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City Council Minutes Page 4 <br /> December 10,2012 <br /> Mr.Femrite also reviewing some funding options including general tax levy,assessment, • <br /> franchise fee,and fundraising drive. <br /> Discussion took place on the various options. <br /> Councilmember Zerwas stated he would like to seriously look at the wayside horn option. <br /> He stated that wayside horns more economically feasible and he has heard positive <br /> comments from residents of Andover,where wayside horns have been installed.He would <br /> also like to see the County Board get involved with the county road crossings. <br /> Councilmember Motin indicated that the Council has discussed quiet zones many times <br /> before and nothing has changed since the last discussion.He stated the railroad crossings <br /> have been in place for over 150 years and he is not convinced it is a major concern for a <br /> majority of residents.He added that he lives near a railroad crossing and the train horns do <br /> not bother him.He explained that he doesn't believe the benefit is worth the expense of <br /> implementing full quiet zones but that wayside horns may be an option.He liked the idea of <br /> fundraising to supplement city funds.He would also like to see Sherburne County and <br /> Northstar get involved. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard indicated that train traffic has increased in the last few years and <br /> he believes this issue is at least worth exploring.He added that this issue would need to be <br /> discussed with Sherburne County and Great River Energy.He questioned if there have been <br /> any negative impacts as the result of quiet zones. Councilmember Zerwas indicated it is <br /> important to have the chief of police involved in discussions as well. <br /> Councilmember Gumphrey stated he would like staff to investigate whether or not wayside • <br /> horns are a good option.He indicated that he doesn't believe the crossings downtown would <br /> need to be done since they will be improved as part of the future Highway 10 plan and that <br /> it may not be necessary to implement a quiet zone at the Jarvis crossing either. He added <br /> that he doesn't believe fundraising would be effective as it hasn't been successful in the past. <br /> Mayor Dietz explained that he has been getting inquiries on quiet zones since he was elected. <br /> He indicated that he doesn't believe the city can afford to implement full quiet zones but he <br /> is interested in the wayside horn option.He agreed that the city should approach Sherburne <br /> County to discuss the county road crossings and the City of Ramsey to discuss the Jarvis <br /> crossing. <br /> Consensus of the Council was for staff to thoroughly research the wayside horn option and <br /> report back to the Council. The Council also asked that staff have conversation with <br /> Sherburne County and BNSF Railroad.Mr.Femrite indicated he has discussed this issue <br /> with county staff and believes any future discussions with the county are best suited at the <br /> County Board level. <br /> The Council directed staff to schedule any future Council discussions in advance to allow <br /> notice to appear in the Star News so the public is aware. <br /> 6.4. Fire Service Task Force Strategic Plan Update <br /> Mr. Cunningham reviewed a PowerPoint presentation outlining the Fire Service Task Force <br /> Strategic Plan.He stated that task force members Firefighter Dave King,Police Captain Ron • <br />