The City County Drain is located in an easement south of the S. Frontage Road.  The Washington Street easement is located adjacent to the City/County Drain easement to the east.  When the City reconstructed the drain, a permit was needed to locate a transformer on the County's easement.  After discussions with the County, it was determined that the City had more use for the easement than the County.  Thus, in lieu of a permit, it was decided that it would be more advantageous to both entities to transfer the easement from the County to the City.  On July 23, 2019, the Yellowstone Board of County Commissioners voted to approve the transfer of easement.  City council must vote to accept the easement before it can be transferred.

City Council may:

• Approve acceptance of the easement, or;
• Disapprove acceptance of the easement.  If the easement is not accepted by the city, the city will need to work with the county to get the necessary permit to use the easement for the improvements to the City/County Drain.  Also, any access to the facility will be through the county easement and any future modifications will require county approval.

There is minimal cost to maintain the additional right of way. 

Staff recommends that City Council accept the transfer of the Washington Street easement from Yellowstone County.