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e e e. Referring to Mr. Scho1ibo's statement that the needs of Southern Pacific Railroad have not been considered, Ms. Decker said City staff have met with representatives of the railroad. She read from the draft findings prepared for the council as follows: 6. The Southern Pacific Railroad's main switching yards in Eugene lie to the north and west of the Van Buren crossing, beginning at a point approximately 600 feet to the west. Because of the type of switching equipment used in the SPRR yard, trains are frequently backed up across the Van Buren crosssing, awaiting the division of long trains into shorter sections. Answering a question from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Scho1ibo said railroad representatives had talked of closing the Van Buren Street crossing for years. He said Lane County does not have an easement for the Chambers Connector yet. Replying to a question from Ms. Wooten, Dave Reinhard of the Public Works Department said data from the PUC staff indicated there have been 12 accidents in which cars have been hit by trains at the Van Buren Street crossing in the last 20 years. There have been four such accidents since 1973. The gates were installed in 1975. There have been no accidents at the Monroe Street crossing since the gates were installed. Answering a question from Mr. Miller, Mr. Sercombe and Ms. Wooten said trains may block the crossing for 10 minutes without getting a citation. Mr. Holmer said the draft findings indicated that one of the conditions of PUC Interim Order No. 85-146 was that a formal investigation would be instituted to determine if the public convenience and necessity require continuance of the Van Buren Street crossing when the Chambers Connector is completed. He wondered how long the investigation will take. The effect of the Chambers Connector may not be known until 1990 and its effect on the traffic in the area should be considered by the Public Utility Commissioner when he makes a decision. It may be decided then that the closing is not urgent. Mr. Holmer questioned whether the council should make a recommendation now. Mr. Sercombe said the time might be right for the council to take a position on the crossing now. He noted a request to close the crossing had been submitted to the PUC by the railroad. The results of the investigation instigated by PUC Order No. 85-146 might be delayed. Replying to questions from Ms. Ehrman, Craig Reily of the PUC staff said the Southern Pacific Railroad has received 99 citations for blocking the Van Buren crossing for more than 10 minutes. Complaints may be made by citizens in cars or nearby buildings, by police, or by other officials. The railroad is fined as a result of citations. Answering questions from Mr. Miller and Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Scholibo said the time the railroad needs to block the crossing depends on its business. The railroad is operating at 35 percent capacity now and the crossing needs to be blocked eight or nine times a day. If business increases, the railroad might MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 11, 1985 Page 6