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DeBary council approves $41,738 study to pursue train‑horn quiet zone at three crossings
Summary
The City Council authorized a $41,738 Kimley‑Horn proposal, funded from the FY24‑25 public works budget, to study and pursue federal approval for a train‑horn quiet zone at three DeBary rail crossings; any physical safety improvements would be a separate cost.
The City of DeBary City Council voted unanimously to approve a $41,738 proposal from Kimley‑Horn to prepare the study and federal application necessary to seek a train‑horn quiet zone at the city’s three rail crossings: Highbanks, Fort Florida Road and Barwick Road.
Richard Villasenor, the city engineer, told the council the request responds to increased rail service from the SunRail extension and to anticipated complaints as residential development near the new downtown and SunRail station increases. The study will evaluate and apply for “risk reduction” engineering treatments required for a quiet zone, such as medians and channelizing devices; Fort Florida Road already has a quad gate at all four corners, Villasenor said. The $41,738 cost will be paid from the FY24‑25 public works budget.
The city manager clarified that the $41,738 covers the study and permitting/application effort, and said any physical improvements identified by the study (signal or gate upgrades, medians, other construction) would be additional costs the council would have to approve in the future.
There was no public comment on the item. Council members expressed support: one called the proposal a “quality of life” measure and another said including Highbanks was appropriate given SunRail service patterns.
Votes at a glance - Motion: Approve the Kimley‑Horn proposal in the amount of $41,738 and authorize the city manager to execute the proposal agreement. Outcome: approved unanimously. - Motion: Approve minutes for Nov. 20, 2024; Dec. 4, 2024; and Dec. 18, 2024. Outcome: approved unanimously. - Motion: Approve consent agenda (item 45). Outcome: approved unanimously. - Motion: Nominate and select a vice mayor; Council selected Vice Mayor Butland by motion and voice vote. Outcome: approved unanimously.
