07-02-2018 Council Work Session Packet

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WS – Item 3 WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT Work Session Item No. 3 Date: July 2, 2018 To: City Council From: Michael Grochala, Community Development Director Re: 80th Street ROW – Rice Creek Snowmobile Trail Association Background The Rice Creek Snowmobile Trail Association is a volunteer snowmobile trail club. They have created and maintain approximately 73 miles of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources snowmobile trail system in the northeast Twin Cities. A portion of this trail system runs through Lino Lakes and the Rice Creek Chain of Lake Park. The trail system runs across both publically owned land as well as private property with permission from land owners. Staff was recently contacted by representatives of the trail association regarding the use of unimproved 80th Street right-of-way between 20th Avenue and the regional park. In prior years the Association maintained a trail corridor from 20th Avenue to the regional park across privately held land. Due to a change in ownership they were unable to obtain permission for continued use of the existing corridor. The Association has approached the City about relocating the trail to the existing unimproved 80th Street right-of-way that extends westerly from 20th Avenue to the regional park land. Use of the right-of-way for the snowmobile trail is allowable subject to city approval. However, .a portion of the right-of-way has been encroached upon by private improvements, including fencing, from a neighboring property. Prior to requesting the removal of the fencing, staff is requesting City Council concurrence with the use of right-of-way for the trail purposes. Requested Council Direction Staff is requesting City Council consideration regarding the use of 80th Street for the snowmobile route and direction to work with abutting property owner to relocate fencing improvements. Attachments 1. 80th Street Right-of-Way