novato and San Rafael faced the same issue. Why don't they simply
contact their counterparts in San Rafael and Novato, since both cities have already taken all the necessary steps and
submitted paperwork to all the appropriate agencies to get approval for quiet zones? (see attached document "Smart
Train S. Rafael Novato.docx "). Wouldn't it be better to be proactive now rather than be forced to deal with the reactions
of angry residents once the train horns blows 30 times per day at a sound level equivalent to a jack harnmer at 50 feet?
Okay, here are'the web sites:
If SMART is opposed to quiet zones, why did they publish 14 pages explaining how to do it?
http:/ /main sonomamarintrain org /wp- content /uploads /2013/08/8 -2012 QuietZones.pdf
San Rafael began taking steps at the end of 2014. What has Petaluma been doing?
http: //www marinij com/ article /NO/20141201/NEWS/141209979
San Rafael quiet zone process discussion and sign off document
http: //does cityofsanrafael.org /CityMgr/ SMART /QuietZoneReportl2012014.pdf
Mentions liability and insurance, among other things.
http://www.marinii.com/article/ZZ/20141129/NEWS/"141125434
Proposed timetable — no one will be sleeping in if they live near the tracks
http://www2.sonomamarintrain.org/userfiles/""file/TIMETABLE CONCEPTS 4 -6 -16 1.pdf
Crossings are quiet zone ready
http:/ /www pressdemocrat com /news/ 2308430 - 181 / smart - looks -to -put- train ?ref = related
I hope this information is useful. Please feel free to share my email with the appropriate parties.
Best regards,
C%Zobett (gE. W/nei
208 Petaluma Way
Petaluma, CA 94954
(415) 320 -9317
41
Crump, Katie
-rom:
Crump, Katie
Sent:
Tuesday, August 30, 2016 11:16 AM
To:
'Kim McCallister'
Subject:
RE: The Train
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your email.
The City Council will be holding a workshop on Monday, Oct. 3rd at 6 PM to hear presentations on Quiet Zones, in
response to the complaints we've received regarding the train noise (sounding the horn). Representatives from the rail
authority, and hopefully SMART and the PUC, will be in attendance, to explain what the quiet zones are, who assumes
liability, what is needed to protect crossings, etc. If the Council chooses to move forward with establishment of quiet
zones, there is an application process to begin and approvals to obtain from the PUC and the rail authority. If you would
like to attend, the meeting will be at City Hall, 11 English Street. Or you can watch it on PCA channel 28.
Thanks,
Katie Crump
Executive Assistant
City Manager's Office
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Kim McCallister [ mailto :kim.mccallister5 @gmail.comj
Sent: Monday, August 29, 2016 7:04 PM
To: citymgr
Subject: The Train
The train horn blowing is unbelievable. It go's on and on, over and over, late at night, early in the morning. lust now at
7pm it blew six times and then one long one over the top blow. I'm going to have to put this information in my
disclosure when I sell my house!! I
I love Petaluma but this is a detriment to the town.
Please STOP the Constant noise
Everyone complains about this train
Oh itjust blew again Uhggggggg
Thank You for your attention
Kim McCallister
718 Riesling Ct
Sent from my Whone
42
Crump, Katie
inm: Cooper, Claire
Sent: Tuesday, September O62068:48AM
To: [mmA Katie; Duiven,Scott
Subject: FW: Quiet Zone for the SMART train
From: Sandra Baron
Bent: Sunday September 04, 2016 3:44 PM �
To: City Clerk; Sandra Baron
Subject: Quiet Zone for the SMART train
Please establish the QUIET ZONE for the train at all eight crossings in Petaluma,
My house is near the crossing and it is disturbingly LOUD,
Best regards,
Sandra Baron
City o[Petaluma records, including emails, are subject Lo the California Public Records Act. Oulexo exemptions
apply, this email, any attaclu-nents and any replies are subject tn disclosure uu request, and neither the sender
'
]or any recipients xbonldbovouuyeg?ecta1imoot privacy rogurdiugUheuon1nn1uofouobooznun/oinadoou.
43
Crump, Katie
from:. Cooper, Claire
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2016 8:47 AM
To: Crump, Katie; Duiven, Scott
Subject: FW: Smart train
From: Christine Skarda [ mailto :2christineskarda @gmaii.com]
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 2:20 PM
To: - City Clerk
Subject: Smart train
1151
I am sitting in my living room and the walls are vibrating from activity on the tracks this afternoon. As if the
noise of the train horns wasn't bad enough!
I read in the paper that citizens are supposed to try to get accustomed to this and that the horns aren't louder than
a chain saw (doubtfiil unless it was meant that the chainsaw is in your room and not on the tracks a block
away!) but I have to say it isn't getting easier. I can't even hear my radio for the train horns and it is very
disturbing early and late at night. I work at home online and I can't be heard by my students while the trains
pass blowing horns on the Madison Street crossing and then a minute later on the E. Washington
crossings. Also I can't record my lectures because the recordings are punctuated by noise that blocks out my
voice.
I support public transport but require less disturbance in my home. I read that trains can be asked not to use
;orns at crossings with barriers. I would like Petaluma city to request this courtesy for citizens like me who live
close to these tracks. If I have to put up with this 32 times a day my home is going to seem more like a torture
chamber and I may not be able to earn a living.
Please take action on our behalf to limit unnecessary noise pollution.
Dr Christine Skarda
154 Wilson Street
Petaluma
City of Petaluma records, including emails, are subject to the California Public Records Act. Unless exemptions
apply, this email, any attachments and any replies are subject to disclosure on request, and neither the sender
nor any recipients should have any expectation of privacy regarding the contents of such communications.
44
I�
l C'
Crump, Katie
;rom: Cooper, Claire
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2016 8:47 AM
To: Crump, Katie; Duiven, Scott
Subject: FW: QUIET ZONES
From: williamfeeley(Ocomcast.net [ma i Ito: will iamfeeley comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2016 7:03 PM
To: - City Clerk
Subject: QUIET ZONES
I am a resident of Petaluma, ( 709 Madison St.) and I would ask you to inform the members
of the city council that I would like them to establish QUIET ZONES for all eight rail crossings
in Petaluma. I find the smart train horn to be a significant environmental and health issue, and
find the early morning wakeups to be quite annoying. I am especially troubled by the horn as
the train approaches the Madison/Lakeville crossing over the river as I live quite close to the
crossing. Please take the time to inform the council members of my request and I hope you had
a very nice holiday!
}
Thank you for your time, William. Feeley
City of Petaluma records, including emails, are subject to the California Public Records Act. Unless exemptions
apply, this email, any attaclunents and any replies are subject to disclosure on request, and neither'the sender
nor any recipients should have any expectation of privacy regarding the contents of such communications.
45
Crump, Katie
From: Diane Pimentel [mailto:dpimentel@earthlink.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 9:11 AM
To: Pascoe, Samantha
Cc: grhulmer(a)gmail.com; Rhonda Hobbs; Grenfell, Gail; kathleenkneeland0comcast.net; petalumaestates@)att.net
Subject: FW: SMART train information and City Council contact information
Dear Ms. Pascoe,
I am the president of the Petaluma Estates Homeowners Association, so Bob Ulmer forwarded the e -mail (below) which
he received from you regarding his concerns about the noise of the train. I appreciate your detailed response, and can
certainly understand the concerns of the City Council. I live on the west side of the park, and do not find train noise to
be disruptive, however those who live near the tracks can't help but be disrupted, especially in the early morning
hours, and they have grave concerns.
This is a 55+ community but that doesn't mean we are deaf! The Southbound train passing in route to the Petaluma
stop IS DISRUPTIVE, especially during the early morning hours (5:25 a.m., 5:55 a.m., 6:25 a.m., and 6:55 a.m., etc.) I
understand the concern of liability, however the traffic is not as busy in the early morning hours as it is later in the
day. Would the City Council considered a Quite Zone, specifically for the early morning hours?
We look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Diane Pimentel, President
Petaluma Estates Homeowners Association
94 W. Napa Drive
Petaluma, CA 94954
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