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HomeMy WebLinkAbout5I - Last 800 Feet of Sycamore Trail MEETING DATE: AGENDA #: PREPARED BY: AGENDA ITEM: DISCUSSION: OCTOBER 19, 2009 51 STEVE ALBRECHT, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THE LAST 800 FEET OF SYCAMORE TRAIL MEETS THE REC- OMMENDED CRITERIA FOR A PUBLIC STREET Introduction The purpose of this agenda item is for the City Council to consider a reso- lution that acknowledges that the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail meets the criteria proposed by Staff for a Public Street. Historv, On October 5, 2009 the City Council reviewed the Draft Private Street Maintenance Policy. As part of that review Staff reviewed all of the exist- ing private streets in the City for inclusion in the policy. That review in- cluded an analysis of platting, existing contracts, construction and on- going maintenance of those streets. Based on that review of sixty streets only Sycamore Trail was identified by staff for consideration as a public street. Staff recommended that the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail be considered a public street for the following reasons: a) The City has maintained and plowed the roadway in excess of 21 years. b) The language used to describe the roadway on the plat is similar to language used for describe roadways in other plats in the area within the city that are publically maintained; including Lakeside Avenue and Park Avenue. c) In 1983 the City Council vacated a portion of the originally platted right of way and required it to be re-platted as public as part of RLS 108. Based on the above reasons and the proposed criteria in the Private Street Maintenance Policy, which was before the City Council on October 5, 2009, the City Council acknowledged that the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail will be considered a public street upon formal adoption of the Private Street Maintenance Policy. Current Circumstances Staff intends to bring Private Street Maintenance Policy back to the City Council in the relatively near future. Staff agrees with the City Attorney's recommendation that the criteria used to determine whether a roadway is public or private and the limits of City maintenance of private roadways should be codified as an ordinance. During the Council's discussion at its October 5th meeting the Council indicated that Sycamore Trail will ulti- mately be listed as a public street. www.cityofpriorlake.com ,Phon~9~~A47,9.8PO / Fax 952.447.4245 ISSUES: FINANCIAL IMPACT: ALTERNATIVES: The plowing season appears to be upon us. The resolution the Council is being asked to consider directs Staff to begin treating Sycamore Trail as a public street, for the purpose of plowing and maintenance, in the anticipa- tion of the adoption of the Private Street Maintenance Ordinance. At this time the City is proposing to continue the same level of mainte- nance that is on Sycamore Trail. With the snow falls of recent days and winter approaching, it is important that the residents be aware of their re- sponsibilities with regards to the street. Conclusion Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail to be plowed and maintained during the interim between now and the contemplated adoption of the Private Street Mainte- nance Ordinance being recommended by the City Engineer. At this time the financial impact of taking over maintenance of Sycamore Trail is minimal as the City already plows and repairs pot holes in the street. Long term, the City's street maintenance program will include an additional 800 feet of roadway. Currently the City's Street Maintenance Program includes about 100 miles of streets. At such time as this street is overlaid, seal coated or reconstructed there will be additional costs both to benefited properties and to the general taxpayers assuming the Council continues the policy of applying a 40% to 60% ratio for special assess- ments. Residents need to understand that this policy, like others in the City, is subject to re-evaluation and change. 1. Adopt a resolution acknowledging that the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail meets the recommended criteria for a public street. 2. Table the Resolution for a specific reason. 3. Deny the Resolution. RECOMMENDED Alternative#1 MOTION: Reviewed ,bYi.J, <\ Frank Boyles, Tar a J A RESOLUTION ACKNOWLEDING THE LAST 800 FEET OF SYCAMORE TRAIL AS A PUBLIC STREET Motion By: Second By: WHEREAS, On October 5,2009 the City Engineer recommended the City Council adopt an Ordinance establishing maintenance procedures for private streets and a criteria to determine the distinction between "private" and "public" streets; and WHEREAS, The last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail, upon initial evaluation, appear to meet the criteria that would designate it a public street; and WHEREAS, The Staff anticipates bringing a Private Street Maintenance Ordinance to the City Council in the near future and, if adopted, the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail would be designated public; and WHEREAS, In anticipation that the City Council will adopt a Private Street Maintenance Ordinance and that the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail will meet the criteria for a public street the City Staff is authorized to plow and maintain the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail until the proposed ordinance is formally adopted. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA as follows: 1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein. 2. City Staff are authorized to plow and maintain the last 800 feet of Sycamore Trail until such time as the Council adopts a Private Street Maintenance Ordinance. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 195t DAY OF OCTOBER 2009. YES NO I Haugen I Erickson I Hedberg I leMair I Millar Haugen Erickson Hedberg leMair Millar Frank Boyles, City Manager R:\Council\2009 Agenda Reports\10 19 09\Sycamore Tr~.C(l~PfOrlake.com Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245