Receive Staff Updates on 148th Lane NW Cul-De-Sac and Easement Vacations

In 2020, the property owners from 5805 148th Lane NW, Michael and Sarah St. Clair, constructed a pole barn on their property.  In order to receive a permit to complete this work, the Planning Commission was asked to grant a variance on April 2, 2020, to allow construction of the pole building to encroach on the side corner setback due to an existing 33-foot wide road easement that encumbers the southern 33-feet of their property. Attached is a survey showing this easement. Attached is a copy of the meeting minutes from the April 2, 2020, Planning Commission meeting. 
 
This led to a broader discussion about the likelihood of 148th Lane ever been extended.  In the end, the Planning Commission directed Staff to initiate an easement vacation of the roughly 600 western most feet of this easement and to retain the existing turn around in its current configuration.
 
The driveway to the St. Clair’s property is located off the north side of 148^th Lane NW, which is a gravel road. See attached aerial pictures. The driveway is gravel and accesses the gravel ‘cul-de-sac’ that terminates just east of this property. This existing “cul-de-sac” is not large enough for use by snow plows or emergency vehicles. Staff would therefore prefer that a more standard cul-de-sac be provided on 148^th Lane to allow these vehicles to safely turn around during the course of their duties.     
 
On July 20, 2021, the St. Clair’s attended the Public Works Committee. They inquired where the City was at in the easement vacation process, and reiterated that they do not want their road paved and that they still want to vacate the road easement. 
 
On September 22, 2021, the City Administrator, Public Works Superintendent, and City Engineer met with Michael and Sarah St. Clair on their property at 5805 148th Lane NW from 9 - 10 AM to review the existing gravel road, driveways, trees and landscaping in considering a design concept for a permanent cul-de-sac/turnaround capable of accommodating Public Works and Public Safety vehicles, as well as school buses, trash trucks, and other service vehicles as needed. A concept design is needed to help guide the potential easement vacations on the west end of 148th Lane NW as discussed at the April 20, 2020, Planning Commission meeting, and also at the July 20, 2021, Public Works Committee meeting.
 
During the onsite meeting, the St. Clair’s provided a layout to Staff showing areas of their property that they are willing to allow a cul-de-sac/turnaround to be constructed on. See attached. IN fact, the St. Clair’s even offered to construct the turnaround if the City were to provide the surfacing materials.
 
The group also discussed the potential for vacating the road easements, which would require input and direction from their neighbor to the south, who has 33-feet of easement on the north edge of part of their property. 
 
The purpose of this case is to provide an update to the Committee and discuss next steps. Public Works Staff are hoping to work with the property owners to construct a cul-de-sac/turnaround before winter.
 

Staff anticipates 15 minutes will be required to present this case and respond to questions. 

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Dependent on discussions.