HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Notes 04-24-2017SPECIAL STUDY SESSION NOTES
CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
City Council Chambers 7500 W. 29th Avenue
A pril 24, 2017
Upon adjournment of the Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Joyce Jay called the Special Study Session to order at 9: 12 p.m.
Council members present: George Pond, Janeece Hoppe, Kristi Davis, Monica Duran,
Tim Fitzgerald, Zachary Urban, Genevieve Wooden
Absent: Larry Mathews (excused)
Also present: City Clerk, Janelle Shaver; City Attorney, Jerry Dahl; City Manager, Patrick
Goff; other staff, guests and interested citizens.
CITIZEN COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS none
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
!.:. G Line Update from RTD -Natalie Menten
Natalie Menten, District M Director for RTD, updated the Council on the process that is
happening related to the Gold Line. Three waivers have been filed with the Federal
Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
1. Waiver for the B Line (Union Station to Westminster) to remove one flagger
2. Waiver for the A Line -(Union Station to DIA) to continue on waiver status after
April 30; improvements have been made to the software (safety gates coming
down too soon and staying down too long)
3. Waiver to resume the testing on the Gold Line.
Henry Stopplecamp, Assistant General Manager of Capital Programs for RTD, reported
that testing on the G Line will require 57-60 days of perfect testing. He estimates 2-3
months. He reviewed the improvements that have happened with the A Line. Approval
has to come from both the FRA and the PUC.
Council questions
Councilmember Urban asked for an explanation of the difference between light rail and
commuter rail, and whether the G Line will exhibit the same problems as the A Line has.
• Mr. Stopplecamp explained that the A, B, and G Lines are commuter rail (not light rail)
and have heavier equipment. The track gauge is the same, but the articulation is
SPECIAL STUDY SESSION NOTES: April 24, 2017
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different. Light rails cars pivot in the center, can make tighter turns, and can
accelerate and stop faster. Commuter rail cars don't pivot in the center. They behave
like a typical rail cars, which is related to sharing the track with BN&SF.
• RTD hopes not to have the same problems with the G Line as happened with the A
Line. He elaborated on the change in the software, the addition of delays and quiet
zones.
Councilmember Fitzgerald asked if there are problems RTD is not sharing with the City.
• Mr. Stopplecamp stated they have solved many problems on the A Line. Those
issues should not come up with the G Line. To his knowledge, RTD is not hiding
anything from Wheat Ridge. The software is fixed; the hardware is ordered.
Councilmember Urban inquired about a projected opening date. Mr. Stopplecamp stated
that projection for opening is premature at this time. The goal is to finish by the end of
2017.
ADJOURNMENT The Special Study Session adjourned at 9:27 p.m.
As determined by a previous motion, the Regular City Council Meeting was reconvened
for the purpose of going into Executive Session.
IL ON May 8, 2017
George Pond, Mayor pro tern