Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/11/2018

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Chair Bennett thanked all of the sponsors of the 2017 summer concert series. He also thanked Ms. Bailey for her work in helping organize the concert series. 5.4 Consider Vacating Pedestrian Trail Easement on Lot 6, Block 3, Wildlife Sanctuary Third Addition Parks & Assistant Public Works Superintendent Riverblood highlighted the staff report provided to the Commission. He noted that since 2012, the City has been in conversation with the homeowner to vacate the 7.5-foot easement of their lot. He pointed out the trail on the overhead map, noting its connection points in surrounding neighborhoods. Mr. Riverblood noted the trail looked like it would go beyond this particular cul-de-sac and providing for connections to the wildlife sanctuary. The developer paved the trail; one easement was recorded on one lot, but not the other. Staff is recommending the City vacate the easement, and if ever there is something to connect through the northwest through the wetland, there may be an opportunity to add additional easements. Mr. Riverblood summarized that staff would be recommending City Council vacate the easement, based on recommendations by both the Public Works Committee and the Park and Recreation Commission. He pointed out the City would maintain the drainage and utility easement, which connects to a sanitary sewer line. Staff feels the trail could potentially leave the City street, go beyond the lift station to the north or to the west, if those properties are developed in the future. Because there are so many possibilities and "ifs," staff feels it best to vacate the trail easement and look at an alternative route if there is something to connect to in the future. Commissioner Sis asked about the location of the trail right now. He asked whether it follows the current sewer line. Mr. Riverblood responded it does not directly access infrastructure on that person's lot, but as the trail moved north, it would directly intersect with the sanitary sewer line. About every 300 feet, every time there is a turn in direction, a manhole is placed to perform maintenance. This trail was designed to accommodate a manhole as well as any future trail connections. Mr. Riverblood continued that the lift station was not used for that trail connection, because the lift station was to be abandoned once the subdivision (that didn't materialize) came to pass. The City therefore was not able to abandon the lift station. Commissioner Sis asked about the current condition of the trail. Mr. Riverblood responded that the City removed a piece of blacktop and restored the area. Right now, it is a trail to nowhere. The pavement that goes beyond the sidewalk is in decent shape. He noted it is 8 feet, which means it very likely goes beyond the 7.5-foot easement. Most easements provide for 15 feet. Commissioner Sis asked about the cost to the City of removal. Park and Recreation Commission/November 9, 2017 Page 6 of 12