Agenda - Public Works Committee - 10/15/2002

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Option l: The City would acquire the outlot from U.S. Homes, and construct a privacy fence at City expense. Advantages * This option has the support of the adjacent residents. · This option would provide a higher degree of privacy than just a berm. Disadvantages · Construction of a screening wall as a part of the trail project will set a precedent for other requests. · The fence construction is estimated to double the cost of the trail, which will seriously reduce the amount of trail that can be constructed. · The City would be responsible for repair and maintenance of the fence as well as the trail. Option 2: The City would acquire the outlet from U.S. Homes and allow individuals to construct and maintain the fence on City property by passing a resolution signed by each of the property owners identifying ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Advantages · This option would still provide a high degree of privacy to the adjacent resident, however, at a cost to them. · This limits City's financial impact to the cost of the trail Disadvantages · There would be confusion over the ownership of the fence since it is not on the owner's property. · The City may incur liability associated with the fence. Option 3: The City would acquire the outlet from US Homes, subdivide the outlots into five parcels and deed them to the adjacent property owners. The City would retain easements for drainage, utility and street and trail purposes. Homeowners could then construct a privacy fence at their expense. Advantages · This option would provide a high degree of privacy at no more expense to the homeowner as Option 2. · This option would resolve the legal issues associated with Option 2. · This option would provide the property owners with more property, albeit, subject to significant restrictions. Disadvantages · This option would require more time and legal expense to facilitate than the other options since a subdivision of property would be required.