Agenda - Public Works Committee - 04/15/2008

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CASE #5. CONSIDER REQUEST BY LIBERTY LAND DEVELOPMENT LLC TO ACCEPT PRIVATE STREET MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES IN VILLAGE OF SUNFISH LAKE By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Background: On March 20, 2008 the attached faxed letter was received from Mr. Sean McDonald of Liberty Land Development LLC requesting that the City take over the ownership of the park, median and private street located within the Village of Sunfish Lake subdivision. This request is illustrated on the attached figure and includes the following items: 1. The landscaped median on Radium Street (a public Street). 2. The Private Park at the intersection of Radium Street and 146th Lane. 3. Quicksilver Street (a private street) and the landscaped open space in its median. The developer cites the financial crisis in the housing market as the basis for his request. Staff understands his request to be of a permanent nature since his letter cites the intent of deeding the open spaces to the City. Observations: While housing development is currently facing a difficult period, the City has received similar requests in the past and has consistently denied such requests. In this particular subdivision Quicksilver Street has been constructed with a uniquely narrow width and as a pair of one way streets which public works would find difficult to plow. The open spaces are heavily landscaped which would require a disproportion amount of maintenance when compared to other neighborhoods. Recommendation: Staff recommends the Public Works Committee recommend to City Council the denial of this request as it would set a precedent for similar requests at a time when the mileage of private streets within the City is rapidly increasing. Action: Motion to recommend to City Council the denial of this request as it would set a precedent for similar requests. Reviewed By: Director of Public Works/Principal City Engineer Assistant City Engineer Street Supervisor Parks Supervisor PW: 04/15/08