DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Accept Donation Of Regional Greenway Trail Easement From City Of West St. Paul
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the acceptance of the donation of necessary permanent easements for County Project (CP) 98-13 from the City of West St. Paul for the River to River Greenway.
SUMMARY
To promote a safe and efficient transportation system throughout Dakota County (County) and the region, the County and City are partnering on CP 98-13. The project included preliminary and final engineering designs, surveying, and related services for the required improvements to build a pedestrian underpass and trail connections underneath Robert Street between County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 6 (Thompson Avenue) and CSAH 8 (Wentworth Avenue) in the City of West St. Paul.
Throughout the project, the property to the north of the trail had been undergoing various development planning with Hy-Vee and other potential businesses. The joint powers agreement (JPA) between the City and the County called for an outlot to be purchased by the County for $230,000 from the City. After construction was completed, the appraisal of the outlot was updated and showed that since the Hy-Vee development never came to be, the value of the outlot went down to $100,000. Since the acquisition funds were being provided by the Met Council, the County could not get approval for any price beyond the appraised amount of $100,000.
After discussing with City staff, the City would prefer to maintain fee ownership of the outlot and provide a Greenway Trail Easement to the County at no cost. The City plans to create a new park with improvements in the area and maintain ownership of the outlot, which will allow for an easier design for park improvements. County staff has conferred and agree that the City park improvements will enhance the Greenway user experience and that an easement will accommodate the necessary rights to maintain the trail in this location.
Historically, the County and its city partners have provided one another with necessary easements at no cost when the project served a public purpose. This continued cooperation helps achieve projects in a timely and cost-effective manner for the residents of the County.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends acceptance of the right of way necessary from the City of West St. Paul for the River to River Greenway associated with CP 98-13.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
None, this donation will avoid the need to purchase the outlot from the City for $100,000.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Dakota County (County) and the City of West St. Paul (City) are partnering on County Project (CP) 98-13; and
WHEREAS, the outlot, originally described in the joint powers agreement, is no longer needed for the Hy-Vee development that did not proceed; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to maintain fee title to the outlot for planned park improvements and grant a Greenway Trail Easement to the County at no cost; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 19-823 (November 12, 2019), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the acquisition of necessary right of way needed for CP 98-13; and
WHEREAS, the City of West St. Paul wishes to convey to the County a permanent Greenway Trail Easement legally described as:
A permanent easement for greenway purposes over, under, and across the south 30.00 feet of Outlot B, Andler and Olsons 2nd Addition, according to the recorded plat thereof, Dakota County, Minnesota.
Said easement contains approximately 12,959 Square Feet.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby approves acceptance of the donation of the easements associated with the River to River Greenway from the City of West St. Paul.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
19-823; 11/12/19
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Greenway Trail Easement
Attachment: Easement Location
Attachment: Amended JPA - WSP
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Stwora
Author: Eddie Buell