Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/15/2002

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PW CASE CONSIDER TRAIL EXTENSION ALONG T.H. #47 FROM SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF APPLE RIDGE TO THE NORTH BOUNDARY OF RIVER PINES 5TM ADDITION By: Steven J. Jankowski, City Engineer Background: As a condition of the approval of River Pines 5th Addition, that developer was requested to install a trail from the southern boundary of River Pines to the northern boundary of the subdivision, along the west side of T.H. #47. This trail extension is proposed to be placed on a 40-foot outlot which lies between T.H. #47 and six, single-family properties in the Apple Ridge subdivision. (See attached map). There is presently a four to five foot berm, which is located on the western side of this outlot. On September 3, City Engineer Jankowski and Engineering Teclmician IV McDowall met with neighbors on site to view potential trail routes. It was the consensus of the neighbors at that meeting that they would prefer that the trail be placed at the top of the berm and that as many if not all of the existing trees be saved. Subsequent to this meeting, survey work was performed and the neighborhood liaison was advised that it appeared possible to place the trail at the bottom of the berm and save the trees with only the lower branches being trimmed. At the September 24, 2002, Council meeting, a group of citizens appeared during the Citizen's Input portion of the meeting stating that it was their understanding that the trail was to be located on the top of this berm, which would compromise their privacy. They requested that the trail be placed at the foot of the berm and that a screening fence be placed on the top of the berm by the City. At that meeting, the issue was referred to the Public Works Committee. Notices and a copy of this case have been sent to all five property owners directly affected by this proposal. Prior to tonight's meeting, the Engineering Department will locate the proposed trail centerline in the field with lath. The surplus material, which will be removed to create a 12-foot flat ledge for the eight-foot bituminous trail, will be placed atop the existing berm. The disturbed area will be seeded with a highway grade mix, as it is anticipated that the finished areas will not receive regular mowing. The second issue associated with the citizen request is regarding the placement of a screening fence which would provide these residents with additional privacy. To be effective, any screening fence must be placed atop the berm, the top of which is several feet higher than at the eastern boundary of their properties. The outlot is currently owned by U.S. Homes. In a conversation with Mr. Bill Pritchard of U.S. Homes, he indicated that they would be willing to deed the outlot to the City. To facilitate the placement of a screening fence, several options could be considered.