With the construction of W.O. 09-11 Rimrock Road, 17th to Forsythia; W.O. 10-31 Central and 29th Traffic Signal Improvements; and W.O. 11-02 Miscellaneous and Developer Related, it was determined that a number of sidewalk easements are needed for areas where portions of the sidewalk extend past the right-of-way.

For W.O. 09-11, sidewalk easements are needed for certain properties where a City-standard drive approach was installed. This construction placed a portion of the back of the approach (which is also used as sidewalk) over the property line. The American with Disabilities Act Guidelines for Public Rights of Way require a minimum sidewalk width of 36” and that determined which drive approach sections used for sidewalk would be over the property line. The easement documents for properties are attached.

For W.O. 10-31, a sidewalk easement at the southeast corner of Central Avenue and 29th Street West/Brookshire Boulevard is needed for a piece of sidewalk that connects the ADA accessibility ramp to the existing boulevard walk along Central. This portion of the boulevard walk meanders in and out of the right-of-way.  Where the connection needs to be made for the ADA ramp, the existing sidewalk is on private property. Multiple options were discussed with the property owner and it was decided an easement would be granted to minimize costs to the City and provide a measure of aesthetics for the property owners. The easement document is attached.

For W.O. 11-02, several sidewalk sections were installed on the east side of 32nd Street West between Rosebud Drive and Stillwater Drive. At the northeast corner of 32nd Street West and Rosebud Drive and the northeast and southeast corners of 32nd Street West and Myrtle Drive, it was discovered that one-foot of the City-standard five-foot sidewalk was constructed on private property. The easement documents for properties at 3145 Myrtle Drive, 3146 Myrtle Drive, and the undeveloped property at the northeast corner of 32nd and Rosebud are attached.

The Council may:

• Accept the sidewalk easements; or
• Do not accept the sidewalk easements.  The sidewalks would be on private property with no right of public access.   

There is no financial impact with acceptance of these sidewalk easements.

Staff recommends that the City Council accept the sidewalk easements for the specific locations described.