2006-07-26 City Council Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMO TO: Honorable Mayor & City Council Members FROM: Kim Stephan SUBJECT: Parks & Recreation Committee Recommendation to City Council DATE: July 21, 2006, 2006 Trial Easement - 1818 Fox Run Chairperson Peterson met with Mr. Andre Ziegler, 1818 Fox Run, at the property on July 7, 2006 to discuss the issue of the bridge on his property/trail easement. According to Mr. Ziegler there are multiple issues. The bridge and also a shed on the property were built by the previous owners, both of which are on the trail easement. The shed is on the north property line. There are also utility boxes on the easement at the street side of the property. Mr. Ziegler was not aware that there was a trail easement through the property when he purchased the property and if a trail were to be installed at this time it would be within six (6) feet of his house. He would like to see the trail easement removed. Mr. Ziegler stated he would be willing to buy the easement from the City. Mr. Ziegler stated the bridge was built because kids were crossing the area to get to the bus stop and were continually making temporary bridges with boards, so a permanent structure was safer. He feels there is a lot of foot traffic and if the bridge is removed it will revert to junk being placed across the creek opposed to a safe bridge. In the pictures supplied to the committee, the grass and weeds were long all around the bridge and it did not appear to be a well beaten path. Committee Member Seeley stated when she took the pictures the creek bed was dry. One side of the bridge abuts City park property on Mill Road. Chairperson Peterson stated the kids who use the bridge to get to the bus stop do not need to use this route as they have a designated bus stop closer to their homes. It has been requested that Mr. Ziegler remove the bridge, according to ordinance, or apply for a permit, encroachment agreement and supply the City a copy of insurance. Mr. Ziegler does not wish to do this and will remove the bridge if that is what the City requires, but questioned whether the City should take responsibility for the bridge since it is on a City trail easement and either maintains the bridge or remove it. The committee does not desire to give up any easements by vacation or sell the park property on Mill Road. The City already owns them and the committee would like to keep them. There are no current plans to develop these areas, but there may come a time when the trail easement will be used, such as with the Safe Route to Schools Grant. 90-