Sponsor: Parks & Recreation
Title
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Permanent Highway Easement with Minnesota Department of Transportation for Access to Keller Regional Park Drainage Improvement Project
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Recommendation
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1. Approve a Permanent Highway Easement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for access to Keller Regional Park in Maplewood to complete a drainage improvement project.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the Permanent Highway Easement.
3. Authorize the County Manager to execute amendments to the Permanent Highway Easement to Keller Regional Park in a form approved by the County Attorney’s Office.
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Background and Rationale
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The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) owns and operates existing stormwater drainage infrastructure located north of the intersection of Highway 61 and Frost Avenue within the Highway 61 road right-of-way adjacent to Keller Regional Park. Ramsey County owns and operates Keller Regional Park in Maplewood. MnDOT is requesting a 966 square feet permanent State Highway easement for additional construction workspace as related to State Project 6221-107 to complete improvements on an existing storm sewer drain within the Highway 61 right-of-way. Drainage improvements consist of cleaning the existing storm sewer drain, removal of built-up sediment, and a new center system manhole/sump, riprap, drain apron, and restoration of site impacts related to construction activities.
MnDOT has completed a Minimum Damage Assessment Report and has determined a value for the 966 square feet Permanent Highway Easement in the amount of $2,300. Underlying fee ownership will not be impacted.
The Permanent Highway Easement will allow improved access for long-term maintenance activities on existing Highway 61 stormwater infrastructure. MnDOT has prepared project plans, specifications, and necessary agreements in coordination with Ramsey County Parks & Recreation, and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office. All project activities and restoration will not be at a cost to the county.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☐ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
While the drainage improvements are localized, the effect of maintaining the stormwater infrastructure has long term benefits within Keller Regional Park. Keller Regional Park serves as a regional amenity for its trails and has one of the few Tuj Lub courts in the Twin Cities. Improvements will improve stormwater drainage along the Highway 61 corridor and adjacent areas resulting in less impact to trails that serve as a key access at the south end of Keller Regional Park.
Community Participation Level and Impact
There was no community participation related to the Easement Agreement. This is a MnDOT led project regarding stormwater improvements for Highway 61 adjacent to Keller Regional Park.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
The permanent easement area is valued at $2,300 and was established by an independent land appraisal. After execution of the Permanent Easement, MnDOT will pay the county $2,300 for the permanent easement. This revenue will be deposited to the Ramsey County general fund.
Last Previous Action
On September 15, 2020, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioner approved a drainage easement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Keller Regional Park (Resolution B2020-173).
Attachments
1. Offer Letter
2. Offer to Sell
3. Easement Agreement
4. Parcel Valuation