Minutes - Council Work Session - 07/19/2005

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John Pctcrson of Oakwood Land Development explained he fully understands his efforts are strictly voluntary, and he is taking a calculated risk regarding the corridor extension. Oakwood I.and Development has taken several steps towards acquiring property for the southerly route of this extension. He stated among the advantages of the southerly route, it is a little shorter distance, it uses a substantial amount of existing right-of-way, and it ties in very well to the existing right-of-way the City has on the west end of the site. Oakwood Land Development has begun talking to property owners in this neighborhood. He reviewed a map of the northerly and the southerly corridor extension, including the status of properties along the southerly extension. ]te indicated there are three parcels along this route that Oakwood Land Development does not have under their control, one of these properties he sees little hope of being acquired. Mayor Pro Tem Elvig asked if the southerly extension would work as an MSA connection. Assistant Public Works Director Olson responded in the affirmative. He explained the existing right-of-way is 66 feet, and the typical right-of-way for a state aid road is 80 feet. (;ouncihnember Cook noted the north alignment would also have a 66 foot right-of-way. He asked if Oakwood Land Development would be considering deeding the City the right-of-way on these properties. Mr. Peterson replied the proposal of Oakwood Land Development would be that with any properties they are able to acquire along this alignment, they would give that right-of-way to the City at no cost. He stated if the City proceeds with the northerly route they will have three properties to condemn. City Administrator Norman indicated the Capital Improvement Program shows a northern extension. If staff is to work on the southern extension direction will be needed from the Council. The Council discussed the northern and the southern extensions, including the issues of the affected properties, the number of properties requiring acquisition, the topography of the land, and thc directness of the routes. The consensus of the Council was to direct staff to pursue working on the southern alignment of the 167~ Avenue extension. 1) LCMR Trail Easements Assistant Public Works Director Olson reviewed that late in 2003 the City received a $500,000 grant fi'om the State of Minnesota towards the trail easement purchases along Trott Brook. The appropriation is from the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR), which are proceeds from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund. The reimbursement monies are to be used for conservation and trail easements within the Trott Brook Corridor and are available until June l, 2006. He explained the purpose tonight is to provide the Council with the proposed conservation and trail easements that have been drafted. Staff would like the Council to be familiar and comfortable with the two types of easements, so that individual properties may City Council Work Session / July 19, 2005 Page 2 of 6