(Spirit Lake)– The Iowa Northwestern Railroad will be able to continue sounding its warning whistle as it’s trains pass through crossings in Spirit Lake.
The city council Tuesday took no action on a proposal that would have placed limitations on how often the train could blow its whistle, siting safety and liability concerns. And an engineer with the railroad says they’re required by federal law to sound the whistle at crossings…particularly those that don’t have cross arms. None of the crossings in Spirit Lake have them.
Also Tuesday, the council held the first reading on proposed ordinances that would establish building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and fire codes and licenses for anyone doing electrical, plumbing or mechanical work in the city. Council members were presented with the proposals for the first time last evening and said they wanted more time to review them. They’ll consider adopting them at a later time.
The council took no action on a 28E agreement with the city of Milford for the proposed Airport Master Plan study. City Attorney Earl Maahs says he doesn’t think a 28E agreement is needed for the study, which hinges on the two cities obtaining federal funding assistance for the additional study. Both cities would have to put in 15-thousand dollars each for a local match if the federal money for the study becomes available.
