Title
EASEMENT E-2021-56: CONSIDERATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF A PERMANENT DRAINAGE EASEMENT DONATED BY CITY OF NORMAN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT FOR THE MERKLE CREEK STABILIZATION PROJECT NEAR CLEVELAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
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BACKGROUND:
Over the past several years, the Stormwater Division has encountered difficulties maintaining Merkle Creek near Cleveland Elementary School and its tributary located between the school and Westwood Golf Course. The streambank is in need of stabilization and improved access for maintenance. The City of Norman contracted with Meshek and Associates, LLC, to conduct a comprehensive and focused hydraulic and hydrologic study of this portion of Merkle Creek and provide a design for natural stream restoration techniques to maintain bed elevation and stabilize the banks to provide continued protection for property of the citizens of Norman as well as to enhance habitat and environmental conditions within the stream channel while allowing for ease of maintenance. In order to construct the proposed project and conduct future maintenance activities, a temporary construction easement is necessary on the property located north of the property at 500 N. Sherry Avenue, Westwood Golf Course, Tract 1A (see attached location map).
If Council accepts the easement, construction of these improvements is anticipated to begin in early 2021, weather permitting.
DISCUSSION:
Easement acquisition necessary for the Merkle Creek Stabilization Project near Cleveland Elementary School consists of five (5) easements on three (3) parcels. City of Norman and Meshek and Associates, LLC, staff prepared a permanent drainage easement for the previously mentioned parcel of land, in this case, the City of Norman. Although the underlying property is owned by the City of Norman and is currently utilized as part of Westwood Golf Course, it is important to grant an easement and file it of record to preserve the City’s access and ability to maintain the drainage channel should the Westwood Golf Course property ever be disposed of. The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed the easement as to form.
RECOMMENDATION:
Based upon the above information, staff recommends the above described easement, Easement No. E-2021-56, be accepted and the filing be directed therefore.