Res 13-14 RESOLUTION NO. 13-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING FEDERAL FUNDING IN
THE FORM OF A TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS GENERATING
ECONOMIC RECOVERY (TIGER) GRANT FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS
TO QUIET ZONES AT THE MUNICTPAL RAILROAD CROSSINGS
LOCATED WITHIN THE FEC RAIL CORRIDOR TO PROVIDE A SAFE
AREA WHERE TRAIN HORNS ARE NOT ROUTINELY SOUNDED;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the FEC tail corridors is a linear rail corridor connecting historic mixed-use downtowns along
Florida's east coast;and
WHEREAS,rail/roadway grade crossings occur throughout the historic downtowns along Florida's east coast;
WHEREAS,railroads are vital for commerce,but they can also create high noise levels from passing train horns;
and
WHEREAS, the expansion of intermodal facilities such as Port Miami., Port Everglades and the Port of Palen
Beach will enhance the ability to increase and process freight, expanding economic acttvity in South Florida;and
WHEREAS, these freight improvements are projected to increase the intensity of freight trains traversing the
FEC corridor,both in nuinbef and size;and
WHEREAS, the installation of additional safety infrastructure and multi--modal connectivity at grade crossings
will reduce neighborhood impacts ftom freight and improve the economic vitality of historic mixed-use downtowns;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COAUIIISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY
BEACH,FLORIDA,AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The City Coliv- fission of the City of Delray Beach hereby formally supports Palm Beach
Metropolitan Planning Organization's efforts to secure Federal funding in the fojm of a Transportation
Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for quiet zone ixraproveinents to provide a safe
area where train horns are not routinely sounded.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this V day of April, 2014.
ATTEST:
`J
City Clerk
All Aboard Florida Update
DATE: March 11, 2014
SUBJECT: Status update for All Aboard Florida ("AAF")
This update is intended to give a status of various aspects of the All Aboard Florida's intercity
passenger rail project ("Project") including committee status, TIGER grant meeting and
diagnostic review summary.
The diagnostic field reviews were held in Palm Beach County (PBC) from February 21st to the
27th. Various local representatives were present off and on throughout the review as well as
representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Florida Department of
Transportation (FDOT) and All Aboard Florida (AAF). Below is a brief summary of the
diagnostic field review:
1. Tom Drake with the FRA is responsible for review of Quiet Zones. He informed me that
he had heard that PBC was hoping for a county wide Quiet Zone. He believes this is a
good approach and has indicated that he is willing to help us in working on our options.
He has stated that he wants one person as a point of contact and does not intend on
conversing individually with each community.
2. Tom Drake also brought up the consideration that as a part of the FONSI for Miami to
West Palm Beach, AAF is committed to instituting the use of stationary wayside horns at
the grade crossings where severe, unmitigated impacts are identified. I am checking on
where these locations actually exist within our county.
3. When confronted, AAF stated that they are only paying for the "safety improvement"
costs. They would not commit to paying for underground utilities and drainage impacted
from the addition of their tracks. Statements regarding this are included in the draft
agreement we are preparing.
4. There are numerous locations where it has been identified to revise their plans to include
co-habitation of traffic signals with the railroad warning lights due to the close proximity
of Old Dixie Highway. These locations were not identified on the 30% plans. AAF will
revise their plans so as to identify these locations after which time I will set up meeting
between AAF and PBC Traffic Division to discuss the details.
5. The representative from the FRA out of Washington DC, Frank Frey, was not
comfortable with AAF proposed design for crossings north of 36th Street in West Palm
Beach where the speeds of the train increase to potentially 110 mph. Mr. Frey felt that
the crossings needed to include medians or quad gates in order to comply with current
FRA federal standards. Changes will be made to the plans to reflect his comments. Mr.
Frey's office will review and must approve the proposed improvements to the rail system.
6. Originally AAF planned on moving their plans straight from 30% to 90% but based on
changes required by the FRA Washington DC representative they are going to do an
interim 65% set of plans showing his changes and the changes from the field diagnostics.
7. AAF's consultant, URS, requested CAD files of the proposed improvements at Toney
Penna crossing. It was their belief that some minor modifications would make it such
that none of what we would put in would be wasted. Files have been sent to URS and I
have requested they keep me informed on any proposed changes and what those changes
would do to the current construction cost estimate.
8. A complete set of 30% plans, rail safety improvement plans and civil plans, for all
crossings within PBC were provided to me. AAF has stated that they will get me an
electronic version as well.
There are two committees in existence for PBC to coordinate efforts regarding AAF; the
Technical Committee (TC) and the Legal Committee (LC). The TC is trying to coordinate and
standardize various technical aspects of the AAF project including crossing impacts due to the
additional rail and issues related to Quiet Zones. The LC is developing a standard framework for
agreements with the FECR and AAF to address responsibilities for funds, design and
construction.
Marlene Everett and I have been working on a boilerplate agreement for the LC. A draft was
given to the members of the LC committee. We have reviewed and incorporated their comments.
We will be customizing the agreement and sending it for internal review in the next couple of
weeks.
The LC has had discussions via telephone with attorneys for AAF and Florida East Coast
Railway (FECR) on February 6, 2014 to clarify various issues involving the Project and to
discuss revisions to the proposed agreement sent out by AAF on December 26, 2013.
Below is a brief summary of some of the questions asked of AAF/FECR attorneys and their
responses:
1.) What other jurisdictions have entered into these agreements or similar agreements?
Response: AAF/FECR have made modifications to other agreements. They are
providing a list of jurisdictions that have reached agreements. As yet, none of the
agreements have been approved by the respective local governing bodies.
2.) Are all of the following included in the initial development costs: tracks, crossing surface
(crossing pad), warning devices (fixed signs, flashing lights, bells, gates, etc.), traffic
signal devices, railroad signalization equipment, lighting, drainage improvements,
paving, curbs, medians, sidewalks, pedestrian controls?
Response: AAF/FECR will pay for all costs associated with the installation of the
second track and any signalization equipment that will be required in excess of
what currently exists. At the time that they are installing the new track they will
look to see if the current track needs replacement if so, they will also replace it at
the same time, however, the municipality will be billed for that replacement cost.
3.) Will the existing track be replaced so that when it comes time to refurbish the crossings,
both tracks will be done at the same time?
Response: No. Existing tracks at crossings will not be upgraded, replaced or
repaired unless it is determined that it currently needs replaced. Any repairs to
existing crossings will not be paid by AAF/FECR and will be the obligation of the
Municipality as provided in the existing agreements. Drainage may be impacted
but will be addressed upon installation; however, they also stated that there are no
plans to change the elevation.
At the diagnostic field meetings AAF was reticent to agree that they will be paying
for underground structures including existing drainage and utilities.
4.) The LC asked about the procedure for the planned initial development costs and the plans
to see if plans for each crossing could be added to the agreement.
Response: No. However, plans are not expected to be completed prior to the
signing of the agreements. AAF/FECR agreed to provide the cities with future
cost estimates for any future crossing replacements (unrelated to the Project)
earlier in the year for budgeting purposes.
5.) Do the initial development costs include improvements outside of the ROW?
Response: AAF/FECR do not anticipate many elevation changes or other impacts
to drainage. If they do, they will provide such information and perform and pay
for work outside the ROW as required.
6.) Will addition of a high speed rail require additional maintenance fees?
Response: AAF/FECR anticipate an increase of$400-$800 per crossing. Further,
AAF/FECR assert that there is no real increase in the wear and tear on crossings
from increase in number of trains and increase in the speed (although inspections
will increase to daily inspections) and will not require the replacement of the
crossings on a more frequent basis which is currently approximately every 10
years.
7.) Who will own and maintain the tracks once the new tracks are installed by AAF?
Response: The new tracks will be owned by AAF. AAF has a joint use agreement
with FECR where FECR will be responsible for repair and maintenance under
their agreement which will fall back onto our current agreements.
8.) Can you construct the crossings now to accommodate quiet zone protection, or make
them more conducive to add quiet zone protection at a later date, if the city wants to
install it at a later date, if so, will that be an increase in cost and do you have an estimate?
Response: FECR stated that Quiet Zone improvements can be done at the same
time so that it will be cheaper and with less disruption. Any supplemental safety
measures will not be paid for by FECR/AAF, however, they will coordinate and
cooperate with us.
A meeting was held March 10, 2014 between the Broward County MPO, Palm Beach County
MPO, and representatives of various Municipalities within Palm Beach and Broward counties to
discuss the preparation of a TIGER Grant application.
The following was discussed:
1. TIGER Grant application is due April 28, 2014.
2. Application is for the capital improvements required in addition to the AAF project to
establish Quiet Zones and will encompass all of Palm Beach County and Broward
County.
3. A consultant with experience with TIGER Grants and working with Broward County has
been hired by the two MPO's to prepare and submit the grant application.
4. Nick Uhren has estimated that it would take $17.9 million for PBC and $11.6 million for
Broward to upgrade all of the crossings to quad gates, totaling $29.5 million. This is to
enhance the crossings from what the initial plans from AAF are not to upgrade the
crossings to Quiet Zones from their current configuration. The MPO's plan on
contributing $8.9 million. The grant request would be for $20.6 million.
5. AAF confirmed that they will support the TIGER Grant application. They also
indicated that they were not opposed to the grant including their costs for the system and
listing their costs as a portion of the "match" amount provided by private funding for the
grant application.
6. AAF confirmed that they will be stating construction sometime this year.
7. Grant needs to have unique elements and include improvements to transportation choices,
service and access. The MPO's have asked that each community look at their
crossings and see if there are currently any plans for new sidewalks or multi-use
pathways. Also if there are any locations that MAY be a desired location should the
funding become available. This information is to be provided to the MPO.
8. Letters of support and Resolutions are an essential part of the application and need
to be completed by April 12. Letters are needed from local governments, schools,
organizations, communities, etc. Sample letters and resolutions will be distributed by
Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, League of Cities and the MPO's. Kim
Delaney will serve as point of contact for Letters of Support.
9. Kim is going to contact Fred Wise to see if FDOT can give any of the $11 million they
have for rail safety each as part of the match.
10. Determination of who exactly will be the applicant and would therefore receive the funds
should the grant be accepted. Initial speculation is to have the official applicant be
FDOT.
Prepared by: Kristine Frazell-Smith, P.E.
Coversheet Page 1 of 1
MEMORANDUM
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TO: Mayor and City Commissioners
FROM: Randal L. Krejcarek, P.E., LEED AP, LISP
THROUGH: Louie Chapman, City Manager
DATE: March 21, 2014
SUBJECT: AGENDA ITEM 8.L-REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING OF APRIL 1,2014
RESOLUTION NO. 13-14
BACKGROUND
The Palm Beach and Broward MPO's are planning to file a joint Transportation Investment Generating
Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grant with the US Department of Transportation for funding to
implement secondary safety measures (SSM's) at all FEC at grade crossings within Palm Beach and
Broward Counties. SSM's are a requirement for the establishment of quiet zones along this corridor. If
this grant is not received, and the municipalities still request quiet zones, the cost of implementing the
required SSM's will fall on the individual municipalities. Delray Beach has 12 FEC crossings, eleven
of which are on city maintained streets. Linton Boulevard is a County maintained street. Preliminary
estimates to implement the required SSM's to create a quiet zone throughout Delray Beach are between
$3,000,000 and $3,500,000.
Attached is the resolution, letter of support to the Secretary of Transportation, minutes for the TIGER
Grant application kickoff meeting and a memo providing an AAF status update.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 13-14.
http://itwebapp/AgendaIntranet/Bluesheet.aspx?ItemID=7742&MeetingID=500 7/2/2014
01 April 2014
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C. 20590
Dear Secretary Foxx:
The City of Delray Beach enthusiastically supports the installation of additional safety
equipment to allow for quiet zones to be established along the Florida East Coast (FEC)
railroad corridor.
Railroads are vital for commerce, but they can also create high noise levels from
passing train horns. The expansion of intermodal facilities such as Port Miami, Port
Everglades and the Port of Palm Beach will enhance economic activity in South Florida.
It will also increase the number of trains traversing the FEC corridor.
A quiet zone will provide a safe area where train horns are not routinely sounded. The
decreasing noise level for nearby residents, schools and businesses will improve quality
of life while accommodating greater trade with domestic and international partners. We
are in strong support of the application from Southeast Florida regarding the use of
Federal dollars through the Transportation Investments Generating Economic Recovery
(TIGER) program for this purpose.
Thank you for your consideration of this project.
Sincerely,
Cary Glickstein
Mayor
City of Delray Beach
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MEETING MINUTES
Meeting Date: March l 01h, 2014
Meeting Time: 8:45 am (planned); 9:05 am (actual)
Location: 6500 Congress Avenue, Boca Raton, FL
Attendees: See attached (Sign In-Kickoff-TIGERApplication-2074037O.pdf)
Preparation Date: March 10th, 2014 (initial draft, Nick Uhren)
Approval Date: March 171h, 2014 (Nick Uhren and James Cromar)
Prepared By: Todd A. Brauer
Re: Project Kickoff Meeting - TIGER Grant Application - Quite Zone
The following items are believed to have been discussed at the above dated meeting. Please request adjustments to these
meeting minutes within two weeks from receipt, otherwise it will be filed as official documentation for this project.
1. Nick Uhren provided a brief overview of All Aboard Florida and the current status of efforts
being conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Palm Beach MPO and
Broward MPO to analysis potential quite zones along the Florida East Coast (FEC) corridor
within Palm Beach and Broward counties.
2. Todd Brauer provided a brief overview of the TIGER Grant application process:
• Deadline for application is April 28th, 2014
• Selection includes five (5) primary criteria:
• Improves existing transportation system
• Improve efficiency and reliability of goods and worker movement
• Increase transportation choices, service and access
• Improve energy efficiency/environmental benefit
• Improve safety
• Awarded funds must be obligated by September 30th, 2016
3. Attendees agreed to the following letters of support and/or resolutions protocols:
• All letters of support and/or resolutions will be coordinated through James Cromar
(Broward MPO for partners within Broward County) and Kim Delaney (Treasure Coast
Regional Planning Council for partners within Palm Beach County).
• Ms. Delaney agreed that to work through the League of Cities to ensure all communities
within Palm Beach County are engaged.
• Mr. Cromar and Ms. Delaney agreed that potential project supporters should include County
commissions, municipalities, schools/school districts, hospitals, chambers of commerce,
economic development agencies, etc.
• All letters of support and/or resolutions will be submitted by all potential project supporters
to Mr. Cromar and Ms. Delaney by April 10, 2014.
• Mr. Cromar and Ms. Delaney agreed to distribute draft support letter resolution and
language as soon as possible (projected March 13th, 2014 by 5:00 pm)
100 West Cypress Creek Road„Suite 930* Fort Lauderdale,Florida 33309 - (954)482-8409 - fax(866)846-5875 -uwwvtitiSianalytics.com
Project Kickoff-TIGER Grant Application
March 1011, 2014
• Letters of support and/or resolutions should include a commitment to fund additional
O&M costs associated with TIGER funded infrastructure, pursuant to terms of existing
local agreements with FEC.
• Potential project supporters should be encouraged to adjust their letters of support
and/or resolutions to include how the project will directly benefit their members.
4. Attendees agreed to the following project narrative concepts:
• The project will include safety enhancements on FEC corridor; improve access for non-
motorized users across FEC tracks and mitigate impacts of additional trains on corridor
communities to improve regional livability.
• Focus on "Ladders of Opportunity" concept, show enhanced transportation safety and
access benefits to key demographic areas along FEC corridor
5. Attendees agreed that the following preliminary financial request should be considered:
Palm Beach Broward Total
Total Cost $17.9M $11-75M $29.65M
MPO funds $6.6M $2.OM $8.9M
TIGER `ask' $1 1.3M $9.75M $21.05M
6. Attendees agreed that the following questions need to be addressed:
• Who is the owner of the improvements?
• What was precedent established by Town of Windsor Quiet Zone application in TIGER
3? (Town was applicant so presumption is town received funds)?
• Group preference for FDOT as recipient of funds,enter into agreement with All Abroad
Florida (AAF) for design/build installation of infrastructure.
• When will updated safety and quiet zone infrastructure needs assessment be available?
• AAF realizes that it's a priority and will working diligently to provide this information
• Tom Drake, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), was at each crossing for diagnostic
review and noted what infrastructure would be required to declare each crossing as a
stand-alone quiet zone.
7. Attendees agreed to the following action items:
• Mr. Brauer to provide template of letters of support and resolution to Mr. Cromar and Ms.
Delaney by March 13Th, 2014 at 5:00 pm.
• Mr. Cromar and Ms. Delaney will obtain as many letters of support and resolution by April
14Th, 2014.
• MPOs will identify lead agency (MPOs will work with AAF, FDOT, SFRTA, etc.).
• MPOs to coordinate with federally elected officials to increase awareness of grant
application.
• Palm Beach County will obtain required quiet zone infrastructure needs provided by Tom
Drake (FRA).
• Mr. Brauer will confirm whether FDOT will utilize Quiet Zone Calculator as part of their
efforts for FEC corridor analysis.
50btlo175 for a a`yr7,3l77rc world-�?) Page 2
Project Kickoff-TIGER Grant Application
March 1011, 2014
• Mr. Uhren to confirm AAF level of participation in grant application (co-applicant to count
local investment is preferred)
o Ali Soule,AAF,confirmed that the application could count AAF safety investment as local
matc, but not sure that USDOT will allow this; AAF may be a "partner" for the
application, but not a co-applicant (only one entity can receive funds)
• Corridor communities should identify key crossings where pedestrian safety enhancements
are most appropriate and important
50btlo175 for a a`yr7,3l77rc world-�?) Page 3
RESOLUTION NC). 13-14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING FEDERAL FUNDING IN
THE FORM OF A TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENTS GENERATING
ECONOMIC RECOVERY (TIGER) GRANT FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS
TO QUIET ZONES AT THE MUNICIPAL RAILROAD CROSSINGS
LOCATED WITHIN THE FEC RAIL CORRIDOR TO PROVIDE A SAFE
AREA WHERE TRAIN HORNS ARE NOT ROUTINELY SOUNDED;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the FEC rail corridor is a linear rail corridor connecting historic mixed-use downtowns along
Florida's east coast;and
WHEREAS,rail/roadway grade crossings occur throughout the historic downtowns along Florida's east coast;
WHEREAS,railroads are vital for commerce,but they can also create high noise levels from passing train horns;
and
WHEREAS, the expansion of intermodal facilities such as Port Miami, Port Everglades and the Port of Palm
Beach will enhance the ability to increase and process freight,expanding economic activity in South Florida;and
WHEREAS, these freight improvements are projected to increase the intensity of freight trains traversing the
FEC corridor,both in number and size;and
WHEREAS, the installation of additional safety infrastructure and multi-modal connectivity at grade crossings
will reduce neighborhood impacts from freight and improve the economic vitality of historic mixed-use downtowns;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DELRAY
BEACH, FLORIDA,AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1, The City Commission of the City of Delray Beach hereby formally supports Palm Beach
Metropolitan Planning Organization's efforts to secure Federal funding in the form of a Transportation
Investments Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant for quiet zone improvements to provide a safe
area where train horns are not routinely sounded.
Secdon 2. This resolution shell take effect immediately-upon adoptit>n.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this daa of 2014.
ATTEST:
City Clerk MAYOR