Colfax City Council members approved temporary closure of the Dinky Way railroad crossing at Tuesday’s council meeting, in compliance with a California Public Utilities Commission request.
Additionally, the council agreed to submit a grant application for a survey that could improve the odds of receiving housing rehabilitation funds and received an update on library renovations scheduled for next month.

Dinky Way closed
The council approved closure of Dinky Way between North Main and Foresthill streets until completion of the city’s general plan update next year. The update will more thoroughly examine the implications of possible permanent closure, including mitigations.
Council members said they had no choice, but to temporarily close the portion of the road that crosses the railroad tracks, as the California Public Utilities Commission and Union Pacific Railroad had deemed it a public hazard.
“(They told us) if we did not take the initiative, they would walk in and take immediate action,” said Councilman Josh Alpine.
In order to make the decision, council members determined the project exempt from environmental review, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act guidelines regarding repair, maintenance and minor alterations of streets for public safety.
A recent traffic impact evaluation by Fehr & Peers, the consultant for the city’s general plan, found no significant impact to the neighborhood, said Planning Director Gary Price.
Ted Back, a Colfax resident and member of the Watchdog Action Group, disagreed with the environmental review exemption during the public hearing.
“This project is not maintenance, repair or a minor alteration,” Back said. “This project is a permanent closure of a through roadway and will impact state highway intersections which have a history of accidents.”
Pat Rylance, who lives near Dinky Way, contended that renovations including flashing lights and gates would be more affordable than closure.
A Union Pacific representative countered that traffic volume on Dinky Way is far too low for gates to be considered.
“Some members of the public have concerns, but we have a report from a licensed engineer stating there is no significant impact,” said Price.
Though eventual permanent closure is probable, residents will have opportunities in the future for input before a final decision is made, he continued.
Next up, the city will coordinate improvements to Dinky Way. Caltrans has pledged $227,000 towards closure upgrades, which could include hiring a contractor to install fencing, guardrails, street lighting and street and drainage improvements.
“You’ll be left with facilities at least as good — probably better — than they are now,” said Caltrans Railroad Division Chief Ken Galt.

Housing Conditions Survey
Council members approved the submittal of a grant application to conduct a Housing Conditions Survey, which could better position the city to receive housing rehabilitation funds.
The drive-by surveys summarize the general housing condition of a city by noting whether each home is in excellent condition, in need of minor repairs or requiring substantial repairs. For privacy purposes, private addresses are not disclosed in the report.
Housing Conditions Surveys are meant to accurately depict a city’s housing needs, increasing its chances of receiving money. Colfax is seeking assistance for housing rehabilitation, affordable housing creation and other needs from sources like the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership Programs.
Funding is expected to be especially limited this year, as competition is tight between cities experiencing tough economic times. Colfax could have an advantage, however, because the State Department of Housing and Community Development has already approved the city’s 2009 Housing Element Update.
If funding is secured, it’s possible the city could use it for much-needed repairs of private sewer laterals — the lines that run from residences to city sewer mains.

Library renovations
Placer County provided an update on Colfax Library renovations, which will expand the small building at Church and Main streets to 3,600 square feet — nearly double its current size.
Project manager Lisa James said the $1.3 million project could begin mid-August and be completed as soon as January 2010.
Construction will take place in two phases. First, the side left vacant by the relocated Colfax Community Resource Center will be remodeled. The library will then move into the new space while the current portion of the building is closed for renovations.
New features will include:
· Parking and site-work improvements, including a handicapped parking space and entrance
· Six public computer stations
· New children’s area
· Larger, ADA-accessible restrooms
· Updated fire sprinklers and alarms
· New entry, flooring, ceiling, doors, windows, roof and paint
· Exposure of the building’s tin ceiling
Similar renovations have boosted usage of other libraries by as much as 25 percent, said Mary George, Placer County’s assistant director of library services. Currently, 8,000 people use the Colfax Library, including visitors from Weimar, Applegate and Dutch Flat.
Free Wi-Fi has already been made available in the area surrounding the library and could one day be citywide, George said.