The discussion to extend Variolite Street, from Bunker Lake Boulevard to Alpine Drive, was discussed by the City Council several times in late 2009 through 2010.  While it was ultimately decided to keep the roadway extension in the City's Comprehensive Plan, construction was delayed in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) until such time that traffic volumes and/or development necessitated it.

As part of the public input period during the process the owners of Hansen Tree Farm were adamant in their concerns related to any new roadway construction that would impact their property, but they did state that they would be open to discussions related to the potential dedication of a trail easement along the westerly side of their property.  Staff met with them on site last fall to gauge their interest for such a trail easement dedication, and to understand their potential terms and conditions.  The property owners were very receptive to the idea of a trail along their western boundary, and were subsequently given the City’s boilerplate easement language for review and comment.

The attached map generally shows the alignment that was discussed, including potential resting spots along the route for benches and wetland viewing.  The biggest unanswered question from our meeting was how we would get from their property on the south end to the public right-of-way.  Also attached is the response received from the property owners related to the City's trail easement language.  Staff attempted to contact them to advise them of this meeting, and determine whether they were still open to this easement dedication, but at the time of writing this case we had not received a response.

A few items to consider related to this potential trail easement include:

• Desire to advance discussions for a trail easement in this location
• Timing (for easement dedication and trail construction)
• Terms (length of easement, maintenance responsibilities, permitted activities)

Field surveying would need to be conducted to understand the details of a formal design (ADA compliance, etc.), but a very rough estimate for the trail work within the tree farm property only is approximately $75,000.  Depending on the final alignment, if a project is advanced, additional costs would be incurred for the off-site trail extensions back to the public right-of-way at the south end, and whatever benches/rest areas might be incorporated.

Potential funding options for the trail construction could come from the City's trail fund, or Public Improvement Revolving (PIR) fund.

Staff is seeking a response and direction on the potential terms of the easement, and whether there is interested in dedicating funds in the near future for the trail construction.

Based upon direction.