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Chairperson Riley asked if part of the trail is paved so that is why it appears to be a trail. <br /> <br />City Engineer Westby stated that is correct and displayed a picture of the current condition. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley asked if the City having a trail easement gives the public the right to use it. <br /> <br />City Engineer Westby stated that is correct and the trail currently extends about 20 feet from the <br />sidewalk. He explained pavement removed as it <br />can be used to access the sanitary sewer. <br /> <br />Councilmember Johns asked about the other access three doors to the east and if that would be <br />used instead if this one is vacated. <br /> <br />City Engineer Westby used a site map to again point out the location of the trail under discussion <br />and the alternate route/second access to the lift station that could be used for access. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley stated he is always concerned with giving up something the City already has, <br />because in the future there may be a question as to why this would be given up. <br /> <br />City Engineer Westby stated in this case, the trail is partly on private property and the other <br />property owner said they would never allow a paved easement on their property. <br /> <br />Parks and Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood stated he appreciates advocacy for <br />trails but to that point, the City would be giving up half of a trail easement. <br /> <br />Councilmember Johns stated she also hates for the City to give up something, even if it is only <br />20 feet paved, noting the easement goes to the end of the property line even if only half is paved. <br /> <br />City Engineer Westby stated that is correct and it is open to all pedestrians but not motorized <br />vehicles. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley noted that is different in being a pedestrian easement instead of a drainage <br />easement. <br /> <br />City Engineer Westby concurred. <br /> <br />Councilmember Johns stated this is park dedication so the City is actually giving something up <br />with noting in return, which makes her reluctant to vacate. <br /> <br />City Engineer Westby stated another route would be to place further restrictions on use of the <br />easement until a connection is made. <br /> <br />Chairperson Riley stated if the path is removed, then it is no longer inviting but the City could <br />maintain the easement for potential use in the future. Then people would not presume they could <br />walk between the two houses. He stated if the City wanted this, they would pay for it. He <br />Public Works Committee / November 21, 2017 <br />Page 3 of 16 <br /> <br />