Agenda - Council Work Session - 11/09/2010

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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION Topic Report: Consider Trail Easement from Alpine Drive to Bunker Lake Boulevard — Hansen Tree Farm By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer cit 0� �SEY IF- Background: Over the past several years staff has been working on a north -south roadway connection through the center of the City. Recently an extension of Variolite Street, from Alpine Drive to Bunker Lake Boulevard, was discussed by the Council, and public open houses were conducted to gauge the interest and feedback of residents along the corridor. As part of the public response to the roadway extension the owners of Hansen Tree Farm were adamant about their concerns related to any new roadway construction that would impact their property. They did however, state on a few occasions that they would be open to discussions for dedication of a trail easement along the westerly side of their property. Staff met with them earlier this fall to again gauge their interest for such a trail easement dedication, and to understand what terms and conditions they may have. The property owners are still very receptive to the idea and are currently reviewing the City's boilerplate easement language in an attempt to formulate their terms of such an easement. The attached map generally shows the alignment that was discussed, including potential resting spots along the route for benches and wetland viewing. The biggest unanswered question from our meeting was how we would get from their property on the south end to the public right -of -way. In addition to the above discussion staff is looking for direction from Council on the following: • Desire to advance discussions for a trail easement in this location • Timing (for easement agreement and construction) • Terms (length of easement, maintenance, permitted activities) Field surveying would need to be conducted to understand the details of a formal design (ADA compliance, etc.), but a very rough estimate for the trail work within the tree farm property only is approximately $75,000. Depending on the final alignment, if a project is advanced, additional costs would be incurred for the off -site trail extensions back to the public right -of -way at the south end, and whatever benches /rest areas might be incorporated. Attachments: Aerial view location map Action Statement: Based upon discussion Reviewed by: City Administrato/orrincipal Director of Public City Engineer CCWS: 11/9/2010