Resolution No. 09-39 CITY OF TIGARD, OREGON
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 09,-J9
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR TRIMET'S
WESTSIDE EXPRESS SERVICE (WES) HORN NOISE WAIVER REQUEST TO THE
FEDERAL.RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION (FRA)
WHEREAS, citizens along TriMet's Westside Express Service (WES) route have been raising
concerns about WES train horn noise since 2007; and
WHEREAS, citizens in the City of Tigard expressed those same concerns during the testing period
leading to full operation of the commuter trains;and
WHEREAS, complaints have intensified since WES revenue operations commenced in February
2009;and
WHEREAS,TriMet has reduced the train horn noise to the minimum allowed by the Federal
Railroad Administration (FRA), but continue to receive complaints that the current level is still
unacceptably loud;and
WHEREAS,TriMet is planning to submit a waiver application to the FRA to further reduce the
train horn noise from 96 dBA to 80 dBA with the stipulation that the 80 dBA horn would be
sounded in conjunction with bells that are rated at 60 dBA;and
WHEREAS, the use of these two warning devices operating simultaneously is expected to result in
reduced noise levels without compromising safety;and
WHEREAS, trains will be equipped with 96 dBA horns to be used as needed by the operator in case
of an emergency or other situation requiring the louder noise; and
WHEREAS,TriMet is requesting letters of support for the waiver request from the four
jurisdictions along the WES route;and
WHEREAS, the City of Tigard supports TriMet's efforts to reduce train horn noise without
compromising safety.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Tigard City Council that:
SECTION 1: Council supports the WES train horn noise waiver request to the Federal Railroad
Administration and authorizes the Mayor to sign a letter expressing that support and
requesting approval of the request.
SECTION 2: This resolution is effective immediately upon passage.
RESOLUTION NO. 09-
Page 1
PASSED:This day of ,2009.
Mayor-City of Tigard
ATTEST:
City Record-i--x -City of Tiga d
is\eng\pus\resolutions\2009\6-09-09 resolution expressing support for trimet's wes hom waiver application to the fxa res.doc
RESOLUTION NO. 09
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June 9, 2009 City o,f Tigard
Mr. Grady C. Cothen,Jr.
DeputyAssociate Administrator For Safety
Standards and Program Development
Federal Railroad Administration
1120 Vermont Avenue,NW
RRS-3, Mailstop 25
Washington, DC 20590
RE: Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon(TriMet) petition
for waiver of 49 C.F.R. % 222.21 and 229.12.39 —Westside Express Commuter Rail
Service (VES)
Dear Mr. Cothen:
This,letter is in support of the Tri County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon
(TriMet),petition for waiver of 49 C.F.R. % 222.21 and 229.129 for its Westside Express
Commuter Rail Service (WES). The petition will shortly be filed with the Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA).
The City of Tigard has reviewed, and wholly supports and concurs with the petition for.
waiver. Citizens of Tigard have been raising concerns about WES train horn noise since
testing began prior to full operation. Complaints have intensified since WES revenue
operations commenced in February 2009. The City believes the waiver, if granted, would
ensure an equivalent level of safety at each of the highway-rail grade crossings along the
WES alignment bypermitting an 80 dBA horn coupled with 60 dBA bells. Granting of the
waiver would help lessen the noise impacts experienced bythe community.
In the meantime,the City of Tigard continues to coordinate with TriMet to assess the
feasibility of establishing quiet zones under the FRS Final Rule regarding Use of
Locomotive Horns at FEhwa -Rail Grade ossin s issued April 27, 2005. In addition,the
City will cooperate with Trill t in any efforts to educate its motorists and pedestrians on
grade crossing safety issues.
Sincerel
t
Craig E. Dirksen
Mayor
13125 SW Hall Blvd. a Tigard, Oregon 97223 @ 503.639.4171
TTY Relay: 503.684.2772 e www.tigard-or.gov