Agenda - Council - 01/26/2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Orr Uission: To work together to resposihty grow our community, and to provide quality, cost-effective, and efficient government ierwlcea. CC Regular Session 7. 1. Meeting Date: 01/26/2016 By: Chris Anderson, Community Development Information Title: Adopt Ordinance #16-02 Vacating Permanent Road Easement over a Portion of 14911 Ramsey Blvd NW and Parcel No. 22-32-25-33-0017 Purpose/Background: In 1978, the City was deeded a fifty (50) foot wide Permanent Road Easement (the "Easement") that partially encumbered 14911 Ramsey Blvd and the property directly to the north (together, the "Subject Property"). The purpose of the Easement appears to have been for a future service road to parallel Ramsey Blvd. However, this service road is no longer necessary for public purposes. Notification: The Public Hearing was published in the City's official newsletter, the Anoka County Union Herald. Observations/Alternatives: The general public likely assumes that this is simply the driveway providing access to the Ramsey Market business that operates on the Subject Property. However, due to the Easement, the City is responsible for maintenance of this stretch of pavement, including plowing, repairs and resurfacing. There is no apparent need or public purpose for this Easement any longer. If the Easement is vacated, the City could realize slight cost savings, as it would eliminate the City's maintenance obligations. The Subject Property is unplatted, thus, the southerly most portion of the Easement will need to be retained for public purposes for traversing 149th Avenue NW. There have been several complaints through the Code Enforcement Program regarding the Subject Property, primarily due to parking of commercial vehicles on or along the driveway/access. The Easement has complicated enforcement actions as there are differing standards for on and off street parking. The potential vacation of the Easement was reviewed by the Public Works Committee at their October 20, 2015 meeting. Ordinance #16-02 was introduced at the January 11, 2016 City Council meeting and is now eligible for adoption. Alternatives: Alternative 1: Adopt Ordinance #16-02 vacating the Easement on the Subject Property. The purpose of the Easement appears to have been to accommodate a service road parallel to Ramsey Blvd. However, based on the development of the land to the north of the Subject Property, a service road is no longer feasible and there no