Citizens who suffer from offensive train whistles were given hope when city council voted in the 2012 budget to spend money on safety measures that would allow trains to pass through St. Albert without blowing its whistle.
That hope was dashed Monday night when city council, led by Mayor Nolan Crouse, put the brakes on the project.
The problem, of course, is money. Council set aside $450,000 to install things like crossing arms, bells and lights on all crossings, as well as fencing along the right of way of the tracks on both sides. However, council learned Monday the cost will be closer to $850,000 – nearly double what was budgeted.
One can hardly blame council for pulling back on the project given the unexpected cost increase, but the question has to be asked: Who came up with the $450,000 figure in the first place?
We could understand if the actual project costs came in at $500,000, or even $550,000, but to underestimate the cost by $400,000?
Council approved completing this work nearly 18 months ago in response to the complaints and distress of individuals who live in close proximity to the train tracks. Those people made it clear that living close to the tracks isn’t just an annoyance, it’s a significant detriment to their health. As Coun. Wes Brodhead indicated Monday night, these whistles aren’t just background noise. The whistle shrieks at 90 decibels and is specifically tuned to get people’s attention, even if they are sleeping.
These people, who were all led to believe the city was doing something about the problem, are left in the lurch, all because of some extremely poor budgeting.
While the motion doesn’t shut down the project in perpetuity, it will delay it by at least one year. The citizens who thought relief was imminent will now have to endure the whistle pollution for much longer than they thought.
Council acted fiscally prudent Monday night. After all, if the city spent twice as much as it budgeted every year … you think our taxes are high now. However, the people who took city council at face value – those whose lives are affected by the whistle – are owed an explanation. What was promised to them has been taken away, and they need to understand how the cavernous error in the budgeting process was made.
The challenge for council is to try and fit this project into the 2014 budget. That unenviable task will be foisted upon the new council that will preside after the October municipal election.
