2003-389RESOLUTION NO. 2003-389
A Resolution Regarding Remote Control Locomotives.
WHEREAS, the Janesville City Council has concerns regarding the public safety impacts of new technology used by
railroad companies in and around the City; and
WHEREAS, railroad equipment, is known to present a significant danger to persons and property from collision,
derailment, and possible release of hazardous materials; and
WHEREAS, this is not the time to diminish the initiatives for Homeland Security programs by removing trained, certified
railroad personnel for operation of locomotive in Janesville, Rock County, the State of Wisconsin, and throughout the
United States; and
WHEREAS, significant study has not been completed to determine if the use of remote control locomotives will increase
these dangers; and
WHEREAS, the City of Janesville has considerable railroad activity.
NOW THEREFORE LET IT BE RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JANESVILLE
that the City Council requests that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and State Office of the Commissioner of
Railroads conduct a comprehensive and thorough review of the safety of remote control locomotives, and develop
comprehensive regulations for the use of remote control locomotives, to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of
Janesville will not be jeopardized by the use of such devices.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JANESVILLE that the City
Council opposes the use of remote control locomotives in Janesville until such time as a comprehensive study is completed
by the FRA, and emergency plans and regulations are put in place to safeguard public safety.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JANESVILLE that the City
Council requests, that all affected Government agencies be notified by the raikoads if and when the practice begins in or
around Janesville.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JANESVILLE that the City
Council requests, that copies of this resolution be sent to the Federal Railroad Administration, Wisconsin Office of the
Commissioner of Railroads, Senators Kohl, Feingold, Congressman Ryan, Governor Doyle, Senator Robson,
Representatives Schoof and Wood, and the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
ADOPTED: July 14, 2003
APPROVED:
St6~en E. Sheiffer, ~ty~Manag~r,/ -
ATTEST:
Je~A~,n V~ul'f,' City Clerk-Treasur~
Ci~ ~{t~~
MOTION BY: Brien
SECOND BY: DeGarmo
COUNCILMEMBER AYE NAY PASS ABSENT
ADDLE X
WILLIAMS X
STEEBER X
BRIEN X
MURPHY X
WELLNITZ X
DEGARMO X
Proposed by: Councilmember Brien, Councilmember Wellnitz, and Council President Williams
Prepared by: Management Analyst