This easement will enable construction of one of the remaining Community Transportation Enhancement Progam (CTEP) projects proposed for construction this summer.  The Arrowhead School Trail will be a 10-foot wide, ADA accessible trail connection through St. John's campus within the established City High Ditch corridor.  To construct the trail, an easement between the City of Billings and the City High Ditch Water Users Association needs to be established to place the trail next to the ditch.  Staff has been working together with the City High Ditch the last few months to finalize an easement for the construction of this trail.  Currently there is a rock path provided by St. John's campus for students to access Arrowhead School. However, the trail is full of goathead weeds that puncture tires, making it difficult for students riding bicycles. In addition, the trail is not ADA accessible. 

This easement only refers to the portion of trail on the City High Ditch property on the west side of Mission Way, the corridor continues east of Mission Way on School District #2 property.  The City High Ditch Association unanimously approved this easement at its meeting on April 29.  The easement must be signed by the Mayor and recorded.

City Council may:

• Authorize the Mayor to sign the asement between the City of Billings and the City High Ditch Water Users Association, or;
• Not authorize the Mayor to sign the easement between the City of Billings and the City High Ditch Water Users Association. If the easement is not signed by the City, it will create challenges to constructing the trail segment as intended and designed along the ditch corridor.

There is no financial impact to the City of Billings.

Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the Easement with the City High Ditch Water Users Association.