In late June, 2015, the Village received estimates for the pending Union Pacific Railroad (UP) improvements to the railroad crossing of Wilke Road. Shortly thereafter, the Village received a draft Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Improvement Agreement with UP which required the Village to assume full responsibility for funding the improvements. As the Village did not have sufficient funding to complete the improvements at that time, an additional funding request was submitted to the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) to provide funding for 80% of the costs. This request was approved in October, 2015, leaving the Village’s responsibility at 20% of the estimates, which was addressed as part of the 2016 budget process.

Attached for approval is the Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Improvement Agreement with UP, which includes the Village’s funding obligations in the amount of $814,927 for the crossing surface of tracks 1, 2 and 3, and the installation of automatic flashing light crossing signals with pedestrian gates and cantilevers. The NWMC is providing 80% of the funding, which is equal to $651,941, and the Village is responsible for the balance of $162,986.

Once the Agreement is executed by both parties, UP has indicated that the Right-of-Entry would be granted in a timely manner to the Contractor so that they could proceed with construction within UP right-of-way.  

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Village Board approve the attached Resolution approving the Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Improvement Agreement with UP and authorize the execution of all documents necessary to effectuate the Agreement. 

It is further recommended that the Village Board approve a budget amendment for Wilke/Northwest Highway project in the Capital Projects Fund in the amount of $814,927. The Village will subsequently be reimbursed $651,941from a grant through the NWMC.