Train-Whistle Hearing Postponed

A public hearing on an ordinance that could ban the sounding of train whistles at some crossings in the Spokane Valley has been postponed.

Spokane County commissioners will take testimony on the ordinance Nov. 21 instead of on Tuesday as planned.

The rescheduled hearing will be part of the commissioners’ regularly weekly meeting, which is set to begin at 5 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room of the public works building, 1026 W. Broadway.

The ordinance would allow commissioners to ban the blowing of train whistles at crossings where extra safety measures are in place to warn drivers of oncoming trains.

The state Legislature gave counties authority to pass such laws earlier this year. Cities have been allowed to regulate crossings for some time.

Some Valley residents and business owners have complained that the 60 or so trains that rumble along the tracks south of Trent Avenue each day disrupt their lives with incessant blaring.

Burlington Northern and other railroad companies opposes such laws, saying the whistles are a necessary safety precaution.

Millwood budget meeting

The Millwood Town Council will hold a public hearing Nov. 6 on the town’s 1996 expense budget and possible increases in property tax revenue.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the town hall, 9103 E. Frederick.

Tree board

The Millwood Urban Tree Board Steering Committee is scheduled to meet Nov. 9 to continue work on a public tree ordinance.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the town hall.

, DataTimes