Agenda - Public Works Committee - 11/16/2021

Home

Chairperson Riley commented that it would seem that the City would get a turnaround of some sort out of this, as there is currently not adequate space for a turnaround. Councilmember Musgrove stated that there appears to be a 66-foot easement on the 25-foot-wide dirt road and asked if that is normal or unusually wide for a little country road. She asked if the road would ever be constructed wider. City Engineer Westby replied that right-of-way varies from 60 to 80 feet. He stated that 66 feet of easement would accommodate any standard road design, gravel or bituminous. Councilmember Musgrove stated that part of the recommendation to vacate the easement through the planning process was because there was no desire to develop. She stated that if a turnaround were constructed, trucks would be able to turn around and if there is future development the easement on the other side of the road could be used to make that happen. City Engineer Westby stated that in the case the St. Claire easement is vacated, the easement on the other side would remain. He stated that the concern would be how to transition onto the other property. Mr. St. Claire commented that it would be doable to use the turnaround to get onto that other property. Councilmember Musgrove asked if a portion of the easement could be vacated due to the existing setbacks and variance issued. She noted that would help to alleviate concern that the St. Claires have with where the road would be located in the future. Councilmember Woestehoff stated that he understands the perspective of the St. Claires, but the property to the south also has rights. He stated that it would be tough to vacate an easement that may be needed in the future. Mrs. St. Claire stated that if the easement is vacated, she would be able to maintain a line of privacy between the properties. Councilmember Woestehoff commented that there is nothing new impending or scheduled to occur, and therefore there is no urgency to make a decision. He stated that from his perspective, doing nothing is always an option and in this case is the option he would suggest. Chairperson Riley asked if there would be intention to pave to the end of the easement, if and when it is paved. City Engineer Westby stated that based on the other uses he would not see a benefit to paving to the end with the exception of building a cul-de-sac for full around ability for emergency vehicles. He stated that if an emergency vehicle had to go down the road, there is no way to turnaround with the exception of using a driveway. Public Works Committee / October 19, 2021 Page 12 of 18