Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 10/09/2008

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Ms. Michels suggested having the easement come off the cuI de sac instead of through the middle of the site. Parks Supervisor Riverblood stated he felt this was an idea that should be pursued, particularly given the high ground that exists there. Mr. Dickinson stated when his father was putting in the road, year after year he put culverts in to prevent further erosion. He stated if there was a trail established along the water front, you could likely use it year-round. He added they are interested in being kept abreast of what is happening with the property and to be given an opportunity to express their concerns. Commissioner Shryock asked where the lot separation is given the existing. house on the property. Mr. Dickinson pointed out the lot separation on the sketch plan and stated after his father built the house, he abandoned the idea of selling off the property; a few years later, his brother and father went to the City and asked for a building permit for the building that is currently situated in the middle of the easement. Commissioner Shryock stated it was her understanding that the City may require that some of the buildings currently on the property be taken down. Ms. Michels stated if they were to sell the property and someone wanted to develop it, they could choose to do what they want. Mr. Dickinson stated they are interested in selling the property and noted they have jointly owned the property for over sixty years. He added they have spent nearly $40,000 cleaning up the property and they are very proud of how clean the property is. Commissioner Shryock requested information regarding the easement and the implication to the City if it is determined that the easement does not exist. Parks Supervisor Riverblood replied the easement is still shown as owned by the City. He stated it would be prudent to review the township records for the building permit in order to ascertain when the meeting took place where the easement vacation occurred. He added it could have also been a county-issued permit. Mr. Dickinson stated they had the actual building permit for a number of years, but it must have been destroyed; however, his brother and sister can testify regarding the events. He stated after their request to turn it back to them, the City issued a building permit which serves as proof that the City did not want it. Commissioner Shryock proposed that the City consider vacating the entire easement with the understanding that a trail will be placed on the property at some time and adding a placeholder of some sort for the trail easement to be p~aced between or around the various property lines. She added part of this may be dependent upon how the applicant chooses to subdivide the property Park and Recreation Commission/September 11, 2008 Page 3 of 10