Public Works Dept.

Memo

To:                Mike Wildgen   

cc:               Debbie Van Saun, Dave Corliss, Terese Gorman, Keith Browning

From:                      Chuck Soules

Date:            March 29, 2004           

Re:                            Request of Jack Gaumnitz To Install A Gate On Dead End Portion Of Right-Of Way Of

                          N 1500 Road

 

The Gaumnitz’ are requesting to install a gate across the right-of-way of N 1500 Road.  This road is a City boundary road in which one-half of the right-of-way is within the City limits and one-half of the right-of-way is in the County.  Kanwaka Township provides maintenance.  The road is gravel, very narrow with steep grades and poor sight distance.  The road connects to the west of K-10 and ends just past the Gaumnitz’ driveway.  There is not a connection through to George Williams Way.  T 2025 does indicate that this road will be a collector between George Williams Way and K-10.  If the road were improved there is no doubt that a significant volume of traffic would use this route.  However, it is uncertain whether KDOT would continue to allow an at grade access/intersection to K-10 at an increased traffic volume.  If/when the interchange at 15th Street is constructed the intersection of N 1500 Road and K-10 would be closed and a frontage road may connect N 1500 Road to 15th Street.

 

The Gaumnitz’ have requested permission to install a gate and turn around as shown in the attached aerial photo.  The gate would be installed at the west property line of the area owned by Jell, Inc. (the Gaumnitz’ company).  All costs would be paid for by the Gaumnitz’. 

 

It has not been the City’s practice to allow someone to place a fence, gate or other obstruction in the right-of-way.  Since this is a boundary line road both governing bodies will need to agree to allow this installation.  The County Commission approved this request on March 8, 2004 contingent upon the City’s approval.  Mr. Gaumnitz agreed to the County’s right to remove the gate when deemed appropriate to the County. 

 

If the Commission approves the request, the City should require a license or hold harmless agreement for temporary use of City right-of-way.  This agreement should clearly reserve the authority of the City to remove the gate, without the owner’s permission, when the City determines it is appropriate.

 

If there are any questions, please feel free to call me at 832-3124.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Charles F. Soules, P.E.