Minutes - Public Works Committee - 10/15/2002

Home

City Engineer Jankowski stated that as a condition of the approval of River Pines 5th Addition, the 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. There is presently a four to five foot berm, which is located on the western side of this outlot. On September 3 staff 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 bottom of the berm and that as many if not ali 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 t rail w as t o b e 1 ocated o n t he top o f t he b erin, 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 the case were sent to all five-property owners directly affected by this proposal. Prior'to the meeting the Engineering. Department did 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 was 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 US Homes. In a conversations with Mr. Bill Pritchard of US Homes, he indicated that they would be willing to deed the outlot to the City. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that he thought the outlot was set aside for a trail. City Engineer Jankowski explained that the outlot was designated for a future frontage road because 157th Lane was not identified as a permanent access to T.H. #47. Principal City Engineer Olson stated that the outlot was being considered for a future frontage road but at this time staff does not think that would be the best use. The service road is not what they are requesting at this time they are only looking at constructing a trail. City Engineer Jankowski noted that the home owners east property lines are a few feet lower than the top of the berm so if any fencing is going to be installed it has to be placed on top of the berm to be effective. To facilitate the placement of a screening fence, several options could be considered: Option 1: The City could acquire the outlot from US Homes and construct a privacy fence at City expense. Advantages: Public Works Committee/October 15, 2002 Page 2 of 11