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Council approves two BNSF crossing agreements amid criticism of railroad fees
Summary
The council approved two BNSF grade-crossing agreements (4th Street NE and 1st Street NE). Staff said permit/maintenance fees total about $10,675 plus a $5,500 permit; combined grant funding covers much of the work but the city's local share was estimated at about $300,000. Several council members criticized the railroad's fee structure as "gouging."
The Little Falls City Council approved two Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) grade-crossing construction and maintenance agreements to add pedestrian crossings at 4th Street NE and 1st Street NE.
Public-works staff (Greg) explained the first crossing (4th Street NE) carries maintenance fees totaling roughly $10,675, while the other agreement (1st Street NE) includes permit fees of about $5,500. Greg said the projects are being combined under two federal/state grant sources (Minnesota Rail and Transportation Alternatives) and that the city's local share for the two crossings will be about $300,000.
Multiple council members strongly criticized BNSF's fee structure. One council member said, "I'm tired of the railroad. I'm tired of them taking money from us every chance they get," characterizing the fees as effectively "gouging" taxpayers. Council Member Morgan (identified in the transcript) and other members urged staff to explore whether the city can offset railroad fees against other balances or pursue statutory changes, though staff cautioned the railroad's negotiating leverage makes success uncertain.
Staff also noted certain prior crossing closures and reimbursements (an earlier 8th Avenue closure had reimbursement elements tied to Camp Ripley) and said the current proposals are for sidewalk expansion and new pedestrian crossings rather than closures. After discussion, the council approved both crossing agreements.
