By Bruce Rolfe
While the Climax Village Council learned at its regular meeting July 2 a Feasibility Study revealed the cost to establish a Railroad Quiet Zone would be lower then anticipated by some, there was no movement by the Council.
Streets, Sidewalk and Census Chairperson Joline Chaney told the Council the cost for infrastructure upgrades at the North Main Street and West Maple Street railroad crossings to establish a Railroad Quiet Zone would range from $12,000 - $26,000 for equipment, however $5,600 in additional costs for signage ($600), Railroad permits ($3,500), and Daily Traffic Counts ($1,500) would bring the estimated total range to $17,600 - $31,600.
The Feasibility Study notes installation is straightforward only requiring basic tools and could be completed by the Village Department of Public Works staff. The study adds some vendors will send a representative to the site to assist with installation.
One former Council member noted at an earlier meeting the total could reach $100,000 or more so the final feasibility study cost estimate was a pleasant surprise.
To prevent drivers from going around the railroad gates, supplemental safety measures would be required at each crossing.
Three budgetary quotes for channelization device systems (to prevent drivers from going around the gate) that would provide three 100’ runs and one 45’ run was obtained.
The Feasibility Study notes 100’ of channelization devices on a mountable curb would be installed on both the west and east side of the West Maple Street crossing. The two residential driveways on the east side of the crossing and south side of the road, would need to be signed with “No Left Turn” signs. A “No Train Horn” sign would need to be installed on each side of the crossing as well.
Similar to the Maple Street crossing, 100’ of channelization devices on a mountable curb would be installed on the North side of the Main Street crossing, however approximately 45’ of channelization devices would be installed on the South side of this crossing. A “No Train Horn” sign would need to be installed on each side of the crossing as well.
The Council can either consider the Railroad Quiet Zone at a future meeting, drop the idea all together, or consider putting the question on a ballot for village residents to consider in an
election.
In April, the Climax Village Council hired OHM Advisors, a municipal, architectural, engineering and planning firm to perform a feasibility study at a cost of $4,238, and provide an estimated cost to construct a Railroad Quite Zone at the Maple Street and Main Street crossings in the Village of Climax.
The council received petitions containing the signatures of 118 Village of Climax residents against the Railroad Quiet Zone at the May 14 meeting.
Possible Solutions for Tree Removal Controversy Reviewed
Interim President David Miller gave the audience and council an update on the tree maintenance controversy that has been a part of recent meetings.
Miller said it appears a precedence was set years ago where the village paid for the removal of trees in the village right of way, or the village negotiated with the home owner to pay for a portion of the cost to remove a tree.
Village attorney Erin Geschwendt explained right of way and tree maintenance procedures at the June 18 meeting. She said the Village has an easement to come onto the property to trim or remove a tree if the tree does become a danger, however she adds basic tree “maintenance purposes are the responsibility of the property owner.” She adds trees in the right of way are owned by the property owners, not by the village.
One resident asked if the Village could contract with one tree removal company, similar to a one waste hauler contract the village has, which may offer residents a lower price for removing trees.
Miller said he walked Maple Circle, Prairie Drive, Prairie Place, East and West Maple and laser measured all trees in the right of way. He said there were 62 in the right of way. He adds the overall total of trees likely in the right of way in the entire village would be over 100.
The interim president said if the village took one tree down at the village’s expense, the village would have to remove any other property owner’s trees in the right of way at the village’s expense as well. He said that would be cost prohibitive, plus it goes against the village attorney’s opinion of who is responsible for tree maintenance and tree removal in the right of way.
Miller adds if the Village did proceed with the option of removing trees in the right of way at the village’s expense, it would require a special assessment tax question for tree removal in an election.
In other business covered at the July 2 meeting:
Streets, Sidewalks and Census Chairperson Joline Chaney obtained a quote to replace stop signs and poles that have been damaged, faded, defaced with graffiti or are not the correct size in the Village. She said 18 stop signs have been identified that should be replaced. The council approved an estimate of $4,250.12 by Rathco to install the new signs, posts if necessary, and remove the old signs.
Chaney also alerted the Council that she learned when the Mercury Drive project is finished, Road Commission of Kalamazoo County plants to install flashing yellow lights at the intersection of Michigan and Mercury Drive on Mercury Drive and flashing red lights above the stop signs at Michigan Avenue and Watkins Road.
Cemetery, Parks and Library Chairperson Janet Sutherland informed the Council the corn hole boxes have been installed in the Village Park. She has learned the area where one of the 650-pound corn hole boxes is located could prevent library volunteers from placing a table in the area for a projector for the movie in the park events hosted by Lawrence Memorial District Library.
Sutherland said the DPW discourages moving the corn hole boxes to avoid digging more holes in the park.
The permanent WW II plaque has been installed in the Village Park in the area that was created recently.
Public Safety, Fire, Law Enforcement and Disaster Planning Chairman Nick Ludwig is waiting for a quote to replace the warning siren and hopes to have an update in August.
While the Climax Village Council learned at its regular meeting July 2 a Feasibility Study revealed the cost to establish a Railroad Quiet Zone would be lower then anticipated by some, there was no movement by the Council.
Streets, Sidewalk and Census Chairperson Joline Chaney told the Council the cost for infrastructure upgrades at the North Main Street and West Maple Street railroad crossings to establish a Railroad Quiet Zone would range from $12,000 - $26,000 for equipment, however $5,600 in additional costs for signage ($600), Railroad permits ($3,500), and Daily Traffic Counts ($1,500) would bring the estimated total range to $17,600 - $31,600.
The Feasibility Study notes installation is straightforward only requiring basic tools and could be completed by the Village Department of Public Works staff. The study adds some vendors will send a representative to the site to assist with installation.
One former Council member noted at an earlier meeting the total could reach $100,000 or more so the final feasibility study cost estimate was a pleasant surprise.
To prevent drivers from going around the railroad gates, supplemental safety measures would be required at each crossing.
Three budgetary quotes for channelization device systems (to prevent drivers from going around the gate) that would provide three 100’ runs and one 45’ run was obtained.
The Feasibility Study notes 100’ of channelization devices on a mountable curb would be installed on both the west and east side of the West Maple Street crossing. The two residential driveways on the east side of the crossing and south side of the road, would need to be signed with “No Left Turn” signs. A “No Train Horn” sign would need to be installed on each side of the crossing as well.
Similar to the Maple Street crossing, 100’ of channelization devices on a mountable curb would be installed on the North side of the Main Street crossing, however approximately 45’ of channelization devices would be installed on the South side of this crossing. A “No Train Horn” sign would need to be installed on each side of the crossing as well.
The Council can either consider the Railroad Quiet Zone at a future meeting, drop the idea all together, or consider putting the question on a ballot for village residents to consider in an
election.
In April, the Climax Village Council hired OHM Advisors, a municipal, architectural, engineering and planning firm to perform a feasibility study at a cost of $4,238, and provide an estimated cost to construct a Railroad Quite Zone at the Maple Street and Main Street crossings in the Village of Climax.
The council received petitions containing the signatures of 118 Village of Climax residents against the Railroad Quiet Zone at the May 14 meeting.
Possible Solutions for Tree Removal Controversy Reviewed
Interim President David Miller gave the audience and council an update on the tree maintenance controversy that has been a part of recent meetings.
Miller said it appears a precedence was set years ago where the village paid for the removal of trees in the village right of way, or the village negotiated with the home owner to pay for a portion of the cost to remove a tree.
Village attorney Erin Geschwendt explained right of way and tree maintenance procedures at the June 18 meeting. She said the Village has an easement to come onto the property to trim or remove a tree if the tree does become a danger, however she adds basic tree “maintenance purposes are the responsibility of the property owner.” She adds trees in the right of way are owned by the property owners, not by the village.
One resident asked if the Village could contract with one tree removal company, similar to a one waste hauler contract the village has, which may offer residents a lower price for removing trees.
Miller said he walked Maple Circle, Prairie Drive, Prairie Place, East and West Maple and laser measured all trees in the right of way. He said there were 62 in the right of way. He adds the overall total of trees likely in the right of way in the entire village would be over 100.
The interim president said if the village took one tree down at the village’s expense, the village would have to remove any other property owner’s trees in the right of way at the village’s expense as well. He said that would be cost prohibitive, plus it goes against the village attorney’s opinion of who is responsible for tree maintenance and tree removal in the right of way.
Miller adds if the Village did proceed with the option of removing trees in the right of way at the village’s expense, it would require a special assessment tax question for tree removal in an election.
In other business covered at the July 2 meeting:
Streets, Sidewalks and Census Chairperson Joline Chaney obtained a quote to replace stop signs and poles that have been damaged, faded, defaced with graffiti or are not the correct size in the Village. She said 18 stop signs have been identified that should be replaced. The council approved an estimate of $4,250.12 by Rathco to install the new signs, posts if necessary, and remove the old signs.
Chaney also alerted the Council that she learned when the Mercury Drive project is finished, Road Commission of Kalamazoo County plants to install flashing yellow lights at the intersection of Michigan and Mercury Drive on Mercury Drive and flashing red lights above the stop signs at Michigan Avenue and Watkins Road.
Cemetery, Parks and Library Chairperson Janet Sutherland informed the Council the corn hole boxes have been installed in the Village Park. She has learned the area where one of the 650-pound corn hole boxes is located could prevent library volunteers from placing a table in the area for a projector for the movie in the park events hosted by Lawrence Memorial District Library.
Sutherland said the DPW discourages moving the corn hole boxes to avoid digging more holes in the park.
The permanent WW II plaque has been installed in the Village Park in the area that was created recently.
Public Safety, Fire, Law Enforcement and Disaster Planning Chairman Nick Ludwig is waiting for a quote to replace the warning siren and hopes to have an update in August.
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