City officials in Rochelle took a big step forward last night in getting a quiet zone dealing with the train horn issue. In a 5-0 vote, they approved an agreement with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for the crossing at 15th Street. Absent from last night's meeting were Councilmen Bil Hayes and Dennis Berg.
The agreement includes the installation of 4-quadrant flashers and gates at the crossing. The city would be responsible for the installation of a pavement marking stop bar and advance warning signs. Cost of the project is expected to be $768,500.
Total cost of the 11 railroad crossings in Rochelle will be between 1.7 to 2 million dollars. The city plans to issue alternate revenue bonds or debt certificates to pay for the work.
The council approved the bid of $449,900 for the transmision line rebuild project along Steward Road. RMU also plans to move forward in the transmission tariff process.
City officials also extended the contract with Comcast to April 27th as negotiations continue on a new franchise agreement. The 5-year deal approved in 2010 ended yesterday.
Mayor Chet Olson said that the number 1 issue in the new cable agreement is the return of the Chicago TV station as part of the channel system.
The city also plans to relocate the sewer main for the Rochelle Community Hospital expansion project. RCH will pay for the work under their annexation agreement.
