Title
Library Department recommending the Board approve the donation of security fencing located on the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor in El Dorado to prevent vandalism of the equipment used for the County Museum railroad program
FUNDING: Donation of security fencing and lighting by private donors.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The El Dorado Western Railroad is a program of the County Museum in the Library Department, and has been operating on the Sacramento-Placerville Transportation Corridor (SPTC) tracks for the last 10 years. There is a Memorandum of Understanding with the El Dorado Western Railway Foundation, a public benefit nonprofit corporation, who own the rail equipment and support equipment. Due to a number of vandalism incidents which have caused significant damage to the equipment, security fencing was determined to be the most affordable and effective short term solution. The fencing and associated motion activated lighting will be placed in a manner that will deter damage from throwing rocks and breaking windows. Other actions have been taken to reduce the risk of vandalism by working with the El Dorado Community Hall Board of Directors and neighbors. Every vandalism incident has been reported to the El Dorado Sheriff’s Office.
The El Dorado Western Railroad (EDWR) track equipment is maintained and operated by Museum volunteers for the public on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, and used for maintenance of way, such as fuel reduction and track repairs, during the week. The secured fenced yard will be used to store the rolling stock when it is not in use.
Lockable gates will be placed across the main track and the spur track on the east and west ends of the fenced area. The natural trail to the north of the tracks will remain open and unimpeded; the fenced area will not impact the new paved trail. All train movement utilizing the railroad tracks must be authorized by the Museum Administrator in advance, so the gates can be opened as necessary by EDWR personnel when authorized to do so.
Funding will come from private donations collected by the El Dorado Western Railway Foundation.
ALTERNATIVES
If this fencing is not installed, the assets belonging to the El Dorado Western Railway Foundation will continue to be at risk. Long term plans include facilities as part of the approved El Dorado County Railroad History Center and Park.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
#20-0337 Approved the Track repair project, which includes this section of track and funded with private donations. Approved March 17, 2020
#19-0476 Approved standard train operations on tracks between El Dorado and Missouri Flat Road, when track is certified. Approved April 30, 2019
#16-0399 Designate Museum Administrator as manager of the railroad operating corridor, responsible for the operation, maintenance and preservation of the railroad. Approved May 10, 2016
Memorandum of Understanding #220-M1610 between El Dorado County Historical Museum and El Dorado Western Railway Foundation regarding El Dorado Western Railroad Program Development and Operation. Approved May 10, 2016
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
CAO Department / Parks and Trails Division
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this donation.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Encourage and support through policy and resources the pursuit of local, state, and federal, private and public funding opportunities to support the County’s infrastructure
CONTACT
Mary Cory, Museum Administrator
Carolyn Brooks, Library Director